Few conditions are more unpleasant than experiencing acid reflux. It's unnerving dealing with the pain and burning day in and day out. If acid reflux has invaded your life, you need help. Use these tips to help relieve your suffering. how to get rid of heartburn Slippery elm has proven effective in thickening the mucosal lining of your stomach. It helps guard acid excessive irritation from acid. To obtain the maximum relief, many people mix one or two tablespoons of slippery elm into their glass of water right before bed. To sleep well, think about propping your head with a mattress wedge. A book, piece of wood or something else that is similarly shaped will also do the trick. If money isn't a problem, you might even invest in a special bed with lumbar controls. Keep stomach acid in your stomach by elevating the top of your mattress with a wedge. If you do not have a wedge, place a block of wood or a few books under your mattress to raise your head. Electric beds are also an option here as well. how to get rid of heartburn If you haven't already quit smoking, do so now. Smoking may actually be the root cause of your acid reflux. Tobacco slows down your digestion and increases your stomach acids. It also weakens the muscles that keep your stomach closed tight. End the habit for good now. Nearly everyone has a specific trigger food, which is prone to cause reflux. You should partake of these foods infrequently. Some examples are fatty foods, citrus juices and coffee. Shed some excess pounds. Extra weight, especially around you waist, may add to the frequency of acid reflux. The fat that is stored in your stomach can lead to more acid, which causes acid reflux. Sometimes, just losing several pounds will help. Do not drink alcohol if you want to live free of acid reflux. It has two major effects on your body; it increases the amount of acid in your stomach and it destroys your stomach lining, both of which exacerbate acid reflux. On a night out with your friends, limit the amount of alcohol you consume in order to feel well when you arrive at home. Eat slowly. Don't clean your plate unless you are really that hungry. Instead, eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied. Relax, sit upright at a table and chew your food thoroughly. Eating too much or too quickly can worsen symptoms. You can try setting your fork down between bites to slow yourself down. Try moderate exercise that keeps you upright, such as walking. This will help you to push back acid into your stomach. Initially, standing up can help the digestion process. Second, walking can help you reduce your weight which may be causing your acid reflux. Vigorous exercise will worsen your symptoms, so keep the exercise regular but moderate. how to get rid of heartburn There are millions of people afflicted with acid reflux. Studies show that acid reflux occurs in approximately 33% of people. If it has happened to you, remember to utilize the tips you have read. They will be beneficial to you in the future.