Acid reflux is problematic for many reasons. It makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients. Aside from the uncomfortable bloating and stomach discomfort, it can also cause chronic headaches, coughs and other health complications. However, managing the symptoms doesn’t have to resort to medications. There are several natural remedies for acid reflux that you may already have right in your cabinets or in your refrigerator. Here are a list of 10 to help get you started on your way to comfort and improved digestion.
1. Pro-Biotic
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Your digestive system contains both good and bad bacteria. An excellent mix of good bacteria can make all the difference in helping your digestive process. Natural pro-biotic capsules can be an excellent acid reflux treatment and have become much more mainstream in recent years. Look for refrigerated capsules in your natural food stores, and look for shelf-stable supplements in drug stores and grocery stores. If your symptoms are acute, try doubling the recommended dosage for two weeks and see how your tummy improves. Yoghurt is also high in pro-biotics, so throw some in a smoothie or start eating at least 1 cup per day as a part of your regular diet.
2. Sauerkraut
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Naturally fermented veggies are high in pro-biotics, and sauerkraut in particular is chocked full of them. Cabbage is also high in dietary fiber, another way to help reduce symptoms. If this natural remedy for acid reflux doesn’t appeal to you, think about trying out other fermented veggies, like Korean kimchi, Kombucha drink or miso paste. All of those fermented foods can be excellent acid reflux remedies.
3. Celery
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Celery is one of the best antacids on earth. The phytonutrients in celery actually bond with the bile in your digestive tract and help move it out through the urinary system. More literally put: this natural remedy for acid reflux helps flush your system of problematic stomach acids so you feel better. (Check with your doctor about this remedy if you are pregnant.) Make yourself a juice of one apple, one carrot and 3 celery ribs if you’re stomach is giving you a hard time. If you suffer from chronic reflux, take this juice daily.
4. Peppermint
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Peppermint is one of the best-known natural remedies for acid reflux. Serve it up as an herbal tea, which you can find in any grocery store. Better yet: get bunches of mint, store it in water in the fridge (like a bunch of flowers) tear off about 1/4 bunch at a time and steep it in 2 cups boiling water for at least 10-15 minutes. Add 1 1/2 quarts cold water in a container and enjoy at least 1-2 cups of this iced-tea daily as an effective and affordable reflux treatment.
5. Warm Water
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Sometimes, when your stomach is feeling really upset and roiling from a rich meal, a stressful day or something else you’ve eaten, a cup of warm water is a smart acid reflux treatment. Fill an eight-ounce glass full of regular tap water and warm in the microwave for no more than one minute. The water should be lukewarm, but not hot. Drink it as quickly as you can. Give yourself about 20 minutes to relax, letting it make its way through your system. As soon as you relieve yourself, you should start feeling better. It’s only water, so try this natural remedy for acid reflux as often as you want.
6. Papaya
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Papaya enzymes help your system break down foods during the digestive process. Look for chewable tablets at the grocery store or at your natural market. Try chewing at least 1-2 tablets before every meal to stave off any symptoms. If your stomach is upset after eating, chew 2-3 tablets as a natural remedy for acid reflux. Some natural food stores also carry papaya juice and teas. Of course, eating the plain fruit for breakfast every day is an excellent acid reflux treatment, but unless you live in the tropics, that can start to get pricey.
7. Ginger
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There’s a reason that your grandmother used to give you ginger ale when your stomach was upset. The enzymes in ginger are excellent for breaking down stomach acids during flare-ups. There are several ways to serve ginger raw to use it as a natural remedy for acid reflux. Take a ginger root roughly twice the size of your thumb, chop it up and steep it in 8 ounces boiling water and add one tablespoon honey for a therapeutic tea. If you have a juicer, take the same amount and juice it along with one apple and a carrot for a calming juice. If you’re really looking to kick it up, include your celery ribs in the juice for the ultimate reflux treatment cocktail.
8. Flat Leaf Parsley
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Italian, or flat leaf, parsley is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great preemptive treatment and natural remedy for acid reflux. Like mint, you can steep it in a tea. Mix it up with ginger and honey (see number 7, ginger, for more info) to help calm the system. You can also add it to any juice or use it generously in pasta and salads as a regular part of your diet.
9. Melon
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Melons like cantaloupe are high in all types of ingredients that serve as excellent acid reflux remedies. It has a moderate PH (meaning its low in acids), it’s high in fiber and also has high water content. So, it helps balance the PH in your stomach, brings more fiber into your diet and also helps flush your system every time you eat it. Whirl it up in a blender with yoghurt, honey, and fresh mint for a yummy smoothie. Try taking this natural remedy for acid reflux a couple of times a week as a meal replacement.
10. Reduce Stress
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Stress causes everything from sleep deprivation to inflammation, both of which are terrible for digestion. Stress has also been linked to acid reflux, although the science isn’t conclusive on why. We all know that most of us feel stress in our system, and often stress is also directly related to a decrease in appetite, another common cause of acid reflux. If you have a stressful job, or stressful life, try incorporating exercise, meditation, calming baths, and general quiet time more frequently into your day. It could be that the best reflux treatment for you is a healthier and calmer lifestyle.