What are the most effective ways to stop acid reflux?
Controlling acid reflux involves dietary, lifestyle, and medical interventions. Avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic foods (such as tomatoes and citrus). Eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating, can help. Elevate the head of your bed and maintain a healthy weight. Chewing gum after meals can neutralize acid, while avoiding smoking and alcohol reduces the risk of reflux. Over-the-counter medications or prescription treatments may also be necessary.More from NIH: GERD and Reflux
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Consider Antacids or Medications
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Over-the-counter antacids can provide quick relief from occasional acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid. For more persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider about medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers.
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Elevate the Head of Your Bed
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Raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent acid from flowing back up while you sleep. Gravity helps keep stomach acid down, reducing the risk of nighttime reflux. Use foam wedges or bed risers for this purpose.
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Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
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Large meals can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps reduce the likelihood of acid reflux. Avoid overeating and leave enough time between meals.
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Avoid Trigger Foods
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Certain foods, such as spicy dishes, citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, caffeine, chocolate, and fatty or fried foods, can trigger acid reflux. Identify and eliminate these triggers from your diet to prevent heartburn and discomfort.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
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Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase pressure on the stomach and LES, leading to acid reflux. Losing even a small amount of weight can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
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Quit Smoking
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Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increases the production of stomach acid, making acid reflux more likely. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms.
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Stay Upright After Meals
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Lying down after eating can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. To prevent reflux, remain upright for at least 2-3 hours after eating. If you need to rest, try sitting or reclining at an elevated angle.
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Consult a Doctor for Persistent Symptoms
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If acid reflux occurs frequently or becomes severe, consult a healthcare provider. Chronic acid reflux may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical treatment to prevent complications.
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Eat Low-Acid Foods
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Incorporating low-acid foods, such as bananas, melons, oatmeal, and leafy greens, into your diet can help reduce acid reflux. These foods are less likely to trigger symptoms and can help balance stomach acidity.
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Drink Water Between Meals
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Drinking too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid and impair digestion. Instead, drink water between meals to stay hydrated without exacerbating acid reflux. This can help reduce bloating and pressure on the LES.
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Limit Caffeine Intake
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Caffeinated beverages, including coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can increase stomach acid production and worsen acid reflux. Opt for decaffeinated versions or herbal teas to minimize acid reflux symptoms.
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Avoid Eating Late at Night
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Eating late at night or right before bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux. Try to finish eating at least 3 hours before lying down to allow your stomach enough time to digest food and reduce the likelihood of nighttime reflux.
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Avoid Tight Clothing
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Tight-fitting clothing, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach and force acid up into the esophagus. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can help reduce the risk of acid reflux, particularly after meals.
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Avoid Carbonated Drinks
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Carbonated beverages, such as soda and sparkling water, can cause bloating and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), leading to acid reflux. Stick to flat water, herbal teas, or non-citrus juices instead.
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Chew Gum
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Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Opt for sugar-free gum to avoid excess sugar and chew after meals for the best results.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption
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Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus. Limiting alcohol intake, especially during meals, can help prevent acid reflux. Opt for non-alcoholic beverages whenever possible.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques
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Stress and anxiety can exacerbate acid reflux by increasing stomach acid production. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and alleviate reflux symptoms.
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Incorporate Ginger into Your Diet
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Ginger is known for its digestive properties and can help reduce acid reflux. Add fresh ginger to meals, drink ginger tea, or try ginger supplements to help soothe your digestive tract and prevent heartburn.
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Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly
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Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air and overeat, which increases the risk of acid reflux. Chew food thoroughly and eat at a slower pace to reduce the chances of indigestion and heartburn.
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Try Herbal Teas
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Herbal teas, such as chamomile, licorice root, and slippery elm, are known to soothe the digestive tract and reduce acid reflux symptoms. Avoid peppermint tea, as it can relax the LES and worsen reflux. Drink after meals for the best effect.