How your posture affects your acid reflux

How your posture affects your acid reflux

Although there are many types of antacids and other medications you can take to relieve acid reflux symptoms, did you also know that proper posture can have a positive effect on the way you digest food, thereby preventing acid reflux from occurring?

That's right, the postures you adopt while eating and immediately after eating are important because they can make digesting food either an easy or difficult process for your body. For example, sitting in a hunched forward position while eating and lying down immediately after eating puts additional strain on the stomach and can promote indigestion or heartburn.

Wearing something tight around your waist while eating (belt, tight pants, corset, etc.) puts pressure on your stomach. Tight clothing prevents your stomach from expanding and moving freely. This is a natural process during eating and digestion.

When you put excessive pressure on your stomach, it takes longer for your stomach to digest food. The longer it takes your stomach to digest food, the higher your chances of developing indigestion and/or acid reflux. Therefore, improving posture during and after meals can relieve or prevent heartburn symptoms.

Proper posture that promotes good digestion

Sit at Meals – When you eat, sit at a table. You should not eat while standing, walking, lying down, or driving.

Sit up - don't lean over the table to eat your food. Sit near the table and bring your utensil to your mouth rather than your mouth to your utensil. Follow these tips to ensure correct sitting posture:

o Sit in a chair that supports your back (e.g. high back, firm cushions, etc.).

o Keep your knees level with your hips and sit back in the chair as far as possible. To keep your knees straight, your feet should be flat on the floor

Note: If your lower back bothers you when sitting, place a round pillow or towel between the chair and the small back to provide support.

Take your time and eat - don't rush through your meal. Eating too quickly also causes digestive problems. You need to give your stomach time to register the food you eat.

Don't lie down - Although you should allow your body to rest after eating, make sure you sit or stand. Do not lie down as this slows down digestion.

How can I improve my posture?

1. Exercise – Regular back and abdominal exercises (e.g. yoga, Pilates, etc.) will strengthen muscles and maintain good posture without causing you discomfort.

2. Firm mattress and sleeping position – Sleep on a firm mattress that supports your back well. Either sleep on your back with your legs straight or place a pillow under your knees. If you sleep on your side, keep your legs slightly bent and make sure the top leg is straighter than the bottom leg. Don't sleep on your stomach.

3. Constant Awareness – Always be aware of how you sit or stand. This way, you can correct your posture when your body slips into its familiar bad habits.

Good posture improves your health and overall appearance. When you stop slouching, you will find that it not only aids digestion, but also relieves and prevents other problems that may arise that affect the neck, shoulders, and back. Smoothing and strengthening the back muscles has a positive effect on your well-being. Try it!

Inspired by Kathryn Whittaker