If you suffer from heartburn, did you know that there are many natural remedies you can try to get rid of the symptoms and prevent them? Natural remedies can be an excellent alternative or supplement to medication. Additionally, they can often be incorporated into your diet.
The following is a list of natural remedies for acid reflux. The remedies listed are in no particular order.
– Fresh banana – Bananas are a natural antacid. The ingredients in the banana help suppress acid secretion in the stomach. In addition, bananas coat and protect the stomach from acid, which helps prevent the development of gastric ulcers as well as the occurrence of ulcer damage. You can help prevent heartburn by eating a banana 30 minutes before or right after a meal. It is also beneficial to eat a banana when the first symptoms of heartburn appear. The most effective bananas are fresh yellow bananas. Overripe bananas don’t offer the same benefits.
Possible risks: Bananas are considered a safe fruit and have no known side effects; If side effects do occur, they are extremely rare and are likely to be related to an allergic reaction. However, bananas are high in tyramine and may cause a rise in blood pressure in people taking MOA inhibitors for depression, increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke. Bananas are also high in sugar. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
– Fresh pineapple – Fresh pineapple fruits are rich in enzymes, especially the enzyme bromelin. The enzymes in pineapple improve digestion, help reduce inflammation, and may speed up the healing process. It’s important to note that only fresh pineapple fruit provides this benefit. Bottled pineapple fruit or pineapple fruit juice can make your acid reflux worse. To reap the benefits of pineapple, eat a few pieces of the fresh fruit with your meal, after a meal, or when acid reflux symptoms first appear.
Possible risks: Pineapples are considered a safe fruit, but there are certain side effects to be aware of, including rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), skin sensitization, and uterine contractions. Pineapple should be eaten with caution if you are taking blood thinning medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin or other herbal supplements with the same blood thinning effects as bromeliads such as garlic, ginkgo or saw palmetto.
– Papaya – Papaya contains the natural enzyme papain, which helps the stomach to better digest proteins. As a result, the enzymes in papaya encourage the body to digest food faster, and the faster food is digested, the less chance there is of acid reflux. In addition, due to its digestive support, papaya helps important digestive functions continue to function while neutralizing stomach acid. Papaya can be eaten in small amounts during or after a meal and also when symptoms of acid reflux are occurring.
Possible risks: Eating raw or unripe papaya fruit may cause irritation, pain, or sores in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Papain can cause skin or mucous membrane irritation, especially if these areas already have wounds. Ingesting papain can also cause inflammation in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, papain may decrease the blood’s ability to clot after an injury and may impair the blood’s ability to clot when taken with medications such as anticoagulants and aspirin or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not eat papaya.
– Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps prevent and relieve acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn. ACV works by mimicking the acidity of the stomach, which helps you digest food properly. ACV can relieve the burning sensation of heartburn and even help relieve nausea. As a preventive measure, try taking apple cider vinegar before meals and during acute heartburn. Apple cider vinegar is available in tablet and liquid forms.
Possible risks: Apple cider vinegar is considered relatively safe, but possible side effects include indigestion, and when ingested in large amounts, apple cider vinegar can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
– Aloe vera juice – Aloe vera juice is extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant and is in gel form. Aloe juice has been celebrated for its healing properties for centuries. Regarding acid reflux, it is used to relieve and heal esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). It is believed that the healing properties of aloe vera juice come from pectin, found naturally in the leaves of the aloe plant, which stimulates growth hormone and promotes the formation of new cells. Aloe vera juice is usually mixed with tea or juice (avoid citrus) and taken after meals.
Possible risks: Aloe vera juice should be taken with caution as it is known to act as a powerful laxative. Long-term use of aloe vera or overdose can lead to fluid imbalance and loss of electrolytes (potassium, hematuria, and albuminuria). You should also not combine aloe with medications designed to flush water and potassium from the body, such as B. Diuretics.
– Active Manuka Honey – This is a type of honey that has been shown to be beneficial for acid reflux sufferers as it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Honey has the ability to coat the esophagus and protect it should acid reflux occur. Active manuka honey is also said to help heal esophagitis and protect the inflamed esophagus from further damage. Active Manuka Honey works best when taken before meals and at bedtime by spreading 1 teaspoon on bread (the bread allows the honey to reach the lower esophagus). It can also be taken after a meal and when symptoms of acid reflux are present in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Possible risks: Active Manuka honey is considered safe and has no common side effects; Side effects are extremely rare and are typically associated with an allergic reaction.
– Ginger root – Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine to relieve stomach discomfort and aid in digestion. Considered one of the purest of all natural remedies, it is known for its antimicrobial, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger helps increase mucus lining in the digestive tract, providing tissues with extra protection and acid protection. It has long been used in pregnancy to combat nausea. Ginger is usually taken in the form of a tea, but fresh ginger can also be added to foods or taken in the form of a dietary supplement. Ginger can be taken during and after meals to prevent and relieve acid reflux symptoms. Note: Tea should be drunk and drunk warm.
Possible risks: Ginger only seems to have side effects when ingested in extremely large amounts (e.g. 10 grams of fresh ginger or 4 grams of ginger powder). Side effects that can occur from taking too much ginger include heartburn, diarrhea, or burning or tingling in the mouth. Ginger is thought to interact with H2-receptor blockers and may interfere with their effectiveness. It should also not be taken with blood-thinning medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto.
– Chamomile – Chamomile is traditionally known for its calming and soothing properties. However, chamomile has the ability to aid in digestion, reduce stomach acid, and soothe irritation in the esophagus caused by acid reflux. This is due to its high calcium content. Usually taken in the form of a tea, chamomile can be consumed during and after meals, at bedtime, and to calm an attack of heartburn. Note: Tea should be drunk and drunk warm.
Possible risks: Chamomile’s only side effect appears to be vomiting, which only occurs at extremely high doses. Chamomile should not be taken with blood-thinning medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin, or other herbal supplements with the same blood-thinning effects as garlic, ginkgo, or saw palmetto, as bleeding may occur. Additionally, people who are allergic to daisies should avoid ingesting chamomile as it belongs to the daisy family.
All natural remedies should be taken according to the directions on the packaging or as directed by a qualified nutritionist, herbalist, or healthcare provider who has recommended the natural remedies to you.
If you find that you are allergic to any natural remedy, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to look out for include: a rash, itching, hives, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking medication for heartburn or any other medical condition, it is extremely important that you speak to your doctor first before attempting any natural remedy to make sure it is a safe option for you.
Remember that acid reflux is an individual condition that has many causes and can take many different forms. While a remedy may work for one person, it may not do anything for another or make their condition worse. Therefore, not all acid reflux sufferers will find relief with natural remedies.
However, you may need to experiment with different natural remedies that are safe for you based on your overall health and see if the effects are beneficial. If you find that the medicines are not working, or if symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking them and see your doctor to discuss other treatment options.
Thanks to Kathryn Whittaker
