Heartburn, and other gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD), affects 60 percent of the adult population in the United States of America every year – and 20 to 30 percent of these adults suffer from GERD on a weekly basis.
GERD is caused by food and stomach acid entering the oesophagus and results in severe chest pain. It is not only painful, it damages the digestive tract.
Acid reflux causes ulcers, scarring, and swelling in the oesophagus if it occurs on a regular basis and untreated chronic acid reflux can result in oesophageal cancer. The stomach lining is well equipped to deal with stomach acid, however, the oesophagus and intestines do not have the same protection. The gallbladder produces bile which neutralizes the stomach acid before the food that is being digested enters the intestines, but the oesophagus has no barrier against stomach acid.
It is imperative that acid reflux is remedied before it causes any long-term damage. There are numerous short-term and long-term solutions for heartburn and many of them can be found in the average household.
Here is a list of 5 home remedies for heartburn:
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Change Your Diet
What one eats has a direct impact on whether or not they will experience acid reflux. Sugars and processed foods are a main cause of acid reflux and should be avoided altogether. Instead, one should eat fresh fruits and vegetables in order to lower the risk of acid reflux. Fruit such as bananas and apples are packed with antacids which neutralise stomach acids. Obese individuals are also at a higher risk of GERD and weight management is key to avoiding acid reflux.
Sugars and processed foods also cause an imbalance in the good bacteria in the gut and can lead to further digestive ailments. Supplementing with a probiotic is a good idea to balance the bacteria in the gut which will help to treat acid reflux, bloating, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and will aid digestion and replace any good gut bacteria which is killed by antibiotics.
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Organic Baking Soda
Drinking baking soda mixed with water is a new weight-loss solution which many people are trying out. This is due to the fact that baking soda is an alkaline substance which neutralises the acidity in the body. The theory is that an alkaline body burns fat and stores muscle.
This also makes baking soda ideal for immediate treatment of acid reflux because it will neutralise the stomach acid and stop the acid from causing harm to the oesophagus.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is commonly used to settle the stomach and this calming effect will stop the food and stomach acid from being pushed up and entering the oesophagus.
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Don’t Lie Down After Eating
The acid in the stomach is less likely to go up the oesophagus when gravity is pulling it down. Lying down causes the stomach acid to pool near the oesophagus and can cause acid reflux.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
While alkaline substances can treat acid reflux while it’s happening, acidic substances such as apple cider vinegar are good for long-term treatment. The stomach over-produces acid when it does not have enough acid. Therefore, providing the body with apple cider vinegar will help to regulate the levels of the stomach acid and prevent acid reflux.
Acid reflux should be treated at the source. One should evaluate trigger foods which cause acid reflux and avoid them altogether to ensure a healthy body and digestive system.