Acid reflux is a very common health problem and affects about 50% of Americans. It is also often called peptic ulcer disease. The major symptom of acid reflux is heartburn.
Initially, it was thought that acid reflux is caused by excessive acid in the stomach and so acid reducing drugs were prescribed as a cure. But it turned out to be a misconception, since the prescribed drugs result in too less acid in the stomach.
Here, we would like to point out some natural remedies to eliminate acid reflux.
#1 :Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar regulates the pH in one’s body. It creates an alkaline environment when taken daily and maintains a stable pH which makes the stomach acid neutral and well balanced.
#2: Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe is a plant that helps reduce the inflammation. A glass of aloe vera juice helps in calming down the inflamed stomach.
#3: Unprocessed Foods
Unprocessed foods are the ultimate answer to balance and restore the natural acid balance and function. A lot of vegetables along with organic and unprocessed foods are a natural remedy for acid reflux and heartburn.
One should stay away from caffeine, nicotine products and alcohol to maintain the required gastric balance. Processed foods and sugars should be avoided as much as possible because they upset the gastric balance in the stomach and intestine.
#4: Probiotics
Another important natural remedy is to ingest enough probiotics. Probiotics help in proper digestion of the food. Yoghurt, sour cream and fish are rich in probiotics and should be incorporated in one’s diet to stay away from heartburn.
Herbs And Plants:
#5: Ginger Root And Chamomile Tea
Ginger root and chamomile tea help in reducing the acid reflux. Ginger has gastrointestinalproperties and blocks the acid. Ginger root is more powerful in treating acid reflux than most of over the counter drugs for the same. Also, chamomile tea helps soothe the stomach inflammation and heartburn.
#6: Bananas
Bananas act as a buffer against acid reflux because of its high content of natural antacids. A banana a day might help in keeping heartburn away.
#7: Mustard
Mustard contains acid in the form of vinegar. Given the alkaline properties of mustard, it helps neutralizing the acid. Though it tastes bad on its own, a spoon of mustard works wonders for the feeling of heartburn creeping up.
#8: Licorice
Licorice is a plant and its roots help in forming a mucous lining within the stomach that prevents the burning sensation due to excess acid production. It has stomach healing properties but it should be eaten in moderation.
Sleeping practice to relieve heartburn:
A great remedy to reduce the acid reflux is to elevate the head a little when you go to sleep at night. When lying straight without any head elevation, the digested contents along with the acid, back up in to the esophagus from the stomach which makes the heartburn bad at night. So an elevated head could work well for acid reflux.
There are a lot remedies available to help with acid reflux and the natural remedies are better suited to everyone more than over-the-counter antacids and other drugs. Eating healthy and organic food and regular exercise goes a long way in helping the heartburn.