Acid reflux symptoms seem worse in the summer because they typically are. When it is lighter later people tend to have dinner later in the evening or enjoy a refreshing snack before bed. The food they consumed simply hasn?t had enough time to fully digest and may still be in the stomach. Lying down to go to sleep exposes the esophagus to those digestive acids, thus causing heartburn or acid reflux.

How do you like to spend a lazy summer day? If you are like a lot of people, you will lie down at some point in the day. Whether sunbathing, watching the clouds or taking an afternoon nap, these activities are best done from a horizontal position. Considering they also occur in the middle of the day means that there is food in the stomach, which can trigger acid reflux.

Though many people have access to the foods they love no matter what time of year it is, you can definitely tell when fresh food is, and is not in season. A lot of the more acidic foods are in season during the warmer months, which means the prices go down and our consumption goes up. Simply eating more of what you normally eat can be a trigger for acid reflux.

Like a lot of people, I love to grill in the summertime. Grilling is technically, a healthier way of cooking, but the foods we cook and the sauces we use actually end up negating the fact that grilling generally is healthier.

Additionally, it seems like some of the most refreshing summertime drinks are also the ones that trigger acid reflux! Fruit juices, citrus juices, beer, soda, and other sugary concoctions are acidic and can make us miserable. Couple that with acidic foods and the reflux turns up the heat!

Luckily though, there are plenty of healthy and still satisfying alternatives to enjoying summer without dealing with acid reflux symptoms. By far and away, drinking water is one of the best ways to keep acid reflux under control. If you are eating acidic foods, drink a glass of water before you begin, and continue to drink as you are eating. If you are drinking another beverage other than water, alternate a glass of water in as every other drink.

Do not despair, summer lovers! For every unhealthy (highly acidic) option, there is a healthy (low acid) solution. Barring some (not many) flavored waters, drinking plain water is the best way to go. Un-sweet tea comes in as a close second.

Incorporating more water in your diet helps keep things moving. Water will give you that feeling of fullness, thus reducing the temptation to snack. It also helps in digestion, so your food is not left stewing in your stomach.

Summertime is the best time of year for many people. Don?t let acid reflux ruin one second of it! Smart food choices, drinking water and watching your consumption will work together to keep acid reflux symptoms in check.