|  | Conditions Treatments | Heartburn GERD

The Best Ways to Heal or Treat Acid Reflux

Acid-reflux disease is a chronic condition that is caused when the stomach's digestive acids back up into the esophagus. Although symptoms are characterized by heartburn and indigestion, permanent damage to the esophagus could result if this condition is left untreated. If you suspect you're suffering from this condition, see your doctor to discuss treatment options such as dietary changes, natural supplements, medication and even gravity.

  1. Dietary Changes

    • Many types of food can aggravate acid-reflux disease. Specifically, foods full of sugar, rich in fat, high in citric acid and/or containing alcohol should be avoided or eaten sparingly. Consuming smaller meals also helps, as less stomach acid is required for digestion (see reference 2).

    Natural Supplements and Methods

    • For those who don't want to take medication, natural remedies for acid-reflux can be good alternatives. Glutamine, for instance, is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory that is readily found in meat, eggs, dairy products, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach and parsley (see reference 3). Also consider sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, as these substances neutralize acids, thus reducing heartburn and upset stomach. Herbal licorice is used in Eastern medicine to treat digestive ailments and works by coating the digestive system with a protective gel (see reference 3).

    Medications

    • Several prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce or prevent acid reflux. Prescription medications such as Prevacid or over-the-counter drugs such as Prilosec work best for prevention by prohibiting the amount of acid the stomach produces. Drugs such as Famotidine, Pepto Bismuth and Tums are more common remedies for neutralizing stomach acid (see reference 2).

    Gravity

    • After a meal, sit upright or stand instead of reclining. Stomach acid accumulates after you eat, and lying down makes it easier for this acid to make its way into your esophagus and worsen symptoms (see reference 1). By following this simple step, you can make gravity work for you.

Heartburn GERD - Related Articles