ABOUT ACID INDIGESTION

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At the entrance to your stomach lies a valve called your lower esophageal sphincter. Normally, your lower esophageal sphincter closes as soon as food passes through it. When it doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus, which can cause symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation - the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth. Other symptoms may include bloating, bloody or black stools, vomiting, burping, hiccups that don't ease up, nausea, and esophageal dysphagia.

If you experience acid indigestion symptoms more than twice a week, it's possible you may suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and should seek advice from your doctor.

LIFESTYLE TIPS

  • EXPAND VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

    Heartburn has a lot to do with our lifestyle, how we eat, how we sleep and how much exercise we get.
    By now, you may be familiar with several good lifestyle habits to get into if you want to help avoid heartburn, but we’d like to point out a few more.
    Don't be like me, I usually just want to nap after a meal
    but if you're feeling up to it, take a walk after dinner. It helps aid in digestion and it's a great way to get in some low impact exercise.
    Sleeping after a meal may cause heartburn.
    If you smoke, stop. For obvious reasons, not just because it will help you fight heartburn.
    Smoking causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allows acid to splash up.
    Finally, relax. Really.
    Stress can factor into whether or not you get heartburn.
    Listen to some music, read a book, paint a picture, whatever you do to relax, but make sure you do it often and properly. Stress is a common factor in many illnesses, so the less you carry around with you the better you'll feel.
    These are just a few lifestyle tips you can implement to help with your heartburn.
    If you'd like to know more, visit gaviscon.com.

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CAUSES OF ACID REFLUX

There are several possible causes of acid reflux, as it is a very common condition.

Eating large meals, lying down after eating, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, being pregnant, being overweight or obese, and consuming similar heartburn trigger foods and beverages can lead to experiencing acid indigestion symptoms.

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ACID REFLUX TREATMENT

In order to reduce your risk for acid reflux, which can cause heartburn, you can be proactive in prevention by sticking to a low-fat, high-protein meals. Also, eat smaller meals more frequently and stop eating before you get too full. Also, try to be aware of foods that tend to trigger indigestion and avoid them as much as possible. If you smoke, quitting can help prevent heartburn. Try to eat at least 2-3 hours before lying down, and avoid over-eating. You can also elevate the head of your bed if necessary.
Remember, Gaviscon® antacids neutralize stomach acid and help keep acid down for hours.* Talk to your healthcare provider about which Gaviscon® antacid product is best for you.
*WHEN USED AS DIRECTED.

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