27/05/2022
How to avoid heartburn when you lift weights
Work with gravity
Lying flat can allow your stomach contents to drift upward. So if, for instance, bench presses are giving you trouble, that’s a good time to do a seated machine press or an incline press.
Fuel up wisely
If you need something to eat before your session, make it an easily digestible carb, and eat only a little. If you go into the gym with a full stomach, there’s a greater likelihood you will have reflux—it’s that stomach-contents-pressing-on-the-valve thing again.
Take it easy on liquids
Swilling a lot of liquid, even water, can fill your stomach and precipitate reflux, too. Sipping from a straw can make things worse: You decrease the pressure in the chest and pull from the stomach, which raises the chance of something coming back up. Coffee lovers, you might be fine. Some people can drink it without trouble; others can’t tolerate a pre-workout sip. (Check out what else docs say you might be able to eat and drink when you have reflux).
Get the right OTC meds
If adjustments in your diet or body position don’t tame the burn, you might consider OTC meds. Here's what to know about the different types:
Basic antacids (like Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer): “These don’t change what’s going on; they just counteract the acid in your stomach so what comes up doesn’t burn so much,” says Dr. Schnoll-Sussman.
H2 Blockers: They don’t stop reflux, but these meds do reduce the amount of acid coming up. You know them as Pepcid AC and Tagamet.
PPIs: Proton-pump inhibitors are your next step after H2 blockers. They help inhibit an enzyme involved in producing acid. You have to pop them 30 minutes before a meal, which can be tricky if you work out in the morning. Brands include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid.