Around half of Americans suffer from acid reflux and many take regular medication for the symptoms. However, by treating the symptoms, you are not getting to the root of the problem. Millions of dollars are spent on medication for acid reflux but what if there was a way to prevent it without resorting to conventional treatments? Here are some of the common triggers of acid reflux to help you start treating the cause.
Stress
Studies show that there is a potential link between high stress levels and an increase in acid reflux symptoms. It is thought that stress causes you to be more sensitive to small changes in acid production therefore stress does not essentially increase the acid production itself. To cope better with stress, try to make lifestyle changes instead of taking prescribed pills, as these are only a short-term solution. Exercise and a better diet combined with counseling or support are all better alternatives to coping with stress and reducing reflux symptoms.
Eating Large Meals
Eating platefuls of food at every meal or eating too large, too often could be exacerbating your acid reflux symptoms. Many people also have symptoms after eating certain foods, such as fruit or spicy dishes but these can be easily avoided. Keeping a food diary can help you to modify your dietary intake as well as reduce the amount of food you eat in your meals. Eating small and frequently is also recommended for other digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Coffee
Your morning coffee may set you up for the rest of the day but did you know it could be triggering your acid reflux? Coffee beans contain naturally occurring acid which can induce that burning sensation in your chest after a sip. There are ways to keep drinking your coffee but eliminate the acid reflux. Many coffee brands produce low acid coffee and there are acid reducers you can add to your coffee as an alternative.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should always be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet but reducing your intake of certain types of carbohydrate can help eliminate acid reflux. Naturally occurring good bacteria in the gut are not affected by carbohydrate intake but it is thought that certain types of carbohydrate can stimulate the growth of ‘bad’ bacteria. This can lead to ulcers and acid reflux. Eliminating grains, legumes and vegetables high in starch could prevent acid reflux.
Eliminating these triggers can prevent acid reflux from occurring, meaning you are unlikely to need conventional treatments. You may find your symptoms ease off completely with a few choice lifestyle changes as an alternative to medication.