Can acid reflux pillows help minimize the occurrence of nighttime heartburn?

These pillows are wedge-shaped and are designed to keep stomach contents from backing up the esophagus as the person lies down to sleep. Standing upright, the esophagus is above the stomach, but this changes when we lay down and the stomach and esophagus are at the same elevation. In this set-up, stomach contents (food, acids) flow out of the stomach and into the esophagus leading to reflux and heartburn which can disrupt sleep.

Acid reflux pillows with their wedge-shape design help keep stomach contents in the stomach, thus minimizing the incidence of acid reflux while sleeping and also reducing nighttime heartburn. The question now is – are these pillows comfortable to use and are they effective as long-term acid reflux remedy?

Acid Reflux Pillows – A Deeper Look

When it comes to these pillows’ effectiveness and comfort, this depends on which brand you choose. The most comfortable ones are made with memory foam but of course, different people have varying opinions on what is comfortable.

Many people do find that using a wedge pillow to elevate the torso, is an effective way to manage heartburn. Some people however find that these pillows are unnecessary as they can simply arrange their normal pillows in a way that elevates their torsos comfortably – but trying this, it turns out that it is not at all an easy task. For people who prefer to sleep on their stomach or on their side, the shape of acid reflux pillows may make sleeping very uncomfortable.

Some experts on kinesiology (the scientific study of human movement) may not be very keen on the use of acid reflux pillows as long-term acid reflux remedy because these wedge-shaped pillows may cause possible lasting side effects on one’s posture, hip flexors and spine. Their argument is that since wedge pillows are not hard, they cannot support the spine very well and it remains slightly curved as you sleep. If the spine is curved for long periods of time, there is a risk that the individual develops a herniated disc or facet joint pain. And even if the pillow is made of memory foam which is known to follow the body’s natural curve, the hips still remain flexed throughout the night which can cause it to degenerate into dysfunction and pain in the long term. However, there have been no studies made to support this claim, nor are there any studies linking wedge pillows with acid reflux and this is mainly due to the fact that such studies will take extremely long to complete and no-one would want to fund such research.

Acid Reflux Pillows – The Bottom Line

So, in conclusion, acid reflux pillows are best used by people with acid reflux problems who prefer sleeping on their backs but are not advisable to be used every night as they risk back problems and tight hips.

An alternative solution would be elevating the head of your bed to put it on an incline. You can take wooden blocks, stacks of magazines or books and put them under the bedposts at the head of your bed. Be sure that the bed is raised evenly by about 4-6 inches. This is enough to reduce heartburn and you can sleep any which way you want without worrying about waking up aching and sore all over. Simply raising your bed can eliminate the need for acid reflux pillows, although these wedge-shaped pillows may be helpful for occasional use like when you are travelling.

Do you frequently suffer from heartburn – that burning sensation that spreads from the chest to the throat especially after eating or when lying down? If you do, then you are experiencing acid reflux. But what is acid reflux?

Acid reflux means the backflow of stomach acids to the esophagus. As the acid reaches the esophagus, it creates the symptoms of heartburn – the burning sensation that starts from the upper stomach and travels to the throat and gives a sour taste in the mouth.

Everyone experiences acid reflux and heartburn from time to time. This usually happens when a person eats a large meal or if he lies down soon after eating. Frequent acid reflux could already mean that the person is suffering from acid reflux disease which could lead to other problems. What is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease is also called gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD occurs when the stomach acids are getting into the esophagus consistently that damage to the esophagus is already being done. This condition is a lot more serious than the occasional heartburn.

What Is Acid Reflux – Know the Symptoms

Although heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, there are other signs that indicate this condition which are:

• Regurgitation – the sensation of acid and food backing up into your throat or mouth. This often produces sour or bitter taste. Sometimes, you may even vomit some contents of your stomach.
• Dyspepsia – stomach discomfort that is accompanied by burping, bloating, nausea after eating and upper abdominal pain. Some people with dyspepsia don’t necessarily suffer from acid reflux though.

What Is Acid Reflux – Its Prevention and Treatments

Although a lot of people ask ‘what is acid reflux?’, they have probably experienced heartburn at some time, which is basically the result of acid reflux. Acid reflux can be prevented if you know what foods to avoid and which habits to stop.

