Acid Reflux: Causes, Aggravators and Natural Remedies
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, is a condition in which acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus causing discomfort, and sometimes damage to the esophageal lining.
GERD Causes
- Hiatal hernia
- Weakened cardioesophageal sphincter
- Hypochlorydria or low stomach acid
- Hyperchlorhydria or excess stomach acid
- Food sensitivities
- Gut flora imbalance
- H pylori
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Overeating
Acid Reflux Potential Aggravators
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Greasy or fatty foods
- Spicy foods
- Tomatoes
- Milk
GERD Nutritional Recommendations
- Alkalinize the diet
- Ensure adequate complete protein, including some from vegetable sources
- Increase fibre intake
- Drink lots of filtered water
- Increase dark green leafy vegetables
- Avoid coffee, tea, caffeine, stimulants and carbonated beverages
- Avoid sugar, alcohol and artificial sweeteners
- Avoid common aggravates (listed above) as well as foods to which you are sensitive
- Avoid peppermint tea
- Avoid trans and hydrogenated fat
- Decrease refined and simple carbohydrates
Acid Reflux Supplements
- Probiotics
- Digestive enzymes
- HCl with meals
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamin B5
- Manganese
- Choline
- Lecithin
- Slippery Elm
- Marshmallow
Other Suggestions to Relieve Acid Reflux/GERD
- Warm water and lemon. Drink on an empty stomach 15 to 20 minutes before eating anything else.
- A tablespoon of baking soda in a half cup water.
- Apple cider vinegar. Many people believe all acid reflux and indigestion is caused by an overproduction of acid. The latest research shows may be lack acid.
- Chewing gum. Increases saliva production, which reduces acid levels in the esophagus.
- Sleep on your left side. Studies show that sleeping on your stomach or your right side causes undue pressure ion your intestines and increases GERD symptoms.