|
|
||
Eat well to quell reflux Date published: 7/6/2008
ABOUT HALF of Am- Luckily, there are several home remedies and eating changes that reduce reflux pain. Still, if you are having any severe pain or are suffering from heartburn twice a week or more, do visit your doctor. Heartburn pain is usually worse after meals and when bending over or lying down. The pain actually has nothing to do with the heart--it's caused by stomach acid splashing upward into the esophagus, or throat. It's important to pay attention to heartburn--long-term indigestion can lead Also, other problems can masquerade as heartburn, such as heart attacks, ulcers, gallstones and other problems that a doctor can diagnose and treat. Heartburn is not a normal part of life or growing older, as many believe. GOOD POSTURE If you have mild heartburn, consider changing your lifestyle. A recent study showed that the two most effective things you can do to reduce reflux are to ele-vate the head of your bed and avoid overeating. Raising the head of the bed uses gravity to keep stomach acid down where it belongs, in the stomach. Try raising the head of your bed 4 to 8 inches by placing blocks or bricks under the legs. If your bed is on castors, try attaching jar lids to the blocks to cup the wheels Other tips: Try to sit or stand upright for three hours after eating--again, let gravity work for you. When you do lie down to sleep, lie on your left side. This position cradles the curved top of the stomach upward, reducing the risk Exercise. Another study showed that mild exercise, such as walking 30 minutes
Date published: 7/6/2008
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
