How to Manage and Prevent Acid Reflux With Natural Remedies
Acid reflux is a painful digestive condition that often arises after eating.
There are various natural solutions that can help manage and prevent this condition, including avoiding certain foods, drinking plenty of water, taking herbs, digestive enzymes and probiotics, etc.
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Natural remedies can be helpful for managing and preventing acid reflux. You could try taking herbs, drinking specific teas or changing your diet in order to help alleviate symptoms and discomfort.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile, licorice, and slippery elm can help to calm and relax both the esophagus and stomach lining, as well as reduce symptoms like heartburn and gas. They’re also anti-inflammatory which may provide some relief.
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have demonstrated that herbal teas can strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which keeps food and stomach acids inside your stomach rather than backing up into your esophagus. When excess fat presses on the LES it may weaken or relax it entirely resulting in food being forced back up your esophagus.
As another method to strengthen the LES, eating smaller portions at each meal will force your stomach to contract in order to accommodate it and tightening of your LES, helping prevent acid from backing up into the esophagus.
Aloe vera juice on an empty stomach may help enhance digestion and flush toxins out of the system, as well as maintain an alkaline environment which may decrease acid reflux risks.
People who follow a strict diet and make lifestyle adjustments typically experience less pain, increased energy levels, reduced gut problems and may even shed extra weight. A whole foods-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats for maximum benefits.
Sleeping with your head elevated 6 inches above your chest can also help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Extra pillows under your head, tilting your bed slightly up so the area between esophagus and stomach is elevated, or using a mattress wedge could all provide temporary relief from acid reflux symptoms.
Aloe Vera
Acid reflux is one of the most frustrating digestive disorders that many individuals suffer from, making natural remedies one of the best ways to manage and treat this condition.
Aloe vera plants have long been recognized as an effective natural treatment for acid reflux. Found in homes around the country and used as traditional medicine against various medical issues, aloe vera plants offer natural relief to many conditions including acid reflux.
The juice from this plant contains numerous compounds that can help alleviate stomach ailments, including heartburn. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help ease pain in both the stomach and esophagus.
Aloe vera can be taken in various forms, including gel, juice and powder. When mixed with water and consumed prior to meals for digestion relief or as a refreshing drink after the meal.
To avoid potential side effects when purchasing aloe vera products, it is recommended that a decolourised and purified product is selected when making purchases. Untreated leaf products may contain aloin which is laxative in nature and could potentially lead to diarrhoea symptoms.
Another key consideration when purchasing aloe vera products is the amount of latex present in its leaves. Too much latex could pose serious kidney toxicity risks.
Before adding aloe vera to your diet while on medication for diabetes, it is wise to consult your physician first. Any interactions could increase the effects of your medication and raise the risk of hypoglycemia.
Aloe vera plant extracts are an effective, natural way of treating acid reflux. Not only can aloe help ease symptoms, but aloe also has numerous additional health benefits that will boost gut health and overall wellness.
Ginger
Ginger can help soothe acid reflux symptoms naturally. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce swelling in the esophagus and throat as well as help heal damaged tissues, ginger offers an effective natural solution.
Consume fresh or dried ginger in various forms to soothe acid reflux. One effective method is drinking ginger tea; alternatively you could also use it as an ingredient in stir-fry, rice and quinoa dishes.
To create this beverage, it is necessary to carefully rinse and peel a ginger root before grating it finely. Next, combine this shredded root with some honey and cinnamon in a pan before bringing the mix to boil and allowing it to simmer for some minutes before straining out any solid particles from the surface of the water.
Next, combine butter with your mixture before incorporating cinnamon sticks and ginger pieces.
Heating this mixture together will allow cinnamon and ginger to help soothe your stomach while also soothing your esophagus, thus preventing acid from coming up into your chest and burning it.
Your next best move should be eating low-acid fruits such as bananas to soothe your esophagus lining and reduce any burning sensations. Bananas contain pectin – a soluble fiber which aids food movement through your digestive tract – which may also provide some relief.
Before meals, take one teaspoon of honey with a pinch of salt to reduce heartburn symptoms and encourage faster gastrointestinal system function, thereby decreasing chances of acid reflux and acid stomach. This will allow food to move through your system more quickly while keeping acids at bay from staying put in your stomach too long, thus helping avoid potential acid reflux episodes.
Ginger can also be taken in capsule, powder or chewable tablet form for optimal results. Aim to consume four grams per day as this should provide adequate relief without worsening symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Acid reflux is a digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn and may progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar can be effective ways to manage mild to moderate cases of acid reflux. They can also help prevent it by limiting consumption of foods known to trigger it – like tomatoes, spicy foods or fatty substances – as well as cutting back on tobacco usage as a preventive strategy.
Apple cider vinegar is often touted as an effective natural cure for acid reflux or GERD, with many people believing it neutralizes stomach acids with just one teaspoon mixed into water. Unfortunately, however, no scientific evidence supports these claims.
As vinegar is acidic and may damage tooth enamel, be sure to dilute it before use or drink through a straw in order to minimize exposure of your teeth to it.
Importantly, not enough research or clinical studies exist on the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating acid reflux. According to Medical News Today, there have been anecdotal reports of success using this remedy for treating GERD symptoms, yet no conclusive proof exists as far as scientific proof goes.
Apple cider vinegar offers many other advantages besides helping acid reflux. It can reduce cholesterol, improve digestion, stabilize blood sugar and prevent certain forms of bacteria growth.
Studies have also demonstrated its ability to enhance energy levels and lower high blood pressure in people who take it – making it an invaluable addition for maintaining optimal health.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea can have a soothing effect on the digestive system and is particularly helpful in preventing and relieving acid reflux symptoms. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties provide additional comfort while soothing irritation in the GI tract.
Flavonoids, powerful antioxidants known to reduce oxidative stress and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, is found in abundance in this fruit, making it particularly important for people with a history of cardiovascular issues or those who are at high risk of future cardiovascular issues.
Ursolic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent found in this food supplement, provides soothing relief by soothing and protecting stomach walls while simultaneously relieving smooth muscle spasms related to inflammation such as esophageal reflux disease, diverticular disease and gastritis.
Additionally, it helps stimulate liver bile secretion for increased digestion of food efficiently – and prevent and treat gastric ulcers effectively.
Chamomile can help ease menstrual cramps as its relaxing properties relax the uterus, making contractions less painful.
However, pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid drinking chamomile tea as this could pose serious complications, potentially even leading to miscarriage.
As Chamomile tea contains Coumarin, an active chemical similar to Warfarin that may act as a blood thinner, it should be consumed sparingly if at high risk for bleeding. This is because drinking too much Chamomile Tea could increase bleeding risk.
Although chamomile tea offers numerous health advantages, it is best to consult your physician prior to beginning any new supplement regiment. In particular, taking it before surgery could increase blood pressure significantly and may raise risks.