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11 Best Home remedies to get rid of Acid Reflux (Acidity) and Heartburn
Acid Reflux or Acidity is a very common health condition. Most of the people have faced it many times. This condition is characterized by heart burn or burning sensation in the chest, throat. If you are also affected by it and looking for its solution, then you are at the right place.
But first let’s understand what is acid reflux and how does it happens?
What is acid reflux or acidity?
Acid reflux is very common now a days due to unhealthy life style and diet. Acidity is either hyper formation of stomach acid or reflex of stomach contents into oesophagus.
Oesophagus passes down food material into stomach. Glands in stomach produce acid which is essential for digestion. But due to various reasons these glands produce acid in high amount which reflexes back into oesophagus. Formation of this excessive acid is known as hyperacid reflux and reflexion of stomach acid is known as GERD (Gestro Esophageal Reflex Disease), although there are various other reasons also behind GERD.
Symptoms of acid reflux:
- Heart burn or burning sensation in lower middle area of chest is a very common symptom.
- Upper abdomen pain
- Throat burn
- Excessive salivation
- Headache
- Nausea vomit and vertigo
What causes acid reflux?
There are various causes for acid reflux, but unhealthy life style is the major reason from them. Eating junk food or at irregular times play important role in it as it increases hyper secretion from stomach glands. Stress, anxiety, tension and lack of sleep are other important reasons. There are various other medical reasons which can also causes hyperacid reflux. Stomach ulcer, fever, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), liver abscess, pregnancy etc are some of them.
How to get rid of acid reflux?
Acid reflux treatment requires proper history. Once in a while hyperacid reflux is not a serious medical condition. But hyperacid reflux for more than 3 months needs a proper treatment with life style changes; otherwise it may lead to other serious problems. There are various acid reflux medications available in the market.But you can also treat it by some natural remedies and lifestyle changes.
A. 11 amazing home remedies for acid reflux:
1. Cold milk and ice cream:
Cold milk is natural antacid. Milk absorbs stomach acid and forms a protective layer on stomach and oesophagus. It also causes soothing effect in heart burn and stomach food reflex. So always consider taking cold milk without any addictive or sugar for acid reflux treatment. Ice cream also provides some relief in heart burn. It also dilutes stomach’s acid contents.
If you are prone for acid reflux, then here is a tip. Always have some milk ice cubes in refrigerator. Chew one ice cube on empty stomach or whenever you need it. But be cautious about cold and cough.
2. Butter milk:
Butter milk or chhachh, is a very good home remedy for chronic acid reflux problem. It promotes digestion, releases stomach gas from anal opening, and also reduces inflammatory condition of intestine. It is best to consume plane butter milk or with a pinch of black salt to ease out the symptoms.
3. Apple cider Vinegar for acid reflux:
In various studies, apple cider vinegar has been found effective against heart burn and acidity. Although there are not enough researches about how it treats the condition being an acid itself.
Before taking apple cider vinegar, dilute it with water and add 1 tea spoon of honey in it. Vinegar interferes with enamel and destroys it, so always take this solution with straw only.
4. Herbal tea:
Herbal tea not only provides relief from nausea and vomiting but treats various GIT problems like constipation, flatulence and others also. Try caffeine free herbal tea for best result.
Licorice, the root of glycyrrhiza glabra, is an ayurvedic herb for treating acid reflux. Other than licorice, there are various herbal teas with chamomile, marshmallow which are great home remedies for acidity.
5. Neem or Indian lilac:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem or neem tree or Indian lilac, is thought to be very useful for skin condition only. Due to its bitter taste, it is effective for treating hyperacid reflux as it reduces acid formation in stomach. Chew 10-15 fresh leaves of neem on empty stomach. There are various tablets of neem also available as for some people chewing is tough due to its taste.
6. Basil leaves:
Basil leaves have phenolic compound which neutralizes stomach acid. Chewing 10-15 fresh basil leaves provide instant relief. In case of chronic and constant hyperacid reflux, boil 10-15 basil leaves in 100 ml of water and simmer for few minutes. Then, sip this water for whole day or until you feel better.
7. Fennel Seeds:
Did you ever wonder, why every restaurant offers fennel seeds after delicious meal? Fennel is a scientifically proved Ayurveda medicine and Indian herb to treat hyperacid reflux. It promote digestion, increase spasmodic motility of intestine and reduce GERD or acidity. There are various way to consume it to treat the problem. Make a habit to chew 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds after every meal.
In case of acidity, you can consume it in another way. To do so, boil 2 table spoons of fennel seeds in 1 liter of water. Sieve it and drink this water for whole day. Fennel is one of best medicine for chronic hyper acid reflux or GERD.
8. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a power house ingredient in every kitchen. One pinch of cinnamon can do wonders in every dish. Similarly, it can do wonders in various stomach problems. It is a natural antacid, promotes digestion and kills bacteria and pathogen in stomach and intestine. Drinking cinnamon water or herbal tea with cinnamon is good treatment for acid reflux.
9. Jaggery:
Taking a small amount of jaggery just after meal is thousand years old habit in Indian subcontinent. Jaggery can reduce acid reflex upto some extent.
10. Cloves:
Cloves increase peristalsis movement of intestine, promote digestion, increase saliva production and neutralize acid in stomach. Chewing one or two cloves provide instant relief from acid reflex. It also soothes inflamed lining of gastro intestinal track. Thus, provide relief from heart burn, acid reflex and nausea.
11. Ginger for acid reflux:
Ginger is effective for treatment of hyper acidity. Taking 1 table spoon of ginger juice with luke warm water after meal promotes digestion. It also shows anti-bacterial properties. H.pylori and other pathogens are also important reasons for excessive acid production. Ginger not only neutralize excessive acid, but also kill these pathogens in GIT.
So these are some natural remedies for acid reflux which are the best cure for acid reflux. Along with it, you can do some changes in your diet for acid reflux cure.
B. Foods to avoid with acid reflux:
- You should limit the intake of the food which is high in fat.
- Fruits and vegetables which are acidic in nature such as orange, lemon, tomato. These can worsen the situation.
- Minimize the intake of caffeine as it increases the production of acid.
- Never take tea or coffee on empty stomach.
- You should keep a distance from the foods which are very oily and spicy.
- There are various foods which can trigger the acidity in one but won’t harm the other person. So identify your trigger foods and avoid them.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a natural and permanent solution to acid reflux or heartburn, then the home remedies that we have listed below may be able to help. While some of these remedies may provide short-term relief, others can help to get rid of acid reflux or heartburn permanently. Have you tried any of these home remedies? What has been your experience? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more: Jaundice (Icterus) in Babies and Adults: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Disclaimer:
Above article is only for knowledge purpose. Please contact your healthcare provider before using any of above medicine or method. For any query or personal consultation according to your health condition please contact your doctor.
