Acid reflux is a condition that causes symptoms of discomfort and intense burning pain in the chest area. It is caused through an irritating backflow of stomach acid up into your esophagus. This causes the burning sensation associated with heart burn. As well as the burning it can also cause a sour taste in the mouth and a chronic cough. While medication can help provide relief from the symptoms, there are also home remedies for acid reflux that you can use to find relief.
Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and annoying condition that affects many individuals. Those who suffer from this condition may experience painful chest burning, regurgitation, burping, hiccups and even a persistent cough.
It is a condition that is both inconvenient and disruptive, and leads to a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, there are home remedies that can provide relief from symptoms and a better quality of life. From dietary changes to herbal remedies, there are several techniques you can use to find relief from acid reflux.
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to managing your symptoms, then this blog post is for you. We will look at 10 home remedies that have evidence to support their use. Don’t let your acid reflux control your life, break free from discomfort today and find quick relief with these 10 home remedies.
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What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close completely, allowing stomach acids to travel back up into the esophagus.
This causes a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn, as well as a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and even chest pain.
Many people rely on over-the-counter medications to help relieve their symptoms, but fortunately, there are natural remedies for acid reflux that are easy to use, can provide fast relief and help prevent any further damage.
PinCauses of GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is the condition we know as Acid Reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and heartburn. It affects millions of people around the world and can cause long-term medical complications such as ulcers and esophageal cancer if left untreated.
In many cases, the cause is unknown, but there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you experiencing the condition. These include smoking, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, certain types of medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some high blood pressure medication. Certain foods are also more likely to bring on symptoms, such as mint, citrus, chocolate, tomato’s, garlic, onions, and spicy or fatty foods.
Research has shown smoking is a major risk factor as it relaxes the muscles that help keep the acid in the stomach, causing it to back up into the esophagus.
Pregnancy is also a known factor that leads to more frequent bouts of heartburn. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to excess stomach acid being produced, which can worsen the symptoms.
Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and calcium channel blockers, are known to increase the risk of acid reflux.
In some cases, symptoms can be caused by a hiatal hernia. This condition occurs when the top part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a weak muscular opening. This can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which is responsible for keeping stomach acid out of the esophagus.
If you experience frequent occurrences of acid reflux, it is important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. After identifying the cause, the doctor can recommend the best home remedies for acid reflux and lifestyle changes to help you find quick relief. Likewise if symptoms don’t improve with prescription medication it may be time to review the plan for GERD or that your prescription needs review.
Symptoms And Stages of Acid Reflux
Heartburn is the most common type of reflux, and is incredibly uncomfortable. Heartburn is the burning sensation in your chest because of the acid in your stomach rising into your esophagus. To find relief from heartburn, start with drinking a glass of water or taking our baking soda remedy.
Another symptom that causes many people concern is chest pain. This pain is usually located in the center of the chest, or it may radiate from the chest and up into your throat. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it may be worse when you lie down or eat certain types of food. It can be similar to symptoms of heart attack, so if you experience chest pains you should visit a GP or emergency room. To find relief, once you know its nt a heart attack, try drinking chamomile tea, and avoiding the known food triggers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the more severe form of reflux. Symptoms of GERD include heartburn and chest pain but may also include problems swallowing, the feeling of having a lump in your throat. Home remedies for GERD include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating.
Home Remedies or Medical Treatment Options?
Acid reflux can be a bothersome condition and finding the right treatment option is key. Common natural treatments include lifestyle changes such as dietary change, losing weight, avoiding foods that trigger reflux symptoms, eating smaller meals, and avoiding lying down after eating
Medical optionsa may include over-the-counter medications, such as antacids and H2 blockers, or your doctor may recommend prescription medications or even surgery. Surgery is rarely necessary, but can be helpful if all other treatment options have failed.
The great thing about natural remedies is that they are a complementary therapy, meaning they can be used alongside conventional medications and treatment. For those not using medication they are a good first choice as they may allow you to treat symptoms naturally.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes.
Making dietary and lifestyle changes may be the most important step in managing symptoms. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help reduce the amount of acid produced and relieve symptoms.
