SELF-REMEDIES FOR ALLEVIATING THE SICKNESS OF ACID REFLUX (STOMACH ACID) AT HOME

Often, many people fail to distinguish acid reflux (stomach acid) with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD). Although they fall into the category of indigestion issue, however, there is a slight difference between the two said sicknesses. Acid reflux (stomach acid) is when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus (throat), while Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) is a more serious form of acid reflux and happens in a long term (chronic) which can cause damage to the body over time.

To begin with, when you consume something whether you eat or drink, it goes down through the esophagus (throat) to your stomach where digestion starts. This process, medically speaking, happens when acids being released to break down what you eat or drink. However, when the amount of food or drink that have been mixed with this acid travels back to your esophagus (throat), it is called "Acid Reflux" (stomach acid). Perhaps, it may feel like mild burning in your mid-chest area (heartburn). Still, there are other symptoms of acid reflux which include burping, a sour taste in your mouth, and a sore throat.

Furthermore, acid reflux is a common condition which causes acid from the stomach to flow up through the esophagus (throat) and can result in a burning sensation behind the chest bone (heartburn). When the opening from your esophagus (throat) to your stomach is strong, it stays closed after food passes through. When it is closed, it keeps the stomach acid from backing up through it. In the case of Acid Reflux, it can happen if the opening from your stomach to your esophagus (throat) is weak; causing it to open. When it is open, it lets your stomach acid passing through hence the condition is called acid reflux.

Actually, changing what and how you eat can sometimes help lower your symptoms of acid reflux. Lifestyle changes can help you too in mitigating the amount of acids in your digestive system. If you have acid reflux (stomach acid), you might be wondering what could be the types of self-remedies you can try to relieve your discomfort quickly at home.

 

I. AVOID EATING CERTAIN FOODS

People with acid reflux were once instructed to eliminate all but the blandest foods from their diets. Well, that is no longer the case since we have evolved from the days when we could not eat anything. If a certain food or action does not cause you the symptoms, there is no need for you to avoid it. However, if it triggers or causes you to have acid reflux (stomach acid), then you really should avoid it. Whatever it is, below here is the list of foods or drinks that you should limit or avoid if they tend to cause you suffering from the disease.

1. Carbonated beverages.

2. Spicy food.

3. Coffee/Tea.

4. Alcohol.

5. Onions/Garlic/Tomatoes.

6. Chocolate.

7. Fatty food.

8. Mint.

 

II. STAY UP AFTER EATING

When you are standing or sitting, gravity alone helps to keep acid in the stomach where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed. Needless to say, no naps right after you finish with your lunch, and no late suppers or midnight snacks.

 

III. SLEEP ON AN INCLINED POSITION

Ideally, your head should be six to eight inches higher than your feet. You can achieve this by using extra-tall bed risers on the legs supporting the head of your bed. When you are sleeping or resting, keep your head higher than your stomach. You can do this by propping your upper body up with pillows to keep your head and upper your body higher, or raising the head of your bed 15–20 cm by using foam wedges (see the image below).

IV. LOSE SOME WEIGHT IF NECESSARY

Extra body weight can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse. If able or necessary, reducing your body weight may help lower the pressure on the opening of your stomach.

 

V. QUIT SMOKING

If you smoke, then quit immediately. Nicotine may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, yet, it will trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. Instead of relishing yourself with cigars, go and buy some sugar-free chewing gums (not the peppermint type), which can help reduce the amount of your acid levels in your esophagus (throat) and stomach by increasing saliva production.