Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Disease
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, more commonly known
as acid reflux disease, is a condition where the contents of the stomach
are regurgitated into the esophagus and throat. Most acid reflux is
caused by a muscle in the esophagus that is no longer functioning right.
Its job is to restrict the food and acid in the stomach from flowing
back up into the esophagus but when it stops working it can no longer do
this. This regurgitation is what causes the primary symptoms of acid
reflux.
For most people it starts as an uncomfortable pressure or burning
sensation at the top of their stomach. This discomfort moves up the
esophagus, causing not only discomfort but also a bitter taste in the
back of the throat that won't go away. What separates acid reflux or
GERD from heartburn is the fact that it doesn't go away, even when
taking ant-acids. For many people laying down makes the symptoms even
worse causing many sleepless nights.
One of the best natural remedies for acid reflux disease is eating a
balanced diet that helps keep the production of gastric acids to a
minimum. Most people soon discover that certain foods make the condition
worse and learn to avoid these foods. The foods that set it off can vary
among people so it comes down to personal experience. There are certain
foods that tend to cause symptoms more than others and these include
fatty foods, spicy foods and certain spices, caffeine and certain citrus
fruits. It has also been proven that smoking increases the incidence of
symptoms.
Calming the stomach and the production of gastric acids is the one
common trait that is shared by natural treatments for GERD. A table
spoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water is a known way to help
combat the symptoms when they appear. It is also a good preventative if
taken during a meal.
Bananas, apples, figs, pineapple and papaya, along with cabbage and
carrots are some of the fruits and vegetables that are good at helping
control the symptoms of acid reflux disease. Certain herbs and spices
such as cinnamon, cardamom, mace, nutmeg and slippery elm all are good
at settling an upset stomach and reducing the production of gastric
acids.
Another way to quickly deal with the effects of acid reflux is to
chewing gum. Saliva is a natural ant-acid and its production is
increased while chewing gum. Swallowing this excess saliva calms the
stomach and reduces the symptoms of this condition.
While these natural remedies for acid reflux disease are effective it is
important to visit your doctor if you have the symptoms of this disease.
If left untreated it can eventually cause damage to the esophagus which
can lead to throat cancer.
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