Individuals experiencing acid reflux should start out on the road to manage acid reflux by making lifestyle changes that would be healthier and prevent acid reflux. After making lifestyle changes it is then important to look at dietary changes that would benefit the individual with acid reflex.
Lifestyle changes include avoiding alcohol and smoking. We mainly smoke and drink while we are among friends. It therefore stands to reason that to cut out those two things we need to be serious about avoiding the pain or discomfort that the acid brings us enough to avoid parties or other situations in which drinking and smoking is very much a part of.
Regular sleep habits make it easier to know when to stop eating. You should stop eating 2 hours before your regular scheduled bedtime.
Relaxation techniques should become a part of the lifestyle you are embracing in order to make a reduction in the occurrence of acid reflux.
Dietary changes that are beneficial for those who have tried lifestyle changes and need just a little bit more help in order to avoid acid reflux can find acid reflux diets helpful. The acid reflux diet includes all the foods that are allowed when eating to avoid acid reflux.
When planning your meals avoid choosing foods that contain caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, and carbonated drinks. It is important for individuals with acid reflux to educate themselves about the foods that may trigger their reflux and then to avoid them.
Avoid eating grains in bread or pasta. You may also wish to avoid saturated fats and high-fat meals. You may increase your protein in your diet and choose from low-fat entrees.
Other dietary needs include lean proteins, veggies and fruits except acidic ones. If you have acid reflux and have trouble with swallowing or have to avoid tough meats, skinned vegetables, pastas and doughy breads.
At night it is especially important to stop eating 2 hours before bedtime, take a short exercise walk or other light activity and go to bed at a regular scheduled time each night. When in bed make sure that you lie on the left side of the bed to help relieve symptoms of acid reflex. You can raise the head of the bed so it is above your stomach and resting on blocks. Use extra pillows for support and to help raise the head if necessary.
If you make the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes as outlined above you should be able to prevent acid reflux. If your acid reflux does not respond to lifestyle and dietary changes than make an appointment with your doctor for an examination and to discover if you have a complication of acid reflux.