Acid reflux disease, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, occurs when stomach acid and content regurgitates into the esophagus. Pain, heartburn and inflammation of the esophagus occur and put the person at risk for development of esophageal cancer. Over-the-counter remedies as well as prescription medications alleviate these symptoms, but natural remedies offer less expensive treatments and work with the body's own chemistry to prevent acid reflux symptoms before they occur.
Diet Don'ts
Avoiding foods that irritate the stomach and slow digestion reduces the chances of acid reflux. Fatty and fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, garlic and onions all contribute to increased incidence of acid reflux, states Phyllis A. Balch in her book "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing." Some patients report that citrus fruits also irritate the esophagus and cause pain. Experimenting with foods and keeping a food diary can identify foods that naturally cause pain and burning.
Weighty Matters
The Mayo Clinic suggests that maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure the abdomen places on the stomach. Release of pressure helps stomach contents remain in the stomach. An overweight person should sleep on his right or left side to avoid pressure on the stomach. However, lying down after a meal may increase symptoms of acid reflux.
Bed Positioning
Many patients find elevating the head of their bed prevents reflux from occurring at night. The Mayo Clinic suggests raising the head of the bed approximately six to nine inches. Inexpensive foam wedges for insertion between mattresses can be found at fabric or re-upholstery stores as well as nationwide discount stores. Blocks placed under the feet of the top of the bed can also be used, but they may slip.
Herbs
Peppermint tablets may relieve ulcer symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend one tablet, two to three times daily. Fresh peppermint added to a salad or boiled as a tea also calms symptoms of acid reflux. Aloe vera juice, sold in health food and drug stores, stops symptoms of acid reflux fast, according to Balch.
References
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- The Mayo Clinic: GERD: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D. and Steven Foster; 2000
