Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux which can also be referred to as heartburn is a common condition in many individuals. It is usually occasional and can happen to anyone. A person with persistent acid reflux, usually occurring more than two times per week is said to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The condition is very unpleasant. It can cause a burning sensation in the chest, like a small flame traveling from an individual’s chest up towards their throat. It is usually caused by stomach acid backing up into an individual’s esophagus. 

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Some of the common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of a sour acid back up into the throat or the mouth
• Bloody or black stooling
• Constant burping
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Weightloss of unknown origin
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing

How is the condition managed?

Medication is the most common method of managing acid reflux, usually over-the-counter medication like antacids. However, there are other methods that can be used to manage the condition successfully like home remedies. These home remedies are quick, affordable, and effective methods that can be used to address the condition. Small changes in lifestyle habits or dietary changes may relieve the symptoms without the need for medication or an appointment with the doctor. It is vital to also be aware that persistence or the worsening of the condition after trying the home remedies may indicate that the individual has GERD or another serious condition. Hence, they may need to consult their doctor. Some of the natural remedies for acid reflux include:

Maintaining a healthy weight 

Acid reflux can happen to any adult, but it is usually prevalent in adults who are obese or overweight. Having excess fats, especially around the abdomen exerts a lot of pressure on the stomach. This pressure most times cause the stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Managing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet can be a very good way of managing the condition.

Quitting smoking 

Smoking, even when it is indirect can increase acid reflux. It has been pointed out by researchers that smoking reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This is the valve between the esophagus and the stomach which stops the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This reduction in pressure makes the valve malfunction causing acid reflux. Stopping smoking usually normalizes this pressure reducing the occurrence or likelihood of acid reflux.

Avoiding reflux triggers 

In some individuals, certain food or drink can be the trigger for the occurrence of acid reflux. This can be due to the incremental effect of those substances on the production of stomach acids, or their reducing the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to stop the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Removing these trigger items from the diet of these individuals can help reduce both the frequency and the severity of the symptoms of the condition. Some common trigger food items include:

• Coffee
• Fried food
• Soda
• Tomato sauce
• Onions
• Garlic
• Citrus fruit juices
• Fatty food
• Spicy food
• Alcohol
• Mint

Chewing gum after meals 

Chewing gum after meals may increase swallowing frequency; this improves the clearance rate of reflux in the esophagus. Also, chewing boosts the production of saliva which can also help reduce the concentration of stomach acid. It is however important to chew only sugar-free gums, as they usually make the symptoms of the condition worse and may also cause dental erosions. Individuals with acid reflux should also avoid mint-flavored chewing gums like peppermint and spearmint, as they may also worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.

Eating high-fiber foods 

Fiber is a very important part of a balanced diet. It can help in digestion by providing bulk to the content; it can also help an individual feel full. These qualities can help ease the symptoms of acid reflux. Fiber-rich foods that an individual can start including in their diets include:

• Porridge oats
• Brown rice
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Potato skins
• Granary bread
• Whole wheat breakfast cereals

Using calming techniques 

Usually, when an individual focuses on the discomfort that is caused by acid reflux, it can lead to anxiety and also worsen how the person feels. Anxious individuals can try box breathing techniques to manage the rapid breathing and dizziness that sometimes come with anxiety. It is also important to note that while staying calm will not stop acid reflux, it can help the individual avoid the worsening of the symptoms.

Eat smaller and sit up longer 

Eating smaller quantities of food can help reduce the pressure on the stomach. This, in turn, helps in the prevention of the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Doing this more frequently can reduce acid reflux and reduces the number of calories as well. It is also important to avoid lying down after eating as doing that can trigger heartburn.

Avoid tight clothing 

It is possible for tight clothing to worsen the symptoms of acid reflux and increase the frequency of the episodes. This is especially so with tight belts and bottoms. They place unnecessary pressure on the abdominal area, thereby contributing to the risk of developing heartburn. It is advisable to wear loose clothing especially if the individual is at risk from acid reflux.

Keeping a food journal 

This can be an important step in the management of acid reflux episodes. Keeping a diary and tracking the occurrence of the episodes can help an individual gain insight and useful knowledge of the condition. Keeping track of the symptoms as well as the foods they ate and any changes in behavior or habit can be done comfortably with the diary. This approach can help an individual recognize their acid reflux triggers, which they can then make an effort to avoid.

Summary 

Home remedies can help relieve the occasional acid reflux symptoms as well as milder cases of GERD. However, it is crucial to note that prolonged untreated acid reflux predisposes an individual to a higher risk of esophageal damage. These damages can include ulceration, esophageal cancer, and even a narrowed esophagus. It is also advisable to consult a gastroenterologist on how these home remedies can work together with a medical treatment plan.