Updated: Jul 4, 2020
Acid reflux can happen to anyone, and most of the time, they hit you unexpectedly. But keep in mind that if you’re experiencing it more than twice a week, it may be something more serious, which is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). When that’s the case, heartburn is just one of many symptoms, along with coughing and chest pain.
The most common symptoms you will experience are heartburn—a burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up to your throat. And regurgitation—a sour or bitter-tasting acid coming up into your throat or mouth.
Most people also experience other symptoms of acid reflux disease such as bloating, bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting, burping, dysphagia, uncontrollable hiccups, nausea, unexpected weight loss, wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat.
Although standard medicine is the most common form of treatment, there are some natural remedies for acid reflux you can try to reduce the pain and get on with your day.
1. Baking Soda
When experiencing acid reflux, you can avoid the burning sensation in your stomach with a teaspoon of baking soda. It is because baking soda can easily neutralize stomach acid.
To make this solution, just mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda along with 8 ounces of water and then drink it all. Repeat as needed, but don’t exceed seven doses in a day and don’t do this for more than a week.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is known to be great for a lot of stomach ailments. It can be a remedy to common stomach ache, nausea, and chronic acid reflux.
To make the most out of this, simmer slices of ginger root in water for 30 minutes. Drink the tea before a meal to maximize its effects.
3. Chewing Gum
If acid reflux attacked you, say, outside of your home or somewhere public, the best way you can get some relief is by chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes. This is according to a study conducted by the Journal of Dental Research. Your saliva can help wash away any acid. So to increase the amount of your saliva, you can stimulate your salivary glands by chewing a piece of gum.
4. Chamomile Tea
You can easily balance the acidity levels in your stomach by drinking a cup of chamomile tea just 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. It is also known for its ability to reduce stress levels, which can help ease heartburn. You can efficiently purchase an instant chamomile tea or you can make a fresh one on your own.
To make this solution, just boil water, stir in chamomile petals and let them simmer for about 45 seconds. After that, you should strain them out and pour the tea into a mug, you can add honey or lemon depending on your taste.
5. Fruits
Not just any fruit, of course. You have to check which ones are good for acid reflux—like bananas, for example. They have natural antacid properties that counteract acid reflux. Eating a fully ripened banana each day can help reduce the discomfort of acid from coming back.
You can also try apples, which can prevent discomfort at night as well. Just slice up an apple and intake it a few hours before bedtime.
Here are other fruits you can try that can reduce instances of acid reflux:
* Honeydew
* Cantaloupe
* Watermelon
Here are the fruits to avoid that have high acidic content:
* Oranges
* Grapefruit
* Pineapple
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Although swallowing a small amount (about a teaspoon) of unprocessed apple cider vinegar mixed with water reduces the stomach acidity level for some people, it doesn’t work for everyone. But it’s always safe for you to try as long as you just use a small amount and the cider vinegar's diluted.
7. Licorice
It’s been tried and tested that licorice is effective to treat acid reflux. It is said to increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, aiding it resist the bothersome effects of stomach acid. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is available in pill or liquid form, so you can choose which you are comfortable to take.
8. Aloe Juice
Aloe juice is one of the easiest remedies to find because it is sold at most grocery stores. While aloe vera is known to be good for soothing skin sunburns, aloe juice can help soothe irritation caused by acid reflux.
If you get attacked by acid reflux more often than not, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of drinking ½ cup of aloe juice before meals to keep your stomach and esophagus under control.
9. Stop Smoking
This is one of the most important reasons why you should quit smoking. If you’re a chain smoker and you’ve noticed your acid reflux has gotten worse, the smoking will only aggravate your esophagus and make everything hurt more.
Common causes why people experience acid reflux are hiatal hernia—a stomach abnormality, eating large meals or lying down right after a meal, being overweight or obese, eating snacks near bedtime, intaking certain foods—such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods, drinking certain beverages—such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea, smoking, being pregnant, and taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications.
Lifestyle modifications may also be effective to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. If you’re overweight, you should try to make gradual changes to your diet and increase physical activity to relieve your heartburn. And it’s always best to make use of the natural remedies to avoid possible side effects.
To improve the quality of your life, you can simply change your dietary habits or the way you sleep can significantly reduce your symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux as well.
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