Acid reflux is characterized by the inflammation of the esophagus due to a reflux of stomach acid and bile. Although this condition is referred to as a disease, it's not something that you're born with or can catch from another person. Instead, it develops over time and is directly related to your eating and drinking habits. Medications may help to reduce immediate symptoms, but a home treatment plan for acid reflux is a long-term solution.
Benefits of Home Treatment
Using simple home treatment strategies is a much more economical approach to address your acid reflux compared with over-the-counter or prescription medications. In addition, these drugs, also known as proton pump inhibitors, reduce symptoms by decreasing the amount of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. While this means less irritation to your food pipe when reflux occurs, it also means that you can't digest your food as well or protect yourself from food-borne pathogens.
Dietary Considerations
Identify your acid reflux triggers, which can vary considerably between individuals. Most people experience an increase in the frequency and severity of symptoms after consuming spicy, fried or fatty foods. Certain vegetables can bring on acid reflux, such as onions, peppers and tomatoes. Alcohol, caffeine and chocolate are also common acid reflux triggers.
Take steps to balance the intestinal flora and pH in your stomach. You can do this by drinking plenty of water each day and supplementing with a probiotic, such as acidophilus.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lose weight, if you're overweight. Carrying extra pounds causes more pressure on your abdomen and stomach, increasing the likelihood for bile to back up into your esophagus. Avoid wearing tight clothing for the same reason.
Be aware of your body positioning at critical times. For instance, avoid lying down or bending over for two to three hours after eating a meal. Try to elevate your head when sleeping too. You can simply use extra pillows, or raise the head of your bed by placing a wedge between your mattress and box spring.
If you smoke, think about quitting because this habit impairs the function of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.
Herbal Remedies
Consult with an herbalist or holistic physician about using herbal therapies to reduce acid reflux attacks and to help your inflamed esophagus to heal. Herbs commonly recommended for acid reflux include marshmallow, licorice, rhubarb, wormwood, mullein and slippery elm. A tonic known as Swedish bitters contains 13 herbs and is a traditional European remedy for problems involving the gastrointestinal tract.
Other Home Treatments
Drinking a glass of water mixed with 1 tsp. of baking soda will often stop acid reflux heartburn in its tracks. As an ongoing treatment for chronic acid reflux, drinking 2 tbls. of apple cider vinegar mixed with water three times a day is reputed to help many people.
