Hollistic Remedies for Reflux

Acid reflux, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. During an episode of acid reflux, you may feel the need to swallow more because something feels stuck in your throat, or food may come back up; you may cough, feeling the need to clear your throat; or, in extreme cases, you will have heartburn. There are remedies, including preventative diets to stave off symptoms, as well as prescriptions that you can take. However, some lesser-known holistic remedies may provide relief.

Acid vs. Acid

• A holistic approach combines physical changes, as in diet and herb treatment, as well as a spiritual approach. One very common dietary remedy is adding a daily dose of organic apple cider vinegar to your routine. This is a tried-and-true, old home remedy for reflux. Stick to organic apple cider because it contains specific enzymes.

  Although it may seem counterproductive to treat acid with vinegar, it is believed that the acidity levels in the vinegar are similar to that in your stomach. Because of this, the vinegar is thought to aid in digestion. As a daily dietary supplement, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and take just before mealtime.

Fruits, Herbs & Roots

• Certain fruits and herbs are also thought to possibly have a calming effect on the stomach. Bananas, papaya and apples are recommended, as well as herbs like cinnamon, nutmeg and slippery elm. These may all aid in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

  Ginger Root is also an herb that has been used for a long time to calm the stomach. It is thought to absorb stomach acid and additionally has a mild sedative effect. You can buy ginger root in capsule form from any health food store. It is best to take after dinner to treat the reflux. Read the directions for the recommended dosage.

Acupressure/Visualization

• The Chinese healing art of acupressure, as well as simple visualization, are also two more holistic techniques used in the treatment of acid reflux. Acupressure, when applied to a specific point on the wrist, has been used for a long time to treat nausea and vomiting, and is now being utilized for acid reflux in the form of acupressure wrist bands, also called sea bands. The snug wrist band has a plastic button on it that applies pressure to key points on the wrist.

  Additionally, the practice of visualization is exactly as it sounds: visualize the result you want to achieve. Using visualization to aid in reducing symptoms is simple. Sit in a quiet place and visualize your esophagus. You can use just about any visual image you choose but one example is to visualize a piece of food that you normally cannot eat, going down smoothly. Visualize a clear, pink, healthy esophagus. Another example is to visualize an awful representative image of reflux and destroy it in your mind's eye.

  Of course, always consult with a physician before treating any condition and combine good medical sense and holistic advice with informed judgment and your doctor's advice.

More Methods

• Aloe Vera juice is another natural remedy for acid reflux. Most naturalists recommend ¼ cup before meals. Be careful not to drink aloe vera juice that contains laxative compounds, and make sure you are imbibing the ingestible kind of aloe vera juice--not aloe vera for external use. Inquire at your local health food store before purchasing.

  Lastly, meditation, which reduces everyday stress, has an added beneficial side effect, in that reduced stress can minimize the symptoms of reflux. Stress is a known aggravator of heartburn, reflux and indigestion. As always, consult a physician and never substitute the informational content in this article for official medical advice.