5 Best Home Remedies for Acid Reflux
Digestive disorders are very frequent but painful. The burning and paining sensation in the chest is very horrible to handle. Are you suffering with the same problem? That is nothing but the acid reflux.
Acid reflux can occur in a person at any stage of life. Researchers say that 7% of the Americans face heartburn daily because of acid reflux. Out of that 20% people are suffering from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which is severe case of acid reflux.
How does Acid Reflux occur?
Acid reflux is a condition, where stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) moves back into the esophagus along with the food. This is caused due to the opening or weakening of the esophageal sphincter muscle, which consists of food and acid. This may lead to belching, chest pain, irritation in esophagus etc.
Genetics, smoking, consumption of alcohol, stomach abnormalities, certain food items with high-fat, etc. are main causes of acid reflux.
It is said that, if you are suffering from acid reflux problem regularly then, it is sign of some severe health issue and must be treated as soon as possible.
It is very important to find out the root cause and permanently get rid of this problem. However, antacid is proved to provide instant relief against this problem but it gives a temporary relief. So, total of 30% people who are suffering from acid reflux prefer home remedies as it provides instant and permanent relief from acid reflux.
We have mentioned top 6 best and effective measures to treat acid reflux at home. In this article you will be learning the methods and few do’s and don’ts to prevent the problems associated with acid reflux.
Top 6 Home Remedies to Treat Acid Reflux:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Apple cider vinegar is found to be more effective in treating acid reflux. It has acetic acid, which breaks down the fats for proper digestion. The hydrochloric acid produced by stomach is stronger than the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar. So, the pH level of the stomach is balanced and helps in treating acid reflux.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 cup warm water
Steps to be followed…
- Take a cup of warm water and add 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to it.
Now, stir well and consume it half an hour before your meals.
You can consume it until you are free from acid reflux.
If needed you can add1 teaspoon of honey for taste.
2. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is rich in sodium bicarbonate, which acts as antacid. In fact, sodium bicarbonate is naturally produced in the body by pancreas to protect the intestines.
This sodium bicarbonate acts as neutralizer and nullifies the acid produced by stomach. Thus, it gives relief from the acid reflux by balancing the pH levels of the stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 -1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
Steps to be followed…
- Take 1 cup of water and add ½ or 1 teaspoon of baking soda to it.
Now, stir well and consume this mixture quickly.
You can repeat it daily till you get relief from acid reflux.
Alternative method:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup water
Steps to be followed…
- Take 1 cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and finally add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice.
Stir it well and consume it immediately.
Repeat this whenever you have acid reflux problems.
Note:
- As it is a temporary treatment, sometimes the sudden decrease in the acidic level may worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.
High sodium content in the baking soda may cause lot of health problems one among them is high B.P. so, do not consume it regularly.
3. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains a substance called mucilage, which turns into gel form when combined with water. This gel coats the inflamed gastrointestinal tracts and esophagus. So, it is used in providing protection against acid reflux.
It is also known to stimulate production of mucus in the intestine and prevents ulcers and acidity.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of slippery elm
1 glass of warm water
Steps to be followed…
- Take a glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoons of slippery elm with it.
Stir it well and steep for 5 minutes.
You can consume it during the bed time or after the dinner.
If needed, you can add a teaspoon of honey to it.
For best results you can consume it daily till you get cured from acid reflux.
Note:
- Initially you can add 1 teaspoon of slippery elm and then, you can increase the quantity.
You can even make use of slippery elm lozenges to get rid of acid reflux.
4. Aloevera:
The presence of anti-inflammatory properties present in aloevera is useful in treating the inflamed oesophageal tract. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and lots of amino acids, which improves the digestion and helps in removing out the toxins from the body.
Steps to be followed…
- Take fresh leaf of aloevera and extract the fresh juice from it.
Pour ½ glass of aloevera juice and consume it 20 minutes before the meals.
Regular usage of this can help you to prevent acid reflux.
Note:
- The presence of laxative in the aloevera can lead to diarrhea.
5. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are referred as anti-spasmodic, which helps in improving digestion, ease the cramps and treating gas. It has a compound called anethole, which reduces the stomach spasms and helps to get rid of acid reflux.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cup water
Steps to be followed…
- Pour a cup of water into a pan and boil for 2 minutes on medium flame.
Now, add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and boil for 2 more minutes.
Allow it to steep for 10 minutes and then, drain the liquid.
For best results you can consume it 2-3 times per day.
Alternative method:
You can take a teaspoon of fennel seeds and chew them directly after the meals.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice root seals the esophagus sphincter and prevents liquid food from going back. It is also known to increase the production of mucus, which protects stomach and esophagus from the hydrochloric acid. Thus, licorice root is useful in treating acid reflux.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
1 and ½ teaspoon licorice root powder
Steps to be followed…
- Take 1 cup of water and boil for 2 minutes.
Then, add licorice root powder into the water and boil it again for 1 – 2 minutes.
Strain the liquid and drink it for 15-20 minutes before having food.
You can repeat it for 2 or 3 times per day till you get rid of acid reflux.
Alternative method:
- You can even chew 1 or 2 Deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets before your meals daily.
For best results you can repeat it twice a day.
Note: It is always better to consult doctor before starting with this herb.
Do’s
- It is always recommended to follow low carb diet. Sometimes, the carbs doesn’t digest easily and leads to bacterial growth and acid reflux.
One of the easy methods is to start chewing gum, which increases the production of saliva and thus reduces acid reflux.
Eat minimum of 3 hours before going to bed.
Try to sleep on your left side to get rid of acid reflux quickly.
Control you stress because it causes indigestion and further leads to acid reflux.
If you are consuming any pills, then it is better to consult your doctor and discuss. Sometimes, pills can be the major reason for acid reflux.
You can take digestive enzyme supplements, which helps in proper digestion.
Consume 2 glasses of pomegranate juice everyday to get rid of acid reflux quickly.
Coriander acts as a best remedy in treating acid reflux so, you can combine it with buttermilk and consume.
Amla is popularly known for treating colic and acid reflux. You can consume it raw, powder or any other supplements.
Consume an apple or banana everyday to get rid of acid reflux.
Drink ginger tea, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, marshmallow tea before consumption of your meals.
Don’ts
- Do not over eat the food at a time. You can prefer the having small meals.
Reduce consumption of alcohol as it may increase the heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux.
The presence of caffeine in the coffee weakens the esophageal sphincter and leads to acid reflux.
Avoid eating onion when you are suffering from acid reflux, as it may increase the heartburn.
Limit the consumption of carbonated drinks because they weaken the esophageal sphincter.
Do not drink too much of citrus juices as they increase the production of acid and leads to severe health problems.
Avoid the foods such as tomatoes, spinach, radish, beet, oranges, grape fruit, cheese, cayenne, jalapeno etc.
Concentrate on your body weight because belly fat will put pressure on the esophagus sphincter and leads to acid reflux and heartburn.
Do not wear tight clothes, as they may add pressure on the abdomen and esophagus sphincter.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What can you drink if you have acid reflux?
Acid reflux can be best treated with fluids such as water, coconut water, butter milk, low fat milk, aloevera juice etc.
2. Can you eat bananas for acid reflux?
Yes, bananas help in maintaining the pH level of the stomach. So, they are best for treating acid reflux.
3. Is honey useful for acid reflux?
Yes, acid reflux may be due to the damaged digestive tract. Honey prevents the free radicals from damaging the digestive tract and provides soothing effect. Thus, honey is best for treating acid reflux.
4. Can you eat eggs if you have acid reflux?
No, the foods with higher amount of fat can worsen the acid reflux symptoms and leads to heartburn.
5. How can you get rid of heartburn quickly?
Sip apple cider vinegar mixed with water or take baking soda with water. This helps in getting rid of heartburn quickly.
6. Can you drink mint water for acid reflux?
No, mint is said to relax the esophagus sphincter and it allows the liquid food to go back to the esophagus and cause acid reflux.
7. Can drinking a lot of water cause acid reflux?
Yes, drinking lot of water dilutes the hydrochloric acid of the stomach and causes acid reflux and heartburn.
8. How do you stop acid reflux at night?
Do not eat late night and keep difference of minimum 3 hours between your meals and sleep. This can help you to prevent acid reflux at night.
Few words to note…..
Acid reflux is very annoying and tough to tolerate so, everyone needs a quick and easy method to follow and get rid of it. To overcome this problem and help you in treating acid reflux and other symptoms we have mentioned 6 effective methods.
All the methods mentioned above are tested and proved to provide relief against acid reflux, heart burn etc.
Have you ever experienced this? Which method did you follow? Do you any other home remedy?
If you have any queries please write to us in the comment section below. Our team of experts will clarify them as soon as possible.
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