Acid reflux happens when the acids in the stomach flow back into the esophagus and irritate the muscle tissues. Also referred to as heartburn, this is a digestive disorder that causes frequent reflux and a lot of pain and irritation. But it is possible to manage the symptoms with simple changes like meal plans, treatments, and natural remedies to provide long-term relief. Here are some ways to manage acid reflux.

Remedies for heartburn
Mild to moderate heartburn symptoms can be managed at home with some effective natural remedies.

Avoid consuming certain substances
Many daily foods and beverages contain compounds that could trigger a reflux. This can be anything from a cup of coffee or carbonated beverages to even acidic fruits, vegetables, fatty foods, and spicy foods. These foods and beverages increase the production of stomach acid that forces its way back up the esophagus. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help prevent frequent flareups.

Avoid overeating
The stomach can only manage a finite amount of food at once, and it takes time to digest everything consumed. So, overeating will only force the organ to work overtime and, in the process, trigger discomforts linked to acid reflux. The simple solution here is to practice eating mindfully with smaller portion sizes, spreading out the meals, and pausing between heavy meals.

Getting proper sleep
Changes in sleeping positions can also prevent the stomach acid from regurgitating. Experts usually advise not to have a heavy meal right before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach keeps the organ hyperactive and forces its contents up the tract. Further, elevating the head with extra pillows and sleeping on the left side will prevent the acid from flowing back up the esophagus. This is mainly due to the design of the tract, as it curves to one side.

Manage stress levels
Stress raises the cortisol levels in the body, triggering a hormonal imbalance. Many people experience reflux as soon as stress levels elevate. Stress is one of the most prevalent silent factors that contribute to health complications, even something as non-major as acid reflux. Doctors advise to practice meditation, yoga, muscle relaxation techniques, and deep breathing to lower stress levels.

Acid reflux treatment options
Normally, lifestyle changes and prescriptions should suffice to treat mild to moderate symptoms. But in rare and severe cases, doctors suggest endoscopic therapy and surgery as a final treatment option for those who suffer from persistent discomfort.

Oral treatments

Antacids, histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and certain prokinetic agents can help manage the symptoms of acid reflux. However, antacids are not a frequently suggested solution, as regular use (although provides relief) triggers the release of more stomach acids. Some people are prescribed histamine blockers to help lower the production of stomach acid. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors are a more potent treatment option over histamine blockers but are only given when the symptoms could potentially lead to esophageal damage. Prokinetic agents are usually prescribed as a combination treatment with other options that work.

Endoscopic therapy and surgery
There are a few endoscopic therapies under clinical trials that are minimally invasive, have a faster recovery time, and are less painful than surgical alternatives. Such treatments are usually done to repair the valve to naturally prevent stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Since these ideas are still in the trial phase, surgeons usually perform a more common procedure called Nissen fundoplication. Here, the ideal strategy is to surgically repair the faulty valve by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower section of the esophagus. This procedure does provide long-term relief from major discomforts linked to acid reflux. Nissen fundoplication is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning it will be minimally invasive.

Lifestyle changes
Doctors may also suggest lifestyle changes based on the severity of the symptoms and protocol for acid reflux treatments. Avoiding the use of substances that are harmful to the body is one of the key lifestyle changes done to manage acid reflux. These include beverages and foods that trigger temporary satisfaction but harm major organs in the long run. Doctors also suggest losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) to avoid pressure on the abdominal region.

Foods that help manage acid reflux
Fiber is an one of the essential component that aids digestion and help overcome discomforts caused due to acid reflux. Nutritionists recommend including more broccoli, garbanzo beans, lentils, brown rice, bulgur wheat, whole wheat grains, and oats (among other fiber-rich foods) to improve reflux. Decaf herbal teas have also been known to provide relief from sudden symptoms, so it is beneficial to try out chamomile, green, and fennel teas. Following a low carbohydrate food regime regimen will also help provide some relief, as it prevents undigested carbs in the stomach from producing gas and causing bloating. Overall, subtle changes in daily foods complimented by lifestyle choices can help prevent major flareups.