ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ACID REFLUX (STOMACH ACID)

Most of the prescribed medications used to treat acid reflux (stomach acid) have gone through rigorous testing and studies to establish safe and effective use. While these medications can practically help alleviate the sickness, however, a person can also try some traditional remedies to treat or lessen the symptoms of acid reflux (stomach acid).

 

1. ACUPUNTURE

This is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that has been around for thousands of years. It uses small needles to stimulate healing. There was an older study showed that acupuncture had positive effects on decreasing stomach acid which can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Electro Acupuncture (EA) is another form of acupuncture which uses electrical current along with the needles. Although research remains limited in this area, however, one study found that using needleless EA was associated with reduced acid reflux symptoms. Bottom line, the result of electro acupuncture and a proton pump inhibitor (a type of medication) according to the findings of one study above showed a significant improvement on the patients’ conditions.

2. GINGER

Some previous studies suggested that ginger may help with nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Although research also remains limited in this area and more studies are necessary to confirm these benefits, however, some researchers based on the existing evidence suggest that a daily dose of 1,500 milligrams despite it is possible that a higher intake could have adverse effects.

3. HERBAL TEA

Some drinks including coffee and alcohol may increase the symptoms of acid reflux. Herbalists may recommend different types of herbal teas to help improve digestion and ease symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. That being said, some of the popular herbal teas which can help with the treatment of acid reflux (stomach acid) are:

- Chamomile tea.

- Licorice tea.

- Green tea.

- Fennel tea.

- Fruit teas.

After all, it is best to avoid mint teas as they may trigger the illness.

4. BAKING SODA

Baking soda is an antacid and acts as an acid neutralizer. Some people are take baking soda to temporarily neutralize their stomach acid, providing relief from acid reflux symptoms. In case if you want to try this at home, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon in a 4-ounce glass of water. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that baking soda can also cause unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

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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.

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