Hyperacidity, also called gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn, is an esophageal irritation that occurs when gastric juices enter the esophagus. This is due to a dysfunction of a muscle valve, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which usually keeps gastric juices in the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter may open too often or not close completely, causing the gastric juices to rise abnormally. Acid reflux is not a serious medical problem, unless it becomes constant and chronic; if so, it turns into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and requires treatment. By following a few simple tips, you can diagnose it and learn how to treat it naturally.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Changing the Lifestyle
Step 1. Change the way you eat
You can change the types and amounts of foods you eat to help relieve acid reflux. Cut down on portions during meals. This reduces the pressure that is exerted on the stomach. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed to avoid the risk of food putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter while you try to sleep.
Try to eat slowly; this makes digestion quick and easy, so it will leave less food in the stomach and the pressure on the sphincter will be less
Step 2. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger the problem
You need to understand exactly which foods and drinks cause acid reflux. Start keeping track of what you consume and see when problems occur. To start, use a classic checklist to jot down foods and drinks that you know you are sensitive to or that tend to cause acidity. If a food bothers you an hour after eating it, you should eliminate it from your diet.
For example, for dinner you eat pasta topped with tomato sauce and meatballs. If you have acid reflux after an hour, meatballs, pasta or gravy could be the trigger. Next time, remove the tomato sauce. If you notice no symptoms of hyperacidity, you will know that this ingredient is the culprit. If you're still having trouble, it could be meatballs or pasta. The next day, eat some leftover pasta without seasoning it. If hyperacidity occurs, then it should be eliminated from your diet
Step 3. Change your habits
There are certain everyday aspects that you can change to help alleviate acid reflux. Wear clothes that don't constrict your stomach or abdomen. This puts unnecessary pressure on the area, which can cause acid reflux. You should also quit smoking, as this increases the acidity in the stomach.
Try to lose weight, especially if you are obese or severely overweight. This helps you reduce pressure on the sphincter and relieves acid reflux
Step 4. Reconsider the way you sleep
Some people have bad acid reflux at night. If you have this problem, lift your entire head off the bed to let gravity help keep gastric juices in your stomach. This will ensure that they do not rise abnormally into the esophagus at night thus avoiding causing the disturbance.
Stacking pillows doesn't need much, because they actually tend to bend the neck and body in a way that increases pressure, making hyperacidity worse
Part 2 of 6: Herbal Remedies
Step 1. First, talk to a doctor
There are several herbal approaches to treating hyperacidity, but you need to be careful. Before trying these remedies, discuss them with a doctor. In general, natural methods are very safe, but it's best to be sure they are safe for you too. Combining this approach with lifestyle changes should substantially improve your daily life.
If you are pregnant, talk to your gynecologist about using herbs to make sure they are not harmful to the baby
Step 2. Drink aloe vera juice
This product is not only great for taking care of skin and hair, it also has many soothing properties. Buy the organic one. Fill half a glass and drink. You can sip it several times a day. However, since aloe vera can have a laxative function, you should limit your daily intake to 1-2 glasses.
Aloe vera juice relieves inflammation and has the function of neutralizing stomach acid
Step 3. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
While it may seem counterproductive, you can use this product to combat acid reflux. Pour one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar into 200ml of water. Spin well and drink. It is not necessary that the vinegar be organic, but you should only choose apple cider vinegar.
Other types of vinegar are not as effective and can end up making the problem worse
Step 4. Prepare citrus water
You can use citrus to make a lemonade-like or lime-based drink that will help fight acid reflux. Squeeze some lemon or pure lime (fill a few teaspoons) and add water to taste. Add a pinch of honey or stevia, a natural sweetener, if you want to sweeten the drink a little. Drink it before, during and after meals.
- To have a more original drink, you can use both juices.
- The additional acids in the juices cause the body to stop producing acids through a process called feedback inhibition.
- Some people have stomach acid from honey or sugar.
Step 5. Eat more apples
As the old adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This fruit is good for you and helps calm acid reflux. The pectin contained in the peel acts as a natural antacid.
If you don't like eating classic apples, try adding them to a fruit salad or making a smoothie
Step 6. Drink ginger tea
For the stomach, ginger is an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent. It can also combat nausea and vomiting. To make the tea, cut about 5 g of fresh ginger root and add it to 250 ml of boiling water. Leave it to infuse for about 5 minutes. Pour it into a cup and drink it.
- Sip herbal tea at any time of the day, especially 20-30 minutes before meals.
- If you don't have fresh ginger, you can buy ready-made tea bags.
Step 7. Try other types of herbal tea
To combat acid reflux, other types of herbal tea can be prepared. Fennel helps calm the stomach and decreases acidity. To make an herbal tea, grind about a teaspoon of fennel seeds, then add them to 250ml of boiling water. Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste and drink 2-3 cups a day, about 20 minutes before meals.
- You can also use mustard seeds or powder to make herbal tea. Mustard has anti-inflammatory properties and can neutralize acids. You can dissolve it in water to make an infusion. If you want, you can also take a teaspoon orally.
