1. Lifestyle Changes: What You Can Do to Improve Your GERD
Treating GERD doesn't always require medication. Your doctor will probably recommend that you start with some simple lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms. If you are overweight, getting to a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do to treat your GERD. Extra weight puts pressure on your abdomen, pushing your stomach up and leading to stomach acid spilling into the esophagus. Losing that weight should result in an immediate improvement of your symptoms.
Another very important strategy is to avoid foods that trigger your GERD. Some of the more common heartburn triggers include spicy foods, peppermint, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruit, tomatoes and tomato products and carbonated beverages. Alcohol and tobacco should be avoided entirely. You may find that there are other foods not on this list that make your symptoms worse. Any food that is a problem should be limited or avoided altogether.
In addition to watching what you eat, you can also try eating smaller meals more frequently. Larger meals cause a worsening of GERD symptoms. Eating smaller amounts at each meal allows your food to be digested faster and places less pressure on your abdomen.
Another way of improving your condition is to wear loose clothing. Clothing that is too tight puts pressure on your abdomen, leading to heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Similarly, try to avoid stooping or bending over for extended periods of time. These positions also put pressure on your abdomen. Gardening is an example of an activity that might place you in an uncomfortable position.
2. Homemade Antacids
Home remedies can provide short-term relief for heartburn and other GERD symptoms. However, they are not a substitute for proper medical care and won't treat GERD in the long run. Still, they can be useful for temporary pain relief. You can use baking soda mixed with water to neutralize stomach acid. Cream of tartar and water also work. These, however, should not be used on a regular basis, as they can actually make your symptoms worse. Homemade antacids add gas and fluid to your stomach, increasing pressure and leading to more reflux of stomach acids. Additionally, baking soda can cause a change in the acid-base balance in your body if taken excessively.
3. Alternative Remedies: Using Herbs for GERD
Herbal remedies can be helpful in treating acid reflux. Some herbs, such as slippery elm and marshmallow root, contain high amounts of mucilage and act to coat the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, protecting them from stomach acid. Others, such as meadowsweet, are valued for their natural antacid properties. Herbs with anti-inflammatory action, like chamomile and licorice, are also useful.
While herbs are natural remedies and usually available over the counter, it is important to discuss their use with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Herbs can have serious side effects or interact with other medications you may be taking. Many herbs should also be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
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