Home Remedies for Acid Reflux - Relief for Esophageal Pain and Discomfort
Home remedies for acid reflux can provide relief for the pain and discomfort associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, more commonly known as acid reflux, is caused by damage to the esophagus by digestive acids. Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. Sufferers of this condition are constantly in search of effective home remedies for acid reflux.
Acid reflux is caused by the failure of the cardia, which is the area of the stomach where the esophagus attaches. The angle at which the esophagus attaches creates a valve (LES) that in healthy individuals prevents acids and enzymes from moving back up into the esophagus, where they cause damage and inflammation to the esophageal tissue.
Many different home remedies for acid reflux exist that offer relief from the pain and discomfort associated with this disease. The degree of success of any home remedy for acid reflux depends on the individual and the severity of their condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for acid reflux may sound odd because it is an acid itself, and the reflux problem is caused by acids. However, there are different kinds of acids.
Apple cider vinegar is manufactured from apple cider must. The process is similar to that of making wine. The apples are crushed to obtain the juices, and then yeast is added to start the primary fermentation, which is the process of the yeast converting the sugars into alcohol. A secondary fermentation converts the alcohol into vinegar by way of acidic acid bacteria.
* Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy - Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a 4-ounce glass of water. Sip the mixture slowly along with a small meal.
Ginger
Ginger has been used medicinally for generations for the relief of digestive disorders and nausea. It is a very common ailment cure in India and China. The part of ginger that is used is the rhizome, which is the part of the plant that grows underground. It has a very strong flavor and aroma and is a widely used culinary herb.
Peeled ginger rhizomes store well in a tightly sealed jar in vodka in the refrigerator for months. The vodka becomes ginger infused during storage, and can be used as a flavorful addition to cocktails and martinis.
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Ginger Tea Remedy - cut a 1-1/2 inch cube of peeled ginger rhizome into thin slices. Place ginger slices in a cup of water, and simmer, covered, on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove and reserve the ginger, and sip the ginger tea slowly before a meal. Eat the ginger slices afterward.
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Sip ginger beer or ginger ale slowly
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Suck slowly on a piece of ginger candy
Baking Soda
Arm and Hammer Baking Soda has been used for relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach for many years. Anyone on a sodium-restricted diet should check with their physician before using baking soda as a home remedy.
* Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a 4-ounce glass of water until completely dissolved. Drink slowly and not when overly full from food or beverage. Do not exceed seven 1/2 teaspoons in a 24-hour period. Do not exceed three 1/2 teaspoons in 24 hours if you are age 60 or older. Do not use the maximum dosage for longer than a two-week period.
Home remedies for acid reflux can provide safe and effective relief for those suffering from the pain and discomfort of this digestive disorder.
Other common remedies include:
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drinking a small amount of sauerkraut juice
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drinking aloe Vera juice
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snacking on watermelon and bananas
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drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water daily
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drinking a 4-ounce glass of cold buttermilk thinned with 2 ounces of water
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make dill pickle "freezer pops" in an ice cube tray; place frozen cubes in water, allow to begin melting, and sip the dill pickle and water solution; you can also sip dill pickle juice full strength
