Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acids and partly digested food backs up into the esophagus and the throat, causing burning pain and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms. If acid reflux continues over time, permanent damage may result, causing Barrette's esophagus or even esophageal cancer. Along with adjusting your diet and avoiding trigger foods, you can add several foods to your meals known for reducing symptoms and controlling acid reflux attacks. Always consult your health practitioner before making extreme dietary changes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be one of the most important foods you can use to help control your acid reflux symptoms. According to "The pH Balance," although it is a mild acid, apple cider vinegar's effect on the stomach is one of being able to balance the pH by stimulating the secretion of various digestive enzymes, including bicarbonate, from the pancreas. In this way, the vinegar helps establish an alkaline-forming environment, which helps to reduce the amount of stomach acids and the incidence of reflux symptoms.
You can use apple cider vinegar in several ways. Sprinkle it straight on salads or steamed vegetables. Add 2 to 4 tbsp of vinegar to an 8-oz. glass of water and drink between meals to prevent or eliminate heartburn. If the amount of vinegar is too strong, reduce it to fit your needs and build up over time. It is best to use organic apple cider vinegar to avoid adding unwanted pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals to your body.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is effective in controlling the breakdown of proteins in the stomach, according to University of Michigan Health System. The stomach requires additional digestive acids to break down foods like meats, poultry, legumes and shellfish. The enzymatic action of bromelain on these foods speeds their digestion, allowing the stomach to produce less acid, which may help prevent attacks of heartburn, says "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Eat a slice of fresh pineapple before your meal to allow the enzymes to begin acting immediately. Add a second piece for desert. If you find pineapple is too acidic, use bromelain digestive enzymes, found in health food stores. Pineapple should only be fresh, because canned or preserved pineapple has lost its enzymes from being heated during processing. Dr. Theodore Baroody explains in "Alkalize or Die" that the sweeter and riper the pineapple, the higher the bromelain content. Bromelain may thin the blood, so if you are taking blood-thinning medicines, contact your health practitioner before using it.
Baking Soda
Drugs.com mentions that baking soda alkalizes the system and, in doing so, may be helpful in relieving acid reflux symptoms. Mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda in an 8-oz. glass of water and drink during an acid reflux attack. The baking soda should act to neutralize acids in the stomach and help balance the pH, according to Baroody.
In addition to being helpful on its own for relieving burning pain from heartburn, baking soda and apple cider vinegar mixed together form a nearly perfectly balanced drink with a neutral pH of 7, according to "The pH Miracle." Pour 2 tbsp of vinegar into a tall glass and add 1/2 tsp of baking soda. The mixture will foam and fizz for about two minutes. After all the foaming and bubbles have stopped, add 6 to 8 oz. of water to the mixture and drink all at one time. The drink's flavor is mild and should not taste like the vinegar or the baking soda.
Baking soda can raise blood pressure, so contact a health practitioner if you take medicine for hypertension before using baking soda in any form.
References
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- University of Michigan Health System: Digestive Enzymes
- Acid Reflux Cure: Some Effective Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- Drug Information Online: Baking Soda
