Acid reflux--also known as gastroesophageal reflux--occurs when stomach acid flows upwards into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn and a lingering, sour taste in the mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Left untreated, acid reflux may progress into a more severe condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is characterized by difficulty swallowing, wheezing, chest pain and frequent food regurgitation. Although prescription and over-the-counter medications can combat acid reflux, alternative treatments are available for individuals seeking drug-free remedies.
Diet
Because diet often plays a key role in the development of acid reflux, avoiding trigger foods can help treat the condition. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, reflux-inducing foods include greasy or fried meals, chocolate, oils, whole milk, fatty cuts of meat, spearmint, peppermint, fast food, tomatoes and cream-based soups. Individuals suffering from acid reflux should strictly avoid consuming these items. In addition, some patients may need to avoid spicy foods and limit the consumption of coffee, caffeinated beverages, tea, soft drinks and whole or juiced citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, pineapples and oranges. Minimizing or avoiding these dietary triggers may provide relief for sufferers whose acid reflux stems from diet.
Weight Loss
For individuals above their ideal body weight, shedding excess pounds can help treat acid reflux. Extra abdominal fat can restrict the expansion capacity of a full stomach, causing food and acid to regurgitate into the esophagus, the Mayo Clinic explains. Sufferers of acid reflux may find relief from heartburn and other unpleasant symptoms by reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
Home Remedies
Several drug-free home remedies may help treat acid reflux. According to herbalist and medical doctor Christina Starkman, M.D., simple at-home treatments for acid reflux include swiftly gulping a large glass of water as soon as acid reflux symptoms arise, chewing sugar-free gum to encourage saliva production and neutralize stomach acid, consuming a fresh apple before bed, after meals or at any other time acid reflux occurs and eating raw vegetables or drinking fresh vegetable juice several times daily, preferably on an empty stomach.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding any reflux-causing habits and lifestyle practices may help treat or prevent acid reflux. As the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, lifestyle-related causes for this condition include lying down after eating, consuming food immediately before exercising, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. To remove these risk factors, maintain an upright position after meals, exercise only on an empty stomach, stop smoking and abstain from alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding tight-fitting clothing, which tends to encourage reflux by putting pressure on the stomach and lower esophagus. Minimizing potential lifestyle causes of acid reflux may help the condition subside without the need for medicated treatments.
Stress
In some cases, anxiety and daily stress can trigger or exacerbate acid reflux. For individuals whose reflux is linked to tense emotions, the Mayo Clinic recommends engaging in relaxation techniques to better cope with stress. Potential methods include aromatherapy, listening to soothing music, hypnosis, massage, guided imagery and gentle exercise, such as walking or bicycle riding. Sufferers who learn healthy ways to alleviate anxiety may experience a reduction of acid reflux symptoms as a result.
