The relationship we have with food is an unbreakable one, logically, because we need the proper amount of nutrients for our optimal well-being. However, when an inconvenience occurs, for instance in the like of acid reflux, the very thought of food can become repulsive.
There can be a variety of reasons as to why this may happen, particularly when you’re in bed. The first thing you can do is get yourself a reflux pillow. This sort of pillow is specifically created to alleviate the reflux issue thanks to its lifted design which is meant to prevent the acid from burning the lining of the esophagus.
You’re really going to make a valuable purchase with the reflux pillow as it’s ideal for nighttime reading, watching TV in bed, as well as issues like sleep apnea, snoring, and breathing problems.
Then, of course, apart from getting this helpful pillow, it’s important to look into the problem. If it’s due to pregnancy, there’s nothing to worry about as the issue goes away after giving birth. However, if it’s not pregnancy, you have to consider how often it happens and whether it’s connected with certain foods.
Some foods to avoid are spicy foods, citrus fruits, alcohol, sodas, coffee, tea, foods with tomato (including tomato sauce), garlic, onion, and fried foods. It’s advisable not to go to bed right after eating; eat at least two or three hours before lying down, and eat smaller meals more often.
Another culprit is smoking, as it can reduce salivation, increase acid secretion, and damage mucus membranes, not to mention it can also lead to esophagus cancer, so if you smoke, it’s high time you quit this bad habit.
Being obese or overweight can also lead to reflux, which means it’s needless to say you have to consider getting back control over your weight balance. Muscle relaxers and medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should also be avoided.
If this inconvenience occurs at least twice a week, it’s most probable you have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). In some instances it’s the case with a stomach abnormality, better known as hiatal hernia, which happens due to the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, preventing the diaphragm from keeping the acid from rising into the esophagus.
In the case of persistence of this issue, it’s best to consult a doctor, find out the exact cause, and the way to fix it. You could get the help of antiacid medications, and if that doesn’t ameliorate your problem, then you should consider having a surgery.
