6 Habits That Could Make Your Acid Reflux Worse And How To Fix It

If you've ever had a burning sensation after a meal, you may be one of the millions of people who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn.

  This very common condition can be triggered by many seemingly innocent actions we do on a daily basis, and changing some of your habits might be what you need to alleviate this problem.

At Bright Side, we also sometimes experience heartburn after a heavy meal, and we've decided to find out which habits can make it worse.

1. You wear tight clothes

Although tight clothes can enhance your figure, wearing them too often is not the best choice for your health. In addition to causing problems with blood circulation, ill-fitting clothing can make acid reflux worse. Because jeans and tight belts push against your stomach, they can make the uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn worse.

2. You sleep flat

While sleeping without a pillow can be beneficial for your neck and spine, it certainly won't help if you have acid reflux. Medical experts recommend raising the head of your bed up to eight inches, which can encourage normal stomach acid flow downward while you sleep. You can use extra pillows to make sure your head is raised.

3. You lie down after eating

If you feel the urge to go to bed after a heavy meal, we totally understand. But if you have heartburn, you better try to quit the habit. When you are lying down, all of the food you just ate pushes against the valve between your esophagus and your stomach. It is best to sit and stay erect after meals and wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.

4. You drink water during your meal

While staying hydrated is absolutely crucial for your health, when you drink water is also important. You may feel the need to drink a glass of water to clear out a heavy meal, but it can cause heartburn. Drinking too much fluids with a meal dilutes the stomach acids you need for good digestion. And if you like to drink your water with ice cubes, the cold drink will cause your blood vessels to constrict and fat to solidify, making the food even harder to digest.

5. You drink a lot of coffee

While coffee has a number of health benefits and many people can't imagine a day without a good cup of coffee, you might want to limit your caffeine intake if you have acid reflux. Coffee can make heartburn symptoms worse, and if you notice that you feel bad after drinking it, reducing it gradually might be a solution.

6. You do too much sport

There is no doubt that being active is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. But the type of physical activity you choose can make you feel better or worse. If you have acid reflux, high-impact exercises, such as cycling, gymnastics, or weight lifting, can make the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn and bloating worse. But that doesn't mean you have to cancel your gym membership: just opt ​​for moderate, low-impact exercise, like yoga or the exercise bike.

Have you ever suffered from heartburn? Are you used to doing something mentioned in this article?