Some 6 Mistakes That Can Increase Heartburn

If you ever experience heartburn after eating, you may be one of the millions who suffer from it. This very common condition can be caused by many seemingly innocuous actions that we do daily, and changing some of your habits can help you reduce the problem or may need to leave.

We also sometimes get heartburn after eating too much, and we decided to find out what habits can make it worse.

1. If You are Wearing Tight Clothes:

Although tight clothes can make you look very attractive, wearing them too often is not the best choice for your health. In addition to causing problems with blood circulation, tight clothing can also increase acid reflux. Tight jeans and belts push your stomach against or inward, therefore making the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn worse and causing you to feel extremely uncomfortable.

2. If you are sleeping flat or without a pillow:

Although sleeping without a pillow can be good for your neck and spine, it certainly won’t help if you suffer from acid reflux and will cause you discomfort. Medical experts recommend that you raise the head of your bed up to 8 inches, which can encourage the downward flow of stomach acid while you sleep. You can use extra pillows or place blocks under your bed frame to make sure your head is elevated.

3. If you lie down after eating:

If you want to go to bed after eating a large meal, that may not be advisable, even though we often get better sleep after eating. But if you suffer from heartburn, it may be a bad habit or one that needs to be stopped.

When you lie down, any food you’ve eaten pushes against the valve between your esophagus and stomach. It is better to sit upright after eating and avoid sleeping immediately after eating; wait at least 2 to 3 hours before sleeping or lying down. After that, you can sleep or lie down and even take a short walk after eating.

4. If you drink water during meals:

While staying hydrated is vital to your health, the timing of your water intake also matters. You may feel the need to drink a glass of water during a meal to help swallow heavy food, but doing so can cause heartburn.

Drinking plenty of fluids during your meal reduces the stomach acid needed for proper digestion. If you like to drink ice water, a cold beverage will cause your blood vessels to constrict and fat to solidify, making it harder to digest food. Therefore, one should always drink water before eating and avoid drinking water during and at the end of the meal.

5. You drink too much coffee:

While coffee has many health benefits, and many people can’t imagine a day without a hot cup of coffee, you may want to limit your caffeine intake if you ever suffer from heartburn. Coffee can worsen heartburn symptoms, and if you find that you feel worse after drinking it, cutting back gradually may be the right choice.

6. If You Are Working Too Hard:

There’s no doubt that being active is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. However, the type of physical activity you choose can either make you feel better or worse. If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, avoid high-impact exercises, such as cycling, gymnastics, or weight lifting.

These activities can worsen unpleasant symptoms of heartburn and bloating. But that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your gym membership; just choose moderate and low-impact exercises, such as yoga or stationary biking.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Heartburn Fast

Despite the name “heartburn,” acid reflux has nothing to do with your heart. This common condition is caused by stomach acid traveling up your esophagus, causing an unpleasant, burning sensation in your chest area.

Of course, acid reflux can be treated with medication, but there are also some simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce and prevent it.

Eat A Ripe Banana:

Apart from improving your blood sugar levels and helping you keep your weight under control, bananas can provide instant relief from heartburn. They are high in potassium; the potassium in bananas can coat the lining of the stomach and help reduce and prevent unpleasant acid reflux symptoms. However, eat bananas only when they are ripe because even raw bananas can sometimes cause heartburn.

Wear Loose Clothing:

If you suffer from heartburn, it’s best to ditch your tight clothing and opt for looser, more comfortable clothes instead. Any type of clothing that clings to your stomach and puts pressure on your stomach area can make acid reflux symptoms worse.

Even if you’ve never experienced heartburn before, you’re still at risk of developing it if you wear tight clothing every day.

Adjust your sleeping position:

We all prefer certain sleeping positions, but if you’re prone to heartburn, you may need to change some of your habits for the sake of your health. If you are used to sleeping on your right side, this could be one of the reasons for your annoying heartburn.

While sleeping on the left side relaxes the muscle that connects the stomach and esophagus and is thought to defend against acid reflux. So, try sleeping on your left side, as this position helps in reducing heartburn.

Chew sugar-free gum: According to research, chewing gum keeps your breath fresher for longer and can also improve your memory. Apart from these benefits, it can reduce the acidity in your stomach and prevent heartburn. Chewing gum increases your saliva production, balancing the acidity in your mouth and helping to clean it out much faster.

Do not eat quickly:

When you’re hungry, it’s understandable that you want to eat something as soon as possible, but eating in a hurry can activate heartburn. People who eat quickly are more prone to acid reflux, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to chew and swallow your food properly.

Avoid Running and Weightlifting:

Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health, but if you suffer from heartburn, you may want to be extra careful when choosing the type of exercise you do. High-impact exercises, such as running, lifting weights, or cycling, can reduce blood flow to your stomach and worsen reflux symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your gym membership—just be sure to choose moderate, low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda is an inexpensive and completely natural remedy. Just mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Baking soda will help neutralize stomach acid.

Note: Baking soda contains sodium, so consult your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet.

Lifestyle changes:

If you are overweight, making small changes to your diet and increasing your physical activity can relieve your heartburn. Try to avoid foods that increase your heartburn, such as fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, or carbonated beverages. Eliminating them from your diet can alleviate this problem.

In Conclusion,

making a few adjustments to your daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing heartburn. From choosing the right sleeping position to being mindful of your clothing choices, these lifestyle changes can contribute to a healthier digestive system. Additionally, incorporating natural remedies like eating ripe bananas, avoiding high-impact exercises, and using baking soda in moderation can provide relief from heartburn symptoms.

Remember to stay hydrated, chew gum mindfully, and give yourself ample time to enjoy your meals. By being proactive and making these simple adjustments, you can foster a lifestyle that minimizes the occurrence of heartburn and promotes overall well-being.