Prevent Acid Reflux (Some Tips from a GERD Nerd!)

... do a quick review. After all, once you know the causes of reflux you can then get a pretty good handle on what to do to prevent acid reflux . Below is a summary of the causes of acid reflux. If you would like a more detailed explanation of acid reflux triggers you can read my lens The Causes of Reflux (Learn what Churns the Burn!).

Acid reflux can be caused by Weak sphincter muscles, Increased stomach acid and/or Increased stomach pressure. There are several triggers which will create one or more of the above conditions, any or all of which can lead to acid reflux. Check out this COOL chart!



OK ... You've got a basic idea of which triggers create the conditions leading to acid reflux. Now I'm gonna break this down even more for you.

... the most triggers. To prevent acid reflux and it's complications, you'll need to attack this category head on.

Increased pressure on the upper-stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can cause food and junk to be forced back up into the esophagus. So, to fix this, we need to recognize and avoid the triggers that cause this pressure.

You should ...

• ... eat smaller meals and eat at least 3 hours before hitting the hay. A full stomach or lying down after a meal can create that unwanted pressure.


• ... wear pants and belts that are loose about the waist. If you think wearing shorts that are two sizes too small makes you look skinnier ... think again ... it's GROSS! (Check out the picture above ... Eeeeewwwww!!!)


• ... try to LOSE weight, not cover it up. Among other things, a large belly can create the kind of pressure your tummy doesn't need.


• ... go for a walk or try to do some light activity after a meal (just NOT touching your toes! - lol -). Lying down, sitting slouched on the couch or bending over will only contribute to the possibility of stuff coming back up.


• ... stay a VIRGIN! Well ... there are SOME things that simply override acid reflux concerns ... and having a baby is one of them. Just be aware that, among the many discomforts caused by pregnancy, you may need to add acid reflux to the list.

... in the stomach. Probably goes without saying, but if you want to prevent acid reflux, then it's a safe bet that anything you can do to reduce the acid in your stomach is going to be a GOOD thing.

Soooo...

• ... eat healthy. Spicy foods or foods that are high in fat or acid content are going to cause you problems. Hamburgers, fries, chocolate, spicy tacos and chile rellenos, oranges, tomatos should be avoided. Same with drinks. Coffee and tea, carbonated sodas and citrus juices are all acid-producing to some degree.


• ... try to Kick the Stick. You know all about the dangers of smoking. Now you can add acid reflux to the LONG list.


• ... watch the meds you take. Try to use alternatives to aspirin and ibuprofen, as these can increase acid. Limit your use of antihistamines, too. If you have to take prescription medicines such as antibiotics, heart medicines, high blood pressure meds or steroids, know that they can create acid as well. If you're not sure, talk to your doc.

... to look at STRENGTHENING the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This is the third area of concern you'll need to address if you're gonna prevent acid reflux from re-occuring. The LES is the gateway from your esophagus to your stomach. If this muscle is damaged or weakened, it makes it easier for a reflux event to occur.

So what can do this?

• Any drinks that relax you (can you say 'booze'?) are gonna relax that muscle. If you like the taste of beer, wine, etc, see if you can find non-alcoholic alternatives.


• Smoking relaxes you (and your LES). And since it increases acid as well, you can be sure smoking is gonna spell problems in the future unless you can quit now.


• Medications designed specifically to relax the muscles are going to affect how good your LES is going to be at blocking reflux. Tell your doctor about your reflux while he's prescribing your meds, so he can choose those that are less likely to aggravate the condition.


• If you have a HIATAL HERNIA you need to see a doctor and get it treated just because of the complications it can cause, of which acid reflux is just one.

... you take action to prevent acid reflux, and do it aggressively. The best OFFENSE is a good DEFENSE! Everything you've learned in this lens, and a LOT more that I haven't shared, I discovered by going to www.AcidReflux-Facts.info.

They not only tell you how to prevent acid reflux, they also provide valuable tips for quickly relieving a reflux attack when it DOES happen. And their easy-to-follow diet and lifestyle tips will have you back on the road to healing in no time.