Acid reflux can be a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you suffer from this disorder, there are various treatments available such as lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications.
Those suffering from GERD should consult a doctor. They may need to undergo an upper endoscopy in order to accurately diagnose the condition.
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Elevate Your Bed
One of the best ways to reduce acid reflux at night is by elevating your bed. Doing this prevents stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus and causing heartburn or other symptoms. Raising your bed by 6-8 inches can help you sleep better and get a good night’s rest.
Another way to elevate your bed is by using therapeutic pillows or a bed wedge. These products are affordable and effective at relieving acid reflux symptoms.
Wedge pillows are an ideal way to elevate your bed, as they gently incline the body. Usually made of foam, these pillows range in cost from $30 to $80.
Elevating your head of the bed 6 to 8 inches can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms, as it prevents stomach acids from splashing up into your esophagus. Furthermore, sleeping upright places your esophagus over your stomach, making it harder for acids to escape and providing you with a more comfortable night’s sleep.
A study published in Gastroenterology revealed that raising your torso while sleeping can reduce acid reflux symptoms, especially when combined with other treatment options. This less invasive option than medications which may become addictive and have side effects like stomach pain.
Researchers conducted a cross-over trial involving 63 participants to assess the effect of elevating the head of the bed on reflux symptoms. Participants in the elevation arm reported an improvement in symptoms after six weeks, as measured by GERD symptoms measured using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire – a 6-point scale.
Studies have demonstrated that elevating the head of a bed by 20 to 28 cm, or using a wedge pillow, can significantly improve acid reflux symptoms. This can be accomplished with either an adjustable bed wedge or set of two ‘bed blocks’ placed under the headboard posts at one end.
Eat Watery Foods
If you’re searching for a home acid reflux treatment, one of the best approaches is eating watery foods. Not only will this help prevent acid reflux, but it may also reduce its frequency of episodes.
Bananas make for a nutritious breakfast, as they’re low in acid and packed with water. Furthermore, bananas contain lots of fiber which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Bananas are also high in potassium and pectin, which may help lower your blood pressure, boost energy levels and strengthen the immune system. Snacking on bananas before meals can prevent heartburn or acid reflux.
Another good choice for relieving acid reflux symptoms is yogurt, as it soothes the stomach lining and protects the digestive tract from further irritation. Furthermore, milk’s fermentation process produces bioactive peptides which may help alleviate symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Fennel seeds have long been known to help soothe stomach discomfort. They contain anethole, an antispasmodic compound which may reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Finally, Manuka honey is an ideal remedy for acid reflux relief. Not only does it coat the throat and soothe soreness in the esophagus, but it’s also packed with antioxidants.
If you experience heartburn, it’s beneficial to drink water – just don’t drink too much at once. Water helps keep your stomach and esophagus hydrated and may reduce the likelihood of experiencing attacks of heartburn.
Caffeine should be avoided in drinks as it may cause acid reflux in some individuals. Furthermore, caffeine relaxes the muscles of your esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to move back up into your esophagus.
Other beverages that may aggravate your reflux include coffee, chocolate, spicy foods and alcohol. A review published in Current Medicinal Chemistry (opens in new tab) lists these as potential triggers for GERD; however there is less data available regarding fried foods and carbonated drinks.
Eating smaller meals more frequently is a good idea, as this makes digestion easier and reduces the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Plus, eating smaller portions helps you feel satiated faster, which could prevent overeating or triggering heartburn.
Take DGL
If you are searching for an alternative treatment for acid reflux, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) could be your ideal option. DGL has been processed to remove the glycyrrhizin from licorice root, providing added safety, minimizing potential side effects and making it safer for those with high blood pressure levels.
Licorice has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as stress-busting, digestive health, female reproductive health, mouth ulcers (known as canker sores), boost immunity levels and relieve pain.
Exercise can also help increase energy levels. It works by decreasing inflammation, which may be caused by various conditions and make you more susceptible to acid reflux and other digestive issues.
Research has suggested that DGL may aid in healing ulcers and prevent them from getting worse. This is likely because DGL stimulates or accelerates factors responsible for protecting against ulcers, such as mucin production – the protective coating found on stomach and intestines.
DGL also helps to suppress gastric carcinoma, a type of stomach cancer. This occurs by impeding cell growth within tumor cells.
In a study, it was demonstrated that DGL, taken as a tincture, proved more effective than antacids at treating and healing duodenal ulcers. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 47 patients with active duodenal ulcers who took DGL for at least 6 months.
Researchers discovered that 96% of ulcers treated with DGL and 62% with antacid were healed when measured by endoscopic examination and radiographic imaging. It’s important to note that this rate does not guarantee 100% healing success.
DGL is an effective antacid that can be taken at home as part of an acid reflux treatment plan. A small dose of DGL taken before or between meals may help prevent heartburn, as well as reduce symptoms associated with it.
For optimal results, it is recommended to combine DGL with other natural treatments like elevating your bed and avoiding trigger foods for acid reflux.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a common digestive condition that can be difficult to manage. The best way to reduce acid reflux episodes is by avoiding trigger foods.
These include caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, fried foods, heavy “comfort” meals and certain sauces. All of these can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which opens when it shouldn’t and allows stomach acids and pepsin back up into your esophagus.
It’s essential to avoid these foods if you’re seeking home heartburn treatments, but there are also plenty of other methods available to reduce symptoms. Keeping a food journal can help identify specific triggers so that you can stay away from them.
Another factor to consider is weight loss, as being overweight increases the likelihood of experiencing GERD. Talk to your doctor about developing a diet and exercise plan that will help you reach your objectives.
Dairy products such as low-fat milk are an excellent source of calcium, which may reduce stomach acid production. According to Bradee Rojas M.S., R.D., C.D.C.E. – metabolic and bariatric surgery program coordinator at Inspira Health – dairy is one of the top recommendations for those suffering from GERD.
Calcium helps strengthen your lower esophageal (LES), keeping stomach acid inside where it belongs and less likely to seep into your esophagus. If you’re dealing with GERD, reduce dairy consumption or switch over to non-dairy milks such as soy.
Drinking water is another effective way to quell the burning sensation caused by GERD. Unlike sodas, water does not deplete your body’s natural capacity for saliva production, thus helping soothe any irritation from acid and pepsin.
You may want to take a vitamin C supplement in order to increase your levels of ascorbic acid, which helps alleviate symptoms by stimulating saliva production and inhibiting pepsin activity in the stomach. Some great sources of this essential nutrient include citrus fruits, parsley, and strawberries.
