Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows into the esophagus, producing discomfort and irritation. It may cause symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest ache, and trouble swallowing. A ring of muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is at the entrance to the stomach that is supposed to close the moment food passes through it. But with individuals suffering from acid reflux, the closing does not happen, creating the opportunity for stomach acid to flow upward into the esophagus. It can be brought about by several causes, such as obesity, gestation, smoking, and certain drugs. It can furthermore be aggravated by specific foods and beverages, bending, or lying down after eating.
There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of acid reflux, including obesity or overweight, smoking, pregnancy, and some medical disorders like hiatal hernia and diabetes. Certain foods and beverages can trigger or enhance acid reflux symptoms, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or fried foods. Stress and inadequate sleep can also cause acid reflux. It is crucial to know the causes and the factors that trigger acid reflux to be able to manage the symptoms properly and alleviate the disorder.
Changes to Lifestyle to Control Acid Reflux
These changes can be an efficient means to treat acid reflux and alleviate symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most critical changes, as extra weight may exert pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux. Smoking can be discontinued to alleviate acid reflux, as it can lower the pressure of the LES, leading to more acid production in the stomach. Lying down or bending after meals can be avoided to ensure that stomach acid does not flow into the esophagus. Raising the head of the bed between 6-8 inches can prevent acid reflux at night.
Apart from these changes, one has to take care to manage stress and ensure proper sleep, since lack of sleep and stress can enhance the symptoms of acid reflux. Tight clothes that compress the abdomen and stomach should be avoided. Taking smaller meals and avoiding heavy meals at night will also lower one’s acid reflux symptoms. With these lifestyle adjustments, individuals can manage acid reflux efficiently along with lowering discomfort.
Changes to Diet to Relieve Acid Reflux
Diet is of primary importance in the management of acid reflux, where specific foods and beverages may incite or complicate the symptoms.
It is wise to eschew foods that are acidic, such as fruit that is high in citric acid like citruses, along with tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
Fatty foods, as well as fried foods, can incite acid reflux, so limiting the amount of such foods is necessary.
Carbonated drinks, along with the use of mint, can complicate acid reflux symptoms.
Conversely, some foods can be consumed to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. These foods include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which can prevent acid reflux since they aid in healthy digestion. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and turkey are good foods to consume, which help individuals with acid reflux.
Natural Herbs That Alleviate Acid Reflux
Herbal treatments have been utilized to treat symptoms of acid reflux and maintain good digestive health for thousands of years. A well-known herbal remedy that treats acid reflux is ginger, which has been proven to ease inflammation of the esophagus and aid with digestion. Peppermint is another herb that helps to alleviate acid reflux symptoms due to relaxing the muscle of the digestive tract and easing discomfort. Chamomile tea has soothing effects and helps to ease stress and anxiety that can lead to acid reflux. Licorice root has been the go-to remedy for gastrointestinal ailments, including acid reflux, for centuries. It has compounds that protect the stomach and esophagus lining from damage due to the stomach acid. Slippery elm is another herb that can be relied upon to ease acid reflux symptoms by coating the stomach and esophagus lining, easing irritation. These herbal treatments can be administered in the form of tea, capsules, or tinctures, and can be an effective means of acid reflux management that is free of side effects.
Homeopathic Treatment of Acid Reflux
Homeopathic medicine employs highly diluted substances to stimulate the body to heal itself. A number of homeopathic treatments can be used to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Natrum phos is one such remedy that is commonly employed to cure acid reflux and indigestion. It can neutralize the excess stomach acid, supporting the process of healthy digestion. Nux vomica is another homeopathic remedy that can cure acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and nausea.
Arsenicum album is one of the homeopathic treatments that may be able to improve symptoms of acid reflux, including burning stomach and throat pain. It can also be used to curb anxiety and restlessness, which can contribute to symptoms of acid reflux. Lycopodium is yet another one of the homeopathic treatments that can be used to cure symptoms of acid reflux, such as gas, indigestion, and bloating. These homeopathic treatments can be administered in different potencies, such as pellets or liquid dilution, and can prove to be an effective acid reflux cure that is natural.
Essential Oils for Acid Reflux Relief
Essential oils have been employed for many decades to facilitate digestive well-being and to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. A common essential oil to use to ease acid reflux is peppermint oil, which has been found to relax the muscle tissues of the digest tract and ease the discomfort. It can be consumed internally through enteric-coated capsules to discourage heartburn and indigestion, natural remedies for acid reflux.
Other Natural Remedies To Treat Acid Reflux Aside from herbal medicine, homeopathic treatments, and essential oils, there are many other natural treatments that can help to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Aloe vera juice is soothing and can be ingested to cause the esophagus and stomach to become less inflamed, promoting healing and comfort. Apple cider vinegar is another natural cure that can be ingested to alleviate acid reflux symptoms through healthy digestion and the neutralization of excess stomach acid.
Probiotic bacteria can aid healthy digestion, as well as alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Probiotic-rich foods include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, and probiotics can be purchased in supplement form. Marshmallow root has been utilized for many years to calm the stomach lining and the esophagus, and eliminate stomach acid irritation. These natural treatments can be excellent methods to treat acid reflux, along with improving overall gastrointestinal wellness.
