Baking soda..bad idea. That shit can blow up your stomach.
CAUSES OF ACID REFLUX
There are plenty of food and drink-related factors that cause acid reflux to occur. Below you will find some of the reasons why this irritating condition develops:
a) Pregnancy:
The increased pressure on the stomach, as well as hormonal changes cause pregnant women to experience acid reflux. For some, this condition may unfortunately occur on a daily basis.
b) Underdeveloped Digestive Systems:
In babies, immature digestive systems cause of acid reflux in the young. While most infants are able to shake the condition by their first birthday, some children continue to suffer from acid reflux as a teenager.
c) Large Meals:
When you eat until you have an overly full stomach, the extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter has the potential to cause acid reflux.
d) Caffeine:
Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and chocolate contain caffeine and other ingredients, which promote the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. These food and drink items cause the esophageal sphincter muscle to relax, allowing stomach acid to escape.
e) Fried and Fatty Foods:
When consuming these types of foods, digestion slows down, which keeps the food in the stomach for a longer period of time. Stomach pressure also increases.
f) Alcohol:
Those who consume alcohol increase their chances of acid reflux because the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. This allows the contents of the stomach to seep into the esophagus.
g) Additional Foods and Drinks:
Tomatoes and products containing acidity are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows acid reflux to occur. Citrus fruits and juices also have the same effect.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX
There are plenty of acid reflux home remedies to consider when heartburn and an upset stomach arise. While some treatments can be found in your refrigerator or freezer, others reside at your local health food store. Below you will find a wide-range of suggestions to consider:
a) Ginger Root:
After meals, you can take ginger root extract mixed with honey for a great natural medication.
b) Cumin:
Instead of drinking plain water with meals, add a little cumin, which helps to stop the formation of gas in the stomach.
c) Vanilla Ice Cream:
A sweet treat to relieve symptoms of heartburn includes a cup of vanilla ice cream that is said to do the trick.
d) Fat Free Milk:
Alternative medication for acid reflux treatment doesnÂ’t have to include drugs. Drinking small amounts of chilled skim milk every one to two hours will ease the burning sensation associated with acid reflux.
e) Fennel:
Prepare an infusion or tincture made from fennel, which can be used to combat cramping pains.
f) Lemon Balm:
This herb has the homeopathic power to relax and sedate a nervous stomach when used as an infusion or tincture.
g) Peppermint:
A nervous stomach and nausea can be treated when you add 15 grams of dried peppermint to 2 cups of water to create an effective infusion recipe. New mothers should refrain from this approach when breastfeeding because this remedy has been known to reduce milk flow.
h) Apple Cider Vinegar:
Vinegar, especially the apple cider variety has been known to ease acid reflux. Many individuals take an apple cider vinegar pill once per day to solve symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Some people drink vinegar mixed with honey as a treatment as well.
ACID REFLUX PREVENTION
There are a few ways to avoid acid reflux from occurring by following a few preventive measures. Below you will find the kind of habits you may want to incorporate into your daily lifestyle:
a) Body Position:
Keeping an upright posture after eating a meal may help prevent acid reflux. Raising your head about six inches will also allow gravity to influence the contents within your stomach.
b) Meal Sizes and Times:
Eating smaller meals will reduce your chances of suffering from acid reflux. If you eat your meals at least 3-4 hours before going to sleep, as well as avoiding bedtime snacks, you will be able to thwart the symptoms of acid reflux.
c) Food Choices:
Some of the foods that you eat contain ingredients or substances that may irritate the esophagus or weaken the sphincter that can lead to acid reflux [3]. Peppermint, chocolate, tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges, fatty foods, and alcohol all contribute to lower esophageal sphincter problems.
d) Smoking:
Not only will quit smoking improve your overall health, but also eliminates one of the many factors that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.
e) Clothing:
Try wearing loose belts and clothing to eliminate unnecessary stomach pressure.
f) Weight Management:
Individuals with a healthy weight avoid the abdominal pressure known to cause acid reflux.
Home Remedies for Acid Reflux | Grandma's Home Remedies