If you suffer from acid reflux disease, then you know how uncomfortable symptoms can be, impacting your daily life and affecting what foods you can eat. Burning pains in the stomach and chest, belching, bloating, bowel problems, sore throat and the inability to lie down and sleep without pain are some of the problems severe heartburn can present. Home remedies are an easy, inexpensive way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of acid reflux disease.
Raw Honey
Raw, organic honey taken straight on a spoon offers soothing, quick relief for painful heartburn. Recommended by Dr. Theodore A. Baroody in his book "Alkalinize or Die," honey is high in potassium, assists digestion and creates an alkaline state in the stomach helping to neutralize acids. Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey with apple cider vinegar for a tangy sweet drink that reduces acid reflux symptoms instantly. Before bedtime or during the night if you awaken with acid reflux, try a spoonful of honey to relieve pains.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dr. Baroody touts the effectiveness of using organic apple cider vinegar to reduce the burning, bloating and belching associated with acid reflux. An acid whose effects are alkaline-forming on the body, apple cider vinegar stimulates digestive juices helping to neutralize them and in the process relieves heartburn symptoms. Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water and drink several times a day as needed for relief.
Licorice Root
Try licorice root tea to sooth your stomach and relive acid reflux burning pains. Life Extension points out that licorice root helps to protect the lining of the stomach and esophagus by promoting mucous secretions helping to heal ulcers. Add a little organic raw honey for sweetness to your licorice tea, but refrain from adding dairy products which may aggravate your symptoms. Life Extension further warns that licorice root can raise blood pressure and effect the kidneys, so speak to your doctor first if before using this excellent acid reflux remedy. Licorice root is available in health food stores and online.
Red Apples
Some people get relief from heartburn by eating a piece of sweet red apple. Apples help create an alkaline state in the stomach, neutralizing acids and offer instant relief for some. Earth Clinic Folk Remedies say to experiment with the amount of apple needed and with the type of apples used. It seems the sweeter apples are more effective so start with Red Delicious or Braeburns.
Baking Soda
Drugs.com suggests taking half a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water every two hours. Drink slowly to reduce heartburn pain and bloating. People with hypertension should be cautious because baking soda can raise the blood pressure. Your doctor may advise you to take a different dose.
References
- Alkalinize or Die, Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, 1991
- The pH Miracle, Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health, Robert O. Young Ph.D. and Shelley Redford Young, 2002
- Life Extension
