You have to take control of your life. There is no one out there who can help you if you can't help yourself. This means you have to become educated on your condition and how to make it tolerable. Start with this article and all of its tips on controlling acid reflux.


If you're experiencing acid reflux lately, try a new diet that consists of low-acid foods. Avoid spicy or acidic foods and eat your food slowly. If you still get acid reflux, it's probably time to check in with your doctor. Although your problem may not be serious, it may require medication that your doctor can recommend or prescribe.


It is important to avoid vigorous exercise if you deal with GERD. When you are compressing the stomach violently, you'll find that acid makes its way up into your esophagus. Instead, engage in moderate activity which helps you lose weight, stay in shape and yet ensures that acid stays where it belongs.


Stop smoking now. Smoking aggravates acid reflux, and it is possibly the cause. It slows down the amount of saliva you produce, increases stomach acid, and slows down digestion. This also weakens the sphincter of your esophagus. It is extremely important that you quit today.


Learn your trigger foods. When you know what foods or beverages cause you acid reflux, you can avoid them to keep your symptoms to a minimum. Some foods that often cause symptoms are foods that are fried, fatty, spicy and carbonated drinks. These are just some examples and what bothers someone else, might not bother you.


Try popping a few pieces of chewing gum into your mouth every time you are feeling the symptoms of acid reflux. This will cause the body to produce a much larger amount of saliva than it does on a regular basis, and this will help neutralize the acid inside of the stomach.


Exercise regularly but moderately. Your acid reflux problem should not be as bad if you are in shape and live an active lifestyle. Avoid exercising intensely or your stomach could become upset. You could for instance go for walks everyday or find a new hobby that allows you to be more active.


Do not lie down after a meal if you have acid reflux disease. When you lay down, the esophagus opens up more. This lets acid from the stomach come up through the esophagus and ultimately, through your throat and mouth. It is recommended that you wait at least two hours after a meal to lay down.


Tomatoes may be a tasty and healthy food, but it is not good for those who have acid reflux disease. The amount of acid found in tomatoes is astonishing. If you have acid reflux disease, you should avoid tomatoes and any products that contain them if you want to reduce symptoms.


Include plenty of high fiber foods into your diet. High fiber foods absorb the fats which will limit the effects of acid reflux. Good choices of high fiber foods should include natural grains such as wheat bread, brown rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes and beans. Incorporate some high fiber choices into each meal for best results.


One of the best things you can do if you suffer from acid reflux is to lose a few pounds. Obesity is a huge contributor to acid reflux and heartburn. If you are at a healthy weight, statistics show that you are less than half as likely to suffer from acid reflux as people who are overweight. This is a great reason to shed some pounds.


When you have acid reflux disease it can be difficult to eat foods that are acidic such as tomato sauce and salsa. If you have been steering clear of these foods out of fear of discomfort, you no longer have to avoid them altogether. Taking an antacid prior to eating these types of foods can help you avoid experiencing acid reflux.


Keep a journal of the foods you eat and how you feel after you eat them. This can help you determine what your particular trigger foods are. If a food bothers your stomach and causes you acid reflux symptoms, you should do your best to avoid this food as much as possible.


There are a number of drugs which can cause acid reflux symptoms. Some asthma drugs, heart medications and hormone medications, among many others, worsen heartburn and acid buildup. Check with your doctor to see what you can do to alleviate this. Do not stop taking any drug without talking to your physician.


Stress could be responsible for your acid reflux problem. If you often feel upset and experience an unpleasant sensation in your stomach, wait until you feel better before having any food. You should look into stress management techniques if you have a hard time keeping your negative emotions under control.


Eat natural whole foods as sugary processed foods tend to aggravate acid reflux. Counteract this by eating organic vegetables and fruits. You might also find probiotic supplements to be helpful.


If you are a smoker, stop immediately! Smoking really can worsen acid reflux as it slows down your digestion, leading to stomach acids building up. Quitting can really have a positive affect on the control acid reflux has over your meal times. Plus it's just good for your overall health.


Onions and garlic will cause acid reflux. Avoid these foods and find other ingredients you can use to season your favorite dishes. Try different kinds of onions and garlic; you might not get acid reflux if you eat a sweeter variety. If you enjoy the taste of onions or garlic, simmer your food with these ingredients and remove them before eating.


Now that you have this knowledge, you must use it. You have to start changing your lifestyle to help you cope with your condition. You need to take life by the reins and guide it where you want it to go. What you must do most of all is start the changes today.