Thanks to erratic work timings and unhealthy lifestyle habits, a lot of people have started to complain about acid reflux in recent times.
As such, acid reflux has become as common a condition as a headache or cold today.
So what exactly is this acid reflux? And how does it affect your body? What can you do to curb it without relying on medication for the same purpose? Read on to find the answers to these questions.
Table of Contents
- Getting Rid of Acid Reflux using Home Remedies
- 1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux
- 2. Aloe Vera for Acid Reflux
- 3. Almond Milk for Acid Reflux
- 4. Baking Soda for Acid Reflux
- 5. Banana for Acid Reflux
- 6. Lemon for acid Reflux
- 7. Oatmeal for Acid Reflux
- 8. Ginger for Acid Reflux
- 9. Yogurt for Acid Reflux
- 10. Milk for Acid Reflux
- 11. Honey for Acid Reflux
- 12. Green Tea for Acid Reflux
- 13. Coconut Oil for Acid Reflux
- Guidelines to stay safe from Acid Reflux
- Summary
The Basic Definition of Acid Reflux
Also called as heartburn, acid reflux refers to that burning sensation you seem to experience in the lower chest area from time to time.
If it happens more than twice a week, it is characterized as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is caused by the stomach acids flowing back into the mouth via the food pipe. Normally, the valve present at the entrance to the stomach will prevent this acid from exiting the stomach.
However, if the valve doesn’t close properly, expect the acid to come flowing back up the esophagus, causing a deep burning sensation in your chest as it does so.
Common Causes for Acid Reflux
So what causes this acid reflux in the first place? If you are wondering as to why you keep getting it regularly, check out whether you fit the bill for any of these causes.
One of the main causes for acid reflux happens to be a condition called hiatal hernia.
While you do not have any control over the issue in this case, there are other instances where your actions or habits can increase your risks of getting acid reflux.
Some of these actions/habits include obesity, lying down right after a meal, eating heavy meals, eating dinner close to bedtime, drinking carbonated drinks and alcohol, smoking, eating spicy and oily foods, eating too much salt, eating less fiber, not exercising much, exercising too much (which can tax your nervous system), and certain medications like sedatives, antidepressants, painkillers and antihistamines, etc.
Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The most distinct symptom of acid reflux is the discomfort or pain felt in your chest when the acid backs up into the food pipe. Some of the other symptoms you may experience with acid reflux and GERD include:
- regurgitation (a bitter taste in the mouth or throat
- bad breathaburping/belching
- hiccups
- bloating
- nausea
- sore throat
- dry cough
- wheezing
- recurrent pneumonia
- difficulty in swallowing
- dysphagia
- black or bloody stools
- bloody vomiting
- dental erosion
- gum irritation, etc.
These symptoms usually manifest over a period of time and can become quite serious if not handled in time.
But before moving onto medications and other treatments, find out how you can curb acid reflux at home with the help of some simple home remedies.
Getting Rid of Acid Reflux using Home Remedies
Check out these really simple, but very effective home remedies that you can whip up using ingredients from your kitchen.
In addition to curbing the symptoms of acid reflux, these remedies will help prevent recurrences to a great extent.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux
Let’s start with apple cider vinegar, a natural homemade cure for acid reflux as well as several other stomach related issues. ACV comes with multiple health benefits and used in many home remedies,here are some ways you can use it to treat acid reflux.
Method I: Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar allows it to break down fats and promote digestion. This, in turn, helps curb issues like indigestion that can lead to acid reflux.
What you need:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
- Water – 8 ounces
What you need to do:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar in the water and stir nicely.
- Drink this concoction half hour before meals to curb acid reflux. Regular consumption of diluted apple cider vinegar will ensure you stay safe from acid reflux and its symptoms.
Note: Do not drink undiluted apple cider vinegar as it will damage the tooth enamel and irritate the lining in the esophagus.
Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar also contains alkaline based digestive properties that aid in mineral absorption.
This allows for the body to handle acid reflux in a more effective way. Honey also contains minerals like potassium which neutralize the stomach acids, thus curbing acid reflux.
What you need:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
- Honey – 2 tbsp.
What you need to do:
- Mix the two ingredients. Swallow the concoction every time you feel you are about to get heartburn.
Note: Make sure you swish the mouth with warm water after consuming this concoction. Do not opt for this remedy if you suffer from ulcer, diabetes and heart disease.
