Acid Reflux Home Remedies, Superfoods for Heartburn

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As you may known, if you're reading this acid reflux home remedies page, you most likely understand that this is a digestive disorder that causes stomach acid indigestion and often a burning sensation in the chest cavity. It's also called "heartburn" for this reason.

This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter valve doesn't close properly allowing the regurgitation of gastric acid into the esophagus. This can be a temporary as well as chronic condition brought on by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia.

The most commonly recommended over-the-counter or prescribed options for acid reflux are antacids, H2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors. However, regular use of these conventional treatments has been known to cause other adverse health risks over time.

Some of the major contributing factors when it comes to acid reflux are poor eating habits, obesity, pregnancy, stress, food allergies and general stomach muscle weakness.

While many of these root causes can be addressed via healthier diet and lifestyle practices, there are a number of acid reflux home remedies that can also provide some relief along the way.

Here is our list of 12 foods, drinks and herbs you may wish to incorporate into a therapeutic protocol.

12 Acid Reflux Home Remedies

1) Cucumber Juice

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Making and consuming cucumber juice from whole unpeeled organic green slicing cucumber can be a great way to neutralize the backflow of stomach acids in the esophagus.

It is additionally a very alkalizing natural therapy that promotes a balanced body pH and can counteract acidic-related health concerns such as acid reflux.

The liquid juice is full of bitter CUCURBITACINS which can help cool inflamed conditions of the GI tract as well as offers an analgesic pain-relieving influence. (*)

Slowly sip on about 8 ounces to encourage healing potentials. Consuming fresh cucumber juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can also help to prevent it.

2) Turmeric Root

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When acid reflux occurs consistently, it can irritate the esophagus lining and cause inflammation.

While generally, hot heating spices are off the menu in such situations, using fresh turmeric root or powder can help reduce heat and most importantly act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

This is due to one of the major active ingredients in turmeric known as CURCUMIN.

Curcumin has been studied for its potential protective influence against reflux esophagitis.

3) Oatmeal

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Oatmeal makes a great whole FIBER food than can be a gut comforting choice for indigestion. Likewise, it is often recommended in dietary regimens for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) management.

This is because oats when heated with water form a type of soluble gel-like fiber and polysaccharide called BETA-GLUCAN.

Oatmeal, and its sweet and mucilaginous qualities, is a lubricating food that helps to counteract imbalances that can trigger acid reflux.

In addition, cooked oats contain antioxidant phenolic alkaloids called AVENANTHRAMIDES (*) which have anti-inflammatory attributes.

4) Manuka Honey

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Raw honey has long been utilized as a household remedy for acid reflux because of its non-peroxide antibacterial activity as well as its ability to coat the mucus membranes of the esophagus. (*)

Manuka honey, in particular, because of its nutraceutical compounds like MGO (methylglyoxal), DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and leptosperin is often viewed as more medicinal for such purposes.

It's frequently taken in supplemental amounts of between 1/4 to 1 teaspoon depending on quality. The higher the MGO the less you would need to consume.

In one study on 30 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), manuka honey application after 2 and 4 weeks showed an 86.7% and 100% improvement rate.

5) Coconut Water

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Drinking unsweetened natural coconut water can help to cool the stomach lining and lessen acidic burning sensations.

Because it's also important to stay well-hydrated, coconut water can be a great way to do this and a better option over carbonated sodas or energy drinks which should be avoided at this time.

One of the great benefits of coconut water as an acid reflux home remedy is that it is packed full of ELECTROLYTES like potassium, magnesium and calcium which can encourage pH balance.

Likewise, 100% pure coconut water might be a better drink for those looking to lose excess body weight which can be an underlying issue when it comes to GERD or indigestion.

6) Licorice Root

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Licorice root is a long-revered favorite as a throat-coating demulcent herb. This aspect together with its cooling properties make it a beneficial one for counteracting acidic heat and inflammation that regurgitated digestive juices can have on the esophagus.

Known for its very sweet taste which comes from the glycyrrhizin compound, it also soothes and lubricates the stomach lining.

Licorice root tea or supplements are usually taken 20 minutes before a meal when indigestion may be an issue.

Slippery elm or marshmallow root can also be utilized as an alternative to licorice root which can elevate blood pressure in some individuals.

7) Bone Broth

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One of the most widely recognized benefits of bone broth by health experts is its use for nourishing and healing the gut.

Its many nutrients, including glycosaminoglycans, collagen, gelatin and the amino acids proline, glycine and glutamine, make it a useful liquid for soothing gastrointestinal inflammation and restoring the mucosal lining of the intestines and stomach.

Many digestive disorders like GERD, stomach weakness or colitis can be alleviated by consuming it.

When making homemade bone broth as nutritive therapy for such issues, it is recommended to keep your bone broth very basic (with no added seasonings).

8) Leafy Greens

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Green leafy vegetables are some of the best foods to add to your dietary regimen if heartburn or acid reflux is a common health issue.

We would go for dark leafy types like kale or collard and of course, wild dandelion greens have strong bitter elements that help to cool heat and neutralize stomach acid.

Greens are likewise high in fiber and chlorophyll helpful for balancing body pH levels. Commonly prepared cooked greens like collards, are a good source of the macrominerals CALCIUM and offer a balanced ratio of MAGNESIUM required for optimal uptake. These are two alkaline nutrients that can assist which acidic conditions.

9) Apple Cider Vinegar

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While it might seem counterintuitive, raw apple cider vinegar is often on the list of traditional acid reflux home remedies to give a try in some situations.

A common misconception is that these issues are caused by too much stomach acid when sometimes it is a lack of appropriate gastric juices that is causing the problem.

So, in such cases, small amounts of about 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water can help to balance this equation. It is best to drink it 5 minutes prior to consuming a meal.

10) Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera gel with its mucilaginous quality is traditionally viewed as one of the most healing superfoods for indigestion. (*)

It is extremely cooling, lubricating and alkalizing to the digestive system offering strong anti-inflammatory attributes.

Freshly blended gel or pure aloe juice can be consumed in small amounts before meals to reduce symptoms and promote healing.

11) Gut Health Supplements

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It makes sense when we're discussing digestive disorders like acid reflux that it's important to consider the overall health of the gut microbiome which is often out of balance.

Obviously changes to one's diet can greatly impact acidic conditions, but also the use of digestive enzymes may significantly help one digest food more efficiently during initial healing phases.

Likewise, a probiotic protocol may be in order. This may include taking a dose of quality probiotic capsules for several weeks to begin replenishing one's system.

12) Chamomile Tea

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Stress can also be an underlying contributing factor to acid reflux or related concerns. Chamomile tea consumed after meals or before sleep is calming to the central nervous system.

Concentrated chamomile tea infusions likewise provide an easily assimilated form of nutrients like CALCIUM and also have a demulcent cooling property.

A cup or two a day can be a part of a treatment strategy to relieve associated symptoms such as belching, flatulence, pain and nausea. (*)

Precautions:

When considering this list of acid reflux home remedies keep in mind that what works for one person may not be suitable for another. It is best to consult a health professional if you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious health condition or are taking any medications.

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