Last week I had to see the doctor because I couldn’t sleep for a whole night due to intense pain in my stomach. It was so bad that I even got up and ran to the toilet because I thought I was going to throw up when my mouth started to water all of a sudden. At first I thought it was food poisoning so I figured I might feel a lot better after throwing up so I stuck a finger down my throat but nothing came out. I tossed and turned the whole night and barely got any sleep.

The doctor concluded that it was a case of acid reflux. The causes?

✓   Eating too much spicy food ☹

✗    Too much fatty or oily food

✗    Too much coffee and/or chocolate

✗    Skipping meals in between for too long and ending up eating a big meal in the end

✓   Eating 2 hours before bedtime

✗    Drinking excessively

✗    Smoking

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Besides the medicine the doctor prescribed and avoiding the causes listed above, this would help too:

☛    Eat smaller portions and never skip meals

☛    Sleep with your head in an elevated position using 2 pillows

☛    Make it a habit of chewing gum or cough drops as this would create more saliva in your mouth which helps to wash down any left over acids from your esophagus and throat

☛    Drink more water

☛    Sleep only 2 to 4 hours after having your dinner

☛    Losing weight

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I really hate that I have to cut down on spicy food. I also have this bad habit of having a little snack before bed. I mean, your body’s going to fast for 6-8 hours while you sleep so you gotta give it something, right? Wrong.

Anyway, last night, I was stubborn again and was at a Thai restaurant for dinner with some friends. I already had a Subway sandwich for dinner and was meant to catch up with them but I couldn’t help myself when it comes to spicy tom yum soup. It was one of my vice! I had a small bowl and faced the consequences the same night. My stomach hurt so bad, I was up every 2 hours.  It wasn’t as bad as the first time but it was hell. Got up at 6am for a morning call (work) and went straight the gym for 40 mins of cardio.

My body feels good but my stomach is being a bitch. Damn you, tom yum soup.

*A couple of friends recommended Nexium (40mg) or Omeprazole (20 mg). Might check that out at the pharmacy later if this becomes a fuss.