Heartburn and its companion ailments, acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are recurring problems for millions of Americans as well as other people all over the world. There are several prescription medications and even surgical options to treat severe cases of reflux, but there are also a host of natural remedies and products that many people find helpful.
Bed Wedge
Use a bed wedge, available at many drugstores and medical-supply stores to elevate your head and upper body when you sleep at night. The Mayo Clinic notes that elevating your bed about 6 to 9 inches with wood or cement blocks or bed wedges can alleviate reflux, heartburn, chest pain and related symptoms. In contrast, a completely flat position makes it more likely for the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle to relax, letting acid flow back into the esophagus. In patients with no reflux, the LES muscle provides a barricade between the stomach and esophagus.
Aromatherapy
Try burning incense or scented candles in your home, or use natural products that contain essential oils. According to the Mayo Clinic, common stressors can exacerbate acid reflux and heartburn, and aromatherapy often proves effective in helping the body relax and minimizing symptoms. If you get reflux or heartburn only occasionally, keep scented products around utilize them when you next suffer symptoms. Pairing aromatherapy with other relaxation techniques, such as massages or hypnosis, may be even more effective.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Drink 1 tablespoonful of apple cider vinegar before each meal you eat to potentially eliminate reflux symptoms. If you can't stand the taste of the pure vinegar, try diluting it with a few ounces of water or mixing it with 1/2 tsp. of sugar or honey. The Washington Post notes that hundreds of people have enjoyed heartburn relief as a result of drinking apple cider vinegar and that it is a common remedy in the naturopathic community there are no existing medical or scientific studies listing it as a remedy for acid reflux.
Probiotics
Eat foods that contain probiotics, helpful living bacteria and cultures found naturally in the digestive system. Boosting the number of probiotics in your body can help fend off diseases, streamline digestive processes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and treat some digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. Probiotics are found in some dietary supplements as well as in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, tempeh, sauerkraut, buttermilk, miso and kombucha tea.
