Heartburn, that familiar burning sensation in your throat and chest caused by acidic stomach contents returning into the esophagus, can be an extremely uncomfortable condition to live with. If this discomfort arises more than several times every week, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be present.
Antacids provide quick relief by neutralizing acid. Unfortunately, however, they will not restore an injured esophagus.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum may seem counter-productive to your esophagus health, but research shows that sugar-free gum can actually help with heartburn by increasing saliva flow which neutralizes stomach acid and washes it back down into your stomach. Freshening breath and diminishing any unpleasant odor caused by regurgitated stomach acid are also key aspects of oral care, but dental erosion prevention may also benefit as this action washes acid away from tooth enamel while decreasing exposure time in the mouth. Gum is composed of natural and synthetic ingredients, such as tree sap, glycerol and talc; as well as their respective derivatives that add its characteristic flavor and sweetness. While most brands use sugar for sweetening purposes, there are other sugar substitutes such as stevia and xylitol that provide similar sweetening effects. Furthermore, calcium carbonate or talc fillers may be added for texture enhancement purposes and some products even come flavored with mint, fruit or other flavors for an enhanced experience!
Studies have demonstrated that chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes postmeal can significantly improve acid reflux from entering the esophagus and also stimulate cells in the stomach to secrete digestive acids more quickly. Peppermint gum may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax inappropriately and allow gastric acid into the esophagus from stomach acids, potentially worsening acid reflux symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar and aloe vera may provide relief for acid reflux symptoms and stomach lining irritation, acting as natural complements to over-the-counter and prescription medication. If these remedies fail, a physician can prescribe medications which will ease symptoms while simultaneously protecting esophageal tissue from damage.
Some natural dietary supplements have also proven helpful in relieving discomfort and decreasing acidity levels, including licorice, caraway and fennel seeds as dietary supplements or as tea additives. Consult a doctor about possible treatment plans to effectively manage GERD; they will identify an ideal combination of lifestyle changes and dietary supplements tailored specifically to you and your condition.
Herbal teas
Acid reflux can be a painful condition that robs us of the joy of eating, with symptoms including heartburn, sore throat pain, burping and regurgitation. While over-the-counter medication is available to combat acid reflux symptoms, herbal tea is also a natural solution that may reduce discomfort associated with reflux while providing essential natural ingredients that aid digestion – but be sure to consult a healthcare provider prior to drinking any herbal beverages!
Herbal teas are beverages crafted by combining herbs, flowers, fruits and spices into a drink that has therapeutic qualities for various health conditions, such as digestive issues, sleep disorders or anxiety. Herbal teas offer natural sources of vitamins and minerals like C, potassium, iron and magnesium as well as rich antioxidant content – such as ginger chamomile peppermint fennel turmeric which have antinausea properties as well as soothing stomach comfort and stress reduction benefits.
When purchasing herbal teas, choose decaffeinated options made from the leaves of certain plants. Avoid spearmint and other mint varieties as these may trigger acid reflux symptoms; licorice root tea can provide a great alternative as its compound glycyrrhizin helps increase mucus levels which protects the esophagus against stomach acidity.
Fennel and ginger herbal teas may also provide relief for people suffering from acid reflux. Both these delicious beverages can soothe sore throats while helping alleviate digestive problems such as constipation, IBS and motion sickness. Plus they’re easy to prepare! Plus there’s nothing stopping them being tasty too!
High-fiber diet
A diet high in fiber is not only an effective remedy for acid reflux, but can also prevent heart disease and diabetes. While increasing fiber consumption gradually can benefit your digestive system, you should drink enough water so your body can easily absorb all that fiber – otherwise adding too much too soon could result in uncomfortable bloating, gas, or diarrhea symptoms.
Fiber can be added to your diet in various ways, from whole grains and vegetables, to fruit juices which often contain added sugar but contain little to no fiber content. Instead, opt for fresh whole fruits and vegetables without peels; additionally, opt for more fish and poultry over red meat; avoid fried foods which contain high amounts of fat that can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Eating frequent, small meals can help control acid reflux. You should aim to have your last meal three hours prior to bedtime in order to prevent an episode in the nighttime hours. Avoid foods and beverages known to trigger acid reflux episodes such as fatty foods and tomatoes and drink a glass of water after each meal as part of your regimen.
Acid reflux can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to chronic inflammation, so the most effective approach for treatment is a healthy diet that includes avoiding foods known to trigger reflux as well as using natural remedies to alleviate its symptoms.
A high-fiber diet may help alleviate acid reflux by strengthening the muscle tone of your lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between stomach and throat that prevents food from passing too early or too often, helping stop stomach acid from refluxing into your esophagus.
A diet rich in fiber may provide an effective alternative to antacids, though it’s best to speak to your physician first about this option. They can provide personalized guidance on how much fiber should be added into your daily intake as well as discuss any herbs which have been proven to aid digestion or alleviate symptoms associated with indigestion.
Keeping a diary
Diaries and journals are excellent ways of keeping track of feelings and thoughts, while helping identify causes for acid reflux symptoms. Many people choose journals as a safe place to record their experiences with heartburn – writing down thoughts without fear of other people’s judgment is therapeutic for many and can help release negative emotions such as stress or depression.
Frequent heartburn should prompt individuals to visit their physician. It could be a telltale sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another health issue which needs treating, while long-term damage caused by frequent episodes could even increase risk for throat cancer.
To combat acid reflux, eating a diet rich in lean meats and green vegetables will provide both protein and fiber for you to consume. Also important: avoid foods containing saturated fats that could trigger acid reflux – try using healthier oils such as olive or sunflower oil when cooking your meals instead.
If you suffer from GERD, it’s also essential to avoid trigger foods like chocolate, coffee, fried foods, peppermint and carbonated beverages which may increase stomach acid production and lead to reflux. Furthermore, dairy products like milk and cheese may irritate the esophagus and should be avoided; alternatively try opting for lower fat or non fat options instead for lower risk of acid reflux episodes.
Food journals can also help to track your eating habits and identify which foods or drinks may trigger acid reflux, so that you can switch up your diet for better GERD management. Keep track of when and why heartburn occurs as well as which foods or beverages provide relief; this will make pinpointing GERD triggers easier.