Acid reflux, or gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that involves the back flow of food and stomach acids up into the esophagus. It causes burning pain in the chest that can mimic a heart attack. As it advances in severity, GERD causes other symptoms from bloating, belching, sore throats and snoring, all the way to cancer. Stopping it in its tracks is paramount to sufferers.
Step 1
Take over-the-counter antacids and acid reducers. These medications will give temporary relief for symptoms of GERD, but they cannot stop the problem at its root. Dietary and lifestyle changes are a must to end this problem permanently, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Change your diet. Eliminate trigger foods that set off reflux such as peppers, hot spices, milk, animals fats, junk foods and heavy foods like meats and cheeses.
Step 3
Add a baking soda cocktail to your reflux-reducing routine. Use ½ tsp. of baking soda mixed in 8 oz. water to end reflux symptoms immediately suggests Drugs.com. Drink the mix immediately after making it, and within moments your reflux symptoms should resolve.
Step 4
Add apples to your diet to bring ongoing relief for your problem suggest the Youngs in their book, "The pH Miracle." Unsweetened apples and apple sauce bring relief to many people suffering from GERD. Take a slice or two before bed to help prevent symptoms during the night. Make sure you eat sweet apples and not green Granny Smiths. The sweeter the better for this purpose.
Step 5
Mix 1 to 2 tsp. organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) in 8 oz. water for relief from acid reflux pains. In his book, "Alkalinize or Die," Dr. Theodore A. Baroody discusses the effects of ACV on stomach acids explaining that although it is an acid, it has the ability to stimulate the digestive juices and help neutralize stomach acids by creating an alkaline-forming environment in the body.
Step 6
Raise the head of your bed by 4 to 6 inches or buy an acid reflux pillow wedge to elevate your body and prevent stomach acids from backing up into the esophagus while you are lying down and sleeping.
Step 7
Visit a doctor who specializes in internal medicine or a gastrointestinal specialist if symptoms persist and haven't resolved with a combination of the above tried-and-true methods. He may send you for an upper GI series, a barium swallow or other tests to diagnose the problem if it appears to be more serious. He may also prescribe stronger medications after receiving your test results or recommend you see a different specialist.
Tips and Warnings
- Although many of these recommendations will help resolve the reflux symptoms on the spot, the real cure requires you change your eating habits and controlling your weight.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Antacids
- Apples, applesauce
- Baking soda
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Acid reflux pillow wedge
References
- "The pH Miracle", Robert O. Yound, Ph.D. and Shelly Redford Young, 2003: Apples for GERD
- "Alkalinize or Die", Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, 1991: Alkalinize to neutralize acids
- Mayo Clinic: Heartburn