There is a long list of foods that potentially cause heartburn however it does not mean that you should avoid all these. The foods that trigger heartburn in people vary and your food triggers may not be similar to another person’s. The following are some of the foods known to cause acid reflux:

• Sodas
• High acid vegetables i.e. raw onions and tomatoes
• caffeinated beverages i.e. coffee, tea
• chocolates
• chili peppers
• foods high in fats i.e. high fat meats, high fat dairy products, fried foods
• acidic fruits or citrus fruits i.e. oranges, lemons and grapefruits
• garlic
• Alcoholic beverages
• spear mints, peppermint

Finding out the foods that trigger your acid reflux is enough to prevent this problem. It will help if you keep a food journal where you take note of the foods you take and their effects on your digestion.

Obesity and other health issues like hiatal hernia are also seen as causes of acid reflux disease. If you are overweight, losing some weight can ease the reflux problem. If your weight is not a problem but you still suffer from frequent heartburn, you may need to consult a physician for some tests.

For existing acid reflux disease, typical medications involve antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. These medications are not recommended for long term use though and lifestyle changes are often encouraged. Surgery is not common solution for acid reflux disease.

For more in-depth information on ‘what is acid reflux?’, you may speak with your doctor and he’ll be able to discuss the condition further and provide you insights on things like natural remedies, complications, etc.

How to stop acid reflux is a big concern for many individuals particularly in Western countries.  Acid reflux is a common condition that involves acids from the stomach going up the more sensitive esophagus, irritating it and causing a burning sensation called heartburn or pyrosis.

If you are among the millions who suffer from acid reflux and heartburn occasionally or more frequently, you might be looking for ways on how to stop acid reflux. Acid reflux is said to be difficult to stop for good and people who have fallen prone to it will most likely suffer from it for the rest of their lives. It is however possible to stop acid reflux from occurring too often and in the process avoid more serious health issues that include cancer of the esophagus.

Tips on How to Stop Acid Reflux

• Consult your doctor. This is the best thing you can do especially if you are unsure about how to stop acid reflux. Speaking with your physician can help clarify things and he can tell you what options you have regarding medication. Your doctor will most likely recommend some antacids or proton pump inhibitors. Antacids can also be bought over-the-counter and these work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach bringing relief from heartburn. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are mostly prescribed and these work by reducing the amount of acids being produced in the stomach. Relying on antacids and PPIs are not recommended though and these should only be taken as short-term treatments. This is because these medications can disrupt digestive functions which may lead to other problems.

• Don’t exercise after eating. Engaging in vigorous activities like working out on a full stomach tends to cause acid reflux. Muscle contractions in the abdomen can make the food you just ate to regurgitate along with stomach acids. The esophagus is very sensitive and the frequent splashing of acid in the lining can cause it to erode and become permanently damaged.

• Keep alcohol and coffee intake at a minimum. Smoking should also be avoided. Drinks or beverages with alcohol and caffeine can cause acid reflux as well as the nicotine in cigarettes. Avoiding these is also an effective way on how to stop acid reflux.

• Eat the right kinds of foods. Some people find that their acid reflux is caused by certain foods. The most common reflux triggering foods are chocolates, tomato, fried foods, creamed soups and foods, whole milk and fatty foods. Find out which foods cause your acid reflux and avoid them or minimize your intake.

• Don’t lie down after eating. Make sure you give your stomach some time to digest the food you’ve just eaten. If you suffer from nighttime heartburn, eat your supper at least two hours before your bedtime. Another way on how to stop acid reflux at night is to lift the head of your bed about 5-6 inches before going to sleep.

Knowing how to stop acid reflux can finally provide you with relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux. These tips are practical ones and when performed with some self-discipline, they are sure to help reduce the occurrence of reflux effectively.

There are hidden signs of acid reflux you should be aware of. Not knowing that you are experiencing acid reflux can be dangerous as this can lead to more serious diseases and even cancer.

The most common signs of acid reflux are usually obvious like heartburn, a feeling of food stuck in your throat and nausea. These symptoms are the result of stomach acid going up the esophagus. The hidden signs of acid reflux are also referred to as the silent symptoms of acid reflux disease which are not commonly recognized by the individual or even by the doctor.

Hidden signs of acid reflux are symptoms that people rarely associate with acid reflux disease. These signs include:

• Wheezing
• Repetitive hoarseness
• Chronic sinus problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathing difficulty often associated with asthma

With these hidden signs of acid reflux, it is possible for one to suffer from GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease without even being aware of it. If GERD continues without treatment, it could cause more serious health issues like esophageal cancer. Often, the silent symptoms of acid reflux disease are accompanied by heartburn so if you recognize the above signs, waste no time and consult your doctor or adopt a method to minimize the occurrence of acid reflux.

Tackling the Hidden Signs of Acid Reflux

After recognizing the hidden signs of acid reflux, the next step for you is to find a way to stop them. Avoiding acid reflux is easy enough to do though it also calls for self-discipline.

Here are some ways to prevent acid reflux:

• Find out your food triggers. There’s a long list of foods that can cause acid reflux but avoiding all these does not really ensure you’ll never experience acid reflux again. You have to employ a trial and error basis to determine which foods cause your acid reflux. Greasy foods, spicy foods, chocolates, coffee, alcohol, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, sweets and peppermint are foods that likely cause acid reflux.

• If you’re overweight, lose weight. Acid reflux may be due to all the fat surrounding your organs which also put pressure to your stomach. If there’s increased pressure on the stomach, the contents as well as stomach acids are easily pushed back up the esophagus causing irritation and heartburn.

• Don’t rely on antacids. No matter what advertisers tell you about not having to restrict your diet as long as you take antacids before a meal and again afterwards, the fact remains that antacids disrupt the acidity level of your stomach. Your stomach needs an acidic environment in order to digest foods. By doing things like avoiding heartburn triggers, eating several small meals instead of 3 large ones a day and avoiding lying down after eating, you can minimize acid reflux and your need for antacids is reduced.

• Other things you can do to minimize the hidden signs of acid reflux include not wearing tight clothing, not exercising on a full stomach and not overfilling your stomach.

If you start experiencing the hidden signs of acid reflux on a regular basis or more than once or twice a week even after making changes and taking steps to avoid or minimize reflux, you should speak with your physician about it already.

If you are suffering from frequent acid reflux and heartburn, it is time to re-evaluate your diet and find out the various acid reflux foods to avoid.

Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach goes up to the esophagus which it should not do. Under normal circumstances, the muscle valve separating the esophagus from the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, closes tight to prevent food and acid from backing up to the esophagus. However, there are certain types of foods that relax the muscle therefore limiting its ability to perform its function. If the valve is not closed tight enough, acid seeps into the esophagus and can irritate and cause damage to the lining.

A List of Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

To put a stop the frequent heartburn and discomfort brought on by acid reflux, here is a list of acid reflux foods to avoid which can help you stay away from foods that cause heartburn.

• Tomatoes – health buffs esteem this fruit for its beneficial lycopene that can lower the risk of certain cancers. However, tomatoes are also capable of relaxing the muscle valve that closes the esophagus to the stomach. People who are prone to heartburn and acid reflux are advised to lessen their intake of tomatoes or any dish that contain this fruit in any form i.e. tomato sauce on pasta. Many people consider tomatoes as staples and as there are no substitutes for tomatoes, a suggestion is for them to avoid eating tomatoes near bedtime.

• Crunchy foods – toast, popcorn, crackers, nuts, etc. can aggravate acid reflux by scratching your lower esophageal sphincter or LES.

• Alcoholic drinks – these can aggravate acid reflux by increasing the production of stomach acids and at the same time relaxing the LES. If you happen to drink alcohol after eating a large meal, then the more you are at risk of experiencing acid reflux and heartburn.

• Fried and fatty foods – these are acid reflux foods to avoid as they slow down digestion and the longer food stays in your stomach, the more acids are produced. High levels of acids increase the risk of heartburn.

• Carbonated drinks – these cause gastric distension and when your stomach is distended, pressure on the LES is increased promoting acid reflux.

• Citrus fruits – the most common acid reflux-inducing citrus fruits are lemons, oranges and grapefruits and if you are prone to acid reflux, eating a lot of these should be avoided.

• Coffee and tea – the caffeine content of these beverages also cause the LES to relax. Aside from acid refluxing into the esophagus, more sensitive individuals also experience regurgitation and dyspepsia caused by caffeine.

• Chocolate – are also acid reflux foods to avoid. Chocolates contain concentrations of theobromine which also relaxes the LES allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. If chocolates are simply a favorite of yours, choose dark, organic types and consume only 2-3 small squares a 2-3 times a week.

• Spicy foods – people who are prone to heartburn just don’t do well with spices especially garlic and onion.

Knowing which acid reflux foods to avoid can help you escape the discomfort caused by heartburn. In line with this, you should also find out which foods are good for acid reflux and include these in your diet.

There are foods good for acid reflux as there are also foods that trigger this condition. When acid from the stomach enters the esophagus, it is called acid reflux. This brings about a burning pain that is felt behind the breastbone and sometimes reaches the throat and is called heartburn. Heartburn is felt by millions of people once or twice a week and the main reason behind it is acid reflux.

