Acid Reflux Home Remedies

Heartburn is the most uncomfortable symptom of acid reflux or GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease), where acidic gastric juices enter the gullet (the tube which food passes through from the mouth to the stomach).

Sufferers of acid reflux can feel heartburn or chest pain, have difficulty swallowing, or feel nauseous. This is because the acid from the stomach - which the body uses to break down food - has come up into the gullet where it shouldn't be, and attacks lining of the esophagus. Other common symptoms of acid reflux include morning hoarseness, bad breath, or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

Many people now wish to avoid powerful prescription medications which are often used to treat heartburn, and avoid other commercial remedies such as antacids which may have unwanted side effects. The government-funded National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says 'Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms. Many brands on the market use different combinations of three basic salts - magnesium, calcium, and aluminum - with hydroxide or bicarbonate ions to neutralize the acid in your stomach. Antacids, however, have side effects. Magnesium salt can lead to diarrhea, and aluminum salts can cause constipation. Aluminum and magnesium salts are often combined in a single product to balance these effects.' In view of this, many people are are now looking for safer acid reflux home remedies instead.

So what are these remedies? Traditionally, acid reflux home remedies worth trying have included the following -

• Reducing or eliminating coffee and caffeinated soft drinks from the diet



• Fasting



• Reducing alcohol intake



• Reducing the consumption of fatty foods, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, and eliminating the use of spices and tomato paste in food



• Reducing the size of meals



• Giving up chocolate



• Limiting consumption of dairy products like milk and cheese



• In combination with diet changes mentioned above, taking apple juice or carrot juice



• Not eating anything 2-3 hours before going to bed



• Arranging your pillows so that your head is elevated above the rest of your body, all night; or elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches using blocks under the two legs of the bed



• Keeping a straight body posture at all times.


Of these remedies, most success is reported with the bed elevation, which makes it physically more difficult for reflux to happen to you, but the changes in diet are worth trying too. Experiment with the changes listed above one at a time, and keep a diet diary - last thing at night, write down everything you ate that day. First thing in the morning, note whether the heartburn is present or not - you will soon discover which diet changes are working.

Good Luck!