Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (commonly called GERD, or acid reflux) can appear at any point in a person's life. It can be experienced by anyone from infancy all the way to the old age. Some common causes of acid reflux disease can include a problem with the sphincter muscle (which is where esophagus meets the stomach), pregnancy, some prescription medications, being overweight, and eating habits. Anyone suffering from frequent heart burn due to GERD can use natural acid reflux remedies to help manage the symptoms.
Talk to a Doctor
Always discuss any health problems with a doctor to make sure that the heartburn is not being caused by a structural problem within the digestive tract. If there is an internal problem, medical intervention may be needed. Also, many other conditions can mimic acid reflux such as heart attack and angina, so it is important to get a full check up. Dr. Prediman K. (P.K.) Shah said in a February 19, 2007 Medical News Today article that "Sometimes it's impossible to tell the difference between the symptoms of heartburn, angina, and heart attack." It is always better to be safe than sorry. During the doctor's appointment discuss any symptoms in detail to be sure that the heartburn is not something more serious.
Chew Gum
Saliva is a natural stomach acid neutralizer. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and helps to control the symptoms of acid reflux. Pick a favorite flavor of gum and chew it between meals to keep stomach acid under control.
Dietary Changes
Do an elimination diet for acid reflux. Some foods are thought to trigger reflux more than others. They can include citrus foods, carbonated beverages, chocolate, tea, coffee, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages. Start by removing one of the foods from the diet for at least a week to see if there is any improvement. If there is none, eliminate another food the next week. Also eat smaller, more frequent meals to cut down on the over production of stomach acid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another thing that can be tried to manage acid reflux is the apple cider vinegar remedy. It is thought that apple cider vinegar neutralizes other stronger acids that are in the stomach. Take three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, mix it into at least an eight ounce glass of water, and add honey to taste. Drink it before meals to prevent acid reflux naturally or whenever heartburn is experienced.
Herbs
In his book, The Green Pharmacy, Dr. James A. Duke recommends the herbs licorice and chamomile as natural remedies for acid reflux. Licorice can reduce the production of stomach acid, and it can easily be taken in a tea form. Drink one cup when experiencing heartburn, but be sure not to use it consistently over a long period of time since it can cause potassium deficiency and high blood pressure. Chamomile will also reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and is very soothing to the system. Chamomile tea can safely be taken to relieve heartburn on a daily basis.
References:
Dr. James A. Duke. The Green Pharmacy, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1997
Honey Denson - I the mother to three wonderful children and five years ago I left my job as a full time English teacher to spend more time with them. Now ...