2. Aloe Vera for Acid Reflux
This is one proven natural cure for several stomach and digestive system related disorders. It has been known to be very effective in treating acid reflux and providing relief from its symptoms.
If you have an Aloe Vera plant in your home, use it to your advantage in the following ways.
Method I: Plain Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera contains soothing properties that help heal the esophageal lining, providing immense relief from the irritation caused by the stomach acids.
Aloe Vera is also high in glycoproteins which help reduce the inflammation in the food pipe during heartburn.
What you need:
- Aloe Vera Gel – 2 tbsp.
- Water – 3 tbsp.
What you need to do:
- Mix the Aloe Vera gel with the water nicely.
- Drink this mix half an hour before meals in order to prevent acid reflux during digestion.
Note: You can choose to add a few drops of honey if you don’t like the taste of the juice. Ensure that you do not intake too much of Aloe Vera as it can have a laxative effect on the digestive system and cause diarrhea or cramps.
Method II: Aloe Vera, Lemon and Coconut Water
It has been found out that Aloe Vera also improves blood circulation in the body; a factor which helps aid digestion while also allowing the digestive tract to function properly. This, in turn, helps to curb acid reflux effectively.
What you need:
- Aloe Vera Gel – 3 tbsp.
- Lemon – 2
- Coconut Water – 8 ounces
What you need to do:
- Squeeze the lemons and extract their juice.
- Add this juice to the coconut water and mix nicely. Add the Aloe Vera gel to the mix and continue stirring until the ingredients are mixed nicely.
- Have this drink once in the morning and night every day until the symptoms of acid reflux start fading away.
Method III: Aloe Vera, Lemon and Pomegranate
Aloe Vera also helps normalize the balance of the digestive system by soothing the mucus membrane, eradicating the bad bacteria in the gut, healing the gastrointestinal tract and revitalizing LES.
All these lead to a digestive system that functions perfectly and leaves no excuse for the onset of heartburn.
What you need:
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1 tbsp.
- Lemon – 1
- Pomegranate – 1
- Sugar – 2 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Remove the pomegranate seeds and blend them to get the juice.
- Extract the juice from the lemon as well.
- Mix both ingredients with the Aloe Vera gel. Add the sugar to the mix and stir nicely.
- Drink this juice 20 minutes before meals to aid digestion and prevent acid reflux.
3. Almond Milk for Acid Reflux
Almond milk is one of those home remedies for acid reflux that you definitely need to try out.
Loaded with vitamins and minerals galore, the goodness of almond is a vital factor in curbing acid reflux as well as its symptoms.
Here are some ways you can use almond milk to treat the condition effectively.
Method I: Raw Almond Milk
Almond milk contains high levels of magnesium, manganese, vitamins D and E, as well as high levels of antioxidants which can aid in proper digestion.
It’s calcium content can also aid the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) contract properly, thus stopping the stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
What you need:
- Almonds – 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp.
- Fresh Water – 3 cups
What you need to do:
- Soak the almonds in some water overnight. The next morning, drain out the water and mix the soaked almonds along with the fresh water and the vanilla extract.
- Blend this mix until it becomes smooth. Strain the mix using cheesecloth to remove the milk.
- Store the homemade almond milk in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator.
- Drink a glass of this milk (chilled) after every meal in order to curb acid reflux.
Method II: Almond and Pineapple
Almond milk contains low levels of unhealthy fats owing to the fact that is plant based.
It also contains natural oils and omega 3 fatty acids that not only help to neutralize the digestive acids in the stomach, but also reduce the inflammation in the gut caused by acid reflux.
What you need:
- Almond Milk – 1 cup
- Apple Juice – 1 cup
- Pineapple Chunks (frozen) – 1 cup
- Strawberries – ½ cup
- Plain Greek Yogurt – ½ cup
- Turmeric – 1 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend nicely to get the consistency of a smoothie.
- Transfer the mix to a jar or bottle.
- Drink a glass of this smoothie before breakfast every morning in order to prevent acid reflux.
Method III: Almond Milk and Cocoa
Almond milk provides a protective coating to the inner esophageal lining as well as the stomach wall.
This offers protection to the delicate tissues in these areas from the corroding digestive acids.
In doing so, this also offers major relief from the burning sensations which are caused by acid reflux.
