What Are the Benefits of Bitter Melon for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a painful condition that affects many individuals on a daily basis. If left untreated, it can result in a more severe chronic condition. Throughout the years, a range of treatments for acid reflux have been developed. One such treatment is the use of bitter melon. Unfortunately, the exact benefits of this preparation remain unclear. At this time, recommendations for its use cannot be made due to lack of scientific research and the ample availability of other acid reflux treatments.

Acid Reflux

• Approximately 7 percent of the population experiences heartburn daily from acid reflux. It is a condition characterized by episodes of chest pain, belching and esophageal spasms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic form of acid reflux that can lead to esophagitis, ulceration, scarring, narrowing of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing.

Bitter Melon

• The bitter melon, or Momcordica charantia, is a vegetable commonly used in Chinese medicinal preparations. As part of the Cucurbitaceae family, it grows in tropical areas, such as the Amazon basin, and looks much like a cucumber. Its fruit pulp, plant and seed have all been used medicinally, but the fruit is the safest and most commonly used part of the plant. It is primarily used as an alternative therapy for diabetes; however, it has also been linked to the treatment of peptic ulcers, infection, cancer and acid reflux. Despite this, research on the role bitter melon plays in these conditions remains limited.

Warning

• No large scale studies have yet been performed to determine the overall safety of bitter melon; however, side effects have been noted. These side effects include low blood sugar, hypoglycemic comas, headaches and a potential decrease in fertility. Women who are or who could become pregnant should avoid consuming bitter melon as it can cause premature contractions, bleeding and miscarriage.

  Children should avoid consuming bitter melon as the overall effect of the substance is not yet known. Bitter melon can interact with other substances or medications and should especially be avoided when other blood-glucose lowering agents are used. Ingestion of bitter melon may be contraindicated in individuals with impaired liver function as liver toxicity has been noted in some animal studies.

Other Reflux Treatments

• There are many other safe ways to treat and prevent acid reflux. Cutting down on dietary fat, alcohol and coffee may prevent acid reflux from occurring. The avoidance of highly acidic foods and spices may also decrease the pain and irritation associated with this condition. Medically, use of protein-pump inhibitors, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, antacids, antibiotics, prokinetic agents and fundoplication may assist in the treatment of acid reflux. Wearing loose-fitting clothes, sitting upright during and after a meal, eating no more than three hours prior to retiring, eating smaller more frequent meals and not smoking may also assist in prevention.

Recommendations

• There is not enough research on the safety or efficacy of bitter melon to recommend its use as a treatment for acid reflux. Instead, consult with a health care professional to determine a safe and effective way to treat this condition.