Acid reflux, also called GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), can happen to anyone. To treat or prevent it from happening, learn about these five effective and natural remedies for acid reflux.
5 Effective and Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
While experiencing an acid reflux, the bilious materials, stomach acids, and pancreatic juices move back-up your system. When this happens, it causes irritation, inflammation, and scarring to your esophagus. This may also increase your chances of having esophageal cancer. Knowing why you’re having an acid reflux can help you. If you’re already suffering from GERD, here are some of the natural remedies for acid reflux you can try.
1. Try Some Relaxation Techniques
Experiencing acid reflux can be very stressful. Since muscles are involved in trying to keep those stomach acids where they belong, it would be best to try relax both your body and mind. You may try meditating to clear your head or do some yoga. Listening to some relaxing music is also a good option to relax your mind.
2. Know What to Avoid
There are certain types of food that can trigger acid reflux. Food and drinks such as soda, chocolate, onion, garlic, fried foods, tomato sauce, mint, alcohol, citrus fruits, and caffeine can all trigger an attack. It would be best to refrain from having any of these food and drinks to prevent acid reflux.
3. Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker and have been suffering from acid reflux, this is another reason why you should quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes damage your esophageal sphincter, which stops those acids from backing up. Having a damaged esophageal sphincter could mean experiencing more frequent heartburns.
4. Know What to Eat
While there are food and drinks you should avoid, there are also food and drinks that can help balance your acids. Since acids are the main cause of an acid reflux, you should know which foods can help regulate your pH.
Eating raw almonds can help in regulating your pH as it is an alkaline-producing food. You can also drink a half-cup of water with a tablespoon of baking soda or chew gum to help produce saliva, which in turn, helps reduce the acid in your esophagus.
5. Exercise More Often
Your weight can be the reason why you’re having acid refluxes. There are studies showing how losing weight can improve your acid reflux symptoms. You can also try a diet or regulated food intake, since having smaller meals would put less pressure on your stomach.
Watch this video from FitLive TV for additional natural remedies for acid reflux!
These natural remedies for acid reflux can help ease your discomfort. You should not prolong acid reflux symptoms and take immediate action, as it can put you at a higher risk of esophageal damage. If the symptoms persist even after trying some natural remedies, it would be best to contact a gastroenterologist.
What other natural remedies for acid reflux do you know? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Up Next: Bloating Remedies: Get Rid of Gas Naturally
**Disclaimer: All content on this site is a suggested approach to help alleviate symptoms. The suggested remedies may have varying effects for each person. Please read our full disclaimer here**