Have you ever felt that burning sensation in your chest shortly after you eat? Maybe it’s accompanied by coughing, belching, bloating, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If so, you are likely one of the many Americans who suffer from acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, due to a weak muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The good news is there are some steps you can take to prevent and treat this condition. Try these tips to help control acid reflux:
- Eat smaller meals: Acid reflux symptoms can worsen when your stomach is Instead of eating 2 or 3 large meals a day, opt for 4-6 smaller meals.
- Eat slow: Take your time when eating and chew your food well.
- Avoid triggering foods and drinks: Take note of foods that cause your reflux and avoid Common trigger foods are fatty foods, spicy foods, tea, coffee, citrus, chocolate, onions, garlic, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and mint.
- Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat foods that contain fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Avoid lying down for 3 hours after Plan to finish your meal 3 hours before you go to bed.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours after eating.
- Sleep on an incline: Use a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches higher than your feet.
- Quit Smoking
- Maintain a healthy body Excess belly fat puts pressure on the stomach which can increase acid reflux.
If you have tried these steps to help alleviate your symptoms but are not experiencing relief, you may have an underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). Contact Dr. Ahmad and make an appointment so you can be given a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic robotic surgery and has performed over 2,000 laparoscopic robotic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success. Dr. Ashley Modica joins Long Island Laparoscopic Surgery to perform body contouring surgery for patients after successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.
