Natural Treatments for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus. The oesophagus carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. When this tube becomes blocked or irritated, symptoms of acid reflux can develop.

Common acid reflux symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bad breath

Symptoms vary from person to person and are dependent on what caused the stomach acid to flow back up into the oesophagus in the first place.

Managing your acid reflux doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can start feeling better right away.

Natural Treatments for Acid Reflux

There are many different treatments for acid reflux, both over-the-counter and prescription medications. But if you want to try a natural remedy first, here are some tips:

Herbal remedies

Herbal supplements can help treat and prevent acid reflux. Ginger is a common herb that has been used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn, indigestion and diarrhoea for years. It can be taken in supplement form but also found in its natural root form which can be boiled and infused into teas or simply chewed on directly. Licorice root, fennel seeds and cumin seeds are other helpful herbs too. Speak to a qualified herbalist before taking any herbal remedy to ensure they will not interfere with any medications you are currently taking.

Nutrition

Another way to combat acid reflux is through proper diet and nutrition. There are certain foods that are known to aggravate symptoms such as acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, fatty food, chocolate, spicy food, caffeine and alcohol. It is important to avoid these foods where possible and instead focus on eating high-fibre and high-alkaline foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy products. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help flush out any acids in the digestive tract and reduce the chances of experiencing heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms.

Quit smoking

Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that acts as a gatekeeper between the stomach and oesophagus. This can increase the risk of acid reflux. If you are a smoker, try to quit as soon as possible, lest you make your symptoms worse.

Manage your stress

Although too much stress is bad for everyone's health, studies have shown that patients who suffer from acid reflux tend to experience it more often when they are under severe levels of stress. This is because high cortisol levels increase stomach acid production, which can cause heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. To manage your stress level, try exercising, meditating or participating in yoga classes. Also make time for things that you enjoy doing such as listening to music or taking long walks in nature.

Avoid eating before bedtime

Eating a big meal before bedtime can increase the risk of acid reflux. The stomach is working hard to digest all of the food, and this can cause gastric juices to flow back up into the oesophagus. Try to avoid eating any large meals within two hours of going to bed. If you're really hungry, have a light snack instead. Drinking fluids before bed can also help dilute the stomach acids and reduce the risk of reflux.

Sleep at an incline

Elevate the head of your bed about six inches when you sleep. This can help keep stomach contents from moving up into the oesophagus when you lie down, which will help prevent symptoms of acid reflux.

Source: MedCline

Eat small, frequent meals

Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of three large meals. This will help your stomach digest food more slowly and avoid putting too much pressure on the stomach and oesophagus.

Weight loss

When you are overweight, the extra fatty tissue around your stomach puts pressure on your stomach, which can cause acid reflux. Additionally, excess weight can cause inflammation in the stomach, which can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. Losing weight can help to improve your symptoms. Working with a qualified nutritionist, personal trainer or wellness coach can help you achieve a healthy weight in no time.

Wear loose-fitting clothes

Tight clothing can put pressure on your stomach and abdomen, which can worsen symptoms of acid reflux. Loose-fitting clothes allow your body to go through the normal digestive process, hence heartburn symptoms and other acid reflux sensations can be avoided.

Biologic therapy

Biological therapy is one of the many treatment options available for acid reflux. This therapy uses live cells, tissues or organs to help the body fight infection or illness. The cells are injected into the bloodstream to help improve the function of the immune system. This therapy can be effective in treating acid reflux symptoms and preventing them from returning. Talk to your doctor about whether this therapy may be right for you.

Colon hydrotherapy

Also known as colon irrigation, this type of therapy is one of the many natural treatments that can help with acid reflux. It involves introducing filtered water into the colon through the rectum to flush built-up toxins or waste, which may be causing or aggravating the symptoms of acid reflux. In addition, colon hydrotherapy can also help improve the gastrointestinal tract, which is thought to play a role in the development of acid reflux. If you are considering this treatment, make sure to consult with a qualified colonic hygienist.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that can help in the management of acid reflux symptoms. It involves putting very thin needles into specific points on your skin that connect to the body's meridian system. This is a network of energy pathways in the body that TCM practitioners believe help to regulate and harmonise different functions throughout the body. One study showed that acupuncture was more effective than medication for reducing acid reflux symptoms, with patients noting significant improvements in their condition both immediately after treatment and six months later. If you're considering this type of treatment, be sure to find a licensed acupuncturist who has experience in treating digestive disorders.

If diet and lifestyle changes do not improve your acid reflux symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an acid-reducing medication. These medications work by inhibiting the production of stomach acid, which can help reduce or eliminate symptoms. However, it is important to note that these medications should only be used as a last resort, as they can have side effects such as diarrhoea and constipation. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any other symptoms while taking an acid-reducing medication.