Heartburn is very common -- and very unpleasant. It's triggered when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus. It can make you feel as though someone has lit a small bonfire in your chest, and it's burning its way up to your neck.
You're probably well aware that medications can help calm the burn, but natural heartburn remedies and lifestyle changes may be another way to get relief.
Acid reflux and heartburn should be taken seriously! Recurrent acid reflux may lead to more serious medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Fortunately, there are plenty of home remedies for acid reflux, which if followed dutifully, can eradicate the problem permanently from your body. Here are some tips:
Warm Water with Lemon Juice
Start your day with a glass of warm water and fresh lemon juice as a great digestive aid. This works wonderfully on your stomach. Doctors opine that regular drinking of warm water mixed with lemon juice can balance the acid content in your stomach and helps a lot in digestion. The best part? This remedy is safe and suitable for any age and physical conditions.
For the best effect, drink this on an empty stomach 15 to 20 minutes before you have your breakfast, advised Rebekah Fedrowitz, an applied holistic nutritionist.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is a wonder herb. You can easily soothe your stomach with a cup of aloe vera juice every day. It is easy to prepare or obtain if you are unable to make your own. Raw aloe vera juice is readily available on the market in varieties of brands.
You will need to mix ½ a cup of raw aloe vera juice with water for the best effect. Try to take this every day, half an hour before lunch. Regular intake will keep you free from acid reflux and heartburn.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a good remedy for immediate relief from acid reflux. Baking soda or Sodium Bi-Carbonate is naturally made to neutralize acid as it has a PH value of 7.0 approximately. It reduces burning sensation in the upper abdomen and throat immediately. Preparing the mixture is also very easy.
1 teaspoon of baking soda is to be mixed with one glass of water. Proceed to drink the solution immediately to get instant effects.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum relieves acid reflux naturally. A research paper published in The Journal of Dental Research showed that regular chewing of gum for 30 mins after meal reduces the symptoms of GERD abruptly. The same is applicable for acid reflux too.
From scientific aspect, continuous chewing of a sugar-free gum increases the secretion of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is a very effective antacid. As it descends through the oesophagus, the upper movement of acids from the stomach is reduced and even excess acid is neutralized.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Sometimes acid reflux may be caused by an abnormally low amount of acid formation in the stomach, rather than an overproduction of acid. In such situations, to control acid reflux or heartburn, you can drink 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with half a glass of water.
If your acid burn is due to low acid formation, then it can relief the problem immediately. Otherwise, it will not harm your stomach or further enhance the problem.
Ginger
Ginger has great medicinal value as far as the problem related to digestion is concerned. Presence of gingerol and shogaol helps in secretion and digestion in our stomach. This in turn reduces over secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
According to Elizabeth Lipski, a clinical nutritionist and the author of the book Digestive Wellness, adding ginger or an umeboshi plum into your diet “can go a long way to stopping heartburn before it starts.”
Drinking ginger tea every day in the long term can not only cure acid reflux but also works as an excellent antioxidant for our body. For the best effect, take ginger tea everyday 30 minutes before lunch.
Banana and Apple
Banana and apple contain active ingredients to combat acid reflux. Both are easily available fruits and can be effectively used as a buffer against heartburn. Eating one banana every day during breakfast can reduce the rate of over secretion of acid in the stomach. High fibrous levels in the apple help to absorb oily ingredients and excess acid in the stomach. Hence, eating an apple before bedtime helps you to get rid of potential acid reflux.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known for its antacid effects and digestive values. It has been used as an herb for thousands of years in India and China. According to WebMD, one product consisting of chamomile and other herbs had been shown to provide relief for heartburn and other stomach ailments.
Readymade chamomile tea is easily available for purchase in the market, or it can be made at home too using a very simple method. Just put 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers into a tea strainer and infuse it in a cup of hot water for about 3 minutes. You can also add lemon juice or honey to adjust the taste to your likings if desired.
Mint Tea
Mint is also a very effective anti-inflammatory, and antacid herbal product. Mint is packed full of dietary fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and other minerals. It’s a perfect ingredient that boasts digestion and helps in reducing over secretion of acid in the stomach. If you’re feeling heartburn or inflammation in your chest and throat, take a cup of mint tea to get relief from the reflux immediately.
Raw Almonds
Try eating raw almonds at least 5-6 pieces daily. Almond has a great alkaline property that balances PH value in the stomach, says Dr. Millie Lytle, a naturopathic doctor in New York. Needless to say, almond also has many other nutritional values and is a good source of calcium too.
Among these very simple home remedies of acid reflux, you can choose one or more options, which are readily available in your place, and you think are suitable for your problem.
Thank you for taking time out to read this article. I hope it was helpful. Please always visit this blog for more health tips.
Thank you for taking time out to read this article. I hope it was helpful. Please always visit this blog for more health tips.