The consumption of acidic and spicy foods, lying down immediately after eating, having a cup of coffee, guzzling down alcohol — these are some of the most common triggers of acid reflux. Are you wondering why the uncomfortable condition tends to bug you from time to time even though you are doing your best to avoid the culprits mentioned earlier? Unknowingly, you may be doing certain things that can also be blamed for acid reflux. Get to know them by reading on!
Supplementing with Fish Oil
It’s a fact that fish oil is good for your mood, cognitive functioning and cardiovascular health — thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content. But did you know that taking fish oil supplement can actually leave you with acid reflux? It’s not the fish oil itself to blame, but the oil form that it comes in. Skip the supplement and try to include more fish in the diet.
Indulging in Chocolates
There are 3 reasons why enjoying chocolates can cause acid reflux. First, it contains caffeine, a well-known acid reflux trigger. Second, chocolates have fat in them, which is another trigger of the problem. Third, they have cocoa, something that can be blamed for acid reflux attacks.
Smoking Cigarettes
The terrible effects of smoking on the health are known to many. If you’re a smoker and an acid reflux sufferer at the same time, it is certainly a good idea to ditch the habit. The smoke given off by cigarettes weakens the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, permitting acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Drinking Carbonated Beverages
Soda and other fizzy drinks should be avoided if you don’t want your acid reflux to ruin your day. They cause your stomach to expand, and the unwanted pressure they apply against the walls of your stomach can commence a bout of acid reflux. Also, most of these beverages are acidic and caffeinated.
Packing Excess Pounds
Being overweight is said to cause frequent attacks of acid reflux. How? Scientists believe that fat situated in the midsection is causing unwanted pressure in the stomach. Also, they blame poor eating habits common among overweight people. Shed off those excess pounds to ward off acid reflux and other health problems associated with obesity.
Taking Certain OTC Medications
You have a nagging headache so you take an aspirin. In just a few minutes, your acid reflux is acting up. This does not really come as a shock because certain pills in your medicine cabinet can be blamed of acid reflux. Some of them include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, antibiotics and high blood pressure medications.
Consuming Dairy Products
Just about anything that’s laden with fat can leave you with acid reflux, and it includes dairy. The likes of milk, cheese and butter is certainly a no-no for people like you who are prone to having acid reflux. If you cannot stay away from them entirely, consider going for low- or non-fat variants.
Being Stressed Out
It’s no secret that stress, especially the chronic kind, can have all sorts of profound effect on the health. It is also something
That can be blamed for those nasty acid reflux attacks. According to the experts, stress can leave you more receptive to pain, thus a little discomfort in the tummy can lead to a vicious bout of acid reflux.
Having Peppermint Tea
One of the best home remedies for indigestion is peppermint tea. However, opting for this all-natural solution is a terrible idea if you are prone to acid reflux attacks. That’s because it can aggravate the problem that pesters you from time to time. Steer clear of anything with peppermint, including candies.
Are there other lesser-known acid reflux triggers that you would like to share? Feel free to post them below!