- You can also try chamomile tea to calm your stomach, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. You can buy it in sachets or in bulk.
Step 8. Try other herbal remedies
There are other herbs that can fight acid reflux. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root (DGL) is very effective in calming the stomach and controlling hyperacidity. It is available in chewable tablet form, but keep in mind that you may need to get used to the flavor. The standard dose of DGL is 2-3 tablets every 4-6 hours.
- Try red elm, which you can take in the form of a 90-120ml drink or tablet. Coats and soothes irritated tissues. It is considered safe during pregnancy.
- Make sure you read the instructions on the package.
Part 3 of 6: other home remedies
Step 1. Make a baking soda drink
It is a basic substance, which means it helps counteract the effects of acids. This also applies to stomach acid. To make the drink, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in about 200ml of water. Spin well and drink. It is very effective in neutralizing acids.
Make sure you're using baking soda, not baking powder, which isn't nearly as effective
Step 2. Chew gum
After eating, chew sugar-free gum. This method appears to work because chewing stimulates the salivary glands, which release bicarbonate into the saliva. This substance in turn helps neutralize stomach acid.
- Do not chew sugar-containing gum as they may contribute to acidity.
- You can also chew gum with mastic gum. It is made from the resin of the mastic tree, called Pistacia lentiscus. It has antibacterial properties and is used to fight H. pylori infection, often associated with peptic ulcers or excessive stomach acid.
Step 3. Try raising and lowering your heels
It is a chiropractic approach used to treat hiatal hernia, but it is also effective for acid reflux. Drink 200-250ml of slightly warm water immediately after getting out of bed in the morning. While standing, extend your arms at your sides and bend them at the elbows. Join your hands at chest height. Stand on your toes, then lower onto your heels. Do 10 repetitions.
- After the 10th rep, take short, quick, shallow breaths for 15 seconds while keeping your arms raised. Repeat every morning until you find relief.
- This procedure appears to realign the stomach to the diaphragm so that the hernia does not interfere with the esophagus.
Step 4. Use coconut oil
It has antibacterial properties that help curb acid reflux. This may be the reason chronic H. pylori gastric infections respond quite well to this simple home remedy. H. pylori bacterium is often associated with reflux esophagitis.
- Pour ½ tablespoon of coconut oil into a glass of warm orange juice, or, if you can, ingest it directly 3 times a day. You can increase the doses to 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 times a day.
- Stop taking it 3 days after the symptoms go away.
Step 5. Eat probiotics
They are mixtures of various bacteria that are normally found in the intestine and can include the yeast saccharomyces boulardii, cultures of lactobacillus and the bifidobacterium. These good bacteria tend to improve overall well-being, are good for the stomach, and are found naturally in the gut.
You can take probiotics with ease by eating yogurt containing active cultures. You can also take a supplement, but you must read the warnings on the package
Part 4 of 6: Managing Stress
Step 1. Take a break
Stress, especially chronic stress, is associated with acid reflux. To get better, you need to unplug every day. Relax by taking refuge in a quiet room or quiet space in the open air and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. The exhalation must last twice as long as the inhalation. If you're having trouble keeping pace, counting can help. Inhale for a count of 6-8 and exhale for a count of 12-16.
Repeat whenever you can
Step 2. Try progressive muscle relaxation
Since stress is a fairly common problem, the American Psychological Association (APA) has discovered multiple ways to promote relaxation. Among others, it suggests progressive muscle relaxation. For this exercise, stand up and stand straight. Contract the muscles in your feet and lower legs, tightening them as much as possible for 30 seconds. After this time has elapsed, slowly release the tension.
- Move to the upper legs and repeat. Do the same movement for the hands and lower arms, for the upper arms and shoulders, and finally for the stomach and abdominal muscles.
- Repeat every day.
Step 3. Take a mental vacation
The APA also suggests unplugging on a mental level, wherever you are, even when you're not actually going on vacation. Take a few deep breaths, relax and close your eyes. Imagine the most beautiful place you've ever visited or a vacation destination you dream of.
Try to live this experience as much as possible from a sensory point of view; smell the smells, feel the breeze caress your skin, listen to the noises. Repeat daily
Step 4. Try strategies to combat the stress that arises in times of stress or emergency
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends some methods for relieving tension in certain difficult circumstances. When you are in a stressful time, he suggests counting to 10 before speaking, taking 3-5 deep breaths, distancing yourself from the stressful situation, and stating that you will take care of it later. You can also try going for a walk to clear your mind.
- To reduce stress, don't be afraid to apologize when you make a mistake.
- Avoid stressful situations by moving the clock 5-10 minutes ahead. This allows you to prevent delay stress, drive at normal speed and avoid crowded roads to help you stay calm while driving.
- Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer a letter or phone call a day, instead of going through it all at once.
