Ideally, stomach acids should be in your stomach digesting your food. But if acid backs up from your stomach and crawls into your esophagus, then this condition is known as acid reflux.
Acid reflux is uncomfortable. It can lead to terrible complications if not treated early. Gastric acid is so toxic that it can damage the soft lining of your esophagus. It needs to be treated immediately.
Here are some ways to do it.
The most important way to treat acid reflux is to make change to your diet. Find out what food causes your stomach to act up.
It could be spicy foods, dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter or yogurt, as well as acidic foods. By changing your diet, you are more likely to avoid acid reflux.
Aside from your diet, you should make changes in your activity level. Instead of sitting around after a meal, you could walk your dog, take a stroll, or doing other activities that will improve your digestion.
Take time to ease up after a meal. Drink tea or milk after a heavy meal to keep stomach acids down. If you feel full, simply drink a glass of water in one sitting. This will ease gastric acid production and keep stomach acids where they should be.
But what do you do when you have an acute attack of gastric acid reflux?
One effective way on to get rid of acid reflux as it's happening is to sit up straight or stand up. The natural pull of gravity will prevent the acid from crawling into your esophagus and causing pain. Keep standing or sitting up until you do not feel queasy anymore.
You can chew gum to stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva keeps gastric acid down and will keep your breath smelling great too!
Chewing on peppermint, candy, or even a popsicle will help keep gastric juices down. They also stimulate the production of saliva.
But no matter what, keep upright to prevent your stomach acid from entering your esophagus.
If all these tricks to get rid of acid reflux do not help at all. Or if your condition persists, it’s time to visit your doctor for a more appropriate treatment for your condition.