Reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not do its job well. This muscle is supposed to block stomach acid from going where it does not belong, in the esophagus. The LES should allow food to leave the esophagus by contracting to open, and then contract to close tightly right after. Acid in your esophagus can be damaging. The esophagus will become inflamed and irritated. Constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and even cancer of the esophagus.

Heartburn is a likely symptom that you will have if you have reflux. Dysphaia, or difficulty swallowing, will make eating foods unpleasant because of the feeling that food is stuck in your throat. Another symptom of reflux is regurgitation. This happens when food and acid is brought up to the mouth from the stomach, giving your mouth a nasty sour taste. Other symptoms like nausea and chest pain can occur but are less common.

If you have reflux there are several steps you can take to treat this disease. Some holistic remedies can discourage reflux from occurring or treat symptoms that have already been experienced. Natural remedies are the safest line of defense against reflux, GERD, and many other physical ailments.

• Aloe has many healing properties. When juiced and consumed, liquid aloe can reduce reflux symptoms. Aloe juice is a neutralizing force in the stomach and decreases irritation in the esophagus.
• Water can neutralize stomach acid too. Water dilutes gastric acid and makes it less acidic and corrosive. Drinking water before and after a meal is a great way to minimize the acidity of acid produced to digest that specific meal.
• Papaya enzymes are great for digestion. These enzymes assist the body with digesting foods naturally, therefore telling the body that a smaller amount of gastric acid should be generated to digest that meal.
• Ginger has multiple purposes and is a great remedy for reflux. Drink ginger tea or eat ginger root to calm your stomach when you have dysphagia or nausea. A settled stomach will reduce your discomfort.
• Eat meals several hours before you plan to go to sleep. Eating before bed is a bad idea. When you put food in your mouth and chew, the body begins to make gastric acid in preparation for digestion. Eating, then lying down for bed encourages the newly produced acid to slip by the loosened LES.
• Try eating smaller meals. Instead of eating three large meals per day, eat five smaller meals. Large amounts of food put stress on the stomach and increases stomach acid production. The presence of a lot of stomach acid can contribute to reflux.
• Eat foods that are right for you. Your body may react negatively to certain foods and cause acid to reflux. The most common food triggers for reflux are caffeine, garlic and onion. Reducing the amount of alcohol you digest can reduce reflux too.

These are just a few of the ways that you can treat reflux. For more information on these and other treatments and remedies, visit www.refluxremedy.com.

Acid reflux – a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus – is a growing problem.? With the number of acid reflux sufferers on the rise, many people are searching for a more natural solution to frequent heartburn.? Taking medication every day for the rest of their lives is not appealing to some, so here are some things that may help relieve frequent heartburn in a more holistic way.

Chewing gum encourages you to swallow.? The excess saliva in your stomach acts as water flushing things through your system, not allowing pressure to build and backups to occur.

Apple cider vinegar can be used during a heartburn attack or to help prevent one.? If heartburn has already settled in, try 2 to 3 tablespoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar.? Or dilute the same amount in warm water about 20 minutes before eating to help prevent the onset of heartburn.

Aloe Vera juice may also help.? It has been widely used in Europe for years as an agent that soothes heartburn.? Try drinking about a quarter of a cup before meals to prevent reflux.? However, use caution.? If you own an aloe plant, do not consume the gel inside the leaves.? They contain a powerful laxative.? Only buy Aloe Vera juice, meant for drinking.

Ginger is a powerful digestive aid that’s been used for centuries to settle an upset stomach.? It can help with everything from sea sickness to heartburn.? In pill form, 1 to 2 pills taken 20 minutes before eating may help.? You can also consume it in tea or candied form if you prefer.

An amino acid called glutamine may also help in the long term.? It promotes healing and disposes of damaged cells in the esophagus, helping repair damage and prevent further episodes of reflux.

Chamomile or fennel tea has also been found to help soothe heartburn.? However, to be effective it should be sipped at a warm temperature, not drank too quickly when very hot.

Papaya enzymes may help some people, however those with latex allergies should use caution as a similar reaction has happened in a few people.? Papaya contains digestive enzymes that help break down food.

The natural oils found in almonds have also been found to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux.? Try a handful after meals, chewed completely, to help soothe heartburn.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!? Some people have found with just a few slices of apple heartburn symptoms can be alleviated.

Unflavored yogurt contains helpful bacteria that have been shown to tighten stomach walls, preventing acid from getting where it doesn’t belong.

If all else fails, drink a glass of water.? The liquid will help dilute the stomach contents and flush irritants through the system.

For more natural remedies, read our Reflux Remedy Report.

There are many people who suffer from heartburn – a painful, burning sensation that radiates from the upper chest and can make it all the way to the throat. While there are several medicinal options to treat the problem there are also a number of simple and natural ways to eliminate heartburn.

1. A glass of water helps dilute the contents of the stomach and push them through. This eliminates the opportunity for pressure to build and extra acid to be produced.
2. Ginger has long since been a treatment for stomach problems. Heartburn is no exception. It can be found in pills, candied or tea. All three forms help to prevent and alleviate heartburn.
3. Slippery Elm, once a popular remedy for sore throats, is now being shown to help heartburn sufferers. Though it’s not been proven to be scientifically beneficial, and has not been tested in pregnant women, it may help coat the esophagus.
4. Chewing gum promotes saliva production, which acts as water to dilute and flush out the stomach contents.
5. An amino acid called glutamine can also help. It disposes of damaged cells in the esophagus and promotes healing.
6. The oils found in a handful of almonds may relieve reflux in some sufferers.
7. Aloe Vera juice – not to be confused with aloe vera gel found in some household plants – can help prevent heartburn when consumed before meals. It’s important to distinguish between juice and gel, as the gel acts as a laxative when consumed. Be sure to use caution and find aloe vera juice that is labeled for consumption.
8. An enzyme that aids in digestion and helps prevent pressure and acid build up can be found in papaya.
9. Apples have been said to help soothe heartburn and some people even found relief after just a few slices.
10. Drinking a glass of milk may help, but don’t drink too much. Milk will help absorb acids, but it also has fats that can cause acid buildup.
11. Try to avoid heartburn triggers. Common ones include garlic, onion, caffeine, alcohol, and citrus. Watch what you eat to find your specific triggers.
12. Don’t eat right before bed. Gravity keeps stomach acids down and lying down allows them to creep into the esophagus.
13. Eat less more often. Eating fewer, larger meals has been shown to