Acid Reflux and Sore Throat

Millions of adults and children suffer from sore throat caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux, also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused by certain foods and drink that tend to stimulate excess stomach acids. Most sufferers reach for over-the-counter or prescription medications that offer temporary relief that only mask the symptoms rather than cure the condition. There are natural, holistic cures that offer permanent relief from acid reflux disease that we will discuss in this article.

What is acid reflux?

The digestive system is a complex combination of processes that is used every day to break down food to be used by the body for nourishment. Food and drink enters the mouth, passes through the esophagus to the stomach where food is broken down to nourish the body with the help of stomach acids and pepsin.

How does acid reflux cause sore throat?

Some spicy or acidic foods can cause excess gas in the stomach to the point that the esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps food from traveling back up the esophagus, is opened and stomach acid is allowed back into the esophagus. These acids may reach the throat causing a sour taste and a sore throat. There is also a burning sensation in the chest area that has been mistaken for a heart attack.

Natural remedies for acid reflux

Certain foods should be avoided to reduce the occurrence or eliminate acid reflux. Spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juices, caffeine, garlic, onions, peppermint, chocolate and alcoholic beverages are known to cause acid reflux. Even vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts can trigger acid reflux.

Drinking the right amount of water daily keeps the body hydrated and aids the digestive system. Adequate water intake maintains stomach acids at the proper level. The correct amount of water is half of the body weight in ounces. For instance, if a person weighs 200 pounds then the correct amount of water to drink is 100 ounces per day.

Avoid late evening or night eating so that food is digested before going to bed. Use gravity by elevating the head so that stomach acids will not enter the esophagus. When food portions are reduced the stomach is allowed to empty quicker and the amount of stomach acids is kept at normal levels.

Milk helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux as do apple cider vinegar. Ginger has been found to reduce acid reflux.

Relief for sore throat

Sore throat is a common symptom of acid reflux. Gargling with warm salt water 3 to 4 times a day is one of the most common natural cures for sore throat pain. Decaffeinated tea with honey works well to alleviate a sore throat. Sucking candy or taking natural lozenges can also relieve a sore throat.

There are many natural ways to beat acid reflux and sore throat that are better than expensive medications or surgery. These suggestions and others found in the ?Reflux Remedy Report? can take you to a life free from acid reflux. Feel free to download this report at refluxremedy.com today.