Acid reflux (also known as heartburn, or acid indigestion) is one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It is a very common symptom of burning pain all over the lower chest area, which is caused by stomach acid that flows back up in the food pipe.
Signs and symptoms of Acid Reflux
As a common problem, you might think that it would be simple to spot symptoms of this health problem. However, sometimes these symptoms are more than clear or easy to mistake for some other condition.
- Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest that sometimes spreads to the throat, along with an acid taste in the mouth)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Hoarseness
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- A chronic sore throat
- Swelling sensation in the throat
- Vomiting
The Best Natural Remedies
If you suffer only from occasional acid reflux you won’t need medications. It is an alarm that you should make some lifestyle changes, as well as to include heartburn home remedies that will help you to get rid of this unpleasant condition. Here are our, Cook Vita suggestions:
- Baking Soda
A teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can help you to eliminate burning sensation of heartburn caused by acid indigestion. Baking soda has pH higher than 7.1 and thus, can neutralize stomach acid.
Requirements: 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 glass of spring water
Guidelines: Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda into a glass of fresh water. Stir well and drink all the mixture. Repeat if needed.
- Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has great anti-inflammatory properties. It can balance out the levels of acidity and reduce inflammation in the gut. Chamomile tea can relieve stress as well and trigger acid reflux. That will help you sleep well through the night. Make yourself fresh chamomile tea and enjoy its benefits.
Requirements: 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers /1 teabag of chamomile tea, 1 cup of boiling water, and lemon or honey (to improve taste)
Guidelines: Boil some water and put 1 teaspoon dried chamomile petals, or a teabag of chamomile tea. Leave it for 5 minutes and then strain the petals or just remove the teabag. Pour the liquid into a mug, add some honey or lemon if you want and your tea is ready to be consumed.
- Aloe Vera Juice
The gel extracted from this plant is a very popular natural remedy for this health problem. It can reduce inflammation and heal the gastrointestinal tract.
Requirements: ½ cup of aloe Vera juice
Guidelines: Consume a ½ cup of aloe Vera juice, before meals.
Note: Keep in mind not to drink too much of this juice in one day, because it can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Ginger root tea
It can ease up numerous stomach woes, from vomiting and nausea to heartburn. Drink a fresh gingerroot tea about half an hour before a meal. That will help you calm down your stomach and eliminate heartburn.
Requirements: 3 medium slices of gingerroot, 2 cups of spring water
Guidelines: Slice up 3 gingerroot pieces and put them into a pan. Pour 2 cups of water and cover the pan. After half an hour remove the ginger pieces. Put the tea into a glass and consume it 30 minutes before you eat.
- Almonds and almond milk
Almonds are really effective in treating heartburn. These amazing nuts neutralize the juices in the stomach, preventing and relieving some occurrences of heartburn.
Almond milk has a creamy texture and delicious nutty taste. It gives you a nice silky feeling when you consume it. A glass of almond milk will relieve heartburn and initially ease the unpleasant feeling of acid reflux. It can also have a rebound effect after that when the almond milk triggers the creation of stomach acid later.
Guidelines: Eat 3-4 raw almonds after every meal, or consume 2 glasses of almond milk daily.
Conclusion:
Individuals may respond differently to these natural remedies. You should be willing to try 2 or 3 of these remedies until you find the best solution for you. In case you have persistent or severe acid reflux, consult your doctor immediately to make sure that is not a sign of a more serious ailment.