How Your Posture Is Affecting Your Acid Reflux
Although there are many types of antacids and other medications that you can take to help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, did you also know that correct posture can have a positive impact on the way you digest food, thus preventing acid reflux from occurring? ?
That’s right, the postures you adopt while eating food and right after eating are important, as they can make digesting food an easy or difficult process for your body. For example, sitting in a hunched-forward position while eating and lying down immediately after a meal puts extra pressure on the stomach and can promote indigestion or heartburn.
Also, wearing anything tight around the waist (belts, tight pants, corset, etc.) while eating puts pressure on the stomach. Tight clothing prevents the belly from expanding and moving freely, which 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 your stomach takes to digest food, the greater your chances of developing indigestion and/or acid reflux. Therefore, improving posture during and after meals can help or prevent heartburn symptoms.
Proper posture that promotes good digestion.
Sit down at meals: When you eat, you must be seated at a table. You should not eat standing up, walking, lying down or while driving.
Sit down: Do not slouch or slouch over the table to eat. Sit close to the table and bring your utensil to your mouth, instead of your mouth to your utensil. To ensure proper posture while sitting, follow these tips:
o Sit in a chair that supports your back (i.e., high back, firm cushions, etc.)
o Keep your knees about hip-width apart and sit as far back in the chair as possible. To keep your knees level, your feet should be flat on the ground.
Note: If your lower back is bothering you when sitting, place a round cushion or towel between the chair and your lower back for support.
Take your time and eat: don’t rush to eat. Eating too fast also causes digestion problems. You must allow your stomach to register the food eaten.
Don’t lie down: Although you should allow your body to rest after you’ve eaten, make sure you’re either sitting or standing. Do not lie down as this delays digestion.
How can I improve my posture?
1. Exercise – Regular back and abdominal exercises (ie yoga, pilates, etc.) will strengthen your muscles and help maintain good posture without causing you discomfort.
2. Firm mattress and sleeping position: Sleep on a mattress that is firm and provides good back support. Either sleep on your back and keep your legs straight or place a pillow under your knees, or 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 are sitting or standing. That way, you can correct your posture if your body falls into its familiar bad habits.
Good posture improves your health and overall appearance. When you stop slouching, you will find that this will not only aid digestion, but it will also help alleviate and prevent other neck, shoulder, and back related problems that can occur. Straightening and strengthening your back muscles does wonders for your well-being. Give it a try!