Step 5. Practice good sleep hygiene, that is, try to implement a series of daily rules to promote rest
The US National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends avoiding daytime naps, as they tend to disrupt the normal sleep-wake rhythm. Also, avoid stimulants, which include caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, just before bed. Alcohol can help you fall asleep, but it is possible that it will disrupt sleep later when the body begins to metabolize it.
- Do vigorous physical exercises only in the morning or late afternoon. Try more relaxing activities, such as stretching or yoga, in the evening to get a good night's sleep.
- Avoid eating large meals and not eating chocolate or spicy foods before bedtime.
- Make sure you expose yourself to sunlight. Light exposure helps maintain a healthy sleep-wake rhythm.
Step 6. Create a relaxing routine before bed
Before trying to fall asleep, try to avoid emotional, physical, or mental upsets. Avoid brooding in bed. If you find yourself rethinking your day or your problems, try getting up again for 10-15 minutes.
- At this time, do something relaxing, such as reading a book, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. Then, try getting back into bed.
- Associate the bed with sleep. Don't watch television, listen to the radio, or read in bed. If you link it to these activities, your body will not feel stimulated to rest while you are under the sheets.
Step 7. See a doctor if necessary
You have tried to seriously change your lifestyle and have taken the recommended natural remedies, but after 2-3 weeks you see no improvement. In this case, go to the doctor. You probably need to get tested.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, call your doctor for advice on how to manage hyperacidity. Do not try these approaches without first talking to a specialist.
- If you take any medications and believe this is the cause of hyperacidity, ask your doctor if they can substitute medications or change the dosage.
Part 5 of 6: Over-the-counter medicines
Step 1. Take antacids
There are several over-the-counter medications you can take to combat gastroesophageal reflux. Brands are varied, but they usually perform the same function. Antacids help neutralize stomach acid. They are generally used to provide relief for up to 2 weeks.
- If you still need antacids after this time, you should see your doctor, as prolonged use of these medicines can upset the mineral balance, damage your kidneys and cause diarrhea.
- Try an oral suspension with sodium alginate and antacids (sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate). As it dissolves in the stomach, it forms a barrier that helps block gastric juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Currently, the only drug on the market that has this function is Gaviscon.
- Follow the instructions on the package insert and don't overdo it. In case of excess, antacids can cause problems.
Step 2. Try H2 receptor antagonists
They are other over-the-counter medicines marketed by different brands. They decrease the secretion of acids in the stomach, they do not neutralize them like antacids do. H2 receptor antagonists include cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine. The over-the-counter versions are low-dose, but your doctor may prescribe a higher one.
- Watch for side effects, which include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, nausea, vomiting, and problems with urination. More serious adverse effects have also been reported, such as difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
- If you use H2 receptor antagonists, follow the instructions on the package insert.
Step 3. Learn about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
These medicines block the production of acids in the stomach just like H2 receptor antagonists. You can try several types, including esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, dexlansoprazole, and omeprazole in combination with sodium bicarbonate.
- Side effects of these drugs include headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rashes, and nausea. Prolonged use is associated with an increased risk of hip, wrist, or spine fractures related to osteoporosis.
- If you take these medicines, follow the instructions on the package leaflet.
- If they don't work within 2-3 weeks, it is highly recommended that you go to the doctor. You may need stronger medications, or maybe it's not just gastroesophageal reflux. Maybe you have another ailment.
Part 6 of 6: Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux can be quite common. Typical symptoms include heartburn or felt at chest height. It can occur after eating or while you sleep. You may also notice a sour taste in your mouth, swelling, dark or black stools, belching or hiccups that don't go away, nausea, dry cough, or worsening pain when you bend over or lie down.
You may also see dysphagia, which means the esophagus narrows, so it feels like food is stuck in your throat
Step 2. Find out the causes
There are many reasons why gastroesophageal reflux occurs. Triggers include smoking, binging, stress, or a lack of adequate sleep. It can also be due to certain foods or drinks that you are sensitive to, such as citrus fruits, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, tomatoes, garlic, onions, alcohol, fatty and spicy foods.
Certain medications, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and blood pressure medications, can worsen gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, antibiotics (such as tetracyclines), bisphosphonates, some iron and potassium supplements can also be a problem and make the disorder worse
Step 3. Understand the causes
The real trigger of acid reflux is complex and often includes many different causes. Despite the name, the triggering factor is not due to excessive acid production. One of the contributing causes is pressure on the stomach or esophagus. It can be due to pregnancy, constipation, overweight, obesity, or a hiatal hernia, which occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves to the diaphragm.
It can also be caused by abnormalities of the lower esophageal sphincter, abnormal contractions of the esophagus, and slowed or prolonged emptying of the stomach
Step 4. Request a diagnosis
If your symptoms are more severe or persistent, the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, depends on your particular situation. You will likely need to undergo an endoscopy, a test that involves inserting a tube into the esophagus with a micro-camera on the end. Your doctor may also order other imaging procedures, such as x-rays, and tests to measure the acidity of the esophagus. An esophageal manometry may be recommended to measure and determine movement and pressure in this area.
