In the U.S., about 20% of people are affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making acid reflux a common health problem. If you’re not keen on taking antacids or prescription drugs every time you experience heartburn symptoms, you can turn to holistic treatments to improve your condition. Here are some do’s and don’ts for managing acid reflux without medication.

Do:

Chew food well.

Digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing your food properly breaks down the food into smaller bits and releases digestive enzymes from the saliva. Swallowing well-chewed food lessens the stress on the esophagus and makes your digestive system’s job a lot easier. 

Eat more fiber.

Some holistic treatments involve using food as natural medicine. In the case of GERD, eating more fiber can help keep symptoms at bay. Try to incorporate more whole foods like vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy grains into every meal.

Don’t:

Eat large meals.

Eating a large meal can stretch the stomach and create a considerable amount of gastric acid. It can also make digestion harder and increase the chances of acid reflux. Instead of wolfing down a big meal, eat smaller portions more often throughout the day.

Sleep right after eating.

Heading to bed immediately after a meal can worsen acid reflux symptoms, as lying down makes it easier for stomach contents to shift. Going to bed with pressure on your stomach can also make it difficult to fall asleep. It’s best to wait two to three hours after a meal before turning in.

For help developing a holistic treatment plan for your acid reflux, contact Smith Chiropractic Clinic. Serving patients throughout Cabarrus County, NC, since 1978, Dr. Andy Smith provides injury rehabilitation and chiropractic adjustments as well as holistic treatments. The practice also offers functional medicine, which can be an alternative to medication for people with digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cardiometabolic, neurological, and psychiatric conditions. Call (704) 788-3126 or visit the website to make an appointment.