Acid reflux is also commonly known as Acid Indigestion, usually comes from the failure of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to contract after swallowing food & causes stomach acid regurgitates up into esophagus, acid reflux will cause heartburn also as acid reflux causes no pain. Simply saying acid reflux is the action being done in the stomach & LES where as heartburn is the feel of action. Acid reflux if it is made more serious, then Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) will occur.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux:
Following are some of the symptoms which indicate the problem of acid reflux.
- Gas
- Sore throat
- Soar mouth
- Bitter taste
- Bloating
- Dry coughing
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Horrible heartburn / chest pain
- Difficulty while blending or lying
- A little of Asthma
- Nausea
- Extra saliva
- Burping
- Stomach fullness or bloating
- Dizziness
- Hiccups frequently
- Diarrhea & Dental decay
Home remedies for Acid Reflux:
The below are some natural homemade remedies which helps to prevent the Acid Reflux.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has acidic nature which helps to break down the fats & balances the pH levels. It also helps in the better digestion. Take one tbsp of raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) before you take each meal, which prevents the acid reflux.
2. Slippery Elm:
Slippery Elm thickens the layer of mucous lining the stomach as protective layer & creates a strong barrier against acids. Stir 1-2 tbsp of Slippery Elm root bark powder into a glass of water. Drink it after taking meals & before going to bed. Let it begin with small amount of powder until you become accustomed to it. To improve its taste, you can add a little bit of sugar or honey. Or you can suck Slippery elm lozenge to get rid of the acid reflux problem.
3. Apple:
An apple a day keeps the acid reflux away. Eat the apples after taking your meals particularly at night time to prevent the acid reflux, as apples create an alkaline state in stomach, neutralizing excess acids & ease the digestion process.
4. Chewing Gum:
Chewing gum not only eliminates the garlic breath but also prevents the heartburn & acid reflux. Chew a piece of sugar free gum for at least 30 minutes after taking the meals. It helps to simulate the salivary flow rate & any acid in the gut is washed away & cleared more quickly.
Also read the related post: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach
5. Baking Soda:
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda acts as a base & neutralizes the acids in the stomach. Take a tbsp of baking soda & mix it well in a glass of water / warm water & drink it which helps to prevent the acid reflux. But make sure that if you suffer with heartburn regularly avoid taking the baking soda as it is high in salt & causes side effects like swelling & nausea.
6. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera not only used to soothe burns but also used to prevent the acid reflux as a natural healing agent. It reduces the inflammation in esophagus & stomach. Take aloe vera juice & gel before you take your meals.
7. Cardamom:
Cardamom contains chemical that appear to treat stomach & intestinal spasms and gas & increases the movement of food through the intestine. It is used as a digestive herb. Grind 2 cardamoms & add 250 ml of water. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes & drink that water to get the relief from the acid reflux.
8. Basil Leaves/ Indian Tulsi:
Basil leaves can soothe the effects of acid reflux on the stomach & esophageal lining, it also helps to heal the irritation & soreness as well as ease the digestion process. You can make tea from fresh basil leaves like for 1 cup of tea steep 3 leaves in 6-8 oz boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the leaves & drink the tea which helps to prevent the acid reflux. You can also take few basil leaves & chew it after taking your meals regularly to get rid of this problem.
9. Clove:
Cloves have many active constituents like anti inflammatory, eugenol & includes other compounds like capsaicin, pinene etc., which helps the stomach for its better digestion. Mix a pinch of clove powder in a tsp of honey & add it to small amount of hot water. Or you can take a few ground cloves & chew it after taking your meals to reduce the discomfort.
10. Milk:
Milk contains high amount of alkaline as well as it also contains high acidic substance. It is having the property of causing & curing the acid reflux. So, it’s better to drink a glass full of chilled fat free milk to get rid of the problem.