Additionally, reducing your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, fried and fatty foods, and tomatoes can help. It is also recommended you avoid lying down soon after meals, as this can cause food and acid to move up the esophagus.
In addition to dietary changes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for preventing symptoms. Regular exercise and physical activity, as well as maintaining a healthy weight helps to build musicle strength and prevents symptoms related to food triggers.
It is also important to reduce stress, as this is known exacerbate symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels.
Check your sleeping position. We recommend getting yourself a firm pillow or wedge. This helps your sleeping position, keeping your head raised avoids backflow of acid up into the esophagus. You can also try sleeping on your left side. Sleeping on your left side keeps the stomach contents where they belong, and prevents them entering the lower esophageal sphincter and into the esophagus.
You can also elevate the head of your bed by using bricks or wooden blocks under the head post, so the head of your bed is higher than the foot.
Natural Home Remedies
Home remedies are an increasingly popular way to alleviate the symptoms. While it is important to see a doctor to diagnose your condition, there are many natural remedies that can provide quick relief and help you get back to living your life.
Here are ten home remedies for acid reflux that have been known to provide relief:
1. Warm Water and Lemon Juice
One of the most popular, and effective, home remedies is to drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon helps to neutralize the stomach acids and can provide quick relief from heartburn and other symptoms. You can also add a banana to your diet. They are alkaline and help balance the acid in the stomach.
2. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can provide quick and immediate relief. The act of chewing increases the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize the stomach acids. This is similar to eating several small meals throughout the day, as eating smaller meals helps to reduce the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach.
3. Making dietary change
Correct your diet by eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This helps reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach and reduce the chances of symptoms recurring. Avoiding foods that are spicy, greasy, or acidic can also help to reduce symptoms.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy as it helps to balance the pH levels in your stomach. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe an irritated digestive tract. To use this remedy, combine one or two tablespoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it before or during your meal. It is important not to use more than 2 tablespoons as the vinegar is an acid, and too much can make symptoms worse!
5. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is a natural antacid, which helps to neutralize excess stomach acid. To use it, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a glass of water and drink it slowly.
6. Aloe Vera Juice:
Aloe vera juice has been known to help with digestion and to provide relief from reflux. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory which will help to soothe your esophagus. To use it, simply drink one glass of aloe vera juice before or during a meal.
7. Ginger:
Ginger is another natural anti-inflammatory. It helps reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. It also aids your digestion which provides relief. To use it, simply add fresh ginger to your meals or make a herbal tea using grated ginger root and boiling water.
8. Licorice:
Licorice is a natural antacid which helps to neutralize stomach acid. It is also known to help with digestion and to soothe the digestive tract. To use it, simply drink a cup of licorice tea before or after a meal. Using natural licorice root is preferable, however a quality unsweetened syrup is a good second option.
9. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It is also known to help with digestion and to provide relief from reflux. To use it, simply add ground turmeric to your meals or make a herbal tea using freshly grated turmeric and boiling water.
10. Chamomile:
Chamomile is a natural antacid that helps to neutralize excess stomach acid. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe the digestive tract. Chamomile tea can also help reduce stress which is a key trigger for GERD symptoms. You can find good quality chamomile tea in most stores, however making it yourself with dried chamomile is equally easy and potentally has more effect due to using the pure plant without tea mixers.
Remedies for Heartburn that may not work.
One GERD myth is to drink milk for spicy food or when your stomach is upset. While this may work as a temporary treatment, dairy products can actually stimulate acid production in the stomach, which results in triggering symptoms.
Pineapple juice is another supposed home remedy for heartburn relief. Although it may be tasty consuming large amounts of pineapple juice can cause symptoms to worsen and may bring on diarrhea, or nausea. So in small quantities it is OK, but more than 1 glass a day is not recommended.
When to Seek Medical Help From A gerd specialist
It’s important to know when to seek medical help. If you experience heartburn multiple times a week, suffer from nighttime acid reflux, or have difficulty swallowing, it is time to consult your doctor or a gerd specialist.
You should also visit a doctor if the home remedies for acid reflux are unsuccessful or if you have been relying on over-the-counter products for an extended period of time. Ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious gastrointestinal issues so they should be addressed in a timely manner.
