Acid Reflux/Heartburn Help

ByKammie
Acid Reflux Help (Heartburn)
Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat and stomach. At the entrance to your stomach is a muscle ring or valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn’t close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus, causing a burning chest pain called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease.
Causes:
  • Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
  • Snacking too close to bedtime
  • Eating certain foods (chocolate, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods)
  • Drinking certain beverages (such as alcohol, carbonated or caffeinated drinks, coffee, or tea)
  • Smoking
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain Medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, or blood pressure meds)
  • Hiatal Hernia (a condition in which the top of your stomach protrudes above the diaphragm muscle in your chest)
Symptoms:
During an episode of acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth or feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn)
  • difficulty swallowing / sore throat
  • coughing or wheezing
  • chest pain — especially while lying down
  • post meal pain
  • excessive saliva
Natural Help:
  • Avoid trigger foods (such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate, and tomato base food)
  • Do not over eat (Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day) 
  • Stop smoking (nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Cigarettes also promote acid production in the stomach, so there’s more to pass through the sphincter in the first place.)
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Raise the head of your bed (Place blocks under the head of your bed to raise it at least 4-6 inches. Avoid raising your head by sleeping on two pillows, which can make reflux worse.)
  • Don’t eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down
  • Try sleeping in a chair for daytime naps or sleep on your side
  • Don’t wear tight clothes or tight belts
  • If you’re overweight or obese, take steps to lose weight with exercise and diet changes.
  • Also, ask your doctor whether any medication could be triggering your heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease.
  • Sugarless gum can help alleviate heartburn by increasing the production of saliva which, with its alkaline properties, helps neutralize acid. That can reduce the feeling of burn, though it doesn’t prevent the acid from entering the esophagus in the first place.
  • Practice a relaxation strategy. Stress and anxiety can worsen reflux symptoms.
  • Eat a diet rich in fiber – at least 40 grams a day – including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • Get regular exercise and Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Herbal Help:
Several herbs, including licorice root, slippery elm and tumeric, have been shown to help by creating a coating along the lining of the esophagus, essentially protecting it from acid.
  • Licorice Root (glycyrrhiza glabra)- Use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). DGL is a special licorice extract that provides specific support for sensitive gastrointestinal tissues. Slowly chew two tablets or take a half-teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Taper your dose down after your symptoms are under control.
  • Slippery Elm (ulmus rubra)- It is soothing and protective and leaves a mucous secretion or coating effect on the path of the digestive tracts and as a result to help treat any inflammation which may exist along the path of the digestive system. Use the inner bark powder (not the whole bark or tablet) and mix with water. Can put in milk or yogurt to make it more pleasant to swallow.
  • Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) -The chemicals in turmeric will help decrease swelling or inflammation. (Don’t confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria). (Turmeric can interfere with acid-reducing medications) Make a paste of 1 tsp raw turmeric (or powdered) Add to milk or water. Drink after dinner, before going to bed. Take for 3-4 weeks depending on the severity of the condition.
Essential Oil Help: *Please contact a Health Care Practitioner, trained in the safety and chemical understanding of essential oils and herbs, including the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmaceutical drug interactions BEFORE ingesting essential oils.
  • Place 1-2 drops Lemon on tongue, swish with saliva, and swallow. This “swishing” action with saliva is the first step to tell the stomach to stop producing acid.* (Lemon is alkaline in the body)
  • Prepare digestive system for food by adding 1-2 drops Lemon to water. Drink before and during meal, especially while dining out.*
  • Take 1-2 drops per la Digestion internally (Use capsules or place on tongue) Can also apply 2-3 drops on the abdomen, rubbing clockwise around naval 3 times. Mix with carrier oil for sensitive skin or children.*
  • Add 1-2 drops **Peppermint or per la Digestion with 1 tsp honey, mixed with warm water for a soothing herbal tea.*
  • Incorporate a Liver Cleanse each morning.
Digestive Recipe(Especially if Stress induced)
15 drops Coriander
10 drops Pink Grapefruit
5 drops Cypress
5 drops Lemon
Place 4-5 drops of blend onto the arch of the bottoms of the foot. Can even place over abdomen. Be sure to cup hands an inhale it.
**Some people have the opposite effect while using mints, because it relaxes the esophageal sphincter or valve. Pay attention to how your body reacts and use the other recommended essential oils if necessary.
Acid Reflux Help (Heartburn)
Acid reflux is when stomach acid moves back into the esophagus, which is the tube linking your throat to your stomach. Your stomach has a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This valve usually closes after food passes through. If the LES doesn’t close properly or opens too often, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus, causing heartburn. If this happens more than twice a week, it’s called acid reflux disease.Causes:
  • Eating large meals or lying down after eating
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Lying on your back or bending over after a heavy meal
  • Snacking close to bedtime
  • Eating certain foods (chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy or fatty foods)
  • Drinking alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
  • Smoking
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, blood pressure meds)
  • Hiatal hernia (stomach bulging above the diaphragm)
Symptoms:
  • Tasting regurgitated food or sour liquid
  • Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
  • Difficulty swallowing/sore throat
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Chest pain, especially when lying down
  • Pain after meals
  • Excessive saliva
Natural Help:
  • Avoid trigger foods (fried, fatty foods, chocolate, tomato-based foods)
  • Eat smaller meals more frequently
  • Quit smoking (nicotine relaxes the LES, allowing acid into the esophagus)
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Elevate the head of your bed (use blocks to raise it 4-6 inches)
  • Don’t eat 2-3 hours before lying down
  • Try napping in a chair or sleep on your side
  • Avoid tight clothes or belts
  • If overweight, aim to lose weight through diet and exercise
  • Ask your doctor if any meds could be causing heartburn
  • Chew sugarless gum to increase saliva, which can neutralize acid
  • Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
  • Eat a fiber-rich diet (at least 40 grams daily from whole grains, fruits, and veggies)
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of water
  • Get regular exercise
Herbal Help:
  • Licorice Root (glycyrrhiza glabra): Use DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Chew two tablets or take half a teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Reduce the dose after symptoms improve.
  • Slippery Elm (ulmus rubra): Soothes and coats the digestive tract. Use inner bark powder mixed with water. Can be added to milk or yogurt.
  • Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica): Reduces inflammation. Make a paste with 1 tsp raw turmeric (or powdered) and add to milk or water. Drink after dinner before bed for 3-4 weeks.
Essential Oil Help: Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
  • Place 1-2 drops of Lemon on your tongue, swish with saliva, and swallow. This tells the stomach to stop producing acid.
  • Add 1-2 drops of Lemon to water and drink before and during meals, especially when dining out.
  • Take 1-2 drops of Digestion blend internally (use capsules or place on the tongue). You can also apply 2-3 drops on the abdomen, rubbing clockwise around the navel. Dilute with carrier oil for sensitive skin or children.
  • Add 1-2 drops of Peppermint or Digestion blend with 1 tsp honey in warm water for a soothing tea.
  • Start each morning with a liver cleanse.
Digestive Recipe (For Stress-Induced Issues):
  • 15 drops Coriander
  • 10 drops Pink Grapefruit
  • 5 drops Cypress
  • 5 drops Lemon
Place 4-5 drops of this blend on the arch of your foot or over the abdomen. Inhale deeply.Note: Some people find mints relax the esophageal sphincter, worsening reflux. Pay attention to your body’s response and use other oils if necessary.

