Acid reflux is one of the most common discomforts that could paralyse the life of an individual for days together if not addressed properly. It usually occurs when the food is not broken down by the acid that is secreted by the stomach, and the excess acid flows back to esophagus causing heartburn, regurgitation or a stabbing or continuous pain in the heart.
Take safe foods. Among the fruits the most widely recommended are apple , papaya ,pineapple and banana. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, peas, green beans, baked potato are safe foods and easily digestible. Within the grains category what you should preferably consume to avoid the recurring bouts of acid reflux are Brown or white rice, oatmeal, brown bread or multigrain bread. The non-vegetarians can also go for skinless chicken breast and egg whites and no fat fish. Alchohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, spicy foods, full fat diary products need to be avoided.
Listed below are the most recommended, tested remedies for acid reflux.
Increase the intake of water. You must have at least a glass of water after each meal. Water helps to dilute the acidic content of the stomach and assists in digestion reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. Water is very important to detoxify the entire system and you should always try and maintain a light yellow color urine shade suggesting less acidic content of urine.
Almonds have also been proven to have remedial effect to acid reflux. In the morning, and after each meal, it is good to chew on a few almonds; chewing them very well is also important. As you make this an habit you would witness a decrease in the episodes of acid reflux.
Fennel tea or chamomile tea has also been proven to effective in controlling acid reflux symptoms. Chamomile is antispasmodic and besides the soothing effect it has on the stomach, it also relieves you of pain if any.
Papaya has a digestive enzyme which helps in breaking the proteins and aids the digestive process. Pineapples contain Bromelain, an enzyme that again helps to break the complex proteins and aids the digestive system. Indian Gooseberry or amla has great medicinal property and has been used to treat peptic ulcer. You can take it in any form including consumption of juice, chutney or in tea. It can be consumed raw with salt as well. Banana can also be taken with sugar or cardamom to help you get some relief from this.
Ginger is highly effective in ailments related to the digestive system. Ginger is one of the best herbs that treats acid reflux. It is also a great herb in discomforts related to stomach and has great relieving effect when it comes to nausea, vomiting.
Indian Long pepper, highly effective in acid reflux. It may be consumed in very small amount as it is very hot. It is usually powdered and added to dishes to enhance flavor. Black pepper when taken with ½ table spoon rock salt, morning and evening after meals is considered good for fighting acid reflux.
Cumin seeds are also very beneficial to get rid of acid reflux. The water extract of a table spoon of Cumin seeds and coriander seeds in the morning and evening after meals is highly beneficial. Cumin seeds are said to be very soothing and very effective for infants.
There are many misconceptions regarding Lemon due to its acidic property. However, many researchers have stressed on the utility of lemon for the treatment of acidity. The potassium in Lemon is said to neutralize the effects of acid in the intestinal wall. Lemon when mixed with hot water and taken at least 30 minutes before meals greatly helps in acid reflux. It can be taken 2-3 times in a day. Juices of the same fruit family are also useful in dealing with acidosis. The juices of cucumber, carrot, pumpkin and bottle gourd are also highly beneficial in this.
Boiled or baked potatoes also help in addressing the recurrence of acid reflux. Potatoes are alkaline in nature and contain potassium salt which restricts acidity.
Milk, another time tested method to reduce acidity should be consumed cold. It is recommended that pregnant women who suffer from heartburn and regurgitation can greatly rely on cold milk.
Licorice and Aloe Vera juice is also recommended and found to be highly effective. Apple cider Vinegar (ACV), is also very popular in the west. It is added in half a glass of water and consumed shortly after meals to keep acid reflux at bay.
And if you thought chewing gums are absolutely worthless, stop and sample this. Chewing gums are known to be digestive. The saliva secreted is dilutes the stomach acid and limits the symptoms of acid reflux.
Avoid large meals as that increases the pressure on the digestive system. Small meals help in having a good digestive regimen and prevent the occurrence of acid reflux. Positive lifestyle changes such as taking meals 2-3 hours before going to bed, limiting the consumption of alcohol, not smoking cigarettes help in addressing the problem of from acidic reflux or GERD.
Sleeping posture in an important factor in this and it is suggested that the head should be placed atleast 6 inches above the body. This could be done not just by putting your head on a pillow but may be by putting something like a wedge under the mattress. The logic behind this recommendation is that the force of gravity works better on the digestive system as the food moves down esophagus to the stomach. Also, it is important that to get rid of this problem one should not lie down immediately after meals.
You must bear in mind that Acid Reflux is not to be taken lightly as the frequent spilling over of acidic fluid from stomach could cause serious injury to your esophagus as its lining are not as strong as that of the stomach. Using a combination of positive lifestyle changes, proper diet, reducing stress and anxiety and use of some effective herbs we can cure this problem.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.