Natural Acid Reflux Remedies - Are There Really Alternatives To Taking More Drugs?

The first time most of us get heartburn we buy an over the counter antacid and that appears to do the trick. Of course, antacids aren't a cure as such, they're really designed to minimize the symptoms. After a few more bouts of heartburn, we begin to understand this. We also begin to realize that our situation has become more than occasional irritation.

Basically, acid reflux is simply recurring heartburn. It occurs when the esophageal sphincter fails to keep your digestive juices confined to your stomach and they rise into the esophagus. The combination of acid, bile and pepsin inflames the esophageal lining, which is what causes the discomfort you go through.

As mentioned, treatment is usually an over the counter antacid or a stronger prescription drug. While these are often competent at remedying the pain, they can also be accompanied by a variety of side effects. For example, antacids can interfere with the body's natural absorption of vitamins and calcium. For this reason, many sufferers search for natural acid reflux remedies.

Are there natural approaches to controlling acid reflux that don't require drugs?

Yes.

However, some approaches may work better for you than others. So there is a process of trial and error in uncovering what works best for you. With that precaution, here are some steps you can begin trying right away.

Examining Your Eating Habits

There are two mistakes some acid reflux sufferers often make. First, they eat too late in the day and don't allow enough time between their last meal and when they go to bed. Placing your body in a reclining position with a full stomach creates force on the esophageal sphincter. This increases your chances of touching off an acid reflux attack. You should grant yourself at least three hours after eating before going to bed.

The second mistake is overeating. We all overeat on occasion, and we've all experienced the discomfort it can create. However, the more often you overeat, the more stress you place on your esophageal sphincter. It's difficult to keep your digestive juices under control when your stomach is filled to the brim. Eating lighter meals more often throughout the day will minimize your acid reflux occurrences.

You should also become aware of those foods that tend to trigger episodes. For example, dairy foods, caffeine rich beverages, potatoes, and citrus fruits are all considered common acid reflux irritants. Keep track of what you eat so you can begin to see the patterns that emerge between your food choices and your acid reflux attacks.

Little Things You Can Do Immediately

If you're regularly taking aspirin or ibuprofen for your headaches or other aches and pains, try switching to another pain reliever. Both of these medications can irritate your stomach and cause an acid reflux reaction serious enough to bring you out of your sleep at night. Try hot or cold packs, or meditation or relaxation exercises in place of these common pain medications.

Quit smoking. You just can't get away from the ill effects of cigarette smoke on your health. Since smoking can irritate an existing acid reflux condition, why not give it up? You'll improve your health in ways you can't even imagine. Of course, you already knew this, didn't you?

Herbs Can Help With Your Acid Reflux

Though it's often difficult to substantiate the claims made for the effectiveness of herbal treatments, there's an equally troubling myth about herbs. Many people believe since they come from nature, they are always safe and without side effects. This isn't true. In fact, herbs can have very dangerous side effects. For this reason, it's always smart to check with your physician before adding herbs to your diet, especially if you're taking any other medications.

With that in mind, here are two herbs that can help relieve your heartburn.

The first is cinnamon. Besides its role in controlling flu and cold, cinnamon is an effective antiseptic and a trusted antacid. To use it for settling an acidic stomach and heartburn, toast and butter some raisin bread and spread some cinnamon along with a little cardamom on it. Chew the bread slowly and thoroughly before swallowing.

The second is chicory root tea. Chicory is one of the bitter herbs, containing endive and escarole. Boil one and a half cups of chicory root for five to ten minutes. After it cools, drink this tea slowly.