Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a nasty and painful disease that can cause many problems. About 1 in 5 people who live in Western countries experience heartburn at least one time a week (Patient Health International). In this article, I will explain what heartburn is, how it affects the body, and some natural remedies that can be used to combat it.

People with acid reflux or indigestion experience heartburn when the partially digested food, which is saturated with stomach acid, rises back up the esophagus. This is what causes the chest pain and where the term "heartburn" originated. Some people might experience heartburn when they eat certain foods, such as those high in fat, or even from some beverages. Oftentimes, women may experience heartburn during pregnancy. Heartburn and indigestion are usually more common after eating large meals or eating close to bedtime. Acid reflux and indigestion are more than just painful; they are also harmful to the body.

Acid reflux affects the body in many ways. One part of the body that is especially damaged by acid reflux is the esophagus. At the stomach acid travels the wrong way up the digestive tract, it burns and damages the lining of the esophagus and also causes inflammation. In some cases, the stomach acid and partially digested food reaches the mouth and this can erode the tooth enamel. In severe cases, acid reflux can cause ulcers, which may be so severe to bleed. Because the effects of acid reflux can be so damaging, it is important to keep the disease under control.

Some people choose to take over-the-counter or prescription medicine to keep their acid reflux under control, while others prefer to take a natural approach. There are a few things you can drink that act as natural remedies to relieve acid reflux. The first is milk. It helps neutralize and calm the acid in your stomach. Water will also dilute the acid. Chamomile tea is also known to soothe the stomach but it should be sipped and it should be warm, not hot. Now, I will discuss the edible natural remedies for acid reflux. Papaya enzyme pills help the body digest food, and thus reduce the chance of acid reflux. Chewing guy may help relieve indigestion because it creates more saliva, which neutralizes the acid in your stomach.

The other category of natural remedies that I am going to discuss are behavioral changes. It may seem too simple to believe, but sometimes slight changes in the way you live your life might do wonders in relieving acid reflux and indigestion. One behavior that might help relieve indigestion is to not eat anything 2-3 hours before you go to bed. Also, once you go to bed, try to prop yourself up on some pillows.

By not eating too close to bedtime, your body won't be trying to digest food, and therefore the acid won't rise up the esophagus while trying to digest the food. Being propped up on the pillow makes it harder for stomach acid to make its way up the esophagus because it has to fight gravity.

Avoiding carbonated drinks, chocolate, and fatty foods should also help alleviate indigestion, as those are a few of the most common triggers.

Exercise may also help prevent indigestion because overweight people tend to experience acid reflux more frequently than others. If you chew your food more thoroughly, it will decrease the risk of indigestion because the food will be easier to digest. Not overeating will also help prevent heartburn because of the same reasons. Although these remedies should help prevent acid reflux, if it is chronic, you should see a doctor. Good luck!