Home Remedies for Acid Reflux & GERD

Acid reflux is characterized by heartburn or burning pain around the lower chest area due to stomach acid moving up into the esophagus, a long tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The pain tends to worsen when you lie down or bend over.

Severe or chronic acid reflux is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to heartburn, it may also give rise to symptoms like nausea, a sour taste in mouth, sore throat, dry cough and chest pain. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

The exact cause of acid reflux disease is still not known. But it is clear that factors like smoking, obesity, pregnancy, certain foods, genetics, malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles, stomach abnormalities like hiatal hernia and certain medications may contribute to this problem.

Frequent and severe bouts of acid reflux require medical treatment. If you experience only mild symptoms, you can try some natural home remedies to get relief. If the problem occurs more than twice in a week, then consult your doctor.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for acid reflux.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective home remedies for acid reflux. It aids digestion and helps balance acid production in the stomach.

1. Mix one to two teaspoons of organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water.
2. Drink it 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal.
3. Do this on a regular basis, at least for a few months.

You can also drink apple cider vinegar mixed in water when heartburn strikes.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural antacid that provides quick relief from heartburn, the most common symptom of acid reflux.

1. Mix one-half to one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water.
2. Drink it down quickly for instant relief.

Note: Prolonged ingestion of baking soda is not recommended. Also, those who have high blood pressure should avoid taking baking soda as it contains sodium.

3. Aloe Vera Juice

Due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps soothe inflammation in the stomach and esophagus to bring relief from the effects of acid reflux.

Simply drink one-quarter cup of aloe vera juice about 20 minutes prior to eating a meal.

Note: Do not take aloe vera in excess because it may have a laxative effect.

4. Chewing Gum

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for about 30 minutes after a meal can help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

It stimulates production of saliva, which in turn washes away acid accumulated in the gut. Being alkaline, saliva also helps neutralize stomach acids.

So, you can have sugar-free chewing gum after meals to ease your acid reflux. You can also consider chewing a cinnamon gum, but avoid mint-flavored gums as mint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which contributes to the reflux of stomach acids into the food pipe.

5. Licorice Root

Licorice root is beneficial for acid reflux because of its stomach-healing properties.

It soothes the mucus membranes and protects the lining of the gut, reduces gastric inflammation and decreases gastric spasms.

• Boil one-half teaspoon of licorice root powder in a cup of water. Strain and drink it 15 to 20 minutes before meals. Use this remedy two or three times a day for one week.
• Alternatively, you can take one or two 400 mg chewable DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets before meals, two or three times a day. Continue for at least a few weeks. You can get this herbal supplement from most natural food stores.

Note: Consult your doctor before taking this herb.

6. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is another popular home remedy for acid reflux as it helps neutralize stomach acid. The vinegar content in this food is a weak acid that lowers the pH of stomach acid.

When acid reflux strikes, eat one teaspoon of plain yellow mustard for instant relief. If it is too strong for you, follow it with a glass of water.

Note: Though effective in most cases, mustard may make heartburn worse for some people.