Innocent Habits That Secretly Trigger Acid Reflux

49. The Overlooked Role of Dehydration

While drinking too much water at once can cause reflux, not drinking enough throughout the day is a subtle but significant trigger. Your saliva is a powerful, natural buffer against stomach acid. When you are dehydrated, your saliva production decreases, leaving your esophagus with less protection against any acid that creeps up. Staying properly hydrated with small, frequent sips of water throughout the day ensures that your body has a healthy supply of saliva to neutralize acid and helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, preventing acid reflux.

50. High-Intensity Exercise on an Empty Stomach

Your list mentions exercising too soon after eating, but the opposite can also be a problem. When you engage in a strenuous workout on an empty stomach, your body can experience a drop in blood sugar. This can sometimes cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, which can allow stomach acid to travel upward. Additionally, the vigorous movements of high-intensity exercise can jostle your stomach, even when it's empty. To avoid this, try having a small, easy-to-digest snack, like a banana, about 30 minutes before your workout.