Introduction
Heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects 18.1 to 27.8 percent of the United States population. In gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid is forced back up into the esophagus from the stomach. A few lifestyle adjustments, including eating supper earlier, changing sleeping positions, and avoiding certain acidic foods and beverages, may help prevent or lessen the symptoms of acid reflux.
What Is GERD?
When stomach acid continuously runs back into the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This backwash, or acid reflux, may irritate the esophageal lining. Acid reflux is a common occurrence for many people. On the other hand, gastroesophageal reflux disease may result from persistent acid reflux over time. With dietary adjustments and medication, most patients can control their gastroesophageal reflux disease discomfort. Although rare, some people may require surgery to relieve their symptoms.
What Are the Natural Ways to Prevent Acid Reflux (GERD)?
Numerous natural treatments claim to relieve acid reflux or heartburn. These treatments should be done cautiously, as they are typically not extensively studied. Remember that even natural chemicals may interact with other drugs or have unfavorable side effects. Natural remedies for acid reflux that involve diet and herbal remedies include:
1. Baking Soda - Sodium bicarbonate, a naturally occurring alkaline in the kitchen, reduces stomach acid production and relieves heartburn.
2. Aloe Vera - Aloe is usually used to treat burns, particularly sunburns. However, it can also aid in physical calming. One can reduce inflammation, prevent irritation, and soothe the esophagus by sipping a glass of aloe vera juice.
3. Ripe Banana - Alkaline meals, such as bananas high in potassium, may help reduce irritable stomach acid.
4. Papaya - Studies have demonstrated that papaya can alleviate heartburn.
5. D-Limonene - By boosting mucus, licorice may shield the esophagus from harm. Special processing eliminates a component that may have harmful side effects.
6. Honey - Honey may help alleviate reflux and esophageal injury since it raises mucus and aids in healing.
7. Ginger Tea - Ginger works wonders for various health-related problems. It can enhance blood circulation and provide relief from motion sickness. It can also aid in preventing acid reflux. After steeping in boiling water for ten to twenty minutes, place a few thin slices of ginger root tea in a mug. It can prevent stomach upset altogether or help soothe existing ones.
8. Gum - An increase in salivation can aid in diluting and removing acid from undesirable parts of the digestive system. Chewing gum increases saliva production, can greatly lessen the symptoms, and provides comfort.
9. Fermented Foods - Fermented foods, are very beneficial to the digestive system. Fermentation converts a raw vegetable into amino acids and peptides, which is called an alkaline food. This causes the meal to become more alkaline and usually results in a strong ammoniacal odor. Studies have demonstrated that certain fermented foods can reduce stomach inflammation and promote the healing of the stomach lining.
10. Mustard - Alkaline foods also include mustard. It contains trace levels of vinegar-derived acid and is rich in minerals. By bringing the pH levels back into balance, taking a spoonful of it when symptoms of acid reflux first appear will help relieve heartburn.
11. Almonds - Eating almonds as a snack has significantly improved acid reflux symptoms for many people.
12. Chamomile Tea - The stomach's acid levels can also be balanced by drinking chamomile tea. Not only does it offer calming comfort right before bed, but it can also aid in restful sleep.
What Are Some Lifestyle Habits Help to Prevent Heartburn?
The following are lifestyle habits to prevent heartburn:
1. Eat Dinner Earlier
If one has acid reflux, try eating dinner a few hours before bed, as the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFGD) advises. To make dinner lighter, think about eating the day's main course at lunch. It has been shown that sleeping with partially digested food, especially after a large meal, might exacerbate symptoms during the night.
2. Opt for Cooked Onions Instead of Raw
Rather than raw onions, choose cooked ones. Heartburn and acid reflux are two common gastrointestinal symptoms brought on by raw onions. This is because raw onions are more difficult to digest and may irritate the esophageal lining, which could exacerbate heartburn. If one enjoys eating onions, try them cooked.
3. Eat More Often and in Smaller Portions
The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that serves as a valve between the stomach and the esophagus. When this muscle is weak or malfunctioning, acid reflux patients experience increased acid reflux symptoms in their esophagus. Thus, eating more often and in smaller portions throughout the day may help lessen acid reflux symptoms.
4. Maintain a Moderate Weight
Excess abdominal fat can cause the pressure inside the abdomen to rise so that the lower esophageal sphincter is forced upward and away from the diaphragm's support. This ailment, called a hiatal hernia, is thought to be the primary cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Moreover, studies indicate a possible link between an increased risk of acid reflux and GERD and an excess of belly fat. Because obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, it is often linked to an increased risk of GERD.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol use may make acid reflux and heartburn worse. Higher alcohol consumption may be associated with more severe acid reflux symptoms. Alcohol does this by raising stomach acid, relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, and reducing the esophagus's capacity to expel acid.
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking has been shown to raise stomach acid production and decrease the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to block the re-entry of acid and other stomach contents into the esophagus. Additionally, smoking might reduce saliva production, which counteracts the body's acid production.
Conclusion
Heartburn is a painful condition that can have several causes. Acid reflux, a medical ailment, causes the stomach's contents to reflux back into the esophagus. Medication is frequently used to treat it, although dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies can also be beneficial. It is generally safe to experiment with diet and lifestyle modifications, but before using any natural cures or supplements, see a healthcare professional.
