We’ve all been there, we’ve all felt it. The hot unpleasant, burning sensation creeping up your throat, sitting heavy on your chest. Acid reflux and heartburn are very common, and millions of people suffer from it. To experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD is really uncomfortable and can affect your lifestyle.
Acid reflux is a condition that is triggered when stomach acid flow backwards and up into the esophagus. The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn- pain in the chest that can sometimes feel like you’re getting a heart attack. Acid reflux and heartburn can be caused by the foods you eat particularly spicy, acidic or fatty foods.
So, what can you do when heartburn strikes? If you experience regular episodes of GERD, here are 7 solutions to remedy gnawing acid reflux and heartburn.
1. Chew on some gum
It may sound a bit odd but chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum can provide relief from acid reflux. Chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands which promotes the production of saliva, an acid buffer.
Chew some gum for 30 minutes after you eat- that would help the saliva wash away any acid down your esophagus.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or ACV is known to be an alkalizing food which balances the body’s pH level. ACV help boost the immune system, supports digestion and decreases the “bad” gut bacteria that cause acid reflux and heartburn.
Try using organic apple cider vinegar, especially with the mother. Down a mix of ACV mixed with water (always dilute ACV when you’re drinking it, 10:1 ratio). Try to hold it in your mouth for a couple of seconds before swallowing.
3. Don’t lie down after eating
It is also important to make some lifestyle changes to find relief from GERD. Don’t lie down right after eating a meal as it can put pressure on the esophagus. This would force the contents of your stomach to get pushed back up. Sitting upright would help keep the food down and digest better. Let the food digest properly before you go lounge on your couch or bed.
4. Eat the right fruits
Bananas, Apples and Papayas are the best bet when it comes to treating acid reflux. While citrus fruits are obviously bad for GERD, digestion promoting pectin’s found in some fruits gets a green flag to consume. pH-balancing tartaric and malic acid found in apples, the papain(an enzyme that dissolves carbs, speeds up the metabolism, treats constipation and decreases inflammation) found in papaya, and bananas, which coat the lining of the stomach to soothe it and have a natural antacid effect, are great for acid reflux.
Other fruits that can reduce the acid reflux & heartburn are watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew.
5. Eat sparingly
Don’t fill up your plate too much that would challenge your stomach to break down and digest the food. Eat smaller meals and frequently so that the stomach acid doesn’t bubble up its way up.
6. Ginger
Ginger is one of those ingredients that is loaded with health benefits and can also be used give relief from GERD. It is used to remedy digestive issues; wind down with a ginger tea or drink it before a meal to maximize its effects.
7. Sleep on an incline
To soothe the acid reflux and heartburn pain, try sleeping as upright as possible. Ideally, it is suggested to sleep on an incline of 6 to 8 inches higher than your feet. You can do this by stacking up pillows to give you that support.
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