Do not use antacids long-term as they can negatively affect your mineral balance and your kidneys. They can also cause diarrhea.
H2 blockers may cause constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, nausea, vomiting, or trouble urinating. If this happens, stop taking them and see your doctor. For serious side effects like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Be aware of the side effects of PPIs, including headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and rash. Do not take PPIs long-term, as they are associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine.
Currently, Gaviscon is the only foam barrier on the market.
For example, maybe you ate breaded chicken, broccoli, and pasta in tomato sauce for dinner, then developed acid reflux. The trigger could be the chicken, the breading on the chicken, the broccoli, the pasta, or the tomato sauce. Leave out the tomato sauce the next time you make the meal. If you don’t get acid reflux, the tomato sauce was likely the culprit. If you do, it’s likely one of the other foods.
Also, chew your food several times before swallowing. This will help you digest more easily and quickly, putting less pressure on your digestive system. Try to have your meals two to three hours before bedtime. Eating earlier in the night will allow your stomach to digest the food properly before you lie down in bed.
First, drink 6 to 8 ounces of slightly warm water, then stand up and bring your arms straight out to your sides. Bend your arms at the elbows and bring both hands to meet your chest. Stand on your toes so your heels are lifted, then drop your heels down to the ground. Repeat this 10 times. After the 10th drop, keep your arms up and pant in short, quick breaths for 15 seconds.
You can also sip aloe vera throughout the day. Limit yourself to one to two cups a day total, as aloe vera can act as a laxative.
Try making your own lemonade or limeade to drink before bed. Mix a few teaspoons of pure lemon or lime juice and add water to taste. You can also add honey to the drink. Consume the lemonade or limeade during and after meals. The acid in the lemon or lime will tell your body it’s time to shut down acid production. [10] X Research source Vemulapall, R. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Nutr Clin Pract . 2008 vol. 23 no. 3 293-298.
Fennel tea is good for decreasing the acid levels in your stomach. Crush one teaspoon of fennel and add it to a cup of boiled water. [13] X Research source Vemulapall, R. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Nutr Clin Pract . 2008 vol. 23 no. 3 293-298. Chamomile tea can also help to soothe your stomach and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. [14] X Research source Petry JJ, Hadley SK. Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, Part 2. Hosp Pract (1995). 2001 Aug 15;36(8):55-9.
Slippery elm is considered safe for pregnant women. [16] X Research source Petry JJ, Hadley SK. Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, Part 2. Hosp Pract (1995). 2001 Aug 15;36(8):55-9.