Acid reflux home remedies are simple to use and can be very effective in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid is pushed back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in the chest.
People with acid reflux may also have difficulty swallowing, experience hoarseness, or they may start regurgitating. Obesity and pregnancy increase a person's chances for acid reflux. The reason is that extra weight from obesity and pregnancy puts pressure on the abdomen, causing the contents of the stomach to get pushed back into the esophagus. Antacids are among the most common treatments for acid reflux. However, natural reflux remedy can be just as effective.
Hard Candy as a Heartburn Treatment
For a quick and simple heartburn treatment, try chewing gum or sucking on candy. They provide acid reflux relief by causing a person to swallow, which helps get the acid back to the stomach where it should be. According to The People's Pharmacy by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon (February 18, 2002 St. Martin's Press), chewing gum or sucking on hard candy will cause an increase in the production of saliva.
The extra saliva not only clears the esophagus of stomach acid, it also helps dilute stomach acid that may still remain in the esophagus. The authors caution against sucking on chocolate or peppermint candies because they can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse by loosening the barrier between the stomach and esophagus.
Herbs That Provide Acid Reflux Relief
Some people use herbal supplements for acid reflux relief. Licorice is among the herbs that are used to reduce stomach acid. Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies by Bill Gottlieb (June 29, 2002 Rodale Books), recommends taking the chewable licorice, which is known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL. Take one tablet three times a day before each meal.
Slippery elm is another herb that is effective as an acid reflux home remedy. It provides relief by healing the mucous membranes that were irritated by the acid reflux. This herb is available as a supplement. One capsule of the slippery elm herb should be taken three times a day before eating.
Diet
Although herbs can ease the discomforts caused by heartburn, treatment may not even be necessary if a person maintains a healthy diet. Foods that are high in fat should be avoided because they can cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, according to David S. Utley, M.D., a Stanford University Medical Center instructor.
Carbonated drinks, as well as those containing caffeine, citrus fruit, and carbonation can cause excess stomach acid. Spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint, and spearmint can loosen the valve of the esophagus and allow acid to be released from the stomach. It's also better to eat several small meals throughout the day. Large meals cause the body to increase its production of stomach acid.
 |
