Also called heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD involves the regurgitation of ingested food back into the esophagus. Some of the causes of GERD are indigestion, structural abnormalities of sphincters of stomach and esophagus, pregnancy, bacterial infection of the digestive system, obesity, and smoking. The prominent symptoms of GERD are inflammation of digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, increased salivation, painful swallowing, and chest pain.
There are numerous herbal remedies to treat and manage GERD; some of them are as follows:
- You can chew garlic cloves every morning on an empty stomach. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which hinders the growth of microbes in the digestive system. This helps relieve the symptoms of GERD.
- Intake of green tea also helps with GERD as green tea is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- You can also use slippery elm to soothe the lining of the stomach and esophagus, relieving heartburn.
- Eating marshmallow root extract helps tone and soothe the irritated tissues of the stomach, thereby relieving GERD.
- Barberry extract also relieves GERD, attributed to its anti-microbial properties.
- You can also consume a decoction of fennel leaves, at least three times a day, to relieve the symptoms of GERD.
- German chamomile also helps in the management of GERD.
Other than these remedies, there are certain preventive measures to reduce the severity of affliction:
- Some of the foods that you must avoid are carbonated or aerated drinks, citrus fruits, fried fruits, chocolates, spicy foods, peppermint, and processed foods.
- You should eat small, but frequent meals.
- You must try to lose weight if you are overweight.
- Do not lie down soon after eating. Keep a gap of at least 3 hours.
- Refrain from smoking and avoid the intake of alcohol.
If the condition persists or the symptoms worsen, it is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment as problems of the digestive system should not be ignored.
answered by A S