GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, results in heartburn or acid reflux symptoms at least two times a week for sufferers. The lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle in the esophagus, weakens and allows stomach acid to back up and trigger heartburn. People often use medication to relieve the symptoms because over time, GERD causes serious damage to the esophagus. Check with your doctor if you have GERD, but you can use natural remedies to reduce symptoms.
Foods
Avoiding foods or beverages that cause acid reflux plays a major role in reducing GERD symptoms, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Spicy or fried foods, tomato products, citrus juice, chocolate, peppermint, coffee and alcoholic drinks are often cited as sources of heartburn. But certain foods and drinks bother particular people. Get to know the products that result in acid reflux and decrease or eliminate them from your diet. Eating small, frequent meals also helps, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Do not eat two to three hours before going to sleep to reduce stomach acid that causes heartburn in the middle of the night.
Lifestyle Habits
Smoking inhibits the production of saliva, which protects the body from acid reflux. Tobacco also stimulates stomach acid production and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter to allow acid contents to back up. Stop smoking or don't start. Losing weight if you are overweight reduces GERD symptoms, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states. Too much weight puts pressure on the abdomen, which contributes to pushing acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Tight-fitting clothes cause the same reaction. Wear lose fitting clothes, especially if you are overweight. If you suffer from acid reflux during sleep, raise the head of your bed six to eight inches with wooden blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows are not sufficient because your upper body needs to be lifted.
Herbs
Licorice may help relieve GERD symptoms. Cimetidine, a commercial medication with similar ingredients to those found in licorice, has been shown in trials as being effective in treating GERD symptoms, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, licorice has not been studied thoroughly enough for its effectiveness. Aloe vera, slippery elm, marshmallow and bladderwrack may decrease GERD symptoms.
Alternative Methods
Stress and anxiety worsen heartburn symptoms, the Mayo Clinic stats. Stress management may help reduce GERD symptoms. Hypnosis, massage and aromatherapy, which use oils through massage or inhalation, can reduce stress. Listening to music, walking and riding a bike also alleviate stress and anxiety. Relaxation methods, such as meditation or visualization to imagine yourself in a calm place, help relieve stressful conditions.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology: The Word on GERD
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- University of Michigan Health System: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Mayo Clinic: Heartburn: Alternative medicine
