Acid reflux brings discomfort. There are many possible reasons for acidity imbalance, and this can be associated with our diet and lifestyle. Certain medications may help treat acid reflux. However, some home remedies may also help reduce acid in the stomach.
What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and Heartburn?
Heartburn and acid reflux are commonly confused to be the same. These conditions are different from one another but are somewhat related. Acid reflux is a condition when the acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus irritating the tissue while heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux where a burning sensation is felt.
Heartburn
Heartburn occurs in the digestive system and is a symptom of acid reflux. It involves mild to severe pain in the chest. This condition usually occurs after eating, bending over or lying down can make it feel worse.
If you’re having trouble with heartburn read this article to help relieve symptoms!
Acid Reflux
Meanwhile, acid reflux is a common medical condition that can range in severity from mild to serious. If this muscle is weak or doesn’t tighten properly, the acid from your stomach can move backward into your esophagus. When acid reflux happens, this may cause heartburn. Other symptoms of acid reflux may include:
- When you have a bitter taste in the back of the throat
- A sour taste in the mouth
- The burning sensation and pressure extends up the breastbone
- When you have a sore throat
- When you experience abdominal pain or discomfort
What Causes Acidity?
Acidity starts when there is an excess production of acid in the gastric glands. The reason why acidity occurs includes unhealthy eating habits such as skipping meals, overeating, consumption of spicy foods and eating before sleeping. Too much eating of specific foods such as coffee, carbonated drinks, soft drinks, and foods that are rich in fats may trigger acidity. Stomach disorders like GERD, peptic ulcers, and tumors can also cause acidity.
Natural Ways That May Help Reduce Acid in the Stomach
Acid reflux can be treated in several ways. You can buy over-the-counter medicines and in some cases, operational procedures are needed. Another option is to change into a healthy lifestyle and food you eat.
Avoid Food and Drinks That Could Trigger Acid Reflux
One of the main causes of acid is reflux is by the food you eat. Avoid food and drinks such as caffeinated and carbonated drinks, spicy foods, citrus fruits. It would be best if you drink clear fluids such as water.
Lower Consumption of Fatty Foods
Fatty food such as fast food and other greasy food may affect the digestive system that could result in acid reflux. To reduce symptoms, try eating leaner cuts of meat, and cut down on your use of butter and oils when you cook. You can also opt to try following a low-carb diet.
Maintain a Regular Eating Schedule and Eat in Smaller Meals
Having a regular eating schedule can help reduce acid reflux. Have your dinner at least two hours before going to bed. Also, eat small portions of meals throughout the day to allow easy and pain-free digestion.
Stay Away Alcohol and Cigarettes
Alcohol has a high content of fatty foods so it may help reduce acid reflux if you lessen drinking it. In general, smoking is bad for your health. It could also make you dehydrate which could make acid reflux worse.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning
Another good remedy for acid reflux is to take apple cider vinegar every morning. You can mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a neutralizer for the stomach that may help get rid of acid reflux. To use this remedy, mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink this after a meal. It provides temporary but quick relief for acid reflux.
Chewing Gum
Another quick relief for acid reflux is to chew a piece of gum after a meal. This may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. However, avoid peppermint-flavored gum as it could increase acidity in the stomach.
Eating Food that Helps Get Rid of Acid Reflux
Buttermilk, banana, yogurt, and cucumber are a few foods that you can eat to get rid of acid reflux.
Try Herbs That May Help Reduce Acidity
You may also opt to try herbs such as ginger, basil leaves, mint leaves, cloves, and cumin to reduce the acidity level in the stomach. One of the ways you can use these herbs is to add them into your dish, boil them in water and drink, or eat them raw.
What Drinks and Herbal Teas are Good to Get Rid of Acid Reflux?
As we’ve mentioned, avoiding beverages such as coffee, soda, and acidic juice may help reduce the risk of having acid reflux. Here the following beverages that you can drink that help get rid of acid reflux.
- Water
- Coconut water
- Smoothies or fruit juices that contain low-acid fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, pear, carrot, beet, aloe vera, spinach or kale, cabbage
- Low-fat or skim milk
- Plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, flax milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk
- Herbal teas such as chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and green tea.
Acid reflux is a common condition that can range from mild to severe. A healthy lifestyle and diet may help get rid of acidity. Herbal teas and other drinks are also a great help in reducing acid. However, if symptoms persist, make sure to make an appointment with the doctor.
