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Higher Acid Reflux During Winters? Yeah, You Heard That Right!

By Priya Mewada +2 more

To know how cold weather alleviates acid reflux as well as some quick and easy measures to cope with it, continue reading.

Acidity free

Acidity and heartburn, albeit very common, bothers most of us due to their annoying symptoms.   Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acidity occurs when acid from the stomach leaks into the oesophagus. This results in heartburn and, many times, an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth. But is it true that many people suffer more from acidity during the winter season? Read on.

Your acid reflux worsens in winter! Find out why.

Acidity may peak or worsen during the winter. This is probably due to staying indoors for long, being less physically active and eating oily, spicy and junk foods during the winter season. The increased caloric intake and reduced physical activity result in a higher body mass index than that in summer. All these factors lead to a slow digestion process, ultimately causing acid reflux.

Thus, if people eat or overindulge in the wrong food and are physically inactive, the digestive system can become a source of a considerable illness such as acid reflux. Increased risk of acid reflux also comes down to specific biological factors, apart from less exercise and digestive issues.  

Another factor to consider with acid reflux is the lower amount of sunlight you get during winter. Whether you live in colder geography or experience days that are shorter during the winter months, this season may result in much lower sunlight exposure. Less sunlight on the skin means that your body is producing much less vitamin D (the body naturally creates this vitamin when sunlight hits your skin). Low vitamin D levels can result in the oesophageal sphincter relaxing, which allows acid to pass into the oesophagus.  

Lastly, another potential trigger for acid reflux specific to winter may be increased alcohol consumption. The winter months are usually also the holiday season for many people around the world and while moderate alcohol consumption is okay, drinking too often or too much can be an aggravator for an acid attack. Alcohol is acidic and also causes increased acid reflux symptoms. Cutting down or keeping track of your alcohol intake can be a keep factor in reducing your symptoms during the winter.  

This is why it is always a great idea to adopt preventive measures and avoid acidity problems. Below we’ve noted down similar, easy acid reflux home remedies that are quick and effective.

The quick tips and tricks given below can help you cope with seasonal digestive distress:

1. Eat smaller and more frequent meals

For preventing indigestion, eat smaller & more frequent meals.

2. Take it slow

Practice mindful eating; taste your food, savour it, space it out. If you fill your stomach too fast, you’ll feel gas, bloating and discomfort. One good way to slow down food intake is by cutting your food into small pieces, then chewing each bite well.

3. Store food safely

Keep cold foods in the refrigerator, hot foods in a suitable place, and if you have doubts about that salad, steak, or other foods, discard them. Perishable food should not be kept for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

4. Avoid fried and acidic foods

To prevent acidity, bloating, and other symptoms of overindulgence, limit or avoid fatty food like fried foods and cheese, aerated foods like sodas and beans, and acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, colas, tea, and coffee. These foods take longer to digest and increase the risk of heartburn.

5. Keep yourself hydrated

Make sure you’re getting enough fluids. Don’t gulp down glass after glass, which can cause you to swallow air, leading to bloating and gas. Drink sensibly when you are thirsty.

acid reflux

The below-mentioned home remedies are easy on your stomach. You can try all of these and see what works best for you.

  • Apple cider vinegar – Add 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unpasteurised apple cider vinegar to a cup of water for fast relief
  • Ginger – Drink a cup of ginger tea as needed to soothe your stomach and get rid of indigestion.
  • Fennel seed – Put 1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seed in water and allow it to boil for 10 minutes before drinking
  • Lemon water – Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in hot or warm water and drink a few minutes before eating.

This winter, manage acid reflux with medication-

Medications to get relief from acid reflux and heartburn is an effective and efficient way of treating GERD. Several available treatments include antacids (neutralise stomach acids), H2-receptor blockers (reduce acid production) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; block acid production and heal the oesophagus). Make sure you consult the doctor to find the right treatment for your condition this winter and enjoy food without suffering from acidity.

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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