Home Remedies for GERD: 9 Ways to Get Rid of Heartburn

GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease for short, is a common condition that affects millions of people all around the world. It is marked by persistent heartburn and discomfort with symptoms of regurgitation, which considerably affects daily living.

Though medications seem a common approach, many opt for natural home remedies that control these symptoms. Here are nine effective home remedies for GERD that work in reducing heartburn and improving your quality of life.

Firstly it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and its complications.

An Introduction to GERD

GERD is a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract in which acid or, occasionally, the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus.

This backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus is known as acid reflux, and it might occur along with a host of uncomfortable symptoms and complications. Before knowing the home remedies for GERD, you must know the causes first.

Causes of GERD

There are several factors that are associated with GERD, a few of them are discussed here:

• Obesity: Excess body weight may increase abdominal pressure and force the stomach contents upward into the esophagus.

• Poor Diet: Acid reflux may be precipitated by spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and foods containing fats.

• Smoking Habit: Individuals who smoke have a weak digestive system.

• Pregnancy: In this condition, there is an increase in abdominal pressure, especially due to hormonal changes.

• Condition of Hiatal Hernia: In a hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the cavity of the chest, which may contribute to acid reflux.

Symptoms of GERD

Common symptoms of GERD include the following:

• Heartburn: This is a condition in which there is a feeling of burning in the chest or throat after eating something, usually at night.

• Regurgitation: Stomach acid backing up into the throat or mouth might leave a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

• Dysphagia:  The feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. Chest pain: sometimes a sensation just like that of a heart attack.

• Chronic cough: This is a persistent cough, but it’s worse at night.

• Laryngitis: Hoarseness or sore throat.

Complications of GERD

If left unmanaged, GERD can lead to other health conditions such as:

• Esophagitis: an inflamed esophagus that may bleed or develop ulcers.

• Strictures: narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissues.

• Barrett’s esophagus: a condition in which the lining of the esophagus is so damaged that it changes into the lining of the intestine. Cancers of the esophagus are more likely in people with Barrett’s.

• Respiratory problems: acid reflux can cause asthma, chronic cough, or other respiratory diseases.

Home Remedies for GERD

Home remedies for acid reflux are here:

1. Ginger Tea

With its anti-inflammatory action, ginger is a natural remedy for heartburn. It has been used over many centuries to combat various digestive problems.

This will help lower nausea and give rest to the lining of the stomach. One may take it before or after their meals, which will ease the symptoms of GERD.

The preparation of ginger tea can be made simply by adding fresh slices in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You may enhance its taste and value by adding honey and lemon to it.

2. Juice of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice is perhaps best known for its soothing properties. Aloe vera can have a sort of numbing effect on the esophagus, decreasing the inflammation caused by the acidic content of the stomach.

“Drinking a quarter cup of aloe vera juice before meals can aid digestion and ease discomfort.”

Be sure to consume only aloe vera products designed for internal consumption, as others contain active laxative compounds that are not suitable for consumption.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the magic bullets of natural health. For those with GERD, taking one to two tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water before meals seems to regulate stomach acidity well and make digestion easier.

However, the one important thing you must do is check your tolerance for ACV, as not everyone can handle its consumption. You may wish to begin with less to see how your system will tolerate it.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural home remedy for GERD that neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn promptly. Mix a teaspoon in a glass of water and sip it slowly.

It is a remedy only for occasional relief, as too much sodium bicarbonate leads to other health problems resulting from excessive amounts of sodium. Therefore its repeated use is not advisable.

5. Bananas

One such fruit is the banana; it is low in acid and helps grease the lining of the stomach, acting like some sort of natural antacid.

Having a banana routinely can help get rid of heartburn because the good dosage of fiber helps keep everything running in terms of digestion. Other than the fiber content, bananas also contain potassium, which helps in digestion.

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have been used for ages in folk medicine because of their useful properties against digestive problems.

In fact, fennel contains compounds that relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing bloating and discomfort. You can chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after taking a meal or make a special tea from the seeds.

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is an herbal remedy that relaxes not just the brain but also soothes the stomach. A warm cup of chamomile tea before bed reduces nighttime symptoms of GERD, thus promoting sound sleep.

The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile will help soothe irritation in the stomach from acid reflux. Mix it with honey for better soothing effects.

8. Mustard

Although this may sound strange, mustard is a natural acid reflux remedy due to its basic natural properties offset stomach acids.

A teaspoon of yellow mustard when symptoms arise will help drive the discomfort away much sooner. However, it should be consumed plainly and without additives and with too much sugar.

9. Lifestyle Modifications

Along with the above, some lifestyle changes can also go a long way in impacting GERD symptoms:

• Maintain weight: The excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen and increases the risk of reflux. A healthy diet, along with the exercise habit, can even regulate your weight.

• Eat smaller meals: Heavy meals increase stomach pressure and reflux, too. So, take fewer and more frequent meals to reduce the risk of having this.

• Avoid trigger foods: Pin down foods that aggravate the symptoms. Avoid spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods.

• Stay upright after eating: Lying down after meals may favor acid reflux; try to stay up for at least two to three hours after eating.

• Elevate your head when you sleep: If nighttime symptoms are a problem, try elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent the stomach acid from easily flowing back into the esophagus.

Things to Avoid in GERD

Management of GERD usually requires one to avoid such foods, beverages, and habits that trigger the condition. Home remedies for GERD are proven effective in getting relief from persistent regurgitation and heartburn. Potential things that you should look out for include the following.

1. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are known irritants to the esophagus and lining of the stomach, increasing heartburn and general discomfort.

2. Citrus Fruits

Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are acidic and may give rise to acid reflux. If you find these make your symptoms worse, consider reducing them.

3. Tomato Products

Tomato sauce, ketchup, and other tomato-based products are acidic and may worsen symptoms of GERD.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter or LES and allow stomach acid to back up into the esophagus.

5. Caffeine

These include caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda, that relax the LES and fire off acid production, causing reflux.

6. Foods High in Fat

Fried foods, foods containing a high content of fat in the meat can slow down the stomach’s emptiness and put pressure on the stomach.

7. Mint

Mints, such as peppermint tea and candies, also open the LES, allowing for acid backup.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus and also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to back up more easily.

9. Carbonated Drinks

Soda and other carbonated drinks can result in bloating, which puts more pressure on the stomach and may force acid into the esophagus.

10. Large Meals

Large meals put additional pressure on the stomach, which can drive acid up into the esophagus. Try having smaller, lighter meals throughout the day to help alleviate symptoms.

11. Eating Before Bed

Eating before bedtime can stimulate nocturnal reflux. Try to finish your meals at least 2-3 hours before lying down.

12. Tight Clothing

Tight clothing, such as tight waistbands that press on the abdomen, may make symptoms of GERD worse.

13. Smoking

Smoking interferes with digestion and relaxes the LES, which allows stomach acid to flash back into the esophagus more often, making symptoms worse. Stopping smoking can significantly improve symptoms of GERD.

Conclusion

These home remedies for GERD can give considerable relief from the symptoms. However, a consultation with a healthcare expert is very important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your specific needs.

Incorporating these natural remedies for GERD and maintaining good health can control heartburn. Consistency is the keyword, and practicing these remedies daily or regularly may show better long-term results.