Did you know that physical activity can cause heartburn in some people?
But if exercise makes your heartburn worse, that doesn’t mean you should give it up – there are some easy ways to get fast relief.
Celebrate great health! LIKE BlackDoctor.org on Facebook!
First, it’s important to not stop working out. Physical activity is too important for your overall health. Plus, regular exercise – 30 minutes or more most days of the week – also has results that may reduce heartburn in the long run:
• It eases physical and emotional stress. Stress can make heartburn worse by increasing stomach acid.
• It helps you stay at a healthy weight. Belly fat, in particular, can cause heartburn.
Exercise Triggers
Exercises like the ones below tend to put pressure on your abdomen. They may be more likely to push stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn:
• Crunches and sit-ups
• Leg lifts
• Yoga positions like “downward dog”
But everyone’s exercise triggers are different. Before cutting out any type of exercise, first try doing it at a different time of day.
The below tips may also help heartburn triggered by exercise:
Before Exercise
• Wait at least two hours after you eat before heavy physical activity. Don’t exercise on a full stomach.
• Make your pre-exercise meal a small one.
• Pass up protein and fatty snacks before exercise.
• Limit or avoid tomatoes, citrus fruits or juice, onions, spicy foods, chocolate, and peppermint, which are common heartburn triggers.
• Drink water to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.
During Exercise
• Drink plenty of water.
• If you like sports drinks, try diluting them to half-strength. The carbs in sports drinks may make heartburn worse.
After Exercise
Drinking a glass of reduced-fat milk may reduce heartburn.
Still Getting Heartburn?
Talk to your doctor about what exercises may make you less uncomfortable and how to ease heartburn if it happens.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