There are certain foods which are thought to trigger acid reflux which include:

• Chocolates
• Spicy foods
• Fatty foods
• Tomatoes
• Caffeine-based foods and beverages
• Citrus fruits i.e. oranges, lemon

Learn about Foods Good for Acid Reflux

If you suffer from frequent acid reflux and heartburn, it is time to consider changing your diet and learn about foods good for acid reflux.

Fiber-rich foods are found to be beneficial to those suffering from acid reflux disease. The recommended amount of fiber intake which is also necessary for optimal health benefits is 14g of fiber per 1000 calories. This may seem like a considerable serving of fiber and if you are wondering where you can get all that, here are some high-fiber foods good for acid reflux:

• Bran – eating a bran muffin for breakfast is one of the easiest ways to add fiber to your diet. Be sure that it is low in sugar though as you also want to avoid unwanted calories.

• Peas or Broccoli – many of the more popular vegetables that make their way in dinner tables lack essential amounts of fiber. Most commonly-eaten vegetables have only 1-2g fiber per serving. Peas and broccoli are among common veggies that have high fiber content.

• Raspberries – these are considered the most fibrous fruits which are readily available at supermarkets. Raspberries are affordable and as they can be eaten right out of the bag when frozen, they are also convenient to eat.

• Beans – pinto beans, black beans, split peas, lentil varieties, etc. are also great sources of fiber. Beans can easily add fiber to your diet. A cup of black beans for example can provide you with up to 15 grams of fiber.

Foods Good for Acid Reflux – Other Foods to Consider

• Grains – low-fat grains i.e. oatmeal, cereals, white bread, brown or white rice, whole wheat flour and pretzels are foods good for acid reflux.  Cookies which are baked and fat free are also safe to eat.

• Meat and dairy – steak, fish, chicken breast and egg white are foods that do not cause acid reflux but should be eaten without adding extra seasoning or fats. Fat free creams and cheeses are also safe to eat. Dairy foods should contain low amounts of fats or be totally fat free.

• Fruits and veggies – peaches, apples, melons, pears and bananas are fruits good for reflux. Celery, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, baked potato and fennel are some of the vegetables good for acid reflux.

Take note of these foods good for acid reflux and include them in your daily diet to prevent the occurrence of heartburn and acid reflux.

Are there any natural cures for acid reflux?

Of course there are, and these are often more effective than prescribed medications and a lot cheaper too! These days, more and more people are looking for natural ways to cure their health problems. This is mainly because natural treatments are not just proven effective, they are also safe methods which cause very little or no side-effects.

Prescription medications for acid reflux come with a long list of undesirable side effects, not to mention the expense that comes along with it. Natural cures for acid reflux on the other hand allow people to go on with their treatment of the condition over longer periods of time with no adverse effects. Also, most prescription medications for acid reflux disease are formulated for only short-term use.

Natural Cures for Acid Reflux – Your Available Options

The following are some of the natural cures for acid reflux which you can try:

• Herbal remedies – there are a lot of natural remedies that can ease digestive discomforts and keep the acid levels in the stomach low to prevent reflux. You can make use of different types of herbs to manage your heartburn and acid reflux. Some of the herbs you can use include: meadowsweet, cancer bush, chamomile, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, slippery elm and ginger root. Aloe can also offer acid reflux relief if used properly.

• Change your eating habits – you can change your diet to avoid the foods that trigger acid reflux however, aside from the type of foods you eat, you should also evaluate the way you eat. The size of your daily meals and the time when you eat them can contribute to acid reflux. Very large meals would mean that the food stays longer in your stomach prompting more acids to be produced, increasing the risk of acid refluxing into the esophagus. Eating before bedtime can also trigger nighttime heartburn as the food and stomach acids travel up the esophagus as you lie down. You can avoid acid reflux by eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones and eating your last meal several hours before going to bed.

• Lose weight – studies show that overweight and obese people are more prone to acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD than people who maintain a healthy body mass index. There are healthy weight loss programs that you can opt for and you can also discuss these with your physician.

• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption – other natural cures for acid reflux involve getting rid of your vices and bad habits. Smoking dries the mouth and if there is less saliva in the mouth, throat, and stomach, the stomach acids cannot be neutralized. The nicotine in cigarettes can also cause the muscles of the sphincter to relax and allow acids to sip into the esophagus. When alcohol is consumed, it boosts the amount of acids in the stomach and it also relaxes the muscles and causes the sphincter to seal less effectively thus acids are allowed to rise to the esophagus.

There are other natural cures for acid reflux you can opt for and for further information on these, you may speak with your physician. Most likely, there are many very minor changes that you have to make in your life if you want the symptoms of acid reflux to be prevented naturally and successfully.