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Natural Remedies To Treat GERD

By Debdatta Mazumder

Are you familiar with the term 'GERD'? GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a type of chronic digestive disease.

When, for any reason, the stomach acid returns to the food pipe or oesophagus, you can feel an acidic reflux or inflammation and heartburn. This is known as GERD.

Also Read: Fruits You Should Eat Everyday

As remedies to treat GERD, you usually rely on antacids. But, having these without doctor's consent is not the right thing to do. You should know the symptoms of acidic reflux and also the causes for it.

Before discussing about the home remedies for GERD, know about the symptoms of GERD. You may feel a burning sensation in your chest and throat and also face a sour taste in your mouth.

Other than that, you can also suffer from chest pain, dry cough, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, etc. If you face other problems than chest pain, often home remedies for GERD can be very helpful for you in treating the condition.

But, if there is chest pain and shortness of breath; you should immediately consult a doctor, as those can be the signs of heart attack as well.

Also Read: Ayurvedic Remedies To Cure Chronic Gastritis

So, what are the easy remedies to treat GERD? There are several remedies, but you should know whether these might suit you or not.

For example, cold milk is known to provide relief from acidic reflux. But, to people who have problems in digesting milk itself, this remedy won't be of any help. So, here are certain home remedies for the treatment of GERD. Read on to know more.

1. Baking Soda:

1. Baking Soda:

As the pH is higher than 7.0 in baking soda, it keeps the balance of stomach acid and reduces its effect on your body. Take a glass of water and add ½ a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Drink the whole mixture. Never exceed the quantity of baking soda.

2. Sugar-free Gum:

2. Sugar-free Gum:

According to a famous international study, it has been proved that people who have taken sugar-free chewing gum have got relief from the common symptoms of GERD. Pop in a sugar-free chewing gum after your meal and within 30 minutes, as it will help.

3. Aloe Vera Juice:

3. Aloe Vera Juice:

So far, you have known that aloe juice is good for skin and hair. Did you know that this is one of the best remedies to treat GERD? Half a cup of aloe juice before meals can soothe your irritation and inflammation.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar:

4. Apple Cider Vinegar:

You may get confused as to how acidic ACV can cure acid reflux, right? Actually, you can suffer from it if your stomach can't produce enough acid. Take a glass of water (almost 8 ounces) and mix 1 tbsp of ACV to it. Have it every day before dinner. Repeat this process for 2-3 days and you will get a positive result.

5. Banana/Apple:

5. Banana/Apple:

Banana contains natural antacids. So, instead of going in for a self-diagnosis with medicines, have a ripe banana every day. You can also have an apple every day before going to bed to get rid of all the acidic discomfort.

6. Ginger Tea:

6. Ginger Tea:

This remedy always acts as an acidic buffer. You need to slice up some ginger and steep it in water. Strain it well and drink the tea before having any meal. It will soothe your stomach and you can get rid of nausea and dry cough due to GERD.

7. Avoid Smoking & Drinking:

7. Avoid Smoking & Drinking:

As nicotene and alcohol can make your digestive power weaker, you should avoid these habits at once. Both of these make acid splash up inside your oesophagus and irritate your stomach. If you are aiming for remedies to treat GERD, follow this one.

8. Set Good Eating Habits:

8. Set Good Eating Habits:

This is one of the best known remedies to treat GERD. You should not fill your mouth with lots of food. Eat slowly and chew well and then swallow. Avoid foods that trigger acid reflux and drink enough water.

Story first published: Tuesday, August 2, 2016, 16:52 [IST]
Read more about: stomach acidity