Medications can play a pivotal role in helping us overcome a medical issue, but they are hardly ever a perfect stand-alone option. In many instances doctors will see if they can find a more natural remedy to your issue before turning to medication for an answer. Acid reflux is one of those conditions that can oftentimes be treated with the help of medications if it progresses to this point, but other treatments can be even more effective. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at seven ways to treat your acid reflux without medication.
Treating Acid Reflux Without Medication
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid makes its way from your stomach back up into your esophageal canal. The underlying reason for this reflux can be caused or exacerbated by a few different factors, which is why there can be a number of effective treatment methods. If you’re experiencing heartburn and esophageal discomfort, consider pursuing one of more of these treatment options.
- Weight Loss – Excess weight can put more pressure on our stomach cavity, making it easier for stomach acid to make its way back up into your esophageal canal. Losing even just a little weight can greatly reduce instances of acid reflux.
- Eat More Small Meals – It’s also easier for stomach acid to come up into your esophagus when you’re very full, which happens if you overeat. Instead of eating three large meals each day, switch to 5-6 smaller meals or snacks, and you may find that your stomach can more easily break down food without having to produce as much stomach acid.
- Slow Down – Eating too fast can also make you more prone to acid reflux, again because you’re more likely to overeat. Slow down and listen to your body as you eat. You can avoid overeating and reduce your likelihood of acid reflux by slowing down the eating process.
- Food Journal – Certain foods are more likely to contribute to indigestion and acid reflux, so consider starting a food journal and noting which foods your body handles well and which ones tend to lead to acid reflux. Greasy, fatty and spicy foods are more likely to be harder to digest and in turn increase your risk of acid reflux, but start your own journal and learn more about the foods you eat.
- Avoid Carbonation – Carbonated beverages can lead to gas and bloating, and we oftentimes relieve these sensations by burping. Burping makes it a lot easier for stomach acid to make its way up into the esophagus, so avoid carbonated beverages that can leave you feeling bloated and wanting to burp.
- Sleep On An Incline – For some patients, their acid reflux is worst at night. Because they are lying horizontally, gravity isn’t helping to keep stomach acid away from the esophageal sphincter, so it’s easier for stomach acid to hit the esophagus when you’re lying down. If you can prop up your bed or your pillows so that your head is 6-8 inches above your feet, gravity can again help to keep stomach acid from making its way back up.
- Give Up Smoking – Finally, smoking and tobacco products containing nicotine have been linked to an increased likelihood of gout. Nicotine has been shown to relax the esophageal sphincter, which needs to remain tightly shut in order to keep acid reflux out. If you’re a smoker or tobacco user, kick the habit and you may notice that your acid reflux clears up as well.
For more individualized advice, or for help with a different digestive issue, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today at (952) 368-3800.
