Saturday, April 30, 2011

Holistic Cure for Acid Reflux - 12 Tips to Help your Acid Reflux



Those suffering from heartburn are looking for a holistic cure for acid reflux. Though not a  complete holistic cure for acid reflux, here are some tips that will help relieve the pain from heartburn.

Tip 1: Kick your bad habits out for good. Smoking and alcohol cause gastro-intestinal irritation and spasms and they also speed up gastric acid production as well.

Tip 2: Watch out your diet. This doesn't only mean managing your weight well. It also includes avoiding foods that increase gastric acidity and irritation. Eliminate spices, fried and greasy foods, chocolates, caffeinated and carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, tomatoes and peppermint.

Tip 3: Adopt good eating habits. A large heavy meal can overwhelm and overload the stomach. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent pressure build up.

Tip 4: Correct posture. After eating, maintain an upright position for at least an hour. Gravity keeps everything down and stationary with the stomach. To prevent nocturnal regurgitation, elevate the head of the bed at 45 degrees or in semi-fowler's position and lie down on the left-side of the body. Sleeping on the right side will displace the stomach from its anatomical position, causing compression and pressure.

Tip 5: Hydration. Drink moderate amounts of water. A glass or two after eating will do. Water helps neutralize acidity. Hydration also replaces lost fluids from vomiting. Don't over-do it though; the key here is to avoid bloating and pressure. Water should be at room temperature, as cold water may cause cramping.

Tip 6: Avoid Aspirin and NSAIDs. These medications are known to cause gastric irritation and stomach upsets.

Tip 7: Milk and Baking Soda. These are excellent natural remedies for acid reflux. Their alkalinities effectively neutralize gastric pH acidity. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Add non-acidic juice or honey to improve taste and smell.

Tip 8: Go natural with therapeutic herbs. Chamomile tea, Fennel seed tea, Licorice root, Chicory Root and Aloe vera juice provide anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that soothe, protect, relax and rejuvenate mucosal linings and smooth muscles. Some of these herbs also inhibit gastric acid production too.

Tip 9: The perfect dessert. Enjoy eating a fruit cocktail of apples, pineapple, papaya, grapefruit, and bananas. These delightful fruits contain proteolytic enzymes that mitigate mucosal inflammation and irritation. They also ease digestion as well.

Tip 10: The perfect snack. Cinnamon not only tastes great on bread, it also does wonders against acid reflux. It is a natural antacid. When you see a cinnamon bread, go grab one.

Tip 11: Apple cider vinegar has many uses against common ailments. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy against heartburn as it contains tartaric and malic acids which accelerate protein and fat digestion which then hastens gastric emptying. This action prevents food from retreating back into the esophagus too soon. Mixing two tablespoons of this wonder vinegar in a glass of warm water inhibits gastric acid production. Drink it with or after meals.

Tip 12: Almond nuts. Almonds contain abundant amounts of healthy, unsaturated fatty acids which provide a smooth protective coating. It is also rich in protein which speeds up soft tissue healing.

Following these natural remedies for acid reflux will help life better and less stressful. However, for pregnant women or those with hypertension and edema, some of these remedies may not be suitable for you. Before trying any of these natural regimens, it is highly recommended to consult first your physician.

For more on a holistic cure for acid reflux click here. Here you will find the best information on how to cure your heartburn better than anywhere else.

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