Keys to avoid night reflux – Healthy ask
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Keys to avoid night reflux
Thousands of people are constantly looking for ways to avoid nighttime reflux. Although this condition can occur at any time of day, for many it is more frequent during the night and, in fact, it becomes a detonator of sleep disturbances.
Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by a weakening of the esophageal sphincter, which allows the return of stomach acids into the esophagus and mouth. Product of this, the affected person perceives an uncomfortable sensation of burning or irritation at the level of the sternum, which is usually accompanied by chest pain, heartburn and swallowing difficulties.
Fortunately, in most cases it is mild and does not lead to serious complications. Despite this, it is advisable to pay attention to it, because if it is repeated continuously It can affect both sleep and quality of life in general. How to control it? In the next space, we share some keys.
Why do I have reflux at night?
There are several factors that are related to the increase of acid reflux during the night period. First, It is associated with overly copious and irritating dinners, especially when they are taken shortly before going to bed.
Since digestion is difficult and the body remains in a lying position, the tone of the esophageal sphincter decreases and the acidic secretions manage to return towards the esophagus and the mouth. The same happens when you drink very hot drinks before sleeping or when lying in an inappropriate position.
However, this problem is also common among tobacco users, people under stress and those who wear too tight sleepwear. Because, The first line for your treatment is to improve your lifestyle, correcting the bad habits that can cause it or make it worse.
Tips to avoid reflux at night
There are several measures that can help avoid nighttime reflux, especially when it is a recurrent or severe problem. While it is important to see your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause of the symptoms, In general, these recommendations can support your treatment.
Avoid eating before sleeping
Although it is not advisable to go to bed without eating, it is also not right to eat dishes shortly before bedtime. The ideal thing is to dine lightly, about two or three hours before going to sleep. Thus, the acid secretions of the stomach will be under control when going to bed.
Discover: 7 feeding tips to treat gastroesophageal reflux
Limit the consumption of irritating foods
Foods that increase the level of heartburn they can worsen the symptoms of nocturnal reflux. Therefore, it is advisable to limit, especially at night, the consumption of tomatoes, caffeine, sausages, fried foods, seasoned dishes and alcoholic beverages.
One of the most advisable measures to avoid night reflux is to sleep with the torso slightly elevated. For this, it is convenient to raise the head of the bed. So, by putting the body in a horizontal position, the stomach and throat are at the same height, what keeps the gastric acids in place.
Although the reasons are not entirely clear, sleeping on the left side could reduce episodes of nocturnal reflux. Apparently, for anatomical reasons, sleeping on the right side of the stomach causes the esophageal sphincter to be more exposed to stomach acid, what causes reflux.
Overweight and obese patients need to lose weight to control reflux. Due to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal perimeter, the gastric compression increases and the acids manage to return towards the esophagus.
Read also: 7 habits that cause gastroesophageal reflux
Not only before going to bed, but for the rest of the day. These habits can even aggravate the symptoms.
For comfort and health, it is best to choose loose clothing to sleep. Overly tight pajamas can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which allows the return of acidic stomach secretions.
An adequate management of stress not only decreases the risk of nocturnal reflux, but also favors a good quality of sleep. For this, it is recommended to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or reading.
If the symptoms persist or worsen despite applying these recommendations, it is best to go to the doctor. The professional will determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment.
What to take for gastric reflux?
In addition to applying the recommendations mentioned in the previous section, to promote the relief of the discomfort of night reflux we can also consider the use of a medication for reflux such as Gaviscon, which combats the burning sensation and acidity of the stomach. Thanks to its double action forms a protective raft in the mouth of the stomach, preventing acids from rising into the esophagus and thus fighting the burning sensation, while quickly neutralizing the excess acid in the stomach by fighting the sensation of acidity. Read the instructions for this medication and consult the pharmacist. Gaviscon is a medicine from Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, S.A.
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