Reflux Relief: Mastering the Trick to Lessen Your Symptoms

Written by Michelle Buckingham, podcast guest

Are you having tummy troubles even though you use an antacid? Try these tricks to reduce symptoms and maybe even the need for medication:

The trick to less reflux is to reduce the pressure both inside and outside your stomach to keep stomach contents where they belong. So ditch the tight pants and belt, don’t sleep on your stomach, and stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after meals to reduce the pressure outside your stomach.

To reduce pressure inside your stomach, chew foods slowly and thoroughly (promotes stomach emptying), drink fluids with meals (helps move food through), eat lower fat meals (fat is harder to digest) and eat your biggest meals at breakfast and lunch (the gi tract slows down in the evenings). It can also help to cut back on peppermint and chocolate, they contain compounds that can increase reflux. These changes help reduce the pressure inside your stomach.

You can also reduce symptoms by practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing, since stress hormones can cause stomach upset.

So reduce the pressure inside and out of your stomach and practice stress management and I bet your tummy will feel much better!

Michelle Buckingham, MA,RD,LDN. is a registered dietitian and wellness coach.  She specializes in simplifying this information and making it easy to apply in the real world – your own life. She helps everyone, from people with diabetes and high cholesterol to folks who simply want to stay well. As a registered, licensed dietitian/nutritionist with over 23 years’ experience, she loves helping folks regain the joy of eating and wellness in the context of their everyday lives.