It is not easy to live with acid reflux symptoms. Acid reflux occurs when the acid and undigested food flows backward into the esophagus. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter valve does not close properly. This condition is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The symptoms can include coughing, excessive throat clearing, regurgitation, and heartburn. It is an unpleasant feeling but besides being that it can point to other serious problems like esophageal cancer and ulcer. Acid reflux or GERD can be brought under control by following certain lifestyle tips for acid reflux.

1. Foods to avoid
Avoid eating specific foods as they cause discomfort and make acid reflux worse. Many doctors will tell you to avoid acidic food – citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, spicy foods, etc. There may be no actual proof that these foods cause more acid to reflux but these foods do cause a burning sensation in people who already have a sensitive esophagus and worsen the acid reflux situation.

2. Fatty foods and too many calories
Eating specific foods does not cause acid reflux but, eating too many calories or fatty foods is what makes things worse. Research shows that eating more than 500 calories or more than 20 grams of fat worsens acid reflux. Many people find the problem under control when they eat four or more smaller meals.

3. No smoking
Smoking causes many health problems and it also worsens the acid reflux symptoms. Smoking increases stomach acid and irritates the esophagus. It also reduces the production of saliva increasing the discomfort level in acid reflux/GERD.

4. Don’t lie down after eating
not lie down or go to sleep within three hours of a meal, as the acid flows back into the esophagus. Forget the midnight snack or nap after dinner. Stay upright after a meal for more than three hours at least.

Do not sleep flat on your back, but sleep with your head on an incline and above the feet level. Acid reflux gets worse at night if you lie on your back directly after dinner.

5. Weight management
Keep your weight under control. As people who are on the heavier side find their acid reflux problem worsening. The reason is not clear but it could be due to pressure on the stomach or because of hormonal changes.

6. Seek treatment
If you face an acid reflux problem constantly then get treatment for it. Many people do not think about it once the heartburn has passed. If you experience heartburn more often, keep your antacids close to you while traveling at night, take your prescription medicine which will alleviate the symptoms, and also make lifestyle changes to reduce this problem.

When suffering from acid reflux problem, it is good to know that there are lifestyle tips for acid reflux you can follow to keep it under control. This helps to reduce the discomfort and alleviate your symptoms.

The lifestyle tips for acid reflux mentioned above will help you take control of your GERD or acid reflux or heartburn.