Taking a Natural cure for acid reflux

by Raymond Harper

Taking acid reflux medication

There are many options you can take if you have been diagnosed with acid reflux disease. A natural cure for acid reflux is not the first thing that comes to mind as the easier option is to reach for the antacids. If you take a trip to the doctors and he has diagnosed you with having GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) he will probably prescribe you one of the two mainstream medicines you can take to relieve the heartburn symptoms.

Unfortunately, however good this type of acid reflux medication is, relieving the symptoms is all that it will do, it is not a cure. So if you ever stop taking the prescribed medication heartburn symptoms usually return pretty fast.

Of course popping these pills can work tremendously well, but they do have problems if taken long term and usually you will have GERD for life.

A natural cure for acid reflux should include lifestyle changes. 

The alternative and probably the better way to treat the problem is to find a natural cure. Although trying one cure may not be the correct way, but an accumulation of small lifestyle changes can mean a vast improvement in your acid reflux symptoms.

There are plenty of herbal remedies for acid reflux and coupled with the lifestyle changes your life could take a dramatic turn for the better.

Although not as easy as just taking the prescription medication you will find that you have to work a little at taking the holistic route, but this method will be better in the long term.

 So what are these other solutions? Below are some of the natural cures for acid reflux.

•  First supplement your diet with a lot of alkaline foods. Soft foods such as eggs, soft vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads (with no nuts or seeds), breakfast bars made from whole grain, rice, potatoes, soy milk and a whole lot more are good.
• Avoid certain foods that aggravate the lining of stomach and esophagus or promote the secretion of stomach acid like carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, tomatoes and tomato based sauces and citrus fruits.
• Eating small amounts of food every two to three hours is far more beneficial than eating three large meals a day which will only produce more acid and make it harder to digest.
• One overlooked tip is to drink plenty of water between meals, not only does it help to dilute the stomach acid but it has many other benefits for the body and is one tip that is given in every weight loss program that I have ever read about.
• A natural healing agent, honey is said to sooth and heal any irritation to the esophagus due to refluxed acid. Take a spoonful before meals every day in the beginning and then take a tablespoon if you feel heartburn symptoms returning. Manuka honey is particularly good for its high antibacterial strength.
• Liquorice particularly as chewable deglycyrrhizinated liquorice has been shown to be an effective treatment for the healing of stomach it can also be taken in tablet form as a tea.
• Aloe Vera is a drink that naturally soothes and heals any inflamed tissue. Taking 40 to 60 mg a day first thing in the morning is very beneficial.
• Look for supplements that can also help, those containing slippery elm, marshmallow and bladder wrack are particularly good digestive aids and help sooth the stomach and esophagus.
•  Another great drink for soothing the lining of the esophagus is cabbage juice. A glass per day is recommended
•  One other drink that is beneficial is Chamomile tea for soothing the digestive tract. Drink two cups daily.
•  A table spoon of Flax oil two to three times a day is also excellent for the digestion or you can sprinkle flax seeds into meals such a salads.

Other lifestyle changes you should take to prevent acid reflux

Another natural cure for acid reflux  includes; - Loosing weight. The more you weight the more pressure is put on the stomach and this can help push stomach contents into the esophagus. Also wearing tight clothing around the midriff has the same effect, so wear loose clothing.

Smoking is another factor which promotes acid reflux so try to stop.

Digestion plays a large part in acid reflux. It starts when you first put food in your mouth. Try chewing your food thoroughly and slowly.

Lying down after a meal allows food to reflux into the esophagus easier due to the effects of gravity. Stay upright after eating. Eat your last meal of the night early leaving about three hours before going to bed to let your food digest. Night time is when most damage is done due to acid in the esophagus.

Eating correctly and consuming more alkaline type foods helps to keep the body balanced and healthy and is beneficial in the long term. Acid reflux diets can work wonders. If you can find a natural cure for acid reflux it is much better than taking conventional medication in teh long term.