Top Eleven Ways to Avoid Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when acidic stomach contents reflux to the esophagus and destroys the esophageal lining. The most common cause of this disease is attributed to a person's lifestyle and eating habits. It is not surprising that a little modification in both areas contribute greatly to the prevention and improvement of the condition. Basically though, proper eating habits are the best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease.

1. Do not eat or drink before you go to bed. At least two hours before going to bed, avoid eating or drinking anything. Also, when taking naps, the chair is the best place to lie down. When pressed, a full stomach can cause the stomach contents to press harder against the lower sphincter muscle. This increases the possible refluxed of food.

2. Eating heavy meals is not advisable. Try taking small frequent ones instead. The small amounts of food will not overwhelm the stomach and, thus, prevent the increase of stomach acids

3. It would be wise to consume less high-fat meals such as those commonly served in fast food chains. These types of food remain longer and the stomach, causing the stomach to increase its production of acid.

4. Avoid or limit alcohol because it increases the production of stomach acids. It also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that seals off the stomach contents from the esophagus, and allows the partially digested food to reflux up into the esophagus.

5. Raising the head and shoulder, especially when sleeping, helps because gravity keeps the stomach contents -in the stomach. It won't matter what is used for elevation and how the head is elevated, as long as the head and shoulder are in upright position. Elevate the head of the bed about six to eight inches when lying down.

6. Do not smoke. Similar to alcohol, smoking increases the production of stomach acids.