Heartburn is a problem that plagues about 20% of Americans, with 7% experiencing this painful issue once a day. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid splashes up from the stomach into the esophagus, which can destroy the delicate tissue there. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent complications for your health, such as Barrett’s esophagus.
Although there are medications that you can take to reduce stomach acid and heartburn, many people have found success in preventing heartburn naturally, just by changing their diet or lifestyle. There are several things that you can do to prevent heartburn at home rather than relying on the pharmacy. These include:
Becoming a “snacker.” Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce heartburn because it keeps your stomach acid at a more constant level. Big meals lead to a large spike in stomach acid, which can then lead to heartburn.
Eating hours before bed. Sometimes, heartburn can be due to a weak valve between your stomach and esophagus. If you lay down right after eating, the stomach acid can flow up through this valve and cause heartburn. Instead, wait a few hours after you eat before you lay down.
Avoid acidic or acid trigger foods. Researchers have found that there are certain foods that are more likely to cause a spike in a person’s stomach acid levels. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as chocolate and spicy or fatty foods can all trigger an overproduction of stomach acid.
Lose weight. Excess weight, especially in your abdominal area, can put pressure on your stomach. This constant squeezing can force acid up into your esophagus.
Get rid of your vices. Both tobacco and alcohol have shown to increase heartburn cases because they weaken the valve between the stomach and the esophagus.
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medication in order to prevent chronic acid reflux. Sadly, though, some of these drugs come with dangerous side effects such as neuromuscular disorders. If you have developed a neuromuscular disorder after taking an anti-acid reflux medication such as Reglan, you should contact a Reglan lawsuit attorney from Williams Kherkher today.








