Suffering acidic burps too often? Try these 8 tips to deal with acid reflux at home

Do you frequently experience acidic burps after meals? While burping is the body’s way of releasing excess gas, the sour taste can be unpleasant. Acidic burps, also known as sour belching or sulfur burps, can occur due to various digestive issues such as reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bacterial infection H. pylori, or dietary mistakes. These burps may be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or swelling.

If you’re looking for simple and effective ways to deal with acid reflux and alleviate acidic burps at home, we’ve got you covered. But before we delve into the remedies, let’s understand the causes behind these digestive issues.

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Causes of Acidic Burps or Sour Belching

One common cause of acid reflux is a condition called hiatal hernia, where the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. The diaphragm, a muscle separating the chest from the abdomen, usually helps keep stomach acid in place. However, in the case of a hiatal hernia, acid can move up into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux symptoms and acidic burps.

What Triggers Acid Reflux in the Stomach?

Several factors can contribute to acid reflux and its associated symptoms, including:

• Overeating
• Excess weight or obesity
• Lying down or sleeping immediately after a heavy meal
• Consuming acidic foods like tomatoes, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy and fatty foods
• Drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Certain blood pressure medications

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Now that we know the causes, let’s explore eight effective remedies to help you combat sour belching, acidity, and acid reflux.

1. Shed Excess Weight

Obesity is a major contributor to acid reflux. The extra abdominal fat puts pressure on the stomach, forcing gastric juices into the esophagus. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of acid reflux and acidic burps.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods

To minimize the production of stomach acid, it’s important to steer clear of foods that can trigger acid reflux. These include fatty foods, spicy dishes, acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges, mint, chocolate, onions, coffee, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages.

3. Opt for Smaller Meals

Consuming large meals puts pressure on the diaphragm and increases the chances of experiencing acidity. Stick to smaller and more frequent meals to avoid overfilling your stomach and exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.

4. Don’t Lie Down Immediately

After a meal, avoid lying down or going to bed right away. Allow at least 2-3 hours for digestion before reclining. A horizontal position with no gravity to aid digestion can make acid movement against the diaphragm easier, leading to acid reflux. Let gravity do its job and aid in proper digestion.

5. Kick the Smoking Habit

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Smoking has been found to relax the muscles of the diaphragm and interfere with the saliva’s ability to clear acid from the esophagus. Quitting smoking is not only beneficial for your overall health but can also help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

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6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid rises into the throat. Smoking and alcohol can exacerbate this condition. You can mitigate these effects by switching to low-acid fruit juices such as apple or carrot juice, or simply by staying hydrated with water.

7. Opt for Loose-Fitting Clothes

Avoid wearing tight belts or garments that compress your stomach. Restrictive clothing can exert additional pressure on your stomach and intestines, potentially worsening symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

8. Try a Gluten-Free Diet

A study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggests that gluten, a protein found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat, can contribute to acidity symptoms. Consider eliminating gluten from your diet to see if it makes a difference in managing your acid reflux.

By following these eight simple tips, you can effectively tackle acidic burps, acidity, and acid reflux. Remember, everyone’s body is different, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. Embrace a healthier lifestyle to alleviate the discomfort caused by acid reflux and enjoy a better quality of life.

Sources: https://ncvc.org
Category: Health