Alternative Medicine for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common symptom of GERD or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Syndrome where the acidic contents from the stomach reflux or moves back to the esophagus.



Regurgitation and heartburn are hallmark symptoms for acid reflux or GERD. When you eat something the esophagus moves the food to the stomach with the peristalsis movements.



Unlike esophagus, stomach is blessed with a mucus membrane which protects the stomach lining from the acidic contents and enzymes. Any malfunction of lower esophageal sphincter muscle can cause acidic contents to regurgitate in the esophagus; this can be due to impaired stomach function, abnormalities in the esophagus or hiatus hernia.



Many people suffering from acid reflux seek for some acid reflux alternative medicine like some home remedies, healthy diet and lifestyle changes besides the normal treatment. Listed below lifestyle modifications and alternative treatment for GERD can work well for those.

Acid Reflux Alternative Treatment

• Don’t treat your stomach as a dumping ground - Always eat food in moderation, never over eat even if it is your favorite food.
  
  
  
  This is because the stomach acid can easily be forced back to the esophagus when your belly is stuffed with food. Relax and chew each morsel thoroughly before gulping it down; avoid eating too fast.
• Smoking – Avoid smoking before or after eating as it affects the body’s ability to digest the food.
  
  
  
  Besides smoking can cause one to swallow air which in the digestive tract can form air pockets and add pressure on the food in stomach.
• Avoid foods that relaxes your LES - Mints, milk, beer, tomatoes, wine and other alcoholic beverages tends to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and thus can cause the acidic contents to flow back in the esophagus. Milk can provide a symptomatic relief, but the proteins, fats and calcium in milk tends to stimulate the stomach acid secretion and make matter worst.
  
  
  
  The best GERD alternative treatment is to identify the food which acts as a trigger for heart burn and avoid it.
• Position and clothing – Always sit straight while having any food, don’t eat any food in a declined position. Keep a minimum gap of 2-3 hours between your meal time and bed time and never lie down or bend immediately after having a meal. Preferably wear lose comfortable clothes; avoid wearing restrictive or tight clothes especially at the belly.
• Ginger – Another good acid reflux alternative treatment is adding some ginger in your diet. Ginger will not only help in the digestion process but will also prevent stomach upset and heart burn.