Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD or acid reflux, is a medical condition in which the an abnormal relaxation of the esophageal sphincter causes gastric acid to reflux, causing heartburn and other more serious symptoms and complications. There are a number of natural treatments for GERD, including of course dietary changes.
There are a number of foods and food habits that seem to induce acid reflux - restrict your intake of coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolates, and acidic fruits and vegetables. Quit smoking. Avoid consuming milk and milk-based products before bedtime. In fact, generally avoid eating during the two or three hours before you go to bed. In addition, have smaller meals several times a day, rather than a few large meals. You can also prepare some simple concoctions that will help ease your condition. Try a spoon of ginger juice mixed with honey after a meal, and have a glass of boiled cumin water (about a teaspoon of cumin seed boiled in water).
A few changes in the way you sleep will also help - some recent studies have shown that sleeping on one's left side is better for GERD patients. In addition, elevate your head by six to eight inches when you sleep, by using either pillows or plastic or wooden bed risers at the head of the bed.
answered by G M