Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is a condition under which the stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This can cause symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). A ring of muscle at the entrance to the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), should close immediately after food has passed through it. But, in individuals suffering from acid reflux, the LES does not seal efficiently, so stomach acid flows up into the esophagus.
There are various causes that can lead to acid reflux. These include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, specific drugs, and hiatal hernia. Acid reflux symptoms can also be triggered or aggravated by certain foods and beverages, like spicy foods, citrus fruits, alcohol, and caffeine. Stress, too, can irritate acid reflux symptoms. It is wise to consult a doctor if you experience recurrent or severe acid reflux symptoms, since untreated GERD can result in esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus, which is one type of precancerous condition.
Changes to Lifestyle to Control Acid Reflux
Making some lifestyle modifications can manage and alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most critical changes, since excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, which can cause acid reflux to develop. Refraining from tight clothing and wearing loose belts can prevent putting pressure on the abdomen as well. Avoiding lying down or bending after eating can prevent stomach acid to flow into the esophagus, which increases the chances of acid reflux syndrome at night. It can be prevented at night too, if the head of the bed is raised between 6 to 8 inches.
Stopping smoking and not smoking secondhand smoke can also ease acid reflux symptoms, since smoking can weaken the LES muscle and cause the production of stomach acid to increase. Stress management through relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can ease acid reflux symptoms. Avoid heavy exercise or heavy lifting after eating, however, since this can induce acid reflux. Eating small, more frequent meals and not snacking at night can also ease acid reflux symptoms.
Dietary Changes to Manage Acid Reflux
Dietary changes are a necessary part of managing acid reflux. Some foods and beverages will trigger or irritate acid reflux, so you should identify the items that affect you individually and stay away from those items. Some foods that can trigger or irritate acid reflux include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, mint, and fried foods or fatty foods. You should stay away from alcohol, caffeine, soda drinks, and sour beverages like orange juice and lemonade.
Instead, emphasize eating more alkaline foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Eat more slowly, taking the time to chew your foods well to prevent acid reflux. Avoid huge meals, and eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed can prevent acid reflux. Maintaining a food diary can identify trigger foods, along with tracking the symptoms, so that dietary changes can be made more easily.
Herbal and Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
There are numerous herbal and natural treatments that can be used to regulate acid reflux symptoms. A widely known remedy is ginger, which has been utilized to benefit the digestive process and alleviate inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract for many centuries. It can be ingested through tea, capsules, or incorporating ginger into foods. Slippery elm is an additional herbal remedy that can be used to soothe the esophagus and alleviate acid reflux irritation. Slippery elm can be ingested as lozenges or capsules. Chamomile tea is soothing and can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, which are two possible precipitants of acid reflux.
Peppermint oil has been found to ease the muscles of the digestive tract and possibly lessen acid reflux symptoms. Be careful using peppermint oil, however, since it can relax the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and contribute to worsening acid reflux symptoms in certain individuals. Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine to calm the stomach and ease inflammation of the esophagus. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is one preparation of the licorice root that has the glycyrrhizin compound removed, allowing it to be safely consumed over the long term.
Homeopathic treatments for acid reflux
Homeopathy is an all-natural approach to medicine based on the use of highly diluted drugs to stimulate the internal mechanisms of the body to heal itself. A number of homeopathic remedies can be employed to treat acid reflux condition. Natrum phos is one of the common homeopathic remedies that is utilized to treat acid reflux along with sour belching or sour mouth taste, or sour taste in the mouth along with belching. It is indicated to treat heartburn accompanied with burning sensation in the chest along with fullness in the stomach.
Homeopathic remedy Nux vomica is indicated for burning heartburn with pressure feeling in the stomach, accompanied with fullness after meals. It is also indicated for heartburn accompanied with nausea and vomiting. Homeopathic remedy Carbo veg is indicated for burning heartburn with bloating and belching post meals. It is indicated for burning heartburn with heaviness of stomach, accompanied with inability to digest the food, home remedies for acid reflux.
Essential Oils to Provide Acid Reflux Relief
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have been utilized throughout the ages due to their therapeutic effects. Many essential oils are capable of alleviating symptoms of acid reflux, including peppermint oil, which has been known to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. However, one should exercise caution with the use of peppermint oil, since it can relax the LES, thus exacerbating acid reflux symptoms in some individuals.
Lavender oil has soothing effects and can alleviate stress and anxiety, which are primary acid reflux precipitants. It can be utilized in aromatherapy or diluted with carrier oil to be applied to the abdomen or chest area. Lemon oil is another such oil that can be used to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. It has been proven to induce the release of digestive juices and aid in the process of digestion. Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate the gastrointestinal tract inflammation caused by acid reflux, thus soothing the area.
