Lifestyle Changes To Manage Heartburn

Heartburn is a common irritating condition countless women deal with throughout their life. It is even a common symptom pregnant women have! Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, and actually involves an irritated esophagus! Acid reflux, when stomach acid moves up the esophagus, is what triggers heartburn and the uncomfortable burning sensation. This is why many believe the two terms are interchangeable! There are many causes of heartburn and acid reflux, so sometimes it can be difficult for a woman to identify what her trigger is.

There are, however, ways to deal with heartburn quite effectively! Medical treatments, such as an acid reflux antacid for heartburn, work. Some even say antacids are the best heartburn relief! In addition to options like these, though, women can make several lifestyle changes to manage heartburn.

Consume More Fiber

Women can effectively manage their heartburn by making a point to consume more fiber. Fiber-rich foods help women stay fuller for longer, which can help women lose weight. This is discussed in detail later, but weight plays a role in heartburn. Besides this, foods that are high in fiber also don’t irritate the stomach or esophagus. They can be soothing in certain instances, lessening the severity of heartburn.

Great choices include beans and legume, broccoli, and dark, leafy greens such as kale. Many kinds of cereal are also fortified with fiber, and there are fiber supplements out there as well. In addition to treating existing heartburn, if women make their increased fiber consumption a permanent lifestyle change, they can also effectively prevent future episodes of heartburn.

Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothing can really make women feel confident in their appearance. The saying, after all, is if you got it, flaunt it! When dealing with heartburn, though, wearing loose clothing can make a significant difference. This is because tight clothing, particularly when it is tight around the stomach, causes more stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus when it presses on the stomach. The most common pieces include tight tank tops, form-fitting t-shirts, high-waisted and tight pants, and even belts to tighten clothes. Loose clothing gives the stomach space to breathe and expand, letting stomach acid stay where it should be.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Excess weight can trigger or even worsen heartburn. This is because excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, pushes the stomach up, causing acid to flow back into the esophagus. Thus, an important lifestyle change to manage heartburn is to maintain a healthy weight. This allows the stomach to remain where it should be, preventing acid from flowing into the esophagus as much.

Women should first make dietary changes like eating more fiber and other heartburn-friendly foods, including vegetables, egg whites, healthy fats, and lean meats. The amount of food eaten should also be looked at. Besides dietary choices, women should also get regular exercise. This will not only help with maintaining a healthy weight, but will increase their overall energy too!