Millions of Americans occasionally suffer symptoms of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a feeling of irritation or burning that sometimes accompanies a sour taste from partially digested food. Other symptoms can include stomach pain, heartburn and general digestive discomfort. There are many effective ways to relieve occasional or chronic reflux, ranging from basic lifestyle adjustments to medication or surgery.
Natural and Lifestyle Remedies
Step 1
Eat frequent small meals throughout the day rather than two or three large meals. Space out your meals so that you don't eat so much food at one time that the digestive process strains your stomach and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which is responsible for blocking stomach acid from re-entering the esophagus.
Step 2
Avoid common acid reflux trigger foods, such as onions, tomatoes and tomato products, chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, mint, citrus foods and carbonated beverages. Make an extra effort to stay away from these foods within a few hours of going to bed.
Step 3
Ease the pressure on your abdomen and stomach by maintaining a healthy weight and losing a few pounds if you are overweight. Make a weight-loss plan with your physician that couples exercise and a healthy diet and doesn't call for you to lose more than 1 to 2 pounds per week, as the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Step 4
Relieve constant pressure on your abdomen and LES muscle by wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn't compress the waist area, as the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse advises. Prevent further pressure on digestive organs by standing, moving around or sitting upright for at least three hours after eating.
Step 5
Drink water frequently to help your digestive system run smoothly, as recommended by Healing Daily. Try coupling other natural remedies with increasing your water consumption, such as eating a few raw garlic cloves every day or drinking a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before each meal.
Medical Alternatives
Step 1
Treat occasional acid reflux with antacids and chronic reflux with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Avoid using antacids regularly for longer than two weeks, however, as the Mayo Clinic cautions that extended use of those products could have detrimental health effects. Consult a gastroenterologist if you are considering medication for your reflux or GERD.
Step 2
Combat more persistent acid reflux with prescription medications that are designed to stop backflow of acid into the esophagus or minimize acid production. Talk with a physician if you think you could benefit from one of these medications.
Step 3
Consider surgery if you have chronic GERD that is highly disruptive to your life and routine. Talk in detail with your doctor about your symptoms and the surgical options that are available to treat your condition.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Antacids Not Meant to Be Used as Long-Term Treatment
- Mayo Clinic: GERD - Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Healing Daily: Natural Treatment of Acid Reflux
