We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Approximately 25 percent of UK adults experience heartburn and acid reflux at some point. This can be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which results in persistent acid reflux or simply due to lifestyle factors such as diet.
However, when symptoms do arise they can be painful and irritating.
The main symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, which is described by the NHS as a “burning sensation in the middle of your chest” or an “unpleasant sour taste in the mouth caused by stomach acid”.
The risk of acid reflux can rise due to certain diet or lifestyle factors, and symptoms can also worsen as a result.
Although medication known as antacids are widely available to ease the symptoms of acid reflux, there are some other ways you can reduce your risk of a flare-up.
READ MORE: Dementia breakthrough: The daily food that ‘strongly’ reduces the risk
Here are five ways you can ease or reduce the risk of symptoms.
Although food is not always the cause of acid reflux, it can act to worsen symptoms.
People with acid reflux are often advised to steer clear of certain foods, particularly when they are already experiencing symptoms.
Foods including garlic, onions, tomatoes and mint can cause the condition to worsen.
Some drinks, such as coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages can also wreak havoc on reflux.
DON’T MISS
Diabetes type 2: The drink ‘at bedtime’ to lower morning blood sugar [INSIGHT]
Diabetes type 2: The red drink that lowers blood sugar within minutes [REPORT]
High cholesterol: The vegetable that may lower ‘bad’ lipids by 30% [COMMENT]
When you are particularly hungry, it can be hard to train yourself to eat slower.
However, slowing down can help ease the symptoms of acid reflux.
The NHS adds that people should try to “eat smaller, more frequent meals”.
This is because when the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the oesophagus.
Carbonated beverages may be a nice treat, but they can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
If you are experiencing a reflux episode, fizzy drinks can encourage stomach acid to enter the oesophagus.
Furthermore, fizzy drinks can also cause the stomach to enlarge – known as gastric distension.
When the stomach is distended, it increases pressure on the oesophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.
This is because gravity actually helps to keep stomach acid down.
When you lie down, you lack the advantage of gravity in the digesting process, and foods are more likely to cause symptoms of heartburn or reflux.
The NHS recommends raising one end of your bed between 10 and 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress.
It adds: “Your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat.”
See today’s front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.
