Healing Acid Reflux

When someone has gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux, stomach acids flow back up the esophagus, possibly reaching the voice box (larynx), and cause irritation and swelling. Luckily, Healing Acid Reflux is not impossible.

 

One of the things you can do toward healing acid reflux is to elevate the head of your bed or put in some extra pillows for your head. This also helps for snoring associated with the condition. To elevate the head of your bed, try inserting a wedge under the mattress at the bed’s head or putting blocks under the legs of the bed. Aim for a four- to six-inch elevation of your head since this sleeping arrangement shifts your body so that the acid does not backflow as high as it would otherwise. Lying down flat will usually make heartburn worse because this position tends to make gastric acids back up into your esophagus.

 

You can use gum as a temporary yet natural way of healing acid reflux. Chewing gum encourages salivary flow, which counteracts acid and helps flush the stomach acids back to where they should be. Chewing gum may double saliva production, according to findings made in a small British study. Although chewing gum is not as efficient as taking an antacid, it is nonetheless all-natural and handy in case of emergency.

 

For preventing heartburn, three ginger root capsules (400 milligrams each) a day can be of assistance. A 2008 study discovered that the ginger root helps to clear out the stomach faster, accordingly lowering the risk of heartburn.

 

Turmeric, a bitter herb that is used as an ingredient in curry, can help stimulate the flow of digestive juices so food moves along and stomach acid buildup is prevented. If using turmeric to spice food does not stop your heartburn, you may get better results if you take two or three turmeric capsules (0.5 to 1.0 grams) prior to eating a meal. Such capsules for healing acid reflux can be purchased at health food stores.

 

To deal with lingering heartburn symptoms, you can chew one or two deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets twenty minutes ahead of your meal. Licorice promotes the growth of mucus-producing cells that protect the stomach.

 

A commonsense approach to healing acid reflux is to be wary of foods that set off this condition. Pass up soft drinks because their acidity and carbon dioxide can overcome the muscle barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, letting stomach acids travel toward the esophagus. One more type of food to avoid if you are prone to heartburn is chocolate or cocoa; they also make the condition worse.