Simply put, acid reflux is a condition in which the acids (digestive juices) in the stomach move up into the esophagus or food pipe through an action known as reflux. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms And Causes
The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which results in a burning sensation that is experienced in the chest and throat. Chest pain, regurgitation (wet burps), and dyspepsia (pain in the abdomen accompanied by nausea and fullness) are the other symptoms of acid reflux. The most obvious cause of acid reflux is the increase in the amount of acid in the stomach, which may result in mild and temporary heartburn. However, when heartburn is persistent and severe, underlying factors such as the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), reduced stomach functions, esophageal abnormalities, poor peristalsis, development of an adult-ringed esophagus (common in men), and hiatal hernia could be the cause.
Heart Burn Remedies
Home remedies for heartburn are extremely effective in people who are suffering with mild heartburn. However, when the cause is more than just increased amounts of acid in the stomach, heartburn could be severe and other symptoms could manifest. In such conditions, medical attention is necessary. Below are a few natural remedies to reduce heartburn and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
As counter-productive as it may seem, apple cider vinegar reduces heartburn because it facilitates digestion. When purchasing organic apple cider vinegar from the market, search for the word ‘mother’ on the label. This is because it is the ‘mother’ in the apple cider vinegar that contains the enzymes that are beneficial for treatment. One spoon of apple cider vinegar before meals on a daily basis with help treat heartburn on a permanent basis provided the underlying cause is only excess acid.
Another helpful remedy for acid reflux is aloe vera juice consumed about 20 minutes before meals. Ensure that the aloe vera juice you purchase categorically states that it is for internal use. Licorice has been known to be extremely effective in combating acid reflux. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, which is available in the market in the form of tablets can be used to soothe the digestive tract and alleviate heartburn. It is advised that one let the tablet slowly dissolve in the mouth as opposed to swallowing it with water.
Another root that is effective for heartburn is ginger. Consuming ginger can help in relaxing the stomach and esophagus muscles. Glutamine, an amino acid replete with anti-inflammatory properties, is also known to be effective in treating acid reflux. Glutamine is available in the market in the form dietary supplements.
Other aspects such as reducing spicy and oily foods in one’s diet, eating healthy and nutritious food, and exercising regularly are also extremely effective in combating heartburn.
The process of feeding the body is one of the basic requirements of life. Humans need a range of different nutrients which can be provided to the body by a good and well balanced diet. Food is processed in the body in order for it to be digested and its nutrition used. This process begins in the mouth itself. Here, food is chewed and torn up so that it can be easily swallowed. After passing the throat, food passes through the esophagus which leads into the stomach. Digestion takes place in the stomach. During digestion, acids and enzymes are added to the food in order to break the food down. This function requires the stomach lining to be strong. Digested food passes into the intestinal system where absorption takes place. Finally, the waste products collect in the rectum and are disposed of during defecation. This process normally takes place throughout the day. During the period after meals, digestion takes place.
Acid reflux is a condition where digestive juices rise up through the esophagus. Normally, there is a mechanism to prevent food and digestive juices from leaving the stomach in the upwards direction. When the condition of acid reflux occurs, the individual will suffer from acid reflux symptoms. The acid reflux causes include many illnesses and some temporary conditions as well. Some of the common acid reflux causes are indigestion, gastritis, various gastric diseases and excessive food consumption. Excessive food consumption and indigestion are closely related. Indigestion may occur as a temporary problem because of some improperly cooked food. Excessive food consumption is also a temporary problem that is caused by excessive greed. More complicated cases of acid reflux involve digestive disorders such as gastritis and also conditions that may occur further down in the digestive tract. Many individuals who suffer from stomach ulcers will experience acid reflux. This is because their bodies will react badly to the acids that released into the affected area.
The symptoms of acid reflux include a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. Other symptoms of acid reflux include burning in the throat, gas and general discomfort in the chest and abdomen. Acid reflux causes vomiting, nausea, coughing and general malaise. The symptoms of acid reflux may also create a situation where the individual does not eat as much food as he or she would normally eat because of the discomfort associated with this condition. Over a period of time, acid reflux causes throat cancer because of the continuous damage that is taking place to the lining of the throat. It should be noted that acid reflux causes cancer amongst individuals who have chronic acid reflux and who do little to improve their health. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are also at high risk of developing acid reflux and also throat cancer as a result of this. Other symptoms of acid reflux include bad breath, foul taste in the mouth and, in some cases, the development of ulcers in the mouth.
Any individual who has experienced the symptoms of acid reflux will know how important it is to have natural remedies for acid reflux. Natural remedies for acid reflux are preferred because they can be accessed anywhere and at any time. A good diet for acid reflux can help to alleviate the symptoms. The diet for acid reflux should be a simple yet nutritious. When one uses the term simple diet, this means a diet that contains foods that can be easily digested. During acid reflux an individual’s digestive system is under stress. By adding complicated foods to this equation, one will only exacerbate the condition. Spicy foods, oily foods and heavy foods should be avoided when one wishes to have a good diet for acid reflux cure. These foods can all be added later when the individual has recovered from the condition. Many people use antacid medication to help with acid reflux cures. This provides temporary relief and can be done for a part time solution to the problem. However, in the long term, it is better to have natural remedies for acid reflux as these will help to fix the cause of the problem rather than the symptom.
The first thing to do when one seeks natural remedies for acid reflux is to eliminate the foods that are described above as difficult to digest. Once this is done, one can consume some specific foods that are known to help calm the stomach down. Ginger has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant and is also one of the effective natural cures for acid reflux. Ginger can be powdered and added to water or boiled and consumed as part of a soup. Individuals with acid reflux problems should also consume plenty of water as this will help to reduce the acidity of the stomach. This should be done between meals to prevent acid build up and not during meals.
Mint is also one of the great home remedies for acid reflux. The leaves of this plant can be crushed and boiled with water and consumed as a drink. Another important thing to do when suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux disease is to consume plenty of dietary fiber. Fiber gives the food some bulk and does not react to digestive juices. It therefore helps to reduce the acidity in the stomach and also helps to improve the condition of the bowels. Bowel problems are common in patients who suffer from any sort of digestive distress.
One less used but equally important cures for acid reflux is related to the timing of meals consumed. This is one of the essential cures for acid reflux in babies and infants. Individuals who are suffering from acid reflux should consume smaller meals more frequently during the day. This will help by firstly reducing the chances of acid build up, and secondly, reducing the load on the stomach. Improved digestion will also improve the nutrition available to the body and this will help the individual fight against any digestive disease that may be affecting his or her body at the time. Individuals suffering from chronic acid reflux should visit a doctor as soon as possible if the condition lasts for more than 3 or 4 days. Besides this even pregnant women would need to visit the doctor as this will help in preventing any escalation of the condition.