IMPROVE YOUR HABITS

IMPROVE YOUR HABITS
What else can you do to control your GERD symptoms? Changing your sleep habits is essential. Try not to lie down for at least three hours after you've eaten. That's when your stomach acids are most active. Also, elevating your bed can lessen your heartburn and help you get more restful sleep. You must actually prop up the end of the bed where your head rests. Using extra pillows won't do the trick—the whole bed frame must be elevated. You can do this by slipping a four-by-four board, or phonebooks that are about four inches high, under two of the bedposts. You might need help to do this, but it takes only a minute. By following these steps, your heartburn and your sleep should improve.
Get Moving
Some people find that taking walks after meals helps to calm their heartburn. This is also a good way to boost your metabolism to help you lose weight. Plus, a light workout can improve your emotional well-being. Studies have shown that stress can worsen heartburn. By addressing the cause of any stress and figuring out ways to cope with it, you can also lessen your heartburn. Give yoga or meditation, a try. And take the time to talk to your friends and family about anything that's bothering you – that's what loved ones are there for.
Quit Smoking
It goes without saying that if you smoke, you should quit. But if you've been putting off quitting, know that smoking is thought to stimulate the stomach to produce more acid than normal—making your heartburn even worse.