The holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with family, but they are also an indulgent time. We are of course referring to the giant tables of food that are the focal point of many gatherings and parties. Many of these dishes are loaded with salt, sugar, dairy, meat, and can wreak havoc on the digestive system. Since it’s National GERD Awareness Week, we are providing you with some great information about acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, which can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if symptoms persist, is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. It can sometimes get to the point when stomach acid rises into the throat and disturbs the tissue. The primary reason for this is if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) isn’t functioning properly. The LES, which food passes through, is the valve at the entrance of your stomach. If this doesn’t close or it opens frequently, acid from the stomach can creep into the esophagus, causing chest pain or heartburn.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Chest Pain (a discomfort, almost burning-like, that moves from the stomach to the abdomen, and even chest)
- Regurgitation (bitter acid that builds up into the throat or mouth)
- Burping
- Persistent Hiccups
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Nausea
- Sore Throat or Dry Cough
5 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
#1
An efficient way to remedy acid reflux or GERD is to combine 1 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Because baking soda is a base, it helps neutralize the acid, which causes the burning sensation. Similarly, you can use the same measurement for adding apple cider vinegar to water to help with acid reflux. It may seem counterintuitive to ingest apple cider vinegar, which is acidic, but acid reflux can actually occur in people whose bodies don’t produce enough acid.
#2
Drinking aloe vera juice is beneficial because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Drink about a half-cup of aloe vera juice before eating meals. Make sure that it isn’t sweetened, processed, or flavored. Also note that most aloe vera juices are laxatives, so look for the bottles that indicate that the laxative has been removed.
#3
If you are overweight or obese, switching to a healthier diet can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Avoid eating fried foods, citrus fruit, dairy products, processed foods and acidic foods to help your body restore its neutral pH level.
#4
Make ginger or chamomile tea. Add a few slices of fresh ginger to two cups of hot water (or make chamomile tea) and drink 20-30 minutes before your meal. Consuming the tea helps bring relief to the acidic sensation you experience with acid reflux or GERD.
#5
Instead of drinking caffeine during the day, recharge yourself by taking a short nap in a chair. Sitting, as opposed to lying down, helps keep the acid down in the stomach.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
