How to reduce acid reflux symptoms

In the Western world it is estimated that between 10 – 20 % of the population suffers from acid reflux.

A recent review published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that adenocarcinoma (a cancer of the oesophagus) has become the fastest rising cancer in white men in many countries including the United States.

This cancer is linked to obesity and acid reflux, Esophageal cancer is rare in young individuals but increases with age especially to those aged 70 -80. The cancer is 3 -4 times more prevalent in men that it is in women.

The review states how acid reflux’s daily effects on the body increase a person’s likelihood of developing esophageal cancer.

Steps you can take to reduce acid reflux:

Avoiding foods such as : coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, tea, mint, dairy, tomatoes, citrus fruit, spicy foods and even chocolate.

Honey: Honey may help prevent acid reflux. The unique viscosity of honey stops the contents of your stomach from leaking back into the oesophagus and therefore preventing acid reflux.

Use a Bed Wedge:  According to Gina Sam, M.D., director of Mount Sinai Hospital’s gastrointestinal motility center in New York and gastroenterologist Arvydas Vanagunas, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago using a bed wedge whilst asleep to elevate your upper half can severely reduce acid reflux.  Just adding extra pillows won’t work because they elevate your head, not your upper torso. It’s also easier to slip off extra pillows as you sleep.

Putnams Bed Wedge (Made in Britain)

Putnams Memory Foam Bed Wedge (Made in Britain)

Chewing gum: Chewing gum initiates saliva production which helps neutralise stomach acid.

Loosen your belt: Compressing your stomach can make things worse, wear comfortable / loose clothing.

Eat slowly: Taking smaller bites can help with not over loading your stomach.

Lose weight: Another health benefit of losing weight is reducing the pressure on your stomach and reducing acid reflux.

Do you have any Acid Reflux Tips and Tricks? 

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