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Types of Food to Cool Off Acid Reflux Burning

Acid reflux has many names. Whether you call it indigestion, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or just heartburn, it's an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest or stomach caused by digestive acids. The usual remedy is an antacid, but prolonged use of antacids aggravates the condition by teaching the body to produce more acid. They also prevent digestion of beneficial enzymes. Lifestyle changes can target the causes rather than just the symptoms of heartburn, and among the most important good habits to start is using foods to cool off acid reflux burning and prevent it from starting.

  1. Tea

    • A soothing tea is one of the best natural remedies for acid reflux burning. Particularly useful are anise, peppermint and lavender teas, or one that incorporates all three. The best results are obtained from freshly brewed tea that's allowed to steep for three to five minutes. The tea can be taken hot or allowed to cool and can be sweetened with honey.

    Fruit

    • Pineapple is the only food that contains bromelain, a mixture of protein enzymes that is credited with several health benefits. Among these are the promotion and maintenance of proper digestion. While bromelain can be taken as a supplement, the synergistic nutrients in the fruit (including the juice) vastly increase the efficiency of the enzyme. Papaya and banana also are believed to aid digestion, particularly banana, which is believed to be able to raise the pH of the stomach and reduce abdominal pains.

    Other

    • A few other edible plant materials are believed to soothe the burning of acid reflux. Chief among them is chicory root, which stimulates the biliary tract, the vessel by which bile passes from the liver to the small intestine. This essential element of digestion can reduce acid reflux if the main cause is not in the stomach. Aloe vera juice, or juice made from the concentrate, can also soothe burning in the esophagus and stomach. Raw cabbage or cabbage juice is also touted as a digestive aid.

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