Acid reflux, which is also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a health condition which affects the esophagus. Acid reflux is caused by damage to the lining of the esophagus. This health condition develops when food is not properly digested in the stomach and is instead broken down into compounds and enzymes by a liquid content which is the acid. The acid travels back to the esophagus, where it builds up. Acid reflux is a symptom of heartburn.
Causes of Acid reflux:
Acid reflux is caused by alterations in the barriers between the stomach and the esophagus which involves an abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for keeping the top of the stomach closed and prevents the stomach acid from traveling into the esophagus. One variation of acid reflux affects the respiratory or the laryngeal organ and is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR. It is also known as silent reflux.
While there are many clinical or prescription methods to correct acid reflux, the natural remedies which are available are the best. This is because natural remedies do not cause any side effects. The fear of side effects is always there when one chooses clinical or prescription methods. In addition, natural remedies are beneficial in a number of ways.
This article will elaborate on the various natural remedies for acid reflux which are helpful in treating the condition of acid reflux.
Symptoms of acid reflux
Before using natural remedies for acid reflux, it is important to understand the various factors that contribute to the formation of acid reflux. In most cases, these symptoms of acid reflux can continue for long periods of time and become increasingly painful if it is not treated in the correct manner. There can be several symptoms of acid reflux, which are as follows –
Firstly, one of the most common symptoms of acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in and around the chest area. This burning sensation can also reach up as far as the neck or reach down as far as the stomach.
A second symptom of acid reflux is a constant troublesome pain in the chest.
A third symptom of acid reflux is regurgitating food from the esophagus, back into the mouth.
Fourthly, another symptom of acid reflux is a problem that is experienced while swallowing foods or even liquids. This is a kind of irritation that is experienced in the throat.
Since acid reflux affects the esophagus or the throat, a person suffering from acid reflux may also experience sore throat or hoarseness when trying to talk. Another symptom is asthma which is caused by acid traveling to the lungs and the throat.
Finally, another symptom of acid reflux is an erosion of teeth and gums which is caused when the acid reaches the mouth and which may be very painful.
Your Diet of Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Treatment:
Eating the right kind of foods while suffering from acid reflux is very important to reduce the pain in the throat and chest as well as to make way for treating the problem.
While suffering from acid reflux and trying to cure it, your diet should consist of fruits such as apples, and bananas. You can take these foods as freshly cut or made into juices. Fresh vegetables are another important part of the diet. These vegetables should include carrots, cabbage, broccoli, peas, green beans, and potatoes.
Milk and milk products should also be included in the diet including fat free cream cheese, goat cheese, low fat soy cheese, and fat free sour cream.
In the meat department, include lots of skinless chicken breasts, extra lean ground beef, broiled steaks, egg whites, and fat free fish. Meat is an important source of protein and hence should be consumed in order to fight the acid reflux.
Fourthly, grains also form an important part of the diet while treating acid reflux. The grains that you should consume include white or brown rice, multi grain bread, and white bread, cereals such as oatmeal and bran, pretzels and rice cakes.
Salads and sweet are also beneficial while treating acid reflux. Hence you can consume low fat salad dressing, jelly beans, fat free cookies, red licorice, and even potato chips.
Finally, drinking lots of water is always good for the body for several reasons. Therefore make sure to drink lots of mineral water for treating acid reflux.
However, there are certain foods which should be avoided. This is because these foods may react with the stomach acid that travels to the esophagus and create further problems. These foods include citrus fruits such as tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and cranberries. Ground beef, Buffalo wings, and marbled sirloin should be avoided. Regular cheese, sour cream, ice cream and milk shakes should also be avoided along with creamy salad dressings, vinegar dressings, cutter cookies, chocolate, wine, liquor, and regular tea or coffee. These foods are acidic in nature or are very oily and rich and hence these foods increase the burning sensations in the throat and lungs causing more discomfort.
Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux
Firstly, chewing almonds after meals can a big help for treating acid reflux because almonds help to get rid off the effects of the acid.
Secondly fennel tea or chamomile tea which are herbal teas help to treat acid reflux and provide comfort.
Thirdly, apples and gingers are very helpful for treating acid reflux. Apples and gingers help to reduce the acid in the stomach and cause relief.
Fourthly, apple cider vinegar has enzymes which can counter the stomach acid so drinking half a glass of apple cider vinegar will help a lot.
Fifthly, chewing gum is another method of treating acid reflux naturally. Chewing gum is good for digestion and thus dilutes the stomach acids relieves symptoms of acid reflux.
If some one follows a few of the above mentioned tips to fight Acid reflux then he or she is bound to get relief. But, one thing you have to keep in mind that if you want to cure Acid reflux naturally then you have to keep your patience and constantly follow the above mentioned methods.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.