GERD Remedies

Here is a list of GERD remedies. But what is GERD? What are the common GERD symptoms? What are the causes of GERD?

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. It also sometimes affects the larynx and lungs. The inflammation is possibly due the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES to function properly. When this happens, stomach acid and even bile refluxes or flows back up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Some other GERD causes may include obesity, smoking and certain foods such as citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol and tomato based foods. Doctors believed that GERD is also one of the triggers of asthma. If gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux is not treated, it will cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and can lead to lung damage, ulcers in the esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Heartburn, pyrosis or acid indigestion is the most common symptom of GERD which shows up as a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth. Other GERD symptoms include feeling like there is a lump in the throat, dry cough, having difficulty swallowing and sore throat. These symptoms of GERD usually occur at least twice in a week.

GERD remedies No. 1 - Apple cider vinegar

Raw, unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar with the "mother" which is made through the fermentation of crushed apples contains many nutrients and also acetic acid. Drinking a glass of water that has been added with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at least twice a day may help prevent acid reflux. The logic behind it is that the presence of the acetic acid in the stomach causes the LES to remain closed because it senses that there is sufficient acid in the stomach and has to prevent it from flowing back to the esophagus.

GERD remedies No. 2 - Herbs and natural remedies for GERD

1. Cayenne pepper contains capsicum annuum and has anti inflammatory activities. Drinking a cup of cayenne tea regularly by adding between ½ to a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of warm water is helpful as treatment for GERD. Cayenne extract is also available in capsules. There are many secondary benefits of taking cayenne supplement and one of them is it benefits the heart.
   
   
   
2. Ginger root has anti inflammatory and sedative properties. Drinking ginger juice or chewing thin slices of ginger root for about two weeks may help treat acid reflux. Another option is to take ginger capsules as a supplement.
   
   
   
3. Taking licorice root extract with the glycyrrhizin removed before meals has shown to reduce the symptoms of GERD. The compounds in licorice produce anti inflammatory activities. It is also one of the herbs that are used as a natural remedy for asthma for its expectorant and demulcent properties.
   
   
   
4. Slippery elm and marshmallow root contain high amount of mucilage. The mucilage helps form a layer on the lining of the esophagus to soothe the inflammation. If either one of the herbal extract is taken regularly it will help protect the lining of the esophagus from damage.
   
   
   
5. Aloe vera juice is another popular herb used as a treatment of gerd. Aloe vera is also used as a remedy to treat all kinds of stomach inflammation. Regular intake may also help prevent or treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
   
   
   
6. Chamomile produces antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and carminative effects. You can make chamomile flower tea and drink it regularly or take chamomile extract available in capsules. Chamomile is also used as a natural remedy for asthma.

GERD remedies No. 3 - Natural alternatives to heal gerd

It may seem illogical to some people but there is a possibility that gastroesophageal reflux disease is the result of an underlying emotional issue such as anger that is bottled up and isn't released. One of the alternative therapies that might help is using emotional freedom technique or EFT tapping. Other alternative therapies that might also help as natural GERD treatment are acupuncture and deep relaxation technique. Self-hypnosis or guided meditation is also helpful for pain relief.

GERD remedies No. 4 - GERD diet

If you suffer from frequent heartburn or acid reflux, you should monitor and take note of your diet or the foods that you eat. The triggers that cause your gastroesophageal reflux may differ from another person. But the common ones are alcohol, beverages with caffeine, chocolate, coffee, fried and fatty foods, mints, tomato and lemon juice.

A healthy diet for GERD is one that comprises of vegetable such as broccoli, carrots and cabbage, soy based cheese, chicken breast, lean ground beef and fish. Fruits such as apples, bananas, whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat flour are also healthy GERD foods. It is also important to stay hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

GERD remedies No. 5 - Lifestyle changes

1. If you are overweighed, you must lose the excess pounds by eating less fattening foods and doing aerobic and strength training exercises regularly.
   
   
   
2. Eat your dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime and when you sleep elevate your head about 6 to 8 inches to avoid the acid from moving back to your esophagus. Avoid sleeping on your back and try to sleep on your left side instead of the right. After eating avoid lying down.
   
   
   
3. Smoking is one of the causes of the malfunction of the LES or lower esophageal sphincter so you must quit if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease.
   
   
   
4. Until the symptoms are gone, avoid wearing tight fitting clothing around your waist to avoid putting pressure around on your abdomen and LES.

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