Exercise is rarely the cause of heartburn if a person doesn't suffer from chronic heartburn. But some exercises can induce episodes of acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens inappropriately and allows stomach contents to back up into the esophagus.
Acid reflux usually happens during certain types of exercise, but not necessarily during all exercise. There are a few things a person can do to reduce the chances of a heartburn flare-up during exercises.
Talk to your doctor
If heartburn is a problem during exercise, before you try anything, you should discuss this with your doctor. Ask what types of exercise will cause the least amount of discomfort for you, and what you can do to ease the heartburn if it happens again.Avoid jarring exercises
A jarring type of exercise, such as jogging, can increase your chances of suffering from acid reflux. Less jarring exercises, such as riding a bike or walking, will produce fewer acid reflux symptoms.Use an antacid
Try taking an antacid before you exercise, or during exercise. If this brings no relief, other medications that suppress stomach acid production may need to be considered. For more on exercise, visit About.com's Guide to Exercise.You also may want to consider the following articles:
