Acid reflux, or as it is commonly known as heartburn, is a cause of stomach acids trying to creep into the oesophagus. The oesophagal sphincter which acts as a valve relaxes abnormally thus preventing the blockage of food and acid from entering into the oesophagus.
Symptoms of heartburn include the following:
- Experiencing sour and bitter tastes in the mouth
- A burning sensation emanating from behind the breastbone in your chest
- A burning pain that shoots up towards your oesophagal lining.
Heartburn may be triggered by various everyday practices such as smoking, excessive eating, lying down or sleeping after eating, And even due to anxiety or stress-related issues. Certain types of foods can also trigger acid reflux such as alcohol caffeine spicy food, citric food, peppermint, chocolate, soft drinks, and even products that contain a tomato base.
Acid reflux can be very unnerving, which is why few home remedies can come in handy at the time of heartburn:
- Eating ripe bananas Helps suppress the irritation caused by stomach acid touching the lining of your oesophagus. This potassium-rich fruit is alkaline when properly ripened however if the bananas are not adequately ripened, they can trigger acid reflux instead of subduing it.
- Chewing sugarless gum to elevate the production of saliva helps push the stomach acid down.
- Journaling your food intake to identify what triggers acid reflux for you is a very useful solution to prevent the problem altogether.
- Regulating your intake of food will also help prevent cases of acid reflux. Overeating or consuming large quantities of spicy food and fatty foods can cause constant episodes of heartburn.
- Avoid eating your meals too late in the night.
- Don’t eat before you exercise or just before you go to bed.
- Avoid eating your meals or snacks too quickly, which causes you to gulp air.
- Dress in clothing that does not apply pressure to your stomach region, thereby causing the abnormal placement of the valves, thus resulting in heartburn or acid reflux.
- If you have a problem with obesity or gaining weight too quickly, take measures to lose the excessive fats and work towards developing muscles with little exercise.
- Reducing your stress levels will also assist with controlling the effects of acid reflux. You can practice meditation before going to bed or make it a habit to take a few moments of peace and quiet during a stressful day.
- If you smoke, now would be a good time to stop to prevent any further heartburn.
- Opt for alternative sleeping positions that help relax your stomach instead of stimulating it. Ideally, it is good to sleep keeping your back straight or sleep on your left side if you or uncomfortable on your back.
In case you encounter an episode of acid reflux, opt for one of these home remedies for instant relief and practice the long-term remedies to prevent acid reflux in the first place.
