Is There a Natural Cure for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a problem that affects many people. The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which feels like a burning in the chest and throat areas. Medication can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, but a lot of people prefer not to take medications and opt for natural, or homeopathic, cures instead. There are a few natural cures for acid reflux. One or more of them might work for you.

Our bodies already provide us with the most natural cure for acid reflux. We all naturally produce saliva and many it several times during the day without even realizing it. Swallowing will force the acid back down into the stomach. Saliva produces bicarbonate that will neutralize any acid that is left in the esophagus. Sometimes, however, we don't produce enough saliva or our saliva doesn't produce enough bicarbonate to do the job and we need extra help.

A wonderful natural cure for acid reflux that is used by many naturalists is apple cider vinegar. It may seem counteractive to relieve acid reflux with an acidic agent like cider, but so many people claim it works that it is most definitely worth a try. The way to take it is to mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into an 8 ounce glass of water. You can adjust the dilution to fit your needs. If this remedy relieves the pain some but not enough, you can try adding 2 tsp of baking soda to it. Start with the lower amount because the baking soda can cause a belly ache until your body adjusts to it.

The magical healing properties of aloe vera can certainly not be ignored when discussing homeopathic remedies. Aloe vera juice is a wonderful, and inexpensive natural cure for acid reflux. Simply mix a little aloe vera juice with water or your favorite juice and let it work its wonders. Take care and start with small amounts because aloe vera can cause loose stools. Aloe vera juice can be found at your local health food store or purchased online.

Many people only need to change their diet or lifestyle in order to relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Figure out what foods are causing you problems and cut them out of your diet. Be sure to replace them with other healthy foods from the same food group so that you don't lose the nutritional value they provide. Find out what foods cause your symptoms by keeping a daily food diary. Record what you eat and at what times of the day, as well as when you get symptoms of acid reflux. Then compare diet and symptoms and you should soon find out what foods don't agree with you.

Lifestyle changes can be the most complicated natural cure for acid reflux, but also the most beneficial for your entire body. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (especially beer) can be an underlying culprit for acid reflux. Cut these out of your daily routine and you will be healthier all over for it, with the side effect of possibly relieving your acid reflux symptoms. Get off your patoot and get some exercise! Exercising can alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by (a) being upright, because the gravity will help keep down the acid, and (b) strengthening the muscles of the stomach that hold down the acid. If none of these things work, talk with your physician about cures for acid reflux.