Acid can travel from your stomach into your esophagus -- the tube that runs from your throat to your stomach -- and cause heartburn. This issue can be more than a minor nuisance.
Alaska Digestive & Liver Disease, serving Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, has four heartburn doctors who can assist. Let us explain some ways to relieve this pain.
Watch What Triggers It
Take notice of the foods or seasonings you're consuming before you experience heartburn, such as the following:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes (tomato soup and sauces included)
- Fatty foods, such as fries
- citrus juices, like orange juice
If you notice a trend, avoid that food or seasoning if at all possible.
Eat Smaller Meals
A large meal is more likely to cause heartburn than a smaller one. Ideally, even if you receive heartburn treatment in our office, serving Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, you'll still want to switch to small meals. You'll no longer only be eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Sit Upright Immediately After a Meal
While it may seem tempting to lay down after a meal, resist the urge. When you lay down within two hours of eating, you'll be more likely to have stomach acid enter the esophagus. For at least two hours after every meal, sit upright. That means you should never eat right before bed.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is triple trouble when it comes to acid reflux. For one, it can elevate the amount of stomach acid you produce. Secondly, it can decrease lower esophageal sphincter function, allowing stomach acid to more easily move into the esophagus.
Finally, this habit can reduce how much saliva you have in your mouth, which can lead to more acid because it works to neutralize it.
Reduce Excess Weight in the Midsection
Being overweight can increase your risk of experiencing heartburn. The excess weight may place pressure on the digestive tract. And in return, this can cause or worsen heartburn.
Ideally, you want to reach your target weight and particularly reduce how much weight you have in your midsection.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Clothing that hugs your midsection places pressure on your digestive tract and worsens any symptoms you're experiencing. So dress in loose clothing.
Alaska Digestive & Liver Disease, serving Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, can provide more lifestyle advice and treatments to manage your heartburn. We have a team of doctors who can help.
Schedule an appointment for fewer heartburn days or less severe episodes by calling 907-569-1333.