11. Potatoes:
Potatoes are alkaline in nature & help to lessen the acid levels in the stomach. Eating potatoes either roasted or boiled along with meals will help to reduce the problem of acid reflux.
12. Fennel seeds:
Fennel seeds contain a constituent called Anethole, this have the ability to suppress stomach spasms, provides smooth muscles to digestive organs & prevents the acid reflux. So, chew a half tsp of fennel seeds after taking big meals will reduce the acid reflux.
13. Banana:
Banana works as a great remedy for acid reflux, as it acts as a natural antacid & contains potassium which helps to reduce the acid levels in your stomach & helps in better digestion. Eat a banana regularly in plain fruit form or you can add a little bit of sugar along with pinch of cinnamon powder.
14. Yogurt:
Yogurt contains probiotics which helps to keep the digestive system healthy. It also helps to absorb the proteins & nutrients to the body. Take a cup of yogurt for acid reflux.
15. Glutamine:
Glutamine helps to strengthen the LES, eliminate the stomach acids coming back to the LES. It also helps in repairing & healing mucous membrane that is damaged by ongoing acid erosion. Take 1 tsp of powdered amino acid with 4 ounces of water & take it regularly after taking meals.
16. Calcium Nitrate Powder:
Take 250 mg of calcium nitrate powder & dissolve it in water. Drink this water for at least 4 times like once after taking meals & once after going to bed.
17. Melatonin:
Most of the production of melatonin occurs in the stomach, small intestine & colon, which helps for the better digestion. Take the supplement of melatonin will help to protect the digestive system or tract.
18. Honey:
Organic honey acts as a soothing agent & helps to adjust the body’s pH, neutralizes the stomach acids. Take a spoon full of honey while going to bed.
19. Indian gooseberry:
Goose berries have the property of healing the digestive tract & protects against the stomach acids. You can take goose beery either in raw, tea or in cooked form. But be sure that goose berry contains laxative which have side effects. So use moderate Indian goose berry to prevent the acids reflux.
20. Bromelain:
It is an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of proteins & provides digestive support. It helps for better digestion & increases the motility, which helps to prevent the acid reflux.
21. DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice):
DGL helps to increase the mucous coating in your stomach, intestinal tract & LES which helps to form protective coating to prevent aggravation & irritation from stomach acids. Take DGL either in chewing tablets or powder form. Take half tsp of DGL powder & dissolve it in a glass of water. Drink it to get the instant relief from it.
22. Ginger:
It acts as an anti inflammatory & helps for better digestion. Take a piece of ginger, crush it & extract the juice in a bowl, add few drops of lemon juice & mix it well. Drink that juice. It will help to cure the acid reflux.
23. Papaya:
It contains an enzyme called Papain which dissolves the proteins. Taking this after meals will helps for better digestion.
24. Fasting:
Fasting is an excellent remedy for acid reflux. Not eating the solid food which takes a long time to digest.so, doing fasting is right but make sure to take some liquids & fluids, fruits mean while otherwise it will be create a problem of heartburn & acid reflux.
25. Fenugreek seeds:
It is a natural herb that has the ability to absorb excess stomach acid & rich in fibre which helps for better digestion. Take fenugreek seeds either in cooked form or liquid form i.e., soak few fenugreek seeds in a glass of water for about 2-3 hours or overnight & drink that water by straining the seeds out.
26. Agrimony:
It is also known as Stickwort, Cocklebur etc., it helps to prevent the acid reflux by removing the unnecessary acids from the stomach & helps in easy digestion. It is very effective when you consume it with milk.
27. Almonds:
Almonds neutralize the juices in your stomach, relieving & preventing acid reflux. Take a few almonds & chew these nuts either in the morning or before each meal or as snacks, will helps to prevent the acid reflux.
28. Coconut:
Drinking raw coconut water or milk directly or using coconut oil for cooking helps to get relief & prevent the problem also.
