Gastric acid or stomach acid is a fluid produced by cells in the stomach lining, which is responsible for the digestion of proteins by activating the production of digestive enzymes. Regardless of the necessity of gastric acid in our digestive system, it is also the main cause leading to various stomach problems, including acid reflux.
To prevent the gastric fluid from going up to the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is needed to separate the stomach and the esophagus. However, for some reasons, the door is malfunctioned or does not closed properly, there is nothing can stop the acid from coming into the esophagus and causing you pain [1][2][3].
Causes of Acid Reflux
The causes of acid reflux vary from people to people, including a bad habit of eating or an excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption. Acid reflux also happens in people with obesity, scleroderma and women during pregnancy. Particularly, with pregnant women, acid reflux tends to be worse than other people. Medicines such as bronchodilators, progestin, sedatives, beta-blockers, etc. are also another cause of acid reflux.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Most of people suffering from acid reflux have to experience a common symptom of the condition, which is the heartburn or the pain in chest and throat. Additionally, nausea, difficulty when swallowing, hiccups, cough, sore throat are also the consequences of acid reflux. If not treated, the condition will get worse and possibly cause bloody vomiting and lose weight [4].
Here are top 10 natural home remedies for acid reflux you can easily try at home to get the effective results in alleviating the symptoms…
1. Water
The most effective and basic acid reflux treatment you should remember is drinking water. Not only is water necessary for your body, but it also helps to flush out the excessive amount of acid in your stomach, along with other toxins and waste.
To quickly reduce the acid reflux symptoms, make sure you drink at least 2 liters or 8 glasses of water a day.
For more information about other benefits of water, please take a look at How to Get Rid of Scabies.
2. Almonds
Almonds are found with a rich source of oil, which makes them a perfect ingredient in our list of home remedies for acid reflux. Thanks to the oil, you can have the gastric acid under control and get back the balance of the pH level in your body [5].
Soak some almonds in water overnight or at least for a couple of hours. Remove the seeds and grind them into powder form. Finally, mix the almond powder into a cup of water and consume several time daily.
3. Banana
One of million reasons that tell you why you should eat bananas every day is the ability to deal with acid reflux of the yellow fruit. In detail, bananas possess s soothing properties that can promptly calm the stomach and reduce the symptoms. Therefore, if you are looking for a treatment on how to get rid of acid reflux, do not hesitate to consume at least 2-3 bananas a day and see its amazing effect [6].
4. Baking Soda
Among home remedies for acid reflux, baking soda is outstanding for its simplicity and instant effect. Just a few minutes after you apply baking soda for the ailment, the symptoms of acid reflux will be reduced [7].
On your daily basis, drink a few cups of water added with baking soda. You can also add some lemon juice into the solution to improve the taste.
Baking soda is also a common ingredient used in various other treatments for oral problems. For more detail, please take a look at Home Remedies For Teeth Plaque.
5. Ginger
If you do not want to abuse medicines on how to get rid of acid reflux, try some other natural available ingredients such as ginger. The spice is able to absorb the gastric acid, preventing it from leaking into the esophagus and causing pain [8].
To make use of ginger, try to add more of it into your daily meal or simply consume a cup of ginger tea every day. You will soon see improvements of the condition.
Learn more other benefits of ginger at Home Remedies for Abscess Tooth.
6. Apple
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, an idiom that is totally true in this situation. Specifically, the fruit is highly effective in adjusting the acid production in the stomach instantly, which in turn reduces the acid coming into esophagus and causing the symptoms.
Furthermore, apples are among the most popular fruit in the whole world, so it is really easy for you to find and buy some apples to make an acid reflux treatment.
All you need to do is consuming apple daily and let the fruit do its job.
7. Turmeric
Another spice you can use to make home remedies for acid reflux is turmeric. The spice is useful in preventing the gastric fluid from becoming too acidic and protecting the digestive tract. Accordingly, using turmeric every day is highly recommended. You can choose either adding more turmeric into your daily meal or mixing turmeric powder with a cup of warm milk for consumption [9].
8. Potato
Potatoes are believed to possess some excellent nutrients that can balance the pH level in the body and fix the LES, the door keeping acid out of esophagus. Accordingly, the ingredient should not be skipped in the list of home remedies for acid reflux [10].
Remove the skin of a potato then crush it to extract the juice. Add into the juice some cold water and mix well. The solution should be consumed immediately and several times a day for the best result.
9. Milk
Nothing better than a glass of warm milk when the stomach pain comes along with other irritating symptoms of acid reflux. By closing the door separating the stomach and esophagus properly, milk makes the gastric acid no long penetrate into the esophagus and harm your body.
10. Pineapple
Due to the rich content of bromelain, pineapple becomes a trusted ingredient used in acid flux treatments. Specifically, the valuable substance in the fruit can inhibit the acid production and restore the balance of the pH level, which in turn alleviates the condition [11].
Consume the fruit or drink its juice several times a day to quickly reduce the acid reflux.