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.