GERD is the popular name of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is caused by the back travel of stomach acids into the throat. It is generally found in adults, but children may also suffer from it due to the lack of a proper diet. People in the habit of overeating and smoking are also commonly afflicted by this problem. Pregnant women are also found to suffer from acid reflux disease. This problem often leads to discomfort and irritation in the normal routine of an individual.
Some of the home remedies for GERD are effective when acids and other contents travel back to your throat from the stomach. Apple cider vinegar, ginger roots, fennel seeds, lavender tea, fruits, and vegetables are among the most effective home remedies for treating it. More than that, a good regular diet is also helpful in decreasing the negative effects of GERD. There are many different home remedies that provide relief from it around the world.
Symptoms
A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
If you have nighttime GERD, you might also experience:
- Chronic cough
- Laryngitis
- New or worsening asthma
- Disrupted sleep.
Causes
GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux.
When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.
If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can generally flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.
Home remedies to treat GERD
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective natural home remedies to treat GERD. It aids digestion and helps balance acid production in the stomach.
- Mix one to two teaspoons of organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water.
- Drink it 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal.
- Do this on a daily basis, at least for a few months.
- You can also drink apple cider vinegar mixed in water when heartburn strikes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural antacid that provides quick relief from heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD.
- Mix one-half to one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water.
- Drink it down quickly for instant relief.
- Note: Prolonged ingestion of baking soda is not recommended. Also, those who have high blood pressure should avoid taking baking soda as it contains sodium.
Aloe Vera Juice
Due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps soothe inflammation in the stomach and esophagus to bring relief from the effects of GERD.
- Simply drink one-quarter cup of aloe vera juice about 20 minutes prior to eating a meal.
- Note: Do not take aloe vera in excess because it may have a laxative effect.
Chewing Gum
All know that chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for about 30 minutes after a meal can help relieve symptoms of GERD disease.
- It generally stimulates production of saliva, which in turn washes away acid that ccumulated in the gut. Being alkaline, saliva also helps neutralize stomach acids.
- So, you can have sugar-free chewing gum after meals to ease your acid reflux. You can also consider chewing a cinnamon gum, but firstly avoid mint-flavored gums as mint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which contributes to the reflux of stomach acids into the food pipe.
Yellow Mustard
Yellow mustard is another popular home remedy for GERD as it helps neutralize stomach acid. The vinegar content in this yellow mustard is a weak acid that lowers the pH of stomach acid.
When acid reflux strikes, eat one teaspoon of plain yellow mustard for instant relief. If it is too strong for you, follow it with a glass of water.
By following these home remedies can help alleviate the occasional heartburn episode, as well as some cases of GERD. When prolonged, uncontrolled acid reflux occurs, you put yourself at a higher risk of esophageal damage. This can include few ulcers, a narrowed esophagus, and also even esophageal cancer.
If still the above remedies are not relaxing you then you should consult your healthcare professional before it get worsen.
