What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux means the action by which the stomach acid goes back up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter acts as a protective valve, preventing the food back into the esophagus. When it is not working properly, it leaves back the gastric juices of the stomach, causing acid regurgitation after meals.
Acid reflux symptoms include heartburn located behind the breastbone and may travel to the throat. But the acid reflux is not necessarily related to an excess of acidity in the stomach, it is a symptom that may be related to various factors such as:
An infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori)
Little known, this bacterium is undetectable (except with a blood test). The H pylori destroys the stomach by disrupting the intestinal flora balance and causing gastric diseases and stomach ulcers.
Symptoms related to the presence of H pylori are: bloating, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, , constipation, flatulence, etc.
Side effects of medication
Some medications, whether prescribed or over the counter can cause heartburn. Some of those are intended for combating anxiety and depression, antibiotics, treatment against blood pressure, osteoporosis, as well as the analgesic and anti-anginal drug (nitroglycerin).
If your heartburn is caused by a medication you are taking, check the instructions while observing the dosage and how you take them (on empty or full stomach).
A change in your diet can overcome heartburn
If you tend to consume large amounts of processed foods, high in sugar and fat, you do exacerbate acid reflux phenomenon. To get around, a change in diet will help you fight heartburn. This means to emphasize more fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods. You will quickly notice a decrease in acidity and therefore reduction of the gastric discomfort that can ruin your day.
Here is a list of natural ingredients to cure heartburn:
Natural Remedy # 1: Aloe Vera juice
The extract of this plant makes a juice that reduces inflammation and helps to naturally decrease acid reflux symptoms. You should drink 30 ml of pure Aloe Vera juice every day as a precaution.
Natural Remedy # 2: Cider Vinegar
You can easily improve your acidity by taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (organic) diluted in a large glass of warm water. This is an excellent natural treatment to combat acid reflux.
Natural Remedy # 3: Slippery Elm
A slippery elm tea will help soothe heartburn almost instantly. Elm has very interesting anti-inflammatory properties. It stimulates the nerve endings in your gastrointestinal tract. It increases mucus secretions to better protect the gastrointestinal tract from ulcer or excess acidity.
Natural Remedy # 4: Chamomile
Chamomile helps to soothe inflammation of the stomach while promoting good sleep. You can drink chamomile infusions between each meal to relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and thereby improve digestion.
Natural Remedy # 5: Ginger
Ginger has a gastro-protective effect because it blocks acid recovery while promoting a healthy intestinal flora. To prepare a ginger tea, boil for 10 minutes a few slices of fresh ginger (or two teaspoons of powdered ginger) and then let it cool before drinking. Ginger stops the acidity and even helps eliminate the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. A study in 2007 found that ginger was 8 times more effective than Lansoprazol in prevention of ulcer formation.
