Top 7 Natural Tricks to Destroy Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid Reflux and Heartburn refer to an extremely common, discomforting condition which occurs when stomach acid or bile escapes from the stomach and irritates the lining of the esophagus. The condition is also called ‘Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
People who experience Acid Reflux and Heartburn feel the hot, burning acid creep up from their stomach to the throat, thereby putting pressure on their chest. The cases of Acid Reflux can range from a mild irritation to excruciating pain.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn can become extremely bothersome condition, and can have an adverse effect on a person’s lifestyle. Generally, Acid Reflux is an indication of the occurrence of Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection, which is a sign that the stomach is not able to produce enough stomach acid to fight the infection. If the condition is not treated in time, stomach acid can have a long-term harmful impact, and may even lead to cancer.
Some of the common symptoms of Acid Reflux are: Heartburn, bloating, a burning sensation in the throat, persistent hiccups, irregular burping, chronic sore throat, and narrowing of esophagus.
The traditional treatment for Acid Reflux and Heartburn involves the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Though these synthetic inhibitors can improve the condition significantly, their consistent use can possibly cause Vitamin B12 deficiency and bone loss.
Top 7 Natural Tricks to Destroy Acid Reflux and Heartburn
1. Consume Unprocessed Foods
The problem of Acid reflux and Heartburn can get aggravated when a person eats a lot of processed foods because they contain chemicals, preservatives, added sugars, artificial flavors and dyes, and other things, which can disturb the bacterial balance in the stomach and intestine.
So, to destroy Acid Reflux and Heartburn in a natural way, it is important to eat unprocessed foods, which chiefly include raw fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, smoothies, green juices, protein shakes, sea salt, boiled eggs, and organic yogurt, etc.
2. Increase the intake of Fermented Foods
Acid Reflux and Heartburn can also be tackled by increasing the consumption of fermented food, which is also called alkaline food. Hence, people suffering from Acid Reflux should ensure that their diet contains adequate amount of fermented foods like yogurt, fermented vegetables, kefir, kimchi, etc.
Fermented foods can provide relief from Acid Reflux because the process of fermentation raises the pH level of the food, as it breaks down raw vegetables into amino acids and peptides. Fermented foods can also relieve inflammation in the stomach and can heal the stomach’s lining.
3. Consume Ginger Tea
The intake of Ginger Tea is also a very beneficial natural trick for destroying Acid Reflux and Heartburn. Ginger tea is an excellent natural remedy for a number of stomach disorders, including chronic acid reflux, common stomach ache, indigestion, etc. Ginger tea can improve the circulation of blood in the body, boost the immune system, and help in fighting bacterial infections.
To prepare Ginger Tea, steep some slices of ginger root in a glass of hot water for around 20-30 minutes, and drink the water. For best results in managing Acid Reflux, ginger tea should be taken before a meal
4. Use Baking Soda
The use of baking soda can also be beneficial in fighting Acid Reflux because it can neutralize acid in the stomach due to its high pH level. In situations when the acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus, the use of baking soda can prevent the acid from burning the lining of the esophagus.
To use baking soda for managing Acid Reflux and Heartburn, it is advisable to drink a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water. The remedy can be repeated during a day if required. But, it is important not to exceed seven doses in one day, and not to continue the remedy for more than one week.
5. Consume Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar is also considered an excellent remedy for destroying Acid Reflux and Heartburn. The use of Apple Cider Vinegar promotes the functioning of the digestive system, and can improve the acid content in the stomach in a natural way.
Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to meals by using it in dressing and marinades. Alternatively, one teaspoon or one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar can be mixed in one glass of water, and the mixture can be consumed for quickly relieving the symptoms of Acid Reflux.
6. Avoid Spicy Foods
People suffering from Acid Reflux and Heartburn should avoid the consumption of spicy foods. The problem gets triggered due to spicy foods because they can lead to a burning sensation and cause discomfort and pain.
Some of the common spicy foods which need to be avoided by people who generally experience Acid Reflux are: Chilli powder, Cayenne, Red chili pepper flakes, hot peppers, and hot sauce, etc.
7. Sleep in an Inclined Position
Sleeping in an inclined position can reduce the instances of Acid Reflux and Heartburn, and the discomfort associated with the problem. When a person sleep on an incline, the acid in the stomach has a comparatively much lesser chance of escaping, and can therefore not irritate the lining of the esophagus. However, if a person sleeps in any other position, the acid in the stomach can slosh around and move from one end of the stomach to the other.
Final Word : In addition to the above-mentioned 7 natural tricks for fighting Acid Reflux and Heartburn, it is also important for people suffering from the problem to eliminate certain food triggers from their diet. These triggers, unique to each patient, may include the intake of sodas, energy drinks, medications, alcohol, nicotine, added sugars, caffeine, and artificial additives/preservatives.
Moreover, people experiencing Acid Reflux and Heartburn regularly should include foods like carrots, cabbage, celery, apples, ginger, and turmeric etc. in their diet. They should also wear loose-fitting clothes, and keep a check on their weight.
