Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when your sphincter muscle located at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time. It is because of this that the acid from the stomach splashes back into your esophagus. This can further cause acid reflux and heartburn. Here are some natural remedies for acid reflux.

Stop overeating
Overeating or consuming large meals triggers acid reflux and heartburn. When you consume larger meals, a lot of pressure is put on the esophageal sphincter muscle, also known as LES muscle. The weakening of LES muscle can also cause a burning sensation in the chest.

Concentrate on weight loss
Losing weight should be one of the first things you should do to tackle acid reflux. When you are overweight, chances of stomach acid leakage are high. Losing weight can help you get relief from acid reflux. Simple lifestyle changes such as exercising or even taking a walk after a meal can help you lose weight.

Reduce alcohol intake
When you abstain from consuming alcohol, you give your throat more time to recover, which decreases the chances of acid reflux. Additionally, containing alcohol consumption can also help cure an upset stomach, and you wouldn’t need to urinate often. As a result, you would dehydrate less.

Chewing gum can help
Chewing gum is one of the most effective natural remedies for acid reflux and can prove medicinal in tackling it. The production of your saliva is increased, which increases your ability to swallow more. This, in turn, reduces any acidity in your mouth. It also reduces acid in the esophagus. It is recommended that for reducing acidity, you chew bicarbonate chewing gum.

Contain chocolate intake
Chocolate is made of cocoa that is acidic in nature and it can therefore cause acid reflux symptoms. Cocoa urges the intestinal cells to release an increased amount of serotonin. The same intestinal cells are responsible for relaxing the esophageal sphincter. Once this muscle relaxes, gastric elements may rise, which may further cause a burning sensation.

Avoid mint
Unlike a popular notion, mint such as spearmint or peppermint may not soothe your digestive issue. In fact, some studies have shown that mint may lead to heartburn. A study has also found that spearmint can cause symptoms of acid reflux.

Stop eating three hours before sleeping at night
It is highly advisable to stop eating heavy meals before you go to bed. This is because it is easier for the acid in the stomach to go into your throat. Therefore, eating just before bed can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse.

Simple changes in the lifestyle and natural remedies for acid reflux can help manage and resolve the issue faster. If the acid reflux has prolonged, consider showing yourself to a doctor who might prescribe medications to deal with the issue.