Acid reflux disease that is commonly referred to
as heartburn is a condition that commonly affects both men and women of
any age. There are many drugs that are available in the market and as is
common with many drugs, they only treat the symptoms and not the root
cause which means that this often excruciatingly painful condition will
return again and again.
Anyone who has experienced heartburn knows
that although you know that your heart is not burning, it certainly
feels like it. Some people may even rush to the nearest hospital
mistakenly thinking that they are having a heart attack because the pain
in the chest can be that intense.
What Causes Heartburn?
Between the mouth and the stomach is a long
tube known as the esophagus by which food travels from the mouth to the
stomach. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a tight little muscle
known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that ensures that food
and liquids that reach the stomach and mix with the strong stomach acids
does not return to the esophagus.
The stomach acids that help to digest food
are so strong that they are meant to remain in the stomach because the
lining of the stomach is adequate to prevent damage to the stomach by
these acids. When the LES relaxes at the wrong times, these stomach
acids splash back (reflux) into the esophagus scotching the tender
tissues in the esophagus which causes the burning feeling associated
with heartburn.
Many foods that we consume and the times
that we eat them are the common culprits that lead to acid reflux and
since food is the common cause, it makes sense that food should also be
able to treat this condition. Before you reach for an antacid which only
treats the symptoms, here are some home remedies for acid reflux.
Persistent heartburn can result in the development of scar tissue in the
esophagus which can build up which can cause food to become stuck in
the esophagus and require medical attention.
Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
1. Ginger
One of the most effective home remedies for
acid reflux is ginger. Ginger contains properties that can increase the
strength of the LES so that it has more holding power to prevent reflux
of the stomach juices. Strengthening the LES will help to keep the
stomach acids where they belong – in the stomach.
Ginger on its own is very spicy and a
better way to consume it to help strengthen the LES is to add up to one
teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or up to a half teaspoon of ground
powdered ginger to one cup of hot water and steep for about 10 minutes.
Strain out the ginger and then drink this concoction.
2. Complex Carbohydrates
Eating rice, pasta, breads potatoes, etc,
that are high in complex carbohydrates is also one of the best home
remedies for acid reflux. Processed rice, pasta, breads, etc, do not
contain any complex carbohydrates therefore avoid all "white" food
items. Choose brown rice, pasta, breads etc or those made with whole
grains in order to get the benefits of complex carbohydrates. Complex
carbohydrates are great at absorbing stomach acids.
3. Do Not Lie Down
Another of the great home remedies for acid
reflux is to avoid lying down after a meal. A full stomach makes it
easy for reflux to occur. Lying down ensures that gravity will work
against you causing the acids to splash back into the esophagus. Make
gravity work for you and keep food in a downward motion by staying
upright by either standing or sitting up in a chair.
4. Bananas
When you are dealing with the burning
sensation associated with acid reflux, you may want to reach for a
banana instead of an antacid. Bananas act as a natural antacid as they
contain properties that can quell the flames and provide needed relief.
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