Home Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are often relied upon for treating heartburn and acid reflux. But often these are only a short-term fix and cause more harm then good. The whole problem with heartburn and acid reflux is that there is an overabundance of acid in the stomach. This can be treated effectively by following the right strategy where drugs aren't even involved.

Significance

• Frequent heartburn can lead to esophagitis, which is a condition where the esophagus gets inflamed and eventually bleeds. Heartburn that occurs regularly can lead to acid reflux, where stomach acid or bile backs up into the esophagus and can lead to erosion.

Function

• Home remedies for acid reflux and heartburn are used to alleviate the pain associated with heartburn and reflux. They also help to control acid in the body.

Types

• Dietary changes are one of the main things that can alleviate symptoms of heartburn and reflux. Eliminating certain foods that cause heartburn and adding certain foods that can help relieve it are the best strategies.

Elimination

• The first step in the treatment of reflux is to eliminate anything that can trigger it. Some of these things are caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, soda, nicotine, alcohol and mint.

Effects

• Avoid lying down right after a meal. This allows acid to back up in the stomach and can exacerbate heartburn and reflux. Also wait three to four hours before going to bed after your last meal.

Considerations

• Eat a lot of alkaline foods. This will help to raise the body's pH levels, which can neutralize acid. Some good choices are collards, kale, baby spinach, celery, sprouts, cucumbers, lemons and limes.

Expert Insight

• Being overweight is also an issue. According to the Mayo Clinic, having excess weight puts stress on the diaphragm, causing stomach acids to back up into the esophagus.