What you need:
- Almond Milk – 1 cup
- Bananas – 2
- Cocoa Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp.
What you need to do:
- Peel the bananas and add the pulp to the rest of the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend nicely to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Pour the mix into a jar and add some more almond milk until the desired consistency (of that of a smoothie) is got.
- Store this mix in the refrigerator and drink a glass of this before meals every day to get relief from heartburn and its symptoms.
{ Also Read: Benefits of Almond Oil for Face and Skin Care }
4. Baking Soda for Acid Reflux
Baking soda is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for acid reflux you can ever find.
It is a stomach acid neutralizer and a detoxifying agent, helping the digestive system remain safe from indigestion, stomach upset and heartburn.
Check out some really simple ways in which you can use the ingredient to treat your heartburn problem.
Method I: Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is alkaline and helps it to restore the natural pH balance inside the digestive system. This, in turn, helps curb acid reflux to a great extent.
What you need:
- Baking Soda – 1 tsp.
- Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Mix the baking soda in the water and stir nicely until it is dissolved completely.
- Drink a glass of this solution every day to treat acid reflux. You can also drink this solution when you get a bout of heartburn.
Note: Refrain from using this remedy regularly if you suffer from high blood pressure.
Method II: Baking Soda, Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar
This lethal combination of powerhouse ingredients will ensure that your heartburn problems are a thing of the past.
What you need:
- Baking Soda – 1 tsp.
- Lemon Juice – ½ tsp.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tsp.
- Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Mix all the ingredients with the water and stir nicely.
- Drink this solution before breakfast every day to curb acid reflux throughout the day.
Note: Rather than gulping down the concoction, drink it slowly for best effect. Follow this remedy for only a week or two and stop using baking soda after that.
5. Banana for Acid Reflux
Not only is banana one of the tastiest and most nutritious fruits around, but it also happens to be a very effective home remedy for heartburn and its side effects.
In addition to having a banana with your meals every day , here are some ways you can use a banana to cure your heartburn problems. Not just banana even the banana peels have many health benefits.
Method I: Banana and Oatmeal
Bananas are natural antacids. They help form a protective coating around the inner lining of the stomach, protecting the latter from the harmful effects (including the burning sensation) of the stomach acids.
When combined with oatmeal, a whole grain food, it creates an amazing natural treatment for GERD.
What you need:
- Banana – 1
- Oatmeal (Cooked) – 1 bowl
What you need to do:
- Peel the banana and cut it into thin slices.
- Add the banana slices to the cooked oatmeal and stir gently.
- Have this banana-oatmeal combined dish for breakfast every day to keep heartburn away.
Method II: Banana, Mango, Strawberry and Yogurt
Why not try a banana and strawberry smoothie to get of acid reflux? In addition to being delicious, this remedy allows the protease inhibitors present in the banana to get rid of certain bacteria inside the gut that contribute to acid reflux and stomach ulcers.
What you need:
- Banana – 1
- Strawberries – 1 cup
- Mango Pulp – 1 cup
- Yogurt – ¼ cup
What you need to do:
- Peel the banana and place it in a blender.
- Add the strawberries, mango pulp and yogurt and blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth, consistent mix (like a smoothie).
- Drink a glass of this mix every morning and night to stay free from heartburn.
Note: Banana may have a laxative effect on your stomach. If you feel bloated or experience abdominal pain after having these remedies, stop using them immediately.
6. Lemon for acid Reflux
Let’s move on to another power house remedy for acid reflux. Lemon has manifold properties that help in protecting the gut and the esophagus from the stomach acids.
The antibacterial properties of lemon also ensure any bacteria causing trouble in your gut is wiped out completely. Check out a few quick remedies using lime here.
Method I: Lemon Juice
Lemon is rich in calcium carbonate which is an effective agent in neutralizing the gut’s digestive acids.
It also helps in balancing out the body’s pH levels, thus helping the digestive system function normally in the long run.
What you need:
- Lemon Juice – 2 to 3 tsp.
- Warm Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Add the lemon juice to the water and stir nicely.
- Drink this concoction on an empty stomach every morning. It will keep you safe from heartburn and its side effects throughout the day.
- Regular consumption of this juice will help you control acid reflux effectively.
Note: Be sure to wait for about 20 minutes after drinking the juice before having your breakfast.
Method II: Lemon Juice, Ginger and Honey
Lemon does a great job at relieving the pain and inflammation caused by the stomach acids in your chest and esophagus.
The potassium and sugar content of lemon will also help in maintaining the pH balance of the gut.
What you need:
- Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.
- Honey – ¼ tsp.
- Ginger – ½ tsp.
- Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Peel and grate the ginger piece. Add ¼ tsp. of grated ginger to the boiling water.
- Let it simmer in the water (on low flame) for another 10 minutes.
- Strain the solution and remove the ginger. Add the honey and lemon juice to the solution and stir nicely.
- Drink a glass of this solution every day to get relief from acid reflux. You will be amazed with the results in just a few days.
{ Also Read: Home Remedies Using Epsom Salt for Constipation }
7. Oatmeal for Acid Reflux
If you are suffering from incessant bouts of heartburn, try oatmeal to curb these attacks. Oatmeal has an instant soothing effect on the stomach acids and can help neutralize the stomach acids in no time at all.
If you have oatmeal at home, find out some ways in which you can use it to treat acid reflux.
Method I: Oatmeal, Walnut and Milk
Oatmeal is rich in natural fiber. It keeps you full for longer periods. This, in turn, prevents sudden hunger pangs from creeping up on you and triggering the stomach acids to cause heartburn.
Oatmeal also contains selenium which helps protect the inner lining of the stomach from the burning sensation caused by the stomach acids.
What you need:
- Oatmeal – 1 cup
- Walnuts – ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract 1 tsp.
- Milk – ½ cup
- Water – 4 cups
- Strawberries – ¼ cup
What you need to do:
- Add the oats to the water and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the walnuts and the vanilla extract to the oats and stir nicely.
- Wait for the oatmeal mix to cool down before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
- The next morning, add the milk to the oatmeal mix to soften it a little bit.
- Chop the strawberries and add them as garnish.
- Have this oatmeal mixture for breakfast every day and you will never complain of heartburn ever again.
Method II: Oats and Milk
Oatmeal has an uncanny ability to absorb excess acidity present in other foods that are consumed.
It also prevents the stomach from creating or secreting excess stomach acids in order to keep acid reflux at bay.
Furthermore, it retains the nutrients that aid in proper digestion, thus keeping your gut safe from all kinds of disorders that can lead to acid reflux or GERD in the long run.
What you need:
- Oats – ½ cup
- Milk – ½ cup
- Water – ½ cup
- Brown Sugar – 1 tsp.
- Butter – 1 tsp.
- Salt – A pinch
- Water – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Toast the oats in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown in color. Turn off the heat.
- Add the milk to the oats along with the salt, brown sugar and water.
- Cook this oatmeal mixture for about 7 more minutes over a medium flame. Make sure you stir frequently to avoid the mixture from solidifying into chunks.
- Switch off the heat and add the butter to the oatmeal mix. Wait for it to cool down.
- Eat this oatmeal mixture for breakfast every day for lasting effects on your heartburn problem.
{ Also Read: Right Way to use Olive Oil for Constipation }
8. Ginger for Acid Reflux
In addition to aiding in digestion, ginger is known to be a very effective home remedy for acid reflux.
If you have some ginger at home, take help of the same to curb your heartburn with these simple remedies.
Method I: Raw Ginger
Ginger helps to regulate the flow of the digestive juices in the gut, thus ensuring that the food you eat is absorbed and digested properly.
In doing so, it prevents the contents of the stomach from moving back up the esophagus. Ginger is also very helpful in treating asthma if used as a home remedy.
What you need:
- Ginger Root – 1
- Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Peel the ginger root and grate it.
- Swallow a teaspoon of the grated ginger and follow it up with a glass of water.
- Follow this remedy once every day to curb acid reflux quickly.
Note: You can also choose to add the grated ginger to soups and fried vegetables.
Method II: Ginger and Lemon Juice
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help to curb the pain and discomfort caused by acid reflux in the stomach and throat.
Ginger also plays a vital role in tightening the lower esophageal sphincter, thus curbing the back flow of the stomach acids.
What you need:
- Ginger Root – 1
- Lemon Juice – 2 to 3 drops
What you need to do:
- Peel the ginger root and crush it to remove its juice.
- Add the lemon juice to the ginger juice and mix nicely.
- Swallow a teaspoon of this concoction before meals every day to keep heartburn and its side effects at bay.
Method III: Ginger Root Tea
The gingerols present in ginger help it to soothe the stomach walls and protect them from the acid.
The phenols in ginger also help relax the stomach walls and prevent hyperactivity which may also lead to acid reflux at times.
What you need:
- Ginger Root – 1
- Honey – ½ tsp.
- Water -1 glass
What you need to do:
- Peel the ginger root and grate it.
- Boil the water in a pan for about 5 minutes.
- Add the grated ginger pieces to the water and boil on medium flame for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. Strain it and add the honey to the tea.
- Drink this tea once every morning and evening on a daily basis. Regular consumption of ginger tea will ensure you don’t need to worry about acid reflux again.
9. Yogurt for Acid Reflux
Have some yogurt in the refrigerator? Trust it to come to your aid if you get a sudden attack of heartburn.
In addition to being loaded with plenty of good bacteria that aids your gut, yogurt has a soothing effect on the stomach, curbing the irritation, discomfort and pain caused by acid reflux.
Method I: Plain Yogurt
This is one of the simplest but most effective home remedies for heartburn. The alkalinity of yogurt will soothe the esophagus and offer instant relief from acid reflux.
- What you need:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Gulp down a cup of yogurt before every meal in order to curb acid reflux.
- You can also choose to add the yogurt to plain water and drink it as buttermilk.
- Doing this every day will help curb heartburn and its symptoms in no time at all.
Method II: Yogurt and Ginger
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria aka probiotics which aid in proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This, in turn, helps curb acid reflux and its symptoms significantly.
What you need:
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Ginger Root – 1
What you need to do:
- Peel the ginger root and grate it into tiny pieces.
- Add these ginger root pieces to the yogurt and eat 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mix every day to stay safe from heartburn.
Method III: Yogurt and Banana, Strawberries, Mango, Pineapple and Peach Smoothie
Yogurt is rich in calcium, a nutrient that aids in strengthening the muscles present in the lower esophagus. In doing so, it helps the esophagus handle the side effects of heartburn effectively.
What you need:
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Bananas – 2
- Mango – ¼ cup
- Pineapple ¼ cup
- Strawberries – ½ cup
- Peach – ¼ cup
- Honey – 2 tsp.
- Milk – 2 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Peel the bananas, pineapple and mango. Cut all three fruits into small pieces.
- Add the cut pieces to the yogurt in a blender and blend until you get a smoothie like texture.
- Drink a glass of this smoothie every day to ensure that you remain safe from heartburn throughout the day.
10. Milk for Acid Reflux
Sipping cold milk has been known to give immense relief from heartburn and its effects.
If you tend to suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis, consider using milk to curb the condition.
In addition to drinking plain, non-sweetened milk, here are some other ways you can drink milk for acid reflux.
Method I: Milk and Cinnamon
Milk has a soothing effect on the stomach and esophagus. Cold milk can therefore, reduce the pain and discomfort caused by heartburn in these areas.
What you need:
- Milk – ½ glass
- Cinnamon Powder – 1 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Add the cinnamon powder to the milk and stir nicely.
- Store the resulting mix in the refrigerator.
- As and when you feel heartburn starting to set in, have a few sips of the mix. This will reduce the burning sensation in and around the stomach and chest instantly.
Method II: Milk, Honey, Oatmeal, Raisins and Cardamom
Milk does wonders for your body. While it soothes the stomach and esophagus, the combination of honey allows for this remedy to be antibacterial in nature, helping clean out unhealthy bacteria from your gut effectively.
What you need:
- Milk – 2 cups
- Honey – 1 tbsp.
- Cardamom Powder – 1 tsp.
- Oatmeal – 1 cup
- Raisins – ½ cup
What you need to do:
- Transfer the milk to a vessel and heat it on low flame until it starts to boil.
- Add the oatmeal, raisins and cardamom powder to the milk one by one, stirring continuously as you do so.
- Allow the mix to simmer on low heat for another few minutes until the oatmeal is cooked and the mix reaches the desired level of consistency.
- Allow the mix to cool and reach room temperature. Add the honey to it and stir nicely.
- Eat this mix once or twice a day regularly for a week or two. You will be amazed at just how much better you feel after this period.
