Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as hyperacidity, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, is caused by the backflow of gastric juices into the esophagus. While it is not usually a serious health problem, it is not easy to manage and can aggravate some conditions, such as stomach ulcer or Barrett's esophagus. If you suffer from gastric reflux, you may have difficulty sleeping, as the burning sensation in the breastbone, nausea, and pain are amplified when you bend over or lie down.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking the Medicines
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter antacid
This class of drugs can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce gastric reflux. To alleviate your problem you have to wait for them to take effect for a maximum of two weeks. If you don't notice any improvement in your symptoms after this time, you may want to see your doctor.
Do not use antacids for too long, as they can adversely affect mineral balance and kidney function. In some cases they can even cause diarrhea
Step 2. Get an H2 receptor antagonist
These are drugs that help decrease the secretion of gastric juices. Among the trade names you can try Zantac and Ranidil. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package. If they are not effective, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose.
- Consider the side effects of H2 blockers, including constipation, diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache, hives, nausea, and vomiting. They could also lead to difficulty urinating. If severe side effects occur, stop taking it and consult your doctor.
- If you experience more serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue, you should see your doctor immediately. If they trigger an anaphylactic reaction, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Step 3. Try proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
They block the production of gastric juices and, therefore, help relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Consider esomeprazole (Lucen), lansoprazole (Lansox), omeprazole (Antra), pantoprazole (Mepral), rabeprazole (Pariet), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid). Always follow the instructions on the package.
- Watch out for side effects of PPIs, including headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and skin manifestations.
- Do not take PPIs for too long, as they increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.
Step 4. Consider tablets that form a protective barrier inside the stomach
They are produced by the combination of an antacid and a foaming agent. The tablet dissolves in the stomach and creates a foam which prevents gastric juices from moving up the esophagus.
Gaviscon is currently the only medicine on the market that offers this protection
Part 2 of 3: Changing Eating Habits and Sleeping Habits
Step 1. Identify the food factors that trigger heartburn and avoid them
If your gastric reflux has become chronic, you will probably need to make some changes to your diet in order to cut out the foods or drinks that could cause you to reflux of gastric juices. Start keeping a food diary (in a notebook or on your smartphone), noting the foods that, when consumed within an hour or two, cause reflux symptoms. Then remove them from your diet to alleviate this problem.
For example, suppose you eat a plate of pasta with tomato sauce and a chicken cutlet with a side of broccoli for dinner. Gastric reflux develops within an hour. The trigger food could be chicken, breading, broccoli, pasta or tomato sauce. The next time, start removing the sauce. If you no longer feel the gastric juices rising, it is likely that the offending food is tomato sauce. However, if the reflux continues, the problem may lie in the other dishes you ate. Eliminate one food at a time until you no longer suffer from gastric reflux
Step 2. Eat small meals and chew slowly
Eating smaller portions will relieve stomach heaviness and allow the digestive system to function properly, reducing the discomfort caused by gastric juices.
- You should also eat slowly, chewing your food several times before ingesting it. This will facilitate digestion and also make it faster, because the food will stay less in the stomach and will not exert pressure during the digestive process.
- Try to have dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime. Eating early in the evening will allow your stomach to digest properly before you lie down in bed.
Step 3. Avoid smoking 2 hours before bed or stop smoking altogether
Smoking can increase stomach acid and the risk of suffering from gastroesophageal reflux. If you can't get rid of this habit, avoid smoking at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Step 4. Chew gum after a heavy meal, especially in the evening
After eating, a sugar-free chewing gum can stimulate the activity of the salivary glands and, consequently, promote the production of bicarbonate in the saliva that goes to neutralize the acidity in the esophagus.
Step 5. Lift the top of the bed
Thanks to the force of gravity, this position will allow you to keep the gastric juices in place and prevent them from flowing up into the esophagus. You will need to lift the bed frame or the top section of the mattress. It won't do you any good to rest your head on a pile of pillows, as this will force your neck and torso to bend, with the risk of increasing the pressure on your stomach and worsening gastric reflux.
Step 6. Lift your heels 15-30 minutes before going to bed
This exercise is used to treat a hiatal hernia, but it can also be used to relieve gastroesophageal reflux because it allows you to realign the stomach and diaphragm.
- Start by drinking 180-240ml of warm water, then stand up and stretch your arms to your sides. Bend them at the elbows and bring both hands to your chest.
- Stand on your toes, keeping your heels elevated, then bring them back to the ground. Repeat the exercise 10 times. After the tenth time, keep your arms raised and take short, quick breaths for 15 seconds.
Part 3 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Drink 120ml of organic aloe vera juice an hour or two before bedtime
Aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and neutralize stomach acid.
You can also sip it during the day. Limit yourself to 240-420ml per day, as aloe vera can have laxative effects
Step 2. Drink organic apple cider vinegar diluted in water an hour or two before going to bed
Thanks to this remedy, the body signals to the stomach that it is time to stop the production of gastric juices. Pour 15ml of organic apple cider vinegar into 180ml of water.
You can also make a lemonade or "limenata" (lime drink) and drink it before bed. Mix 30 ml of pure lemon or lime juice and add water to taste. Try adding some honey if you like it. Consume the drink during and after meals. The acid in the lemon or lime will tell the body that it is time to stop the production of gastric juices through a process called "feedback inhibition" (or retroactive enzyme inhibition)
Step 3. Eat an apple one hour before bed
The pectin contained in the peel is a natural antacid that can help reduce the production of gastric juices.
Step 4. Drink ginger, fennel or chamomile tea an hour or two before bedtime
Ginger tea has a natural anti-inflammatory action, which can allow you to calm your stomach and also relieve nausea. Use sachets of ginger or cut 2 g of fresh ginger. If fresh, pour it into boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Fennel tea can also be an excellent remedy to calm the stomach and decrease gastric hyperacidity. Crush 2 g of fennel and add it to 240 ml of boiling water.
- Chamomile can help calm the stomach thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.
Step 5. Dissolve the mustard in water or swallow it plain
Mustard can be an excellent anti-inflammatory and neutralize stomach acid. Drink it in water an hour before bed or take a teaspoon of it.
Step 6. Take the red elm one hour before bedtime in the form of herbal tea (approximately 80-120ml) or tablets (two) before bed
Red elm helps relieve irritated tissues.
The red elm poses no risks in pregnancy
Step 7. Consume licorice root
You can take deglycyrrhizinated licorice root in chewable tablets. It will probably take some time to get used to its taste, but it can help you calm your stomach and control gastric hyperacidity. Take 2-3 tablets before bedtime.
Step 8. Take the baking soda dissolved in the water about an hour before bed
Baking soda can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Make sure you use baking soda, not baking powder, as it isn't as effective. Dissolve 7 g of baking soda in 180 ml of water and drink it an hour before going to bed.
Advice
- If you've tried to change your diet and sleep habits, as well as use natural remedies, and your gastric reflux doesn't go away within 2-3 weeks, talk to your doctor. You will likely need more potent medications.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using any of these methods.
- If you experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux more than 2 times a week or if they persist after trying over-the-counter medicines, call your doctor right away.
- If you suspect that gastric reflux is caused by certain medications you are taking, ask your doctor to change the dosage.
