Changes to what, how and when you eat can dramatically reduce acid reflux symptoms. Some natural heartburn remedies include taking acid to help balance stomach pH levels; sipping aloe vera juice to soothe the stomach lining; and eating ripe bananas that contain an alkaline substance that helps neutralize irritating stomach acidity.
Baking soda
Baking soda, more commonly known by its nickname sodium bicarbonate, is a staple product found in homes all across America. This versatile product serves many uses in making cakes fluffy, eliminating bad smells and relieving heartburn symptoms.
An occasional spoon of baking soda in water may provide relief for occasional heartburn and acid reflux, since baking soda neutralizes stomach acid similar to how over-the-counter antacids do. Before using this approach however, consult your physician first as baking soda may interfere with absorption of certain medications and affect their effectiveness; additionally it’s high in sodium so should not be used frequently and is particularly not advised for pregnant women or children under 6 years.
Tamburello notes that while baking soda may provide temporary relief, it doesn’t address the source of heartburn and should not be seen as a long-term treatment option. Instead, she advises visiting a gastroenterologist in order to diagnose the source and find an answer as quickly as possible.
Aloe juice
Aloe vera is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and contains anti-inflammatory substances which are great for digestive health. Furthermore, its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties make it a powerful weapon against acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acids and increasing saliva production. Although decolored aloe vera should be used because yellow/green parts contain latex which has laxative effects which could result in constipation; pregnant women should avoid its juice as this could induce miscarriage.
Aloe vera gel is often used to ease sunburn symptoms, but recent research suggests it can also ease heartburn symptoms. A study demonstrated this effect as patients with GERD who consumed aloe vera juice experienced significantly less heartburn than those given placebo beverages; acid regurgitation, belching and sneezing episodes also decreased. Researchers suspect the beneficial effect may stem from its ability to reduce inflammation while relaxing muscle tone within their GI tracts.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat stomach ailments such as acid reflux. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation in the esophagus while simultaneously relieving nausea and bloating symptoms. You can incorporate ginger into your diet either through tea consumption or other means.
One study demonstrated that taking 1 gram of ginger per day helped relieve nausea among pregnant women. Before trying this remedy, however, it is wise to consult your physician first as some medications could interact negatively with it.
Grate fresh ginger into smoothies, soups or salads before using as an ingredient; you can also find powder or chews to supplement. Ginger tea and decaffeinated ginger soda may help your symptoms. Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages should be avoided to reduce acid reflux symptoms; replacing these beverages with ginger-based teas or chamomile tea is another good alternative to consider for acid reflux patients.
Apple cider vinegar
Although anecdotal evidence supports claims that apple cider vinegar can treat heartburn, there is insufficient data to back these assertions up. Furthermore, taking too much apple cider vinegar could lower potassium levels or interfere with medications prescribed for other conditions.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may delay stomach emptying, which could exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. To try it as a home remedy for acid reflux, be sure to dilute and consume apple cider vinegar in moderation.
Natural remedies for acid reflux include diet changes, stress reduction techniques and home remedies that increase stomach acid production like apple cider vinegar. If these treatments don’t offer relief, talk with your physician about prescription or over-the-counter medications that could ease symptoms – remembering it’s also important to see a medical provider immediately if severe heartburn symptoms arise, as this could be an indicator of an underlying medical issue.