Acid reflux is a very common problem for people around the world. Knowing as much as you can about this health problem could help you decrease your level of discomfort from the symptoms. Below, you will find many tips about acid reflux and how to decrease the symptoms suffered from it.


Don't just assume your acid reflux is a fact of life or consequence of your active lifestyle. If you find yourself suffering through frequent bouts of discomfort related to acid reflux, see your doctor. It may be something you ate or an indication that you need to slow down in life, but it could also be something else you need to take care of.


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.


Turn to aloe vera juice for a soothing way to heal the damage acid reflux can cause. It reduces inflammation in the esophagus and the lining of the stomach itself. All you need is a half a cup before a meal to aid in your digestive regeneration, but remember that it is also a laxative!


Avoid eating spicy foods including those with hot peppers in them. These foods can lead to painful acid reflux after eating, so not eating them can easily remedy your discomfort. Instead, focus on spices which don't lead to pain, such as cinnamon or herbs. They taste great and leave you comfortable post-meal.


Do not lay down for at least two hours following a meal. Lying down allows acid to climb up your esophagus. You should feel better, and reduce symptoms, by sitting or standing.


There are many over-the-counter medications you can take for acid reflux. They are called antacids and they work by stopping excess acid production. Just be aware that no one medication works for everyone. If you try one and it is not effective for you, keep trying others until you find the right one for you.


In order to ameliorate the pain and discomfort of acid reflux, consider breaking your daily food intake into five or so smaller meals instead of three main ones. This helps prevent you from overloading your digestive system at any one time, making acids work more effectively in smaller amounts. You will soon start to notice a real change in your symptoms for the better.


Eating slower has been shown to help with the symptoms of acid reflux. This gives your stomach a chance to adjust to the food that you are taking in. Try chewing your food a minimum of 25 times and really savor the food you are eating. Eat only until you are comfortably full and never till you are stuffed.


Limit the amount of drinks you have when you eat. Beverages can add volume to the food that you digest and increase how distended your stomach is. Having a full stomach puts some pressure on your LES or lower esophageal sphincter, which is responsible for keeping food from getting back into the esophagus. This increases your chances for having reflux. To lower chances, take small sips when eating and try drinking your beverages between meals instead of during meals.


Smaller portion sizes will help you control your acid reflux. If you eat a little less at each meal, you shouldn't have as much trouble with heartburn. You could also try eating five or six small meals, instead of three large meals each day if you want to make a difference.


Alter your activity after meals. If you suffer from frequent bouts of acid reflux, watch your activity after meals. Avoid clothing that is tight around the middle, and try not to bend over or do any heavy lifting. All of these things can help keep your stomach acid where it belongs.


Try drinking less during a meal to help with your acid reflux. Liquids can cause food to expand in your body, and they increase the volume of foods inside of your body. Instead, consider eating your meals first, and then enjoy your beverage about fifteen minutes after your meal is through.


Changing the time you exercise can help decrease the amount of acid reflux symptoms you get. Contracting your abdominal muscles can force any food in your stomach to go back into your esophagus. It is best to wait about an hour after you exercise to take part in any sort of exercise.


Keep your clothing loose and comfortable. Tight clothing can put extra pressure on the abdominal region, bringing about problems like GERD and reflux. Never try to push yourself into a pair of jeans or wear a girdle if you suffer from such problems. Staying comfortable is key if you want to avoid reflux discomfort.


Avoid lying down after having some food. You need to wait between two and three hours before lying down, and even more after a large meal. If possible, go for a short walk to get some exercise and sit until the digestion process is over. It is best to have your diner several hours before going to bed.


Are you searching for a natural solution to reduce or alleviate the pain associated with heartburn? A natural supplement called mastic gum can provide you with that relief. This supplement comes from Pistacia lentiscus, a Mediterranean plant, and has been used for many years to help with indigestion problems. To purchase this product, visit your local health food store.


Stop smoking as soon as possible to help with acid reflux. Smoking is bad for overall health and that includes acid reflux symptoms. Smoking relaxes the muscles in the throat. This causes stomach acid to enter the throat. In addition, it does damage to the gastrointestinal tract, another cause of heartburn.


You should now have a good idea of what acid reflux is and how it affects your life. The tips from above will help you in many ways. Apply what you have just learned and you will soon feel much better after you eat, while you sleep and each morning when you wake.