Working Girl Wellness - Bye Bye Acid Reflux

What is acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is a disorder that causes acid from the stomach to flow upward into the esophagus.

How do you know if you have it?

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

heartburn
a sour taste in the mouth
difficulty swallowing
regurgitation
a feeling of excessive fullness
excessive belching
transparent yellowing teeth (caused by stomach acid)

How to deal with it

Belly Breathing

This is amazing for when you have an onset of acid reflux and is particularly great for reflux related burping and discomfort. It is also a great practice for work as it reduces stress and anxiety, improves attention and focus and is an easy, discrete remedy.

Belly Breathing – How to do it:

Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen just above your belly button.
Imagine you have a balloon in your stomach under your hand.
Imagine inflating the balloon as you breathe in, to a count of seven.
Feel your belly rise up under your hand.
Breathe out through your mouth, imagining that the balloon is deflating, to a count of seven.
Feel your belly deflate.
Keep your chest and shoulders down and still.
Practice for five minutes whenever you have an onset of symptoms.

Eat smaller meals / Do not overeat

Eating smaller meals puts less pressure on the stomach, which can prevent the backflow of stomach acids.

Do not eat just before bed

Try to leave at least three hours between your last meal and going to bed so that your food is properly digested before you go to sleep.

Once you go to bed, try elevating your head with pillows to avoid heartburn.

Drink Ginger Tea

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural treatment for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems.

Try Oatmeal Porridge With Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is incredibly soothing and cooling for the tummy. Oatmeal has been recognised as a remedy for acid reflux. For added cooling, soothing properties add honey.

Other non-triggering foods:

Healthy fats such as avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.
Non-citrus fruits, including melons, bananas, apples, and pears.
Vegetables including green beans, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and cucumbers.

Avoid the following foods and drinks