Acid reflux is a digestive problem that involves stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus due to a relaxed lower sphincter muscle. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a qualified gastroenterologist who can help you manage your digestive issues. Due to the unpleasantness of the condition, try to access treatment as soon as possible.
Acid reflux can either be acute or chronic. Acute acid reflux is when the condition occurs occasionally, but chronic acid reflux occurs often. Although you might use over-the-counter drugs for relief, there are actions you can take to deal with and minimize the symptoms. Consider using the following tips to avoid that metallic taste in your mouth.
Maintain a healthy weight
Chronic acid reflux, also referred to as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is directly linked to being overweight. Gaining weight also increases the risk of getting acid reflux. If you are carrying around extra weight, consider shedding off some kilos to keep heartburn and other symptoms at bay.
Eat small frequent meals than heavy meals a few times
When you eat a lot of food a few times a day, you put a lot of pressure on the lower sphincter muscle, causing heartburn. Small frequent meals will ensure your stomach is not full and hence no pressure on the lower sphincter muscle. Since you want to keep stomach acid to a minimum, ensure your stomach is not full because a full stomach calls for an increase in stomach acid to aid digestion.
Sit and stay upright while eating
Doctors recommend a person to eat while upright; this is especially true for people with a heartburn problem. If you slant while eating, there is a strong possibility for the lower sphincter muscle not closing completely hence the backwash. To prevent such, sit upright when eating so that your digestive system is vertical and not diagonal.
Avoid trigger foods
Stay away from foods that increase your heartburn. You should avoid foods like garlic, raw onion, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, fatty foods, and spicy foods to manage heartburn.
Avoid clothes that are tight in the belly area
When you have GERD, you should avoid wearing tight clothes in your midsection. Tight pants or tight waistbands can easily put pressure on your stomach and push the stomach acid into your food pipe.
Eat at least three hours before bed time
Eating a few hours before bedtime is crucial and helps with digestion. Before you sleep, you should ensure that your body will digest food smoothly, avoiding discomfort.
Raise the head of your bed
While many people opt for pillows, doctors recommend raising the head of your bed about 6-8 inches above the floor. Through raising the bed from the flow, the acid will remain in your stomach, and hence you will not experience heartburn as you sleep.
While there are medications you can use to manage acid reflux, the above tips will help you enjoy better digestion and good overall health. Visit GastroDoxs PLLC in Cypress, Greater Houston, in Texas, to experience quality treatment.
