- By Prerna Targhotra
- Thu, 12 Oct 2023 02:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Home Remedies For Acid Reflux: Also known as GERD or gastrointestinal reflux disease, acid reflux is characterised as a condition where the stomach where the stomach’s acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. This is an extremely common health condition, but if you experience it on a chronic basis, then that’s when it’s diagnosed as GERD, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. There are numerous symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn being the most experienced, chest pain, especially after eating, breathing problems, and lots of saliva are among other common symptoms.
While acid reflux can be treated with lifestyle changes and consuming healthy foods, some home remedies can help in getting instant relief. Here are some easy and effective home remedies for heartburn that can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Watch the video below to know everything about irritable bowel syndrome from an expert:
Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
1. Eat Slowly
If you are someone experiencing acid reflux, you must avoid eating too fast and chew the food properly for easy digestion. According to Harvard University, when the stomach is full, there can be more reflux into the oesophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try grazing, which is eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily.
2. Avoid Certain Foods
Some foods have properties that can alleviate acid reflux and cause discomfort. There are foods such as mint, fatty foods, spicy food, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate and alcohol that can trigger heartburn.
3. Stand Up After Eating
Always stand or walk around after eating your meals (Image Credits: Canva)
Adopting healthy habits such as standing up or walking after eating your meals can have incredible benefits for digestion and soothe acid reflux. Harvard University states that when you're standing, or even sitting, gravity alone helps keep acid in the stomach, where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed. This means no naps right after lunch, and no late suppers or midnight snacks.
4. Sleep On An Incline
To get relief from acid reflux, your head should be six to eight inches higher than your feet. You can achieve this by using extra-tall bed risers on the legs supporting the head of your bed. You can also try using a foam wedge support for your upper body, as per Harvard University.
ALSO READ: 8 Foods To Avoid To Prevent Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
5. Manage Weight
When you are obese or excess weight can increase the abdominal pressure, leading to stomach acid leakage or backflow. Therefore, try to maintain a healthy weight by consuming foods that aid in weight loss and include physical activity in your routine.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)