Home Remedies For Acid Reflux: 3 Effective Solutions
Acid reflux is a very common health problem among adults, both men and women. This condition causes burning and pain in both the esophagus and throat, and worsens the quality of life for those who suffer it on a regular basis.
In this article we go over some home remedies to effectively relieve acid reflux. In this way, we can have natural alternatives that will not cause us side effects. Here we detail what they are.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
To begin with, if we suffer from acid reflux frequently we will have to go to the doctor. He will make the diagnosis and, depending on the severity, may indicate different treatments. These can be different antacid drugs, surgery or, as is being investigated in recent years, endoscopic treatments.
It is important to note that suffering from heartburn or reflux sporadically is not the same as the diagnosis of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in addition to the medical check-up, some home remedies can help us to alleviate this condition in a natural way.
Home remedies for acid reflux
1. Bee honey
To begin with, we refer to honey, a medicinal food and topical remedy for many conditions that has been used since ancient times. In this case, we also refer to it to relieve acid reflux in conjunction with conventional drugs.
Due to its density and viscosity, honey has the virtue of remaining in the esophagus for a certain time. This provides a coating on the entire mucous membrane that exerts an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action.
When choosing honey, we recommend that it be pure and raw. In this way, we make sure that it keeps its properties intact and does not include unhealthy additives.
2. Ginger
Ginger rhizome is an effective natural remedy for treating acid reflux and digestive conditions in general. It can also be a solution for children who suffer from this condition sporadically. In addition, it can also be consumed by pregnant women for reflux, nausea and vomiting.
The appropriate dose is between 1 and 1.5 grams of dry ginger powder per day, and it can be taken half an hour before meals or at the time we feel reflux. We can also take it as an infusion or extract (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). In some cases, too much ginger can cause digestive discomfort.
3. Licorice
Licorice is a natural and home remedy to treat gastric inflammations. In particular, deglycyrrhizal liquorice (DGL) preparations, which contain less than 1% glycyrrhizin, are recommended.
Thanks to this type of licorice extracts, the long-term side effects of this component (hyperkalemia, hypertension and sodium retention) would be avoided. However, people with high blood pressure should always take it under medical supervision.
Today we can find licorice in pills, candies, extracts, etc. However, we recommend keeping in mind the indication of its glycyrrhizin content.
Finally, we can choose one of these three remedies according to its characteristics and properties. Or we can also prepare a daily infusion with the two medicinal plants and sweeten it with honey.
Other effective tips for acid reflux
In addition to these home remedies for acid reflux, some changes in our lifestyle can help us improve this condition. They are as follows:
- Maintain a balanced weight and fight overweight. The accumulation of fat increases the pressure on the abdomen.
- Avoid toxic habits such as tobacco and do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid eating food in the three hours before going to bed.
- Raise the top of the bed a little so that our body is slightly inclined and prevent reflux.
- Avoid some foods that can make acid reflux worse: hot spices, excess fat, chocolate, citrus, tomato, coffee, and mint.
- Eat more spread out throughout the day to reduce intakes. That is, several light meals.
Now we know some remedies and tips to relieve acid reflux naturally and effectively. However, if the problem persists we will have to go to the doctor, since in the long run we could suffer other serious digestive disorders.
