Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, is a fairly common condition that includes a burning sensation in the lower chest areas. This sensation comes when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe, irritating the walls of the esophagus.
Although this condition is often not the result of a more concerning underlying disease, it can be pretty uncomfortable if you experience it often.
That’s why today Salud brings you three steps you can take to alleviate heartburn.
- Consider losing weight. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, making it easier for stomach acid to leak or flow back into the pipe tube.
- Start sleeping with your upper body elevated, instead of flat on your stomach or on your back. Having your body in a vertical position will facilitate proper digestion, and make it more difficult for stomach acid to flow back up. Laying on your right side, or with the left side slightly elevated will reduce the pressure from the left side, where the stomach is.
- Avoid foods that can contribute to the irritation. An excess of carbs, alcohol, coffee, raw onion, carbonated drinks, citrus juice, chocolate, and mint are some of the foods that can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. If you are experiencing heartburn often, avoid these foods for a few days, drink plenty of water, and green veggies to help flush your digestive system, and your symptoms may be relieved after the cleanse.
It’s important that if you do decide to do a cleanse for a few days, you observe how your body reacts since heartburn is pretty common, but there can be underlying conditions causing it.
Remember that having a balanced diet and exercising often are the best ways to maintain a healthy digestive system. You can take Acidophilus twice a day to help support digestive health, help absorb carbs, and help promote gut flora.
You can call us at 1-800-299-7917 to make a virtual appointment with Doctor Rigoberto Perez Diaz, or visit our website www.salud.bz, we will gladly assist you. Remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and do not forget to tune into our daily program SALUD TV.