The Best Home Remedies For GERD

What Is GERD?

Gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD is a digestive disease that occurs when acid in the stomach, or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into the food pipe (esophagus) of a person. The backflow of the digestive acid irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes GERD signs and symptoms like heartburn.

The Causes Of GERD

Normally the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow the food we eat to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent the back flow of food and acidic stomach juices into the esophagus. When the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately the stomach’s contents to flow up into the esophagus causing Gastroesophageal reflux. The important trigger factors of GERD include
•    Hiatal hernia
•    Fried and fatty foods
•    Chocolates
•    Peppermint
•    Coffee
•    Alcohol
•    Cigarette smoking
•    Obesity
•    Pregnancy

Symptoms Of GERD

There are a number of symptoms associated with GERD some of them are
•    Heartburn: this is a burning sensation in the chest and it spreads to throat sometimes
•    Chest pain
•    Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing
•    Dry cough
•    Sensation of lump in the throat
•    Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
•    Hoarseness of the voice
•    Asthma caused by the irritation of the airways by the reflux acid
•    Bad breath
•    Sudden increase in saliva
•    Difficulty in swallowing
•    Dark colored stools
In children and in infants GERD can have the following symptoms
•    Coughing
•    Breathing problems
•    Recurrent vomiting
It is possible to control GERD by home remedies. These home remedies include certain foods as well as some lifestyle changes.

Home Remedies For GERD

1. Sugar Free Chewing Gums

This is one of the remedy to get relief from heartburn symptom caused by GERD. Chewing the gum increases the production of saliva and this neutralizes and washes away the acid present in the stomach
• Chew sugar free gum for thirty minutes after your meal

2. Baking Soda

This is one of the most commonly used home remedy to treat the heartburn or any other problems of the stomach. Studies have shown that since baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is basic in nature it neutralizes the acid in the stomach preventing the reflux.
• Take ½ or 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix it in water.
• Drink this mix if you have the symptoms of GERD
• Avoid this remedy if you are regularly having heartburn

3. Licorice

The contents in Licorice have natural stomach healing properties and help to reduce the symptoms of GERD. Licorice tablets are available in natural food stores.
• Use the chewable tablets of licorice to soothe your stomach.
• Eating licorice as such may increase the blood pressure.

4. Slippery Elm

The extract of this tree is used for treating a variety of illnesses for centuries, including GERD symptoms. This extract helps to thicken the mucous lining of the stomach and protect it from the strong acid. This will reduce the irritation of the stomach.
• Mix two tablespoons of the extract of slippery elm in water and take it after the meals and at bedtime.

5. Reduce Weight

If your GERD symptoms are due to overweight or obesity, the best way to get rid of it is by reducing the weight. Too much fat in the midsection will place pressure on the stomach and push the acid up into the esophagus.
• Follow proper diet and exercise to shed off the extra weight.

6. Eat Less

This change will not only help you to reduce weight but also reduce the production of acid in the stomach. When there is less acid in the stomach the chances of the backflow of the acid is reduced, helping to prevent heartburn.
• Eat 5-6 small meals instead of three large meals.

7. Eat Your Dinner Early

Most of the people lie down just after they finish their dinner or any other meals. This will push the acid up the esophagus.
• To prevent acid reflux and heartburn eat your meals at least two hours before you go to bed.
• Allow time for the food to digest properly before you lie down.

8. Watch What You Are Eating

Some food can trigger GERD symptoms. Find out which foods trigger GERD symptoms in you and avoid those foods
• Avoid foods like sodas, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, garlic and onions.

9. Avoid Tight-Fitting Dresses

Tight dresses can increase the pressure on the stomach and promotes the chances of acid reflux.
• Avoid wearing tight jeans or tight clothes or belts which will add pressure on the stomach

10. Raise Your Head

It is better to keep your head in the raised position when you sleep at night, if you want to avoid the GERD symptoms and heart burn.
• Use regular pillows to elevate the head at least 6 inches.
• You can instead use wood blocks under your bed to raise the head

11. Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause the sphincter muscles to loosen. This muscle helps to keep the acids in the stomach. When the muscles loosen the acid will push through the muscles into the esophagus causing the GERD symptoms.

12. Eat Food Rich In Fiber

Having fiber rich food helps in the easy and proper digestion of the food and reduces the chances of acid reflux.
• Include fruits and vegetables rich in fiber in your diet.
• Have 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day to avoid constipation and other stomach problems and to prevent GERD.

Are you suffering from heartburn or acid reflux? Are you looking for effective methods to treat or to control the GERD? You can try some of the home remedies given here to reduce GERD or to avoid GERD. You might also need to try a combination of three to four home remedies to effectively do away with GERD. It is necessary to consult a doctor if you are having severe chest pain and to make sure that you are not suffering from any other health problems.

 

Source: GoHealthTips