Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, commonly called heartburn, is a common condition wherein acid leaks out of the stomach into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Other symptoms include bloating, unpleasant taste in the mouth, flatulence, and difficulty swallowing. Many people experience occasional episodes of acid reflux and sometimes, over-the-counter medications or simply letting it subside is the best way to deal with acid reflux. However, some people experience it too often. If you are experiencing recurring symptoms of acid reflux, undergoing treatment is necessary.

Often, acid reflux is caused by the inability of the oesophageal muscles to contract after swallowing food – allowing the acid from the stomach to come up to the oesophagus. But what causes these muscles to contract poorly? Experts blame it to obesity, binge-eating, lying down after meals and eating lots of processed foods.

Medications are only going to relieve the symptoms and not totally the cause of your acid reflux. If you are looking for long-term solutions that involve no side effects, you better try the following natural remedies:

1. Increase your intake of digestive enzymes
Cut back on your consumption of processed foods.  Instead, eat more of raw, organic foods like fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your digestive enzyme.

2. Change your diet
Foods that are known to help prevent acid reflux include oatmeal, ginger, Aloe Vera, banana, melon, fennel, chicken and turkey, roots and greens, fish and other seafood, celery and parsley.

3. Boost the probiotics in your stomach
Instead of gulping a large can of fizzy drink, enjoy a cup of plain Greek yogurt for snack. Cultured foods like yogurt, kefir, miso and kimchi are high in probiotics (or the good bacteria) needed for healthy digestion. If you are not a fan of cultured foods, you can consider taking probiotic supplements.

4. Baking Soda
This works best if you want an immediate relief from heartburn. Add a tablespoon of baking soda in a half cup of water and drink it. Baking soda helps increase your alkalinity and trump out acidity.

5. Cayenne Powder
Some doctors recommend using cayenne powder for acid reflux. Just add half or full teaspoon of 40,000 heat unit (minimum) cayenne powder in warm water and drink it, preferably before meal. Using warm water helps cayenne to get easily absorbed by your stomach.

6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for many therapeutic effects. It is also used to treat heartburn. You just have to add a tablespoon Apple cider vinegar in a small amount of water.

Aside from these natural remedies, don’t forget that a proper diet, avoiding over-eating, and exercising, are three ways to prevent heartburn occurring in the first place.

Take care, Steve