Bad Eating Habits
You probably already know that extremely spicy or acidic foods can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn. However, high-fat foods, on the other hand, increase the risk of heartburn in a different way. The higher the fat content, the longer a food takes to digest. And when this happens, it means the stomach stays distended longer, which is a potential cause of acid reflux.
Getting extremely full also distends the stomach. It increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, and as we've already established, this pressure allows stomach acid back into esophagus. Eating smaller, more frequent meals (with a low fat content) may help if you’ve been suffering from acid reflux frequently.
Other times, an overly relaxed sphincter lets out the acid when you have an empty stomach—this often leads to heartburn between meals. To remedy this problem, try keeping a small snack around to alleviate it. Other behavioral techniques that can make a difference include not eating or drinking while lying down, sleeping with the head slightly elevated, and not eating right before going to sleep.
Did you know...
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.