GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease refers to the flowing back of gastric acids into the esophagus. Also known as reflux, or reflux esophagitis, it is usually observed amongst people above the age of 40 years. The symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation of gastric acids into the mouth, difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest accompanied by asthmatic attacks. GERD can also cause inflammation of the vocal chords, attack the tooth enamel and lead to a sore throat due the acids reaching the oral cavity. GERD is usually caused by abnormal relaxation of the esophagus which causes the gastric acids to reflux, obesity and even pregnancy.
The best ways to treat GERD naturally are to eat smaller meals, chew your food properly before swallowing and wait for a couple of hours before heading for the bed after your meal. Staying upright allows the gastric juices stay down and not regurgitate into the mouth. Apart from this, avoid consuming spicy and fried foods, alcohol, smoking, carbonated beverages, tomato sauce, garlic, citrus fruits and chocolates since they aggravate the symptoms. For immediate relief you can have some vanilla ice cream. Drinking buttermilk spiced with coriander instead of water helps to reduce the formation of gas in the stomach. Chilled milk had every few hours and ginger root extract mixed with honey had after each meal help to reduce the burning sensations. Apart from this, almonds, apple, lemon and cloves are also beneficial for GERD. Cinnamon, ginger or sage tea work miracles in soothing the heartburn and weakened stomach muscles.
answered by M W