Why am I still having acid reflux problems while lying flat when I sleep?
Since September of 2009 I have been having problems associated with my stomach. After visiting the doctor multiple times, all of the doctors I have visited says that they can not find anything wrong with me, and they each say it seems to be acid reflux. If i try to take prilosec, nexium, and stomach acid reducing pills, it makes the symptoms worse I have changed my diet to cure this acid reflux and everything is healing. The only problems I seem to still be having is laying down flat while sleeping, and occasional stomach aches. The foods that I eat does not trigger my acid reflux, and I can basically eat anything I want, but when I try to sleep at night I have to keep my head elevated. If I try and lay flat, i get a choking sensation in my throat. This started occurring when the acid reflux first appeared. The rest of my symptoms are gone, but I still can’t seem to lay flat while I sleep. What is causing this and how can I treat it?
Tagged with: Acid • flat • having • lying • Problems • Reflux • Sleep • Still
Filed under: Acid Reflux Diet
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“What is causing this and how can I treat it?”
Gravity.. and a weak Upper Esophageal Sphincter. The UES is the pinch valve at top of the stomach. When it works properly it stops the gastric contents from emptying into the mouth and throat… even when we stand on our heads.
It isn’t easy to fix a leaky UES, but you can live with it if you would just chock up the head of your bed. I do. I have 6 inch blocks under the feet at the head of my bed. 9″ is better. Warning: you can not get the same benefit from sleeping on a pile of pillows. That actually worsens reflux.
-ENT MDx30y
Ugh. Isn’t acid reflux horrible?
There are lots of things you can do to reduce it. The article in the source section has all the tips.
First thing, don’t sleep flat. Elevate your bed. Not with pillows – put a 3-6 inch block under the top part.
Don’t wear clothes that are too tight. Sounds funny, but can cause restriction and more acid reflux. Don’t smoke, avoid coffee and excessive alcohol and acid drinks like OJ. Exercise regularly.
The good thing is that acid reflux can come and go, so in a year, you many no longer have symptoms. Best of luck.
I had the same problems like yours. I researched on the internet after I tried all the medications for acid reflux. I found this website: http://www.earthclinic.com. Many have recommended apple cider vinegar.
It did wonders for me. Try it. It won’t harm but do you good. Drink it after dinner or before you go to bed at night. Buy Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother). 2 tbs of this in a glass of warm water.
The problem you have at night is because while lying flat, you are reducing the effect that gravity has in helping you retain your stomach contents where they belong … in your stomach. It is not simply a matter of raising your head. You must elevate your whole upper body and this can be easily achieved by placing blocks under the head of your bed to raise it by about six inches. This will help gravity do its work.
You also say that the foods that you eat do not trigger your acid reflux but there are some other factors associated with eating that are known to help prevent acid reflux occurring. These are
a) try not to make the last meal of the day a large one. In fact it is best to eat smaller meals regularly throughout the day.
b) eat your last meal of the day at least three hours before going to bed
c) avoid lying down after eating that last meal
d) avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before going to bed
and additionally
e) gentle exercise such as a walk, before turning in, is also known to help.
f) DONT SMOKE
These are some of the simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in preventing acid reflux.
If you are interested in finding out more about totally natural remedies and treatment for acid reflux then a good place to start is http://naturalremediesforheartburn.com/natural-remedies/