Heartburn and acid reflux are extremely common conditions that millions of people experience frequently. The treatment methods that most people resort to are medications like Omeprazole, but this is not the only way to manage acid reflux. Making some lifestyle changes can be extremely effective as well.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important tips to manage acid reflux naturally:

Lose the extra weight
The diaphragm is the muscle responsible for preventing excessive amounts of stomach acid from entering the esophagus. In people who are overweight, the esophageal sphincter gets pushed further ahead because of the pressure added to the abdomen by the belly fat, increasing the risk of flare-ups. So, one should lose the extra pounds to boost health, especially if they are prone to acid reflux attacks.

Do not overeat
The lower esophageal sphincter’s primary function is to perform as a valve and not let the stomach’s acidic contents enter the esophagus. As it is commonly known, most reflux symptoms are felt only after one finishes their meal. The larger the meal, the worse the symptoms are, so it is advised not to indulge in overeating.

Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcohol is responsible for increasing the severity of heartburn and acid reflux. It also worsens the symptoms by impairing the esophagus and affecting its ability to get rid of the acid. Understandably, it is best to avoid consuming alcohol to prevent this and reduce flare-ups.

Maintain a diet of low-carbs
An effective tip for managing acid reflux naturally is to cut down on carbohydrates. Some reports suggest that carbs remain undigested and cause the overgrowth of bacteria and also the excessive pressure in the abdomen. They also cause gassiness, which leads to the person feeling bloated. So, a low-carb diet is the best bet.

Cut down on drinking carbonated beverages
Healthcare professionals always recommend people to avoid carbonated drinks because they are known to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. The carbon dioxide in these beverages makes people drinking them belch much more often. This increases the acid amounts going into the esophagus, so it’s advisable to cut down on drinking carbonated beverages.

Have chewing gums
Chewing gums have the ability to reduce the acidity in the esophagus because they contain bicarbonate, which controls the acidity.

Avoid sleeping on the right side
The reason why healthcare professionals advise people to sleep on their left side is that stomach acids do not cover the lower esophageal sphincter then. This, ultimately, does not allow acid to leak through and cause reflux.

These are a few of the most effective tips to manage acid reflux naturally.