Heartburn is a common occurrence in adults where they experience a burning sensation that starts from their chest and rising towards their throat. Usually, heartburn is associated with acid reflux or GERD where in the acids from the stomach goes back up your esophagus which, in turn, triggers heartburn. Most people with GERD often take medications to alleviate the symptoms but there are ways to minimize its effects naturally.
Aloe Juice. Aloe vera has soothing properties which is one of the reasons why it is often used to soothe burns and cuts. But there is more to this plant that many realize. As a matter of fact, you can also use it to alleviate heartburn because the aloe can help reduce inflammation. If you feel that your tummy is becoming inflamed or irritated, drinking half a cup of aloe vera juice before your meals can help. However, look for an aloe juice that doesn’t have any laxative component so you won’t spend too much time in the bathroom.
Chewing Gum. Those with GERD or acid reflux admit that they feel relief from their condition when they chew gum after a meal. What this habit does for you is that it activates more saliva in the mouth which aids in eliminating excess acids in the stomach for instant relief. Go for sugar-free gum to chew on for 30 minutes after a meal.
More Acid. You might find this counterintuitive especially when your GERD is triggered by acid but the thing is, the lack of sufficient acid in the stomach is the one behind the problem. The lower esophageal sphincter believes that since there is not enough acid in the stomach, it’s okay to loosen up. One way to alleviate this problem is by drinking raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Just mix a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar with 6 to 8 ounces of fresh water then drink it. You should drink this solution before mealtime to get the best results.
Skip Drinking Alcohol and Smoking. If you smoke a lot or drink and you have acid reflux, you are simply increasing your risk of triggering this health problem of yours. These two can actually weaken your LES or lower esophageal sphincter causing acid to go back up your esophagus. What’s more, drinking alcoholic beverages can irritate your stomach. Skip these vices of yours and there will be less chance of you triggering your GERD.
Chamomile Tea. Drinking chamomile tea at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed time can minimize the inflammation in your stomach so that you will have a peaceful sleep at night. Another plus to drinking chamomile is that it can help relieve your stress levels which is a plus as it can also keep your GERD from being triggered.
Baking Soda. Another effective solution to stopping acid reflux is by taking a teaspoon of baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. One reason behind this is that baking soda has a pH level that is higher than 7.0 which means that it can neutralize the acid in your stomach effectively. When this happens, even when your LES loosens up, you won’t experience that burning sensation all the way through your throat. For this solution, you will need to mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of fresh water and drink it.
These are just a few examples of how you can treat GERD and its symptoms effectively. This way, even if you don’t have your medicine on hand, you will still be able to deal with your acid reflux immediately so that it won’t worsen.
