If you experience burning chest pain after eating it’s likely symptoms of acid reflux. Those with symptoms often wonder, how do you treat acid reflux? You are not alone, one in five also suffers from these symptoms too. Defined as gastrointestinal reflux, it is often referred to as acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the esophagus does not close properly. This allows acid from the stomach to backflow into the esophagus and causes irritation.

The most common symptom is heartburn. Those suffering often wonder how you treat acid reflux. Here are five ways to stop heartburn and acid reflux:

1. Eat smaller meals slowly

Eating slower is important because it allows your body to naturally signal you when you are full. Too often we are forced to eat quickly during short scheduled meal breaks. When we eat too fast our bodies are not able to signal in time that we are full. Often resulting in overeating which can make acid reflux more likely. Take charge of your meals by making sure you have enough time to eat smaller meals slowly.

2. Avoid acidic and spicy foods

There are some foods that can trigger acid reflux more than others. Avoiding acidic and spicy foods can greatly decrease the likelihood of getting heartburn. Acidic foods like coffee can make you more likely to suffer from heartburn. This is because they only add to the natural acid already inside your digestive system. Eliminating or reducing the quantities you consume on a daily basis will have a lasting effect. When it comes to spicy foods they contain a substance called capsaicin. This substance decreases the speed of digestion. Resulting in food being trapped in the stomach far longer which can result in heartburn. Decreasing the number of spicy foods in your diet will help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

3. Eliminating carbonated beverages

Drinking a carbonated beverage puts more stress onto the stomach from the carbonation. All the little bubbles from any carbonated drink can add stress to the lower esophageal. The carbonation increases pressure as it releases carbon dioxide gas. Often these beverages are also highly acidic. Making heartburn even more likely. Don’t drink carbonated beverages at all. Eliminating these drinks from your diet can reduce the likelihood of acid reflux.

4. Sleep on an Incline

When you sleep on an incline it helps keep stomach acid inside your stomach. Laying too flat can result in the fluids backing up. An incline helps your digestion system keep working properly by using gravity. To achieve the optical incline sleep with your head six to eight inches higher than your feet. Often adding an extra thick pillow under your head or using bed risers under the bed-frame can help create the desired incline.

5. Quit smoking

The nicotine inside cigarettes relaxes the lower esophageal. Meaning stomach acid can more easily back up and cause you to feel the symptoms caused by acid reflux. Smokers who experience heartburn often find that when they quit smoking symptoms decrease. Smoking can also cause muscle spasms that can contribute to acid reflux. Quitting smoking can be hard. Yet, the positive health benefits can be all the motivation needed to start.

Acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn can be very unpleasant. Use these ways to stop heartburn and prevent it next time as well. Nobody wants to suffer through acid reflux. Stopping it before it even starts will keep you enjoying life better.