Stop Acid Reflux Blog

Fact: Almost eight in 10 heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night.

The American Gastroenterological Association recently gave these suggestions that will help to spend a good night:

Eat your big meal at lunch instead of at night. That way, your stomach won’t still be working on that big meal when you go to bed. It may also be helpful to eat four or five smaller meals a day instead of three larger ones.

Eat at least two-to-three hours before bedtime or taking a nap. If you take naps, try sleeping in a chair. Lying down with a full stomach can cause stomach contents to press harder against the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chances of refluxed food.

Avoid foods that are known to lead to heartburn. These include chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, carbonated beverages, alcoholic drinks, citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, pepper, vinegar, ketchup and mustard.

Chew gum. It boosts saliva production and allows quicker and more efficient neutralization of acid in the esophagus.

Sleep with your head and shoulder on an incline. With the head higher than the stomach, gravity helps keep stomach contents where they belong — in the stomach. Elevate your head with pillows or a specially designed wedge.

Sleep on your left side. Studies have shown that this position aids digestion and helps with the removal of stomach acid. Sleeping on the right side has been shown to worsen heartburn.

(Info from Nancyann Rella - http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/06/03/hscout525769.html)