If you often suffer from acid reflux, you already know all about the unpleasant pains and burning sensations in your chest that accompany this common condition. Does exercise help with acid reflux?
These symptoms usually occur when you eat something you know will cause them, but you continue to take off the delicious food and decide that you will deal with the consequences later.
As it turns out, there may be triggers other than food that make acid regurgitation worse – or help relieve symptoms. One such activity is exercise. So what is the connection between exercise and acid regurgitation?
To exercise or not to exercise is not the question
The simple answer is that certain types of exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of acid regurgitation, and other varieties will make them worse.
Usually, acid regurgitation will worsen if the exercise includes abdominal cramps, abdominal pressure, or high-intensity training. Anything that makes you lift heavy objects bends in a certain way or hold positions can trigger a backlash. Avoid running and sprinting, cycling, gymnastics or weightlifting.
More moderate and low-impact exercise can be pretty beneficial for acid regurgitation. Activities such as walking, very easy jogging, yoga, cycling, or swimming are excellent choices. Essentially, this can help you lose a few pounds, which will relieve symptoms associated with both GERD and acid regurgitation.
Reduce acid reflux while exercising
Losing weight should be the goal for overweight who often experiences heartburn and acid regurgitation. Exercise can get you to your goal. Never stop exercising even though it causes acid regurgitation. Find other types of exercise, or find out what you can do to worsen the symptoms.
The following tips can help relieve heartburn during exercise:
- Do not exercise within two hours after eating
- Avoid your typical reflux food triggers
- Eat a healthy meal before exercising
- Drink water while exercising to stay hydrated and aid digestion
- Take OTC medications before exercising
Keep notes of how different types of exercise routines affect acid reflux. Record what you ate before exercising and what medications you took. You may want to see a pattern and pass this information on to your GP to find a more appropriate treatment option.
Related articles:
