Acid reflux, and the resulting heartburn, has beensteadily on the rise1over the past two decades.
In fact, as many as60 million Americanssuffer from this uncomfortable post-meal sensation on a regular basis.
For starters, acid refluxalso known asgastroesophageal refluxis the expulsion of stomach contents back into the esophagus.
Repeated exposure to stomach acid can cause serious damage to the esophagus and increase the risk of developingesophageal cancer2.
How to get rid of acid reflux before it starts.
Traditionally, patients have been advised toavoid acidic foodsand drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and coffee.
Natural remedies for acid reflux.
Aloe vera is typically thought of for after-sun relief, but it can also help relieve heartburn.
Beware that aloe can also be used as a laxative.
Chewing gum to alleviate heartburn.
One common tactic for immediate relief from the pain of heartburn is tochew gum.
Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and increases swallowing.
Try chewing gum for half an hour after a meal to keep the esophagus clear of acid.
Melatonin to prevent acid reflux.
Acupuncture to prevent heartburn.
Research is limited but promising for this natural healing therapy.
ensure you seek the advice of a licensed and reliable acupuncturist if you go down this route.
Digestive enzymes for acid reflux.
Supplementing withdigestive enzymescan support the digestion process and promote proper gastric emptying.
Licorice for acid reflux.
Licorice root may be able to alleviate the painful symptoms of acid reflux.
Heartburn is the result of regurgitated stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.
The stronganti-inflammatory properties6of licorice root may help soothe an irritated esophagus.
Pickle juice to calm heartburn.
Got a jar of pickles in the fridge?
The juice in the jar might just be the answer to your heartburn.
Although the science isn’t quite there on this remedy, many people swear by it.
The problem with acid reflux medications.
But as with any drug, there can be side effects.
The short-term effects of these drugs may include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
All uncomfortable but not particularly worrisome or serious.
Long-term use of H2 blockers and PPIs, however, can have more serious consequences.
Additionally, PPIs may increase blood levels of the hormone gastrin, which can leach calcium from the bones.
This combination can increase the risk for bone fractures andosteoporosis8.
The acidity of the stomach also works to kill bacteria that can cause illnesses.
So, chronically low stomach acid levels can leave you atrisk for infections9.
Another issue with H2 blockers and PPIs is dependence.
The body overproduces acid, making acid reflux symptoms even worse.
This is calledrebound acid hypersecretion11.
Many people incorrectly interpret this to mean they should continue using H2 blockers or PPIs.
Want to learn more about foods that fight acid reflux?
Check out thisanti-inflammatory guide to avoiding heartburn.
