Acid reflux is the uncomfortable feeling often associated with heartburn that can lead to a fiery sensation in the chest, throat, and stomach. This condition occurs when acid from indigestion irritates the lining of your stomach which travels into your food pipe.
Oftentimes, acid reflux worsens at night after consuming a hearty dinner that may contain “trigger foods” which we will explore later in this article. If you’ve ever experienced acid reflux, you know it is nothing short of a nightmare. In this blog, we will explore some remedies you can try next time you experience discomfort.
Find Your Trigger Foods – and Avoid Them!
The key is to avoid acid reflux before it even starts. To do this, you must be aware of your trigger foods and learn how to avoid them, especially later in the day or before bedtime. Trigger foods are known to have a higher likelihood of causing acid reflux and triggering your discomfort. This food sensitivity may vary from person to person, but common trigger foods that you should avoid include:
- Coffee
- Onions
- Spicy foods
- Citrus fruits
- Alcohol
- Tea and soda
If this list includes some of your favorites, don’t worry about cutting out the food altogether. Try to enjoy them in smaller portions or eat meals including these foods earlier in the day, as acid reflux tends to worsen at nighttime when the body is horizontal.
Take a Good Probiotic
Probiotics have an abundance of benefits that contribute to overall gut health that goes beyond acid reflux and discomfort you might experience with this condition. They help with the overall health of your heart, digestive tract, skin, and immunity. Probiotics help to balance the bacteria found in your digestive system.
There are many foods that are rich in probiotics too if you prefer not to take a supplement. Some of these include kombucha, sour crout, and other fermented items.
Sleep With Your Head Elevated
You may have noticed that acid reflux symptoms tend to get worse at night time. This is because your body is laying flat, making the digestion process more difficult for your body. If you are experiencing heartburn at night, try to sleep with your head and upper body elevated to make yourself more comfortable. Stacking a few pillows under your neck should help do the trick!
Finish Eating At Least an Hour Before Bed
Try to finish eating at least one hour before bedtime if possible. This is so your body can finish the digestion process while you are still standing and moving around, lessening the chances of you experiencing discomfort when you go to lay down. The more time you can put between taking your last bite and calling it a night the better!
We hope this article helps you find new remedies to provide some relief for your acid reflux symptoms. Remember, if you are feeling discomfort frequently, talk to your doctor about finding the best solution for you.