{ Also Read: Learn How to Make a Safe Enema Solution at Home }
11. Honey for Acid Reflux
The antibacterial and soothing properties of honey are very well known and are the main reasons why honey is considered a very effective natural remedy for acid reflux.
While its antibacterial properties prevent unhealthy bacteria from invading the gut, its soothing properties help control inflammation while also healing damaged tissues.
Let’s check out some ways in which we can use honey to control heartburn.
Method I: Raw Honey
Nothing can be as simple as swallowing a spoonful of honey on an empty stomach in the morning.
Doing this allows your body to gain all the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids it has in addition to healing from heartburn.
What you need:
- Raw Honey – 1 tsp.
- Warm Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Mix the honey in the warm water and stir nicely.
- Drink this concoction an hour before every meal to curb acid reflux.
Note: You can also choose to add a little bit of honey to the foods that you eat on a daily basis for the same purpose.
Make it a point to refrain from eating anything for at least 20 minutes after you have consumed the honey in order to prevent reducing its efficacy.
Method II: Honey and Baking Soda
Honey contains loads of potassium, a mineral which has been found to be very effective in neutralizing the stomach acids.
Consuming honey on a regular basis therefore, can help maintain the pH balance while also stimulating the LES to contract in order to prevent acid reflux.
What you need:
- Honey – 1 tsp.
- Baking Soda – 1 tsp.
- Warm Water – 1 glass
What you need to do:
- Add the baking soda and honey to the water and stir nicely.
- Drink this solution before meals every day to control the side effects of heartburn as well as prevent its recurrence.
Note: Refrain from using honey in your heartburn remedies if you have diabetes as it can increase the blood sugar levels in the body. It is also considered wise to stay away from honey if you tend to be allergic to pollen or bees.
{ Also Read: Honey for Curing Diabetics }
12. Green Tea for Acid Reflux
Drinking green tea on a daily basis can also be beneficial for individuals who suffer from acid reflux.
Green tea promotes proper digestion and has anti-inflammatory actions that reduce the burning sensation caused by the stomach acids.
It also contains polyphenols which restrict the contents of the stomach from flowing back up into the esophagus.
While drinking plain green tea can have its benefits, you can also try it along with these ingredients for more benefit.
Method I: Green Tea and Lemon
The tannins and theobromine present in green tea help prevent heartburn by stimulating the LES to contract properly.
Lemon on its part, can help strengthen the immune system to fight off the bacteria causing heartburn.
What you need:
- Green Tea – 2 bags
- Lemon – 1
- Honey – 1 tsp.
- Water – 4 glasses
What you need to do:
- Extract the juice from the lemon and keep aside for use later.
- Boil the water and add the green tea bags to it.
- Lower the heat and allow the tea bags to steep in the water for about half an hour.
- Add the lemon juice to the tea.
- Add the honey to the tea to enhance its taste.
- Drink the tea (either warm or cold) at least thrice a day to keep acid reflux and its symptoms away.
Method II: Green Tea and Almond Milk
Green tea has catechins, compounds which helpful in repairing the damage caused by acid reflux to the healthy cells in the stomach.
Adding almond milk to the equation helps reduce the discomfort, pain and inflammation in the stomach and esophagus.
What you need:
- Green Tea – 1 bag
- Water – 1 cup
- Almond Milk – 1 cup
What you need to do:
- Brew the green tea by boiling the water, adding the tea bag to it and then allowing it to steep in the water for half an hour.
- Pour the green tea into a cup. Pour almond milk to fill up the rest of the cup.
- Mix nicely and drink slowly. Do this twice a day or so to get relief from acid reflux.
Note: You can substitute almond milk with coconut milk if you can’t get hold of almond milk for the tea.
{ Also Read: 17 Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea }
13. Coconut Oil for Acid Reflux
And so we come to the last (but nowhere near the least effective) remedy in this list. Coconut oil has more benefits for the body than you may know of.
In addition to curbing the irritation and burning sensation caused by heartburn, it provides a protective coating to the esophagus and digestive tract.
It also contains an active antibacterial agent in the form of lauric acid which will eliminate the bad bacteria inhabiting your gut. Here are some ways in which you can coconut oil for heartburn.
Method I: Coconut Oil
One of the main causes of acid reflux happens to be overeating. Coconut oil can help you here by keeping your stomach full for longer periods, thereby preventing you from overeating or snacking on junk food in between meals.
