To help reduce excess acid production in the stomach and prevent acid reflux, you can focus on lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
Here’s a breakdown of strategies based on the provided reference from Harvard Health:
Dietary & Eating Habits
- Eat Sparingly and Slowly: Avoid overfilling your stomach, which can increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals can be helpful.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Specific foods can trigger acid production in some individuals. Pay attention to which foods cause you problems.
- Don't Drink Carbonated Beverages: Carbonated drinks can increase stomach pressure.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Stay Up After Eating: Don't lie down immediately after meals. Give your stomach time to empty.
- Don't Move Too Fast: Avoid strenuous activity soon after eating.
- Sleep on an Incline: Elevate the head of your bed to help prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep.
- Lose Weight if Advised: Excess weight can contribute to acid reflux.
- If You Smoke, Quit: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.
Summary Table
Strategy | Description | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Eat Smaller Meals | Consume food in smaller portions and eat slowly. | Reduces stomach pressure and the likelihood of reflux. |
Avoid Trigger Foods | Identify and eliminate foods that worsen your symptoms. | Prevents increased acid production and reflux. |
Limit Carbonated Drinks | Avoid or reduce the consumption of sodas and other fizzy beverages. | Decreases stomach pressure. |
Stay Upright Post-Meal | Remain in an upright position for a few hours after eating. | Allows gravity to help keep stomach acid down. |
Avoid Strenuous Activity | Refrain from intense physical activity immediately after eating. | Prevents increased abdominal pressure. |
Elevate Head While Sleeping | Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches. | Uses gravity to minimize nighttime reflux. |
Weight Management | If overweight, consider losing weight. | Reduces pressure on the stomach. |
Quit Smoking | Stop smoking. | Improves lower esophageal sphincter function. |