Acid reflux disease that is commonly referred to as heartburn is a condition that commonly affects both men and women of any age. There are many drugs that are available on the market and as is common with many drugs, they only treat the symptoms and not the root cause which means that this often excruciatingly painful condition will return again and again. To not only treat the symptoms of heartburn but also the root cause, here are some home remedies for acid reflux.
Anyone who has experienced heartburn knows that although you know that your heart is not burning, it certainly feels like it. Some people may even rush to the nearest hospital mistakenly thinking that they are having a heart attack because the pain in the chest can be that intense.
What Causes Heartburn?
Between the mouth and the stomach is a long tube known as the esophagus by which food travels from the mouth to the stomach. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a tight little muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that ensures that food and liquids that reach the stomach and mix with the strong stomach acids does not return to the esophagus.
The stomach acids that help to digest food are so strong that they are meant to remain in the stomach because the lining of the stomach is adequate to prevent damage to the stomach by these acids. When the LES relaxes at the wrong times, these stomach acids splash back (reflux) into the esophagus scotching the tender tissues in the esophagus which causes the burning feeling associated with heartburn.
Many foods that we consume and the times that we eat them are the common culprits that lead to acid reflux and since food is the common cause, it makes sense that food should also be able to treat this condition. Before you reach for an antacid which only treats the symptoms, here are some home remedies for acid reflux. Persistent heartburn can result in the development of scar tissue in the esophagus which can build up which can cause food to become stuck in the esophagus and require medical attention.
Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
1. Ginger
One of the most effective home remedies for acid reflux is ginger. Ginger contains properties that can increase the strength of the LES so that it has more holding power to prevent reflux of the stomach juices. Strengthening the LES will help to keep the stomach acids where they belong – in the stomach.
Ginger on its own is very spicy and a better way to consume it to help strengthen the LES is to add up to one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or up to a half teaspoon of ground powdered ginger to one cup of hot water and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out the ginger and then drink this concoction.
2. Complex Carbohydrates
Eating rice, pasta, breads potatoes, etc, that are high in complex carbohydrates is also one of the best home remedies for acid reflux. Processed rice, pasta, breads, etc, do not contain any complex carbohydrates therefore avoid all "white" food items. Choose brown rice, pasta, breads etc or those made with whole grains in order to get the benefits of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are great at absorbing stomach acids.
3. Do Not Lie Down
Another of the great home remedies for acid reflux is to avoid lying down after a meal. A full stomach makes it easy for reflux to occur. Lying down ensures that gravity will work against you causing the acids to splash back into the esophagus. Make gravity work for you and keep food in a downward motion by staying upright by either standing or sitting up in a chair.
4. Bananas
When you are dealing with the burning sensation associated with acid reflux, you may want to reach for a banana instead of an antacid. Bananas act as a natural antacid as they contain properties that can quell the flames and provide needed relief.
These are only a few home remedies for acid reflux. For more remedies for heartburn as well as information on the foods to avoid with acid reflux, with the various articles and resources on this site. The resource to the right will help you get rid of acid reflux for good using a 5 step system to cure this condition naturally in as little as two hours. Persistent heartburn will only lead to bigger health problems so take action to action to prevent this from happening.
