Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. It happens when some of the acidic stomach contents go back up into the oesophagus. Acid reflux creates a burning pain in the lower chest area, often after eating. Lifestyle risk factors include obesity and smoking. 

Drug treatments are the most common therapy and are available on prescription and OTC. Gas, Bloating, and Burping - avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and bran. The amount of gas that different foods cause varies from person to person.

Here are some key points to avoid acid reflux:

  • Avoid gulping food or beverages - Eat slowly. Avoid gulping food or beverages. When you rush through meals or eat on the run, you are more likely to swallow air. Chew your food thoroughly before you swallow. 
  • Avoid talking while you chew.  
  • Avoid drinking through a straw.  
  • Avoid chewing gum or eating hard candy.  
  • Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Do not drink alcohol.  
  • Avoid sudden changes in stomach temperature, such as drinking a hot beverage and then a cold beverage.  
  • If you wear dentures, check with a dentist to make sure they fit properly.  
  • Keep calm. Tension and anxiety can cause you to swallow air.  
  • Keep a food diary if you suspect that gas is caused by certain foods. Write down what you eat or drink and when symptoms occur to help you identify foods or drinks that may cause gas. After these problem foods are identified, avoid or limit them to reduce or prevent symptoms.   
  • Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about ways to maintain a balanced diet if you want to permanently eliminate certain foods or drinks. 
  • If  you suspect milk or other dairy items are causing your symptoms, try limiting or eliminating these foods.
  • If  you cook with dry beans, soak them in water overnight, then pour off the water and cook the soaked beans in fresh water. This may reduce the amount of natural sugars in the beans after the cooling process and help      prevent gas and bloating.  
  • Do not overeat and over hydrate either. Eat when hungry and drink when thirsty. Large meals can make you feel bloated. So possibly 2-meal a day plan within a gap of 8/10 hrs would be ideal. Ex: brunch at 11.30am and supper at 7:30pm.  
  • Avoid constipation, which is a common cause of bloating. 
  • Avoid laxatives eat natural fibrous foods that helps. 
  • Use an antigas product that you can buy without a prescription. 
  • Food enzymes ( ex- Beano) which help break down the sugars found in vegetables and grains, can be added to foods that cause you to have gas.  
  • If you have lactose intolerance, lactase enzyme supplements, such as Dairy Ease and Lactic Lactaid, can be taken with dairy products to help break down lactose in food. 
  • Peppermint  and other herbs (carminatives) that soothe the digestive tract may permit belching and decrease bloating after large meals.  
  • Regular exercise, yoga and meditation and remember you are what you eat so take care and be aware and conscious on what you put into your system.