Simple Yet Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux is a terrible experience to have. It causes burning and a painful sensation as acids from the stomach irritates the mucosal lining of the esophagus and the orophrangyx. This symptom is popularly known as heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the medical term for acid reflux, commonly occurs to a lot of people. The pain resulting from the forceful acid backflow is so terrifying that it is described like having a heart attack. A sense of impending doom is felt. Acid reflux can be treated effectively with medications such as cytoprotective medications that act as acid buffers like Sucralfate (Carafate) which lessens the destructive effects of Hydrochloric acid on mucosal linings. Proton-pump inhibitors such Omeprazole and H2 blocks such as Ranitidine and Cimetidine block the production of gastric acids in the stomach. Antacids are useful by reducing acidity. However, calcium carbonate-based antacids are discouraged as they have the tendency to reduce gastric pH, making it more acidic. However, rising costs of medicines compel people to seek more affordable but effective natural remedies for acid reflux.

Lifestyle change is the first step to take when correcting acid reflux. Bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol increase acid production and gastric irritation. Smoking also weakens the smooth muscles, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) or Cardiac Sphincter, that prevent stomach acids backflow back into the esophageal tube. Foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, spices, chocolates, fried foods, peppermint, tomatoes, caffeinated and carbonated drinks should be avoided (or at least limited) as this can enhance gastric acid production. Caution should be taken when taking in medications that can irritate the gastric mucosal linings such as salicyclates or aspirin and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as Ibuprofen.

Aside from proper diet, eating habits can significantly reduce episodes of reflux. Do not overload the stomach by eating fast and too much. Chew your meals thoroughly and slowly, and eat moderately. It is better to have small, frequent meals at about 4-6 times daily, than to have a large meal. This will prevent pressure build up in the stomach, since a feeble LES cannot effectively counteract the expansion, this can cause backflow.

Consuming moderate amounts of water is a good trick to do. This help neutralizes acids, but don’t drink too much though, a glass or two is sufficient. After a good meal, do not lie down immediately. Maintain an upright position for about an hour such as sitting or standing, or take a light walk after. Gravity will keep everything in it's place.

If there are foods to avoid, there are also foods that are encouraged, especially those that soothe the stomach and neutralize the acidity.  One great way to start is by drinking milk. Milk itself has a basic pH. Its alkalinity effectively neutralizes any acids that come its way.

Sodium Bicarbonate: is an all-around household item with many uses. Baking soda, its more popular name, works wonders not only at home, but also for the body. Like milk, its alkalinity is beneficial against stomach acidity. With just a teaspoon of it dissolved in a 250 ml of a glass of warm water is enough to bring relief. If the odor and taste are repulsive, mix it with non-acidic juice or flavoring to make it more palatable. Caution should be taken though, when conditions exist such as edema, hypertension and congestive heart failure (CHF). Sodium bicarbonate may worsen these conditions, since sodium plays a lead role as an etiologic agent.

Herbs are good natural remedies for acid reflux too. Ginger supplements in the form of tablets or powder are available at health and grocery stores. To finish your favorite meal, soothe it up with warm ginger tea.

Other herbs that are good in relieving acid reflux are lavender and aniseed. In fact, combining them together in equal amounts in a cup or 250 ml of warm water makes an excellent drink. Try adding honey, which is also a good remedy for heartburn. You may drink this concoction twice a day.

Another superb herbal remedy is Fennel seeds. These have antispasmodic effects which relax the smooth muscles of the Cardiac Sphincter. Preparing fennel tea is easy. In a cup of warm water, put the fennel seeds, which should be slightly crushed, let the seeds stay for a few minutes and then strain after.

Chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for all sorts of bodily discomforts. It is endowed with anti-bacterial, anti-irritant and anti-spasmodic properties just like Fennel tea. Sipping a warm cup of this herb in the morning and at night can help bring relaxation to the smooth muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter. However, for pregnant women with acid reflux disease, chamomile has its downside, as it can cause unintended abortion. Avoid it at all cost, and try safer alternatives.

Apple cider vinegar is one great remedy that you should have your kitchen. It has been used by many people as a good regimen against heartburn because it inhibits the production of gastric acids.  Dilute two tablespoons in a glass of water and drink it up with your favorite dish or after.

If apple cider vinegar’s taste is too tough to bear, eating apples can provide the same relief. Eat a few slices and chew thoroughly after meals. Apples are great snacks too and a piece of it a day can keep acid reflux away.

Licorice herbal root or DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is useful in relieving pain resulting from acid reflux. The substances found on this wonder herb form a protective barrier on the mucosal linings. It is said to have a profound effect on decreasing gastric acid production as well.

Aloe vera juice provides relief against acid reflux. Its soothing property relaxes the gastrointestinal tract. It is readily available at grocery stores. For heartburn episodes, drink a glass or about 240 ml of aloe vera juice. To prevent throwing up, drinking 4 ounces of Aloe Vera juice each morning will suffice.

Indulging on your favorite fruits such as fresh pineapples, bananas and papayas are also popular natural remedies for acid reflex. Organic pineapples, not the processed ones, contain Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that reduces inflammation on soft tissues. Bananas contain substances that promote cell rejuvenation especially on the mucosal protective barriers on the esophagus and the stomach. Naturally occurring Papain enzymes found on papayas have similar actions with Bromelain. That’s why papayas are helpful for acid regurgitation as well.

Almonds are abundant in good fatty acids providing a good coating for the esophageal lining. Plus it is rich in protein too. This hastens healing of sphincter smooth muscles. So having a light snack of a handful of almonds is a good treat for your stomach against reflux.

Minimizing acid reflux is quite simple to achieve. However, for severe cases of GERD, natural remedies for acid reflux are not meant to replace pharmacologic and surgical interventions, but they are helpful as complementary regiments in preventing heartburns. For pregnant women, visiting your physician is the best opportunity on which natural remedies may be best for you, as some remedies may be detrimental to your pregnancy and for your baby. It is highly advisable to seek for your healthcare provider’s approval before trying any of these natural remedies at home.