What you need:
- Coconut Oil – ¼ -1 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Swallow ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil before each meal every day. Do this every day to get relief from acid reflux and its symptoms.
- You can also choose to add the coconut oil to water, coffee, tea, smoothie or juice if you find it uncomfortable to swallow the plain oil.
Method II: Coconut Oil (Pulling)
Coconut oil is alkaline in nature. This helps it to neutralize the stomach acids in order to retain the normal pH balance of the stomach and digestive system.
In doing this, coconut oil effectively curbs heartburn and its symptoms, preventing recurrences in the long run as well.
What you need:
- Coconut Oil – 3 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Pour the coconut oil into your mouth, making sure you do not swallow it.
- Gently swish the oil inside your mouth for about 5-7 minutes and spit it out.
- Doing this will help the coconut oil to remove bad bacteria in your mouth and preventing them from reaching the stomach to cause acid reflux.
- Follow this remedy twice every day before breakfast and after dinner for desirable results.
Method III: Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and Oatmeal
Lack of adequate levels of stomach acid to digest the consumed food can also be a reason for acid reflux.
Coconut oil helps combat this scenario by stimulating the body to produce chloride which, in turn, stimulates the production of stomach acids in order to digest the food better.
What you need:
- Coconut Milk – 2 cups
- Oatmeal – 1 cup
- Coconut Oil – 2 tsp.
What you need to do:
- Boil the coconut milk over medium flame. Add the oatmeal to the mix and stir nicely to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the flame and allow the oatmeal to simmer in the coconut milk for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the mix from the heat and add the coconut oil to it. Wait for it to cool down. Have this mix for breakfast every morning to curb heartburn effectively.
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Guidelines to stay safe from Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can be a pretty hard condition to manage. In addition to trying to handle it with these home remedies, you will need to adjust your diet and lifestyle accordingly so as to avoid recurrences in the future.
Here are some basic guidelines you will need to follow in order to ensure that the home remedies mentioned above can be truly effectively in dealing with heartburn.
Avoid potential triggers: The first step towards curbing heartburn effectively involves staying away from anything that may act as a potential trigger for the condition.
This would include foods and beverages that could potentially cause acid reflux.
Fried, spicy and oily foods are a strict no-no while decaffeinated and herbal teas need to replace sodas, juices and other beverages.
Eat smaller meals: This would help you curb acid reflux to a great extent. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will not only help your body digest the food better, but also remain full for longer periods, thus helping you stay away from bingeing in between meals.
Stay awake for at least 3 hours after eating: There is a reason people ask you to eat three hours before sleeping.
This gives your body ample time to digest the food, allowing you to sleep peacefully.
If you tend to fall asleep the moment you finish eating, chances are the stomach acids may creep back up into the esophagus while digesting the food.
Drink lots and lots of water: This is a must if you want to stay safe from heartburn. In addition to keeping the body hydrated, water can soothe the stomach acids and prevent them from backing up into the esophagus.
Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order to get relief from acid reflux.
Stop smoking: This is imperative, especially if you tend to smoke a lot. Smoking has been attributed to being one of the main causes of acid reflux in individuals.
If you smoke regularly, try reducing the frequency if not curbing the habit altogether. This will help you handle acid reflux effectively.
Rest in an elevated position: If you find yourself getting heartburn every time you lie down to have some rest, consider sleeping/resting in an elevated position.
Use a chair for short naps and place another pillow under the bed’s head in order to raise it by a few inches. This will prevent acid reflux from kicking in the moment you lie down.
Exercise regularly: Obesity happens to be one of the main reasons for acid reflux. If you find your weight on the heavier end, consider doing some simple exercises on a daily basis.
As your weight decreases, you will start noticing an improvement in your overall health. You will also gain more control of your bodily problems, including acid reflux.
Talk to your doctor: If everything else fails to work, consider visiting your doctor for a general checkup.
This will help you understand whether your heartburn is triggered by any underlying medical condition or medications that you may be taking for the same.
Your doctor will also be the right person to prescribe medications to curb acid reflux and its symptoms.
Summary
Acid reflux is a painful condition to handle. It needs to be treated well in advance in order to avoid turning into acid reflux disease or GERD in the long run.
Make use of these home remedies and guidelines to tackle heartburn. You will surely notice an improvement within a few days of following these remedies.