Acid Reflux is caused when, due to several reasons, the stomach cannot withstand the pressure of the contents in it, thus forcing it toward the Oesophageal sphincter. This valve kind of structure in the lower end of the food pipe, or oesophagus, as we know it, allows food to go into the stomach, but prevents the contents in the stomach to come back into the oesophagus. Due to the pressure from the stomach, the sphincter becomes weak, and in extreme cases, loses its ability to keep the stomach corrosive stomach juices from entering the sensitive food pipe. Visit to learn more about acid reflux.
Since eating habits forms a major cause for this condition, it is but obvious that only a healthy eating practice can fix this problem. Natural remedies, thus, are what patients are looking for. Pills are not a wise choice. It is difficult to forget the drug called "Propulsid", which was used as a means to lower acid reflux levels in the body, but eventually was taken off the market after its consumption resulted in many deaths.
One of the most common natural suggestions given to people suffering from Acid Reflux is to drink lots of water. About one gallon is required on a daily basis to detoxify the stomach. However, if one is suffering from Acid Reflux, it is usually suggested that one must drink enough water to keep the urine a light yellow color.
Another natural remedy for Acid Reflux is garlic. Garlic may have a pungent odour and taste, but it is extremely effective in keeping bowel flora in optimum levels as well as kill pathogenic germs such as H. pylori, which is the only organism that the hydrochloric acid in the stomach cannot kill. But it is important to remember that the garlic should be chewed or crushed and then swallowed, or added in juices, otherwise the allicin in the garlic will not transform into its active ingredient.
Apart from that, recent studies have showed that orange peel extract, made from fresh extracted oranges, is a very effective means to keep the acid levels in the stomach to its minimum. Anise, peppermint, and lavender are also excellent for the stomach. Other helpful natural remedies include digestive enzymes such as, Betain and Pepsin, which is found in Papaya, as well as, pineapples and chicory root.
Most people will have good results from taking medication for Acid Reflux but the Acid Reflux can actually become worse if they stop taking the medication. A medication classed as Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPI, restricts acid production and if stopped, the body can react by producing more acid. The term for this is called rebound hypersecretion. Because of this, it's not beneficial for someone to suddenly stop taking acid reflux medication.
There are some know herbs for heartburn remedies. A tea made from caraway seeds, coriander, chamomile, anise, fennel and angelica, may be taken after a meal to relieve symptoms. Teas made from peppermint and spearmint leaves are contraindicated in allopathy. Peppermint and caraway seed oils taken in capsule form for four weeks may also be beneficial.
Some specialists rely on roots and herbs. Ginger root is a very versatile herb used in Ayurveda, and regular intake of unto 500 mgs a day actually reduces your episodes of acid reflux.
Symptoms may also be reduced be adding extra fiber to your diet. The acid from food is easily digested by fiber. The extra fiber has the added bonus of keeping you body regular. If you have a problem adding raw foods you have the option of taking your fiber in a pill form or as a water-soluble powder.
If you are a smoker the best thing for you to do is stop as nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter which allows fluid to move around freely. Stress and smoking are related so if you can manage to reduce both it may help in your digestion.
Citrus fruit, potatoes, Buffalo wings, ground beef, raw onions, chicken nuggets, cheese, ice cream, spaghetti, liquor and wine, coffee and tea and some salad dressings are all foods that you should avoid.
Licorice (sold in health food stores), Meadowsweet (an antacid and anti-inflammatory that helps protect the digestive tract), Papain (helps to make the digestion of food more efficient), Chamomile (aids in digestion) and marshmallow (combined with chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory) have all been used with success as natural alternatives.
At the end of the day, lifestyle changes, good diet, weight control, and healthy stress relieving habits are all what acid reflux treatment is all about.
Both Rich Fuller & Frank Robson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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