Acid reflux is a very common medical condition that affects individuals of all ages. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and allows stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus and back up to your mouth.
Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing and sore throat. If any other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or arm or jaw pain also exist, call emergency medical services immediately.
Ginger
Ginger can be an effective natural treatment for acid reflux. It works by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus, where it should remain.
Ginger can also reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux, including heartburn and bloating, such as heartburn. You can use various forms of ginger therapy to manage symptoms of acid reflux including drinking ginger tea and eating foods containing ginger as remedies.
If your diet includes plenty of vegetables and whole grains but still experience heartburn, ginger could be an effective addition. Just be wary not to consume too much as too much can cause your stomach to produce additional acid which will exacerbate symptoms further.
Small additions of fresh or dried ginger to your daily diet can make a dramatic impact. Use it in soups, stews, salads and other meals; or combine it with warm water in a glass for an invigorating beverage.
Ginger contains phenolic compounds which have been demonstrated to soothe gastrointestinal irritation, and decrease chances of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Furthermore, ginger has also been proven to decrease inflammation.
Ginger can also increase stomach contents into your intestines more efficiently, which helps decrease bloating and cramping, making it ideal for anyone suffering from an ulcer or IBS.
Ginger can also help alleviate sour mouth sensations. As an ingredient of some antacids, it can be purchased in tablet, capsule, or liquid extract form for use as a remedy.
Ginger can also be made into tea for easy inclusion into your diet. To do so, boil some tender ginger root until soft before steeping for 20 minutes in hot water before adding lemon juice and honey as flavor enhancers.
Ginger can help soothe acid reflux when consumed or drunk as tea, but adding several teaspoons to a glass of water and sipping on that will also work well.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy that can relieve acid reflux. Packed with acetic acid to aid in digestion and pectin and enzymes to facilitate effective breakdown and processing, apple cider vinegar also contains nutrients essential to making digestion smoother.
Some people consume apple cider vinegar mixed in water before or after meals to soothe acid reflux and heartburn symptoms, though medical professionals advise against doing this as an alternative treatment method. Instead, take medications from either prescription or over-the-counter categories specifically designed to relieve these issues instead.
Dr. Farhadi suggests that doing this may reduce the amount of time it takes for food to pass from your stomach into your small intestine, thus decreasing chances of acid coming back up through esophagus and into stomach, says Dr. Farhadi.
He warns, however, that it should not be seen as a solution for reflux. While it might help in mild cases, moderate or severe reflux cannot be remedied with this therapy alone.
While apple cider vinegar may seem to offer promise as an all-purpose remedy, no scientific evidence supports its efficacy against any particular disease or symptom. While many swear by using it at home as an effective treatment solution, others question its efficacy and safety for long-term use.
Recent studies suggest that vinegar could actually aggravate heartburn symptoms. According to study author Michael Bagnato, M.D., vinegar may irritate the esophagus and worsen symptoms for some individuals who use this remedy, according to this new research.
As such, it is always advisable to consult a doctor prior to taking any home remedies or herbal treatments for your condition. Your physician can create a tailored treatment plan designed specifically to meet the needs and lifestyle requirements of each patient.
Optional strategies include eating smaller, more frequent meals; decreasing stress and smoking; avoiding fatty, acidic or spicy foods and drinking lots of water; as well as
Some individuals suffering from chronic acid reflux can try eating a banana or nibbling a handful of almonds before bedtime to reduce pressure in their stomach and prevent heartburn. According to Bagnato, adequate restful sleep is also key for treating reflux and other digestive disorders.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an ancient remedy, long used to heal burns, wounds and other skin conditions. The clear gel from its leaves is applied directly onto skin as an ointment or taken internally for treating acid reflux symptoms.
Aloe vera benefits can be traced to its ability to neutralize stomach acid and encourage the growth of prebiotics – beneficial gut bacteria which have been shown to lower risk factors like gastrointestinal cancer, diabetes and improve other health issues.
Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants which may help combat free radical formation in your body and reduce oxidative stress – potentially decreasing your risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Aloe vera gel can be found at many grocery stores and health food shops. When mixed with water, it should be taken before meals or any time you experience heartburn or indigestion symptoms. You could also drink regular glasses of aloe vera juice to decrease stomach acidity and promote overall digestive wellness.
Aloe vera can serve as both an effective antacid and constipation remedy, according to studies conducted. Studies have demonstrated that aloe vera can ease both bloating and pain associated with constipation.
Aloe vera contains high concentrations of anthraquinone glycosides that make it an effective laxative, leading to mild bowel movements in some people after taking aloe vera supplements or herbal remedies. Before making a decision to do this for yourself, however, always consult a medical provider first before using these treatments or supplements.
By opting for high-quality organic products, you can ensure you’re making the most of their benefits – as well as save money over over-the-counter medicines.
Aloe juice can also help increase your daily aloe vera intake and provide additional nutritional benefits, with enzymes, polysaccharides and oligosaccharides packed full of beneficial elements to combat acid reflux and other digestive issues associated with GERD.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an extremely popular flavoring in toothpaste and chewing gum products, and can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, it may aid with digestion issues, diarrhea, menstrual cramps and flatulence relief as it contains menthol which has antispasmodic and soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Peppermint oil was shown in one small study to provide relief for symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain and gas. However, be mindful that peppermint can interact with various medications; prior to taking it it’s wise to check with your healthcare provider first.
Peppermint can also help alleviate bloating by drinking peppermint tea an hour prior to each meal and chewing peppermint gum during. Chewing may help relieve gas bloat as well as reduce feelings of fullness after indulging, according to Charabaty. For an additional digestive boost, mix a drop of peppermint oil with 1 teaspoon each of organic apple cider vinegar and Manuka honey into warm water; drink this at dawn each morning!
Peppermint essential oils may help soothe stomach spasms and IBS symptoms in those suffering with diarrhea-predominant IBS, according to research studies. A topical preparation of peppermint oil was shown to decrease both frequency and severity of IBS symptoms in these individuals.
Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of taking peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules as a treatment for IBS symptoms, by bypassing the stomach and dispensing its oil directly to the small intestine without impacting on LES function. For optimal results, two enteric-coated peppermint capsules should be taken twice daily under medical supervision of a naturopathic physician.
*Make Lifestyle Changes – Lose excess weight, don’t eat three hours before bedtime, elevate the head of the bed and avoid foods such as fatty, spicy or fried food and beverages – these strategies may all help people with mild reflux symptoms to feel better.
Acupuncturists can provide another effective approach to treating GERD. Through acupuncture – which is a gentle form of massage that increases blood flow to the GI tract while stimulating nerves controlling the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), as well as prescription medication that relax the LES and improve digestion – they can treat patients suffering from GERD.