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Frequently Asked Questions

What foods help reduce acid reflux symptoms?

Certain foods can have soothing effects. Consider eating:
  • Bananas
  • Melons
  • Oatmeal
  • Yogurt
  • Green vegetables like broccoli and asparagus

Can drinking water help with acid reflux?

Yes, drinking water can dilute stomach acid and flush out toxins. Aim to drink a glass of water after meals.

Is apple cider vinegar effective for acid reflux?

Some people find relief using apple cider vinegar. Mix a teaspoon with a glass of water and drink before meals.

Are there herbs that can help with heartburn?

Herbs like ginger, chamomile, and licorice root may soothe the digestive tract. Drink them as teas for best results.

Does chewing gum relieve heartburn?

Chewing gum can increase saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Opt for sugar-free gum.

Can lifestyle changes help manage acid reflux?

Yes, consider these changes:
  • Eat smaller meals
  • Avoid lying down after eating
  • Elevate the head of your bed
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Is there a link between stress and acid reflux?

Stress can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation and exercise.

Are there specific drinks to avoid?

Avoid these drinks to reduce acid reflux:
  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Citrus juices

Can probiotics help with heartburn?

Probiotics may improve gut health and balance stomach acid levels. Consider taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt.

Is there a safe sleeping position for acid reflux?

Sleeping on your left side can help keep stomach acid in check. Elevate your head with extra pillows if needed.

Should I stop smoking to reduce acid reflux?

Yes, smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to acid reflux. Quitting smoking can reduce symptoms.

Are over-the-counter treatments effective for natural relief?

While OTC treatments can provide quick relief, they are not “natural.” Consult a healthcare provider for long-term management strategies.