Holistic Remedies for Acid Reflux

Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease or GERD is an uncomfortable medical condition that often occurs in combination with heartburn. GERD occurs when the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus. Symptoms usually occur after a heavy meal or when lying down. The origins of GERD are not fully understood, but a holistic treatment approach that combines diet and lifestyle changes may bring relief to many patients.

Nutrition

• Avoid fatty foods, alcohol, chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, peppermint and coffee. Perhaps oddly, capsicum fruit---commonly known as chilis---reduce stomach acid. Curries, chilis and foods containing chili powder are recommended.
  Fruits and vegetables are part of any healthy diet, but reflux sufferers should know the flavonoids contained in these foods can reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces.

Elevate Headboard

• Reflux symptoms are often worse at night when you are lying down. To solve this problem and get a pain-free night's sleep, elevate the headboard of your bed 4 to 6 inches. Gravity will help to keep stomach acids from seeping into your esophagus. You can install risers on the legs of your headboard, rest the head of your bed on bricks or blocks or use a foam wedge placed on top of your mattress.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture has been used to treat the heartburn symptoms associated with GERD. By stimulating and balancing digestive functions, acupuncture may lower esophageal pressure.
  TLESRs (transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations) are the main mechanism of acid reflux. A study conducted at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia showed that stimulation of the Neiguan point (an acupressure point on the wrist) "significantly inhibits the frequency of TLESRs."
  Acupuncture's ability to control and reduce pain is also helpful in the treatment of GERD.

Exercise

• Moderate exercise is helpful for reflux. Low- to moderate-intensity exercises like yoga, biking and walking help to increase digestion. Wait at least two hours after eating to begin any type of exercise that may contract your abdominal muscles. Be aware that some prone-position exercises such as bench presses and some Pilates and yoga postures may induce symptoms.
  According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, your intensity level should allow you to talk comfortably while engaged.

Supplements

• Ginger is available in tea or supplement form in health food stores and pharmacies. Its long history as a digestive aid is well-deserved, and a tea or supplement can reduce stomach upset. Drink ginger tea as an after-dinner beverage in place of coffee.

  Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL licorice) has been shown to be an effective treatment for digestive disorders including stomach ulcers. According to the University of Maryland, "licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with stomach ulcers (of which 86 had not improved from conventional medication) for 6 weeks. Ninety percent of patients improved; ulcers totally disappeared in 22 of these patients." Many holistic health practitioners recommend DGL licorice for reflux. Take DGL before meals.

Lifestyle Changes

• Simple lifestyle changes can have an impact on GERD symptoms. For overall digestive and physical health, maintain a healthy weight and don't smoke.
  Meal planning can help reduce GERD symptoms. Eat smaller meals more frequently--five or six meals per day--and do not eat within two hours of your bedtime. Eat slowly! A piece of chewing gum (in any flavor but peppermint or spearmint) helps stimulate digestion. Chew a stick about 30 minutes after a meal.
  It is advisable to wear loose clothing to reduce GERD symptoms. Yes, you now have a medical excuse to wear your favorite sweat pants!