Why Your Morning Jogs May Include Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can strike at some of the least opportune times; like when you’re out at a fun restaurant with friends, enjoying a tropical drink in a beach cabana, or right in the middle of a stressful business lunch. But did you know that certain types of exercise, specifically jogging, may trigger heartburn from acid reflux as well?

With the arrival of warmer weather, a lot of us have decided to take our fitness routines outside by going on morning jogs. While this activity is beneficial in so many ways, if you notice that you’re developing symptoms of acid reflux while running a few laps around the block, you may not be imagining it.

Jogging And Acid Reflux: The Connection

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, when it came to either stationary biking, running, or weight training, running induced the most acid reflux in study participants.

Researchers believe this may have to do with running’s aerobic nature and the fact that it typically requires a higher amount of “body agitation” than biking or weightlifting. There’s also the fact that running usually requires a “constrained body position” and may also produce less gastrointestinal blood flow.

So how can you avoid experiencing acid reflux without giving up your daily morning activity? Thankfully there are a few easy things you can do to help make acid reflux less of an issue, no matter what you end up doing to get your heart pumping!

How to Lessen the Possibility of Acid Reflux While Exercising

Keeping TUMS Chewy Bites on hand is a great idea, as these crunchy, chewy bites provide fast relief from all your heartburn symptoms, including acid indigestion and sour stomach. Other ideas include only having a small snack before your morning jog, eating that snack in a leisurely manner, and waiting a few hours after you eat to get physical. Eating a heavy meal and running too soon after eating can both trigger heartburn.

You may also want to consider walking instead of running, as walking has been shown to have similar health benefits to jogging, while putting less stress on your body.

Just because one type of exercise produces symptoms of acid reflux, doesn’t mean all of them will! Talk with your doctor about some appropriate activities for your symptoms and find what works for you. After all, exercise is key to helping us all live a happier, healthier life!