Innocent Habits That Secretly Trigger Acid Reflux

13. Chewing Gum: The Air Bubble Trap

Chewing gum might seem like a harmless habit, but it can secretly contribute to acid reflux in a few ways. First, chewing stimulates the production of more saliva, which can be a good thing as it helps neutralize stomach acid. However, the act of chewing also causes you to swallow more air. This trapped air can create pressure inside your stomach, which can easily force acid up into your esophagus. While some studies suggest certain types of gum can help, it's a good idea to limit or avoid gum chewing if you’re prone to reflux.

14. Bending Over: The Quick-Change Reflex

It’s a common, everyday movement—bending over to tie your shoes, pick something up off the floor, or even just lean down to pet a dog. But for someone with acid reflux, this simple act can be a powerful trigger. When you bend at the waist, you compress your abdomen and change the orientation of your stomach, allowing its contents to easily flow back toward the esophagus. To avoid this, try to squat or kneel when you need to reach something on the ground. A small change in movement can lead to a big reduction in symptoms.