Out of many things you feel after a hard workout. Acid reflux is one of them. Exercising with vigorous movements or shaking pushes acid up the stomach into the esophagus. This can cause burning or irritation. Acidity or reflux can be a common problem for some people after exercising. Especially if eating heavy meals before exercise or doing exercises that require a lot of bending or twisting. There are different precautions you can take to avoid exercise-induced acidity.
Health Shots reached out to Dr. Shuchin Bajaj of the Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals to understand how to deal with post-exercise acidity.
How to deal with acidity after exercise?
Exercise can cause acid reflux if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is too weak or too relaxed. Food and stomach acid flow back from the stomach to the esophagus. However, don’t worry. Post-exercise acidosis can be prevented in the following ways, according to expert advice.
1. Avoid heavy meals before exercise.
“Try to lighten your stomach by eating light meals. or pre-workout snack And at least 30 minutes to half an hour before you start exercising,” experts recommend.
2. Drink enough water
Drinking enough water before, during, and after exercise can help prevent acid reflux. Dehydration can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. Therefore, drink plenty of water.
3. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
“There are certain foods and drinks, such as spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks that can lead to acid reflux. Try to avoid these foods and drinks before or after your workout,” experts say.
4. Lie down
Don’t lie down immediately after exercising. Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before lying down or going to bed.
Also Read: Saunas Can Prevent Acidity and Give You These 9 Benefits Too!
5. Use an anti-acid agent.
Over-the-counter acid reflux medications can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. If you feel sick Try taking antacids as recommended. If you are dealing with chronic acid reflux You may want to talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes that can change your situation.
6. Try baking soda
in extreme cases It is always advisable to consult a health professional. However, trying natural remedies is not a good idea for temporary relief. You may also add baking soda to the water, which helps to neutralize stomach acid and flush out stomach acid. This is because baking soda increases the amount of salt in your body. Consult your doctor before attempting this.
7. Avoid certain types of exercise.
Some people are more prone to acid binding than others due to certain types of exercise. You have to experiment to see what type of exercise triggers acid reflux in your body. If you find a concrete solution You can also try light exercise such as indoor exercise or running. Sometimes, core exercises can also cause such problems. Performing inversions or upside down dog poses in yoga can also cause acidosis. Because they work against the natural gravity of digestion.
Following these tips will help you reduce your symptoms and feel more comfortable after exercising.
