Alternative treatment for acid reflux

Alternative treatment for acid reflux

Acid reflux or heartburn also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common disorder in which sufferer experience an occasional episodes of heartburn caused by refluxes(back flow) of stomach acid in to the food pipe which results in burning and pain. When stomach acids continually reflux upward, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, which is known as esophagitis which can also cause difficulty in swallowing, breathing problem and chest pain after eating. This is true that acid reflux is very uncomfortable, but there is nothing to worry about.

Before starting alternative treatment for acid reflux take a look at the symptoms and causes of GERD:

Symptoms of acid reflux:

- Chest pain when lying down

- Difficulty in swallowing.

- Sore throat

- Asthma, coughing and wheezing.

- Sore mouth taste

- Heartburn, a burning in the chest that may go up into the throat

Untreated acid reflux can cause esophageal narrowing (due to scar tissue formation) and esophageal ulcer.

Causes of acid reflux:

- Scleroderma.

- Diabetes.

- Obesity because excessive weight will result in excessive pressure on stomach, forcing open the esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach acids to back up.

- High fat meals and overeating.

- Peptic ulcers.

- Smoking.

- Pregnancy.

NOTE: - Antacids helps neutralize stomach acids. However, they do not reduce inflammation or promote healing.

Alternative treatment for Acid reflux

Alternative treatment with diet:

- Try to drink herbal teas containing chamomile, ginger, marshmallow, and slippery elm, as these herbs has been used successfully for soothing and relieving heartburn.

- make a healthy diet menu and include vegetables, non-citrus fruits, beans, lean meat and whole grains.

- Try to eat little but frequently means, go for 4 to 5 small meals rather than going for 2 larger meals. This will prevent excess stomach acid production and is also less stressful to the esophageal sphincter. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Use small amount of oil like vegetable oil or olive oil.

- Avoid eating just before going to be at night always try to stay upright after eating.

Foods to avoid with acid reflux:

- Alcohol

- Spicy foods, fried and oily foods

- Citrus fruits

- Spearmint and peppermint.

- Coffee

- Chocolate

- Foods higher in fats

- Sausage, and processed fatty meats and cream soups.

- Lose excess weight by eating healthy and exercising regularly because obesity is the main factor, responsible for heart burn. Remember, do not bend over, lie down, or exercise right after eating. Wait 2 hours after eating to exercise and 3 hours after eating before lying down.

- Wear lose clothe means avoid wearing tight belts or jeans.

- In order to prevent acids from refluxing try this-

- Raise the head of your bed

- Use pillows or a block under the head of your bed. Keeping your head higher.

- Aloe vera juice is beneficial for treating acid reflux because it helps reduce acid output and is soothing to the mucous membranes. Try to drink aloe vera juice 2 to 3 times daily.