If you suffer from acid reflux, did you know that there are many natural remedies you can try to help eliminate and prevent symptoms? Natural remedies can be an excellent alternative or complement to medications. Also, they can often be included in your diet.
The following is a list of natural remedies for acid reflux. The remedies listed are in no particular order.
– fresh banana – Bananas are a natural antacid. Substances in bananas help suppress the secretion of acid in the stomach. In addition, bananas coat and protect the stomach from acid, which helps prevent the development of stomach ulcers, as well as damage from ulcers. You can help prevent heartburn by eating a banana 30 minutes before a meal or directly after a meal. It is also beneficial to eat a banana when the first symptoms of heartburn appear. The most effective bananas are fresh yellow bananas. Ripe bananas do not provide the same benefits.
Potential risks: Bananas are considered a safe fruit to eat and have no known common side effects; if side effects do occur, they are extremely rare and are probably related to an allergic reaction. However, bananas are high in tyramine and can cause increased blood pressure in people taking MOA inhibitors for depression, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Bananas are also high in sugar, so if you are diabetic, consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
– Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple is rich in enzymes, particularly the bromelain enzyme. The enzymes within pineapple improve digestion, help relieve inflammation, and can speed up the healing process. It is important to note that only fresh pineapple provides this benefit. Bottled pineapple fruit or pineapple fruit juice can worsen your acid reflux condition. To reap the benefits of pineapple, eat a few pieces of fresh fruit with your meal, after your meal, or when acid reflux symptoms first appear.
Potential risks: Pineapples are considered a safe fruit to eat, but there are certain side effects to be aware of, including skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), skin sensitization, and uterine contractions. Pineapple should be eaten with caution if you take blood-thinning medications, such as blood thinners or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects as bromelain, such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.
– Papaya – Papaya contains the natural enzyme papain that helps the stomach to better digest proteins. As a result, the enzymes in papaya encourage the body to digest food more quickly, and generally, the faster food is digested, the less likely acid reflux is to occur. Additionally, due to its assistance in digestion, papaya helps ensure that essential digestive functions continue to function while neutralizing stomach acid. Papaya can be eaten in small amounts during or after a meal, and also when acid reflux symptoms appear.
Potential risks: Eating raw or unripe papaya may cause irritation, pain, or sores in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Papain can cause skin or mucous membranes to become irritated, particularly if these areas already have sores. Ingesting papain can also cause inflammation in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, papain may decrease the blood’s ability to clot after injury and may also interfere with blood’s ability to clot when taken with medications including blood thinners and aspirin or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects as papain. garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not eat papaya.
– Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps prevent and relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn. ACV works by mimicking the level of acid in your stomach, which helps you properly digest food. ACV can relieve the burning sensation of heartburn and can even help relieve nausea. As a preventative, try taking ACV before meals and when experiencing an acute attack of heartburn. ACV is available in tablet and liquid form.
Potential risks: Apple cider vinegar is considered relatively safe, but possible side effects include digestive upset and, when taken in large amounts, ACV can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
– Aloe vera juice – Aloe vera juice is extracted from the leaf of the aloe vera plant and is in the form of a gel. Aloe juice has been celebrated for centuries for its healing properties. As far as acid reflux is concerned, it is used to help soothe and heal esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). Aloe vera juice’s healing properties are believed to come from pectin, which occurs naturally in the leaves of the aloe plant, and stimulates growth hormone and encourages new cell formation. Aloe vera juice is usually mixed with tea or juice (avoid citrus) and taken after meals.
Potential risks: Aloe vera juice should be taken with caution as it is known to act as a powerful laxative. Long-term use of Aloe Vera or overdose can cause fluid imbalance and electrolyte loss (potassium, hematuria, and albuminuria). You should also not combine aloe with medications designed to remove water and potassium from the body, such as diuretics.
– Active Manuka Honey – This is a type of honey that has been shown to be beneficial for acid reflux sufferers because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Honey has the ability to coat the esophagus and protect it in case of acid reflux. Active manuka honey is also believed to help heal esophagitis and protect the inflamed esophagus from further damage. Active Manuka Honey works best when taken before meals and at bedtime by applying 1 teaspoon to bread (bread allows honey to reach the lower esophagus). It can also be taken after a meal and when acid reflux symptoms are present for people with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Potential risks: Active Manuka Honey is considered safe and has no common side effects; side effects are extremely rare and are usually related to an allergic reaction.
-Ginger root – Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine to remedy an upset stomach, as well as to aid digestion. It is considered one of the purest natural remedies and is recognized for its antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger helps increase mucus in the digestive tract, which provides the tissues with additional protection and a coating against acid. It has long been used in pregnancy to combat nausea. Ginger is usually taken in tea form, but fresh ginger can also be added to food or taken in supplement form. Ginger can be taken during and after meals to help prevent and relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Note: Tea should be sipped and drunk when lukewarm.
Potential risks: Ginger only appears to produce side effects when taken in extremely large amounts (ie, 10 grams of fresh ginger or 4 grams of powdered ginger). Side effects that can occur if too much ginger is ingested include heartburn, diarrhea, or a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. Ginger is thought to interact with H2 receptor blockers and may interfere with their effectiveness. It should also not be taken with medications that thin the blood, such as blood thinners or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects, such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.
– Chamomile – Chamomile is traditionally known for its calming and sedative properties. However, chamomile has the ability to aid in digestion, decrease stomach acid, and relieve irritation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux. This is due to its high calcium content. Chamomile is usually ingested as a tea and can be taken during and after meals, at bedtime, and to soothe an attack of heartburn. Note: Tea should be sipped and drunk when lukewarm.
Potential risks: The only side effect of chamomile seems to be vomiting, which only occurs when taken in extremely high doses. Chamomile should not be taken with medications that thin the blood, such as blood thinners or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects, such as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto, as bleeding may occur. Also, people who are allergic to daisies should avoid taking chamomile, as it is part of the daisy family.
All natural remedies should be taken according to the directions on the packaging or as directed by a qualified dietitian, herbalist, or health care provider who has recommended the natural remedies to you.
If you discover that you have an allergic reaction to any natural remedy, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to watch for include: rash, itching, hives, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking medication for acid reflux or any other medical condition, it is extremely important that you first speak with your health care provider before taking any natural remedy to ensure it is a safe option for you. . .
Keep in mind that acid reflux is an individual condition that has many causes and can take many different forms. While a remedy may work for one person, it may do nothing for another or make that person’s condition worse. Therefore, not all acid reflux sufferers will find relief with natural remedies.
That said, you may need to experiment with different natural remedies that are safe for you based on your overall health and determine if the effects are beneficial. If you find that the remedies are not working, or if symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking them and see your doctor to discuss other treatment options.