Stomach Acidity: Tips For Relief

Stomach acidity, commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, can be uncomfortable and bothersome. Here are some tips to help you find relief from stomach acidity:

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:

• Dietary Modifications: Avoid trigger foods and beverages that can worsen acid reflux. Common triggers include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or fried foods. Identify specific foods that trigger your symptoms and limit their consumption.

• Smaller, Frequent Meals: Instead of consuming large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overloading your stomach and putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). For more information refer to a Gastroenterologist in Lahore.

• Eat Slowly: Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce the amount of air you swallow, which can contribute to gas and reflux.

• Avoid Lying Down After Meals: Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus.

• Elevate the Head of Your Bed: If you experience nighttime heartburn, raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches by using bed risers or placing blocks under the bed’s legs. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus while you sleep.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. Adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Clothing Choices:

Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight belts and clothing around the waist can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to acid reflux. Choose looser-fitting clothing.

4. Avoid Smoking:

Smoking can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can benefit your overall health and may reduce your symptoms.

5. Manage Stress:

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress.

6. Over-the-Counter Medications:

• Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, can provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

• H2 Blockers: Medications like ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid) can reduce stomach acid production and provide longer-lasting relief.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and other PPIs reduce acid production more effectively and provide longer-term relief. These are available over the counter or by prescription.

7. Consult a Healthcare Professional:

If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, consult a Gastroenterologist in Islamabad. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate prescription medications or further evaluation to determine the cause of your acid reflux.

Michael