what are some things that trigger acid reflux?

Question

foods...& etc. Also, are there things that may not be related to eating?

Answer 1

It is well known that modifying lifestyle would reduce symptoms of acid reflux disease. The main effect is accomplished by minimizing exposure to factors that interfere with the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Meals should be taken at least two hours before bed time to prevent regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus. Avoiding exercise immediately after meals would prevent generating forces that increases stomach pressure, also exercise would be associated with kinking of the full stomach. Obesity is another important factor and the heartburn sufferer should be encouraged to maintain a healthy body weight. Tight clothing, by squeezing the stomach would induce reflux of its contents into the esophagus and should be avoided. Reflux is usually experienced during sleep, and elevating the head of the bed will allow gravity to do its job. Stress has long been linked to aggravating reflux symptoms through many mechanisms. In an effort to cope with disruption in routine, caused by stress, unhealthy lifestyles become evident. Stress also depresses immunity state and predisposes to complications in acid reflux disease. It should therefore be alleviated by all means.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

All of the above are true. One thing that hasn't been mentioned though. Not trying to scare you, but reflux can lead to a condition called Barretts Esophagus. This can only be diagnosed with a biopsy. It is a precurser to esophageal cancer. Long term reflux sufferers like myself should be checked out by a gastroenerologist. For me, the prescription drugs were no more effective than OTC Prilosec. I now take that very day. $24 for 6 weeks.

Answer 4

In my experience, the more water I drink throughout the day, the less my acid reflux bothers me. My own reasoning for this is basically that the higher the water concentration in your stomach, the more the stomach acid that causes acid reflux is neutralized. The recommended amount of water per day is 64 oz. or close to 2000 mL. I usually try to get a little bit more water than this and that usually helps.

Also, as mentioned by another, try raising the head of your bed. You can either buy blocks from places like "Bed, Bath, & Beyond" or you can make a makeshift set of blocks out of one or two planks of wood.

Answer 5

Acid reflux may be a symptom of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In GERD, your lower esophageal sphincter (just above your stomach) does not close properly and stomach acids are forced into your esophagus. Your esophagus may become inflamed and shed cells; this is called erosive esophagitis. This may lead to a precancerous condition called Barrett's Esopaghus, which then may lead to esophageal cancer.

If you have acid reflux or "heartburn" daily for more than two weeks, you may want to be evaluated by a physician. It may be GERD, not just acid reflux.

Read about GERD at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967. This article lists some "noneating" causes of acid reflux.

This is a simple list of foods that may trigger acid reflux: http://www.thegerdlife.com/lifestyle/gerd-trigger-foods.aspx

If you have frequent acid reflux, you may want to see a physician for evaluation. You do NOT have to have pain for damage to be occurring to your esophagus.

Answer 6

High-fat foods can cause acid reflux. Although this may be just me, I find that eating large amounts of grain products always shoots acid into my throat.

Being overweight is a risk factor. Having a hiatal hernia also increases the risk.

Answer 7

Smoking, coffee. alcohol, spicy foods, lying down after eating. Sometimes it's just a case that the sphincter muscle that connects to the stomach is weak and allows reflux to happen. I take prescription Protonix which shuts down the acid pumps and really helps. I used to get really bad pain in my chest and it was the entrance to my stomach being irritated.

Answer 8

Limit or avoid citrus foods and juices, tomato products, chili powder, black pepper, high fat foods, alcohol, peppermint, spearmint, onions, garlic, chocolate, and caffeine-containing beverages. These all trigger acid reflux.

Answer 9

Spicy & acidic foods, like tomato sauces.
Try putting 4" wooden blocks under head-posts of your bed.
They will raise your head so acid stays in your stomach.
There're also prescription medications, see your doctor.

Answer 10

laying down in a horizontal position right after eating or drinking

that will set mine off