29. Lemon:
Lemons help to create calcium carbonate which helps to neutralize digestive acids. Squeeze lemon juice in a glass of warm water & mix it well to take it early in the morning. You can add honey to sweeten the juice.
30. Chamomile Tea:
It reduces the inflammation in your stomach & balances the acidity levels also. It also helps to get relief from the stress & refresh your mind and body. Take a cup of water & boil it, add 1 tsp of dried chamomile petals and let it in simmer for 45 minutes. Strain the leaves & pour the tea in a cup & drink it to get instant tea.
Healthy Foods to Prevent Acid Reflux:
Taking the following things/ food will help to prevent the acid reflux.
- Red apples
- Basil leaves
- Herbal teas
- Grape fruit
- Yellow mustards
- Vegetable juices
- All vitamin & minerals
- Oatmeal
- Melon
- Fennel vegetable
- All roots & green vegetables
- Celery
- Parsley
- Brown rice & Couscous
Triggers of Acid Reflux:
Listed below are the general triggers of acid reflux. But make sure to notice the triggers which cause acid reflux particularly in you.
- Smoking & drinking alcohol
- Over weight
- Citrus fruits
- Fatty food & fast food
- Certain supplements or medications
- Chocolates
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
- Garlic & onions
- Peppermint
- Tomatoes
- Beverages drinks like soda
- Mint
- High fat meals & foods like beef
- Salads & cheeses
- Salt & pepper
- Candies
- Butter
Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux:
You can prevent the acid reflux by following the tips given below.
- Elevate your head up to 6 inches while sleeping which helps to prevent the heartburn & GERD.
- Don’t Smoke, which decreases the functional ability of lower esophageal sphincter.
- Eat smaller meals in frequent times & avoid over eating at once.
- Avoid oily, spicy & acidic food which causes the heartburn.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes, which put pressure on your abdomen & lower esophageal sphincter.
- If you’re overweight than normal, reduce your weight slowly (not more than 1 or 2 pounds, a week). Maintain the healthy weight according to BMI or else excess pounds of weight will put pressure to your abdomen & it leads to cause acid reflux.
- Avoid the habit of lying after taking the meals, wait for at least 2-3 hours after taking your meal & going to bed, which helps for better digestion or else there is a chance of getting back the food what you ate.
- Avoid stress & anxiety by following the relaxation therapies which helps to reduce acid reflux or GERD.
- Include organic, fresh, raw fruits & vegetables, which contain living enzymes helps to prevent the acid reflux.
- Take 150 mg of gamma-oryzanolthree times a day on an empty stomach which helps to prevent the acid reflux.
- Take food that contains minerals, vitamins, vitamin B-Complex, folate etc., this will helps to repair the entire digestive system & improves the central nervous system’s digestive control.
- When you have cough with acid reflux, try to eat slowly & chew your food thoroughly.
- Drink Peppermint tea with meals to avoid over eating.
- Take right kind of nutrients at proper time of intervals. This will help to prevent the indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux.
- Avoid Nicotine products & alcohol which make the LES to relax & cause the reflux problem.
- Take a note about the things which causes the acid reflux when you eat it / activities either in day or night & try to avoid those for few days until you get relaxed from the acid reflux.
- Drink plenty of water & also drink the fluids like juices after taking meals & in between the meals which help to prevent the acid reflux.
- Avoid eating quickly in a harry berry way. Take your food in a relaxed form.
- Do some regular exercise to gain perfect weight & to be healthy.
- Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects within an hour of eating meals.
- Hyssopus officinalis / Hyssop, German Chamomile, Wood Betony / Purple Betony are also helps to prevent the acid reflux.
- Avoid post meals plans of eating something before going to bed.
- Turn your high amount of fatty food to low amount of fatty foods by doing small changes like not roasting but boiling it according to the situation.
- Chicken & poultry food, fish & sea foods are to be taken either by boiling, baked, grilled or saturated but not fried, like taste the chicken by removing the skin which is high in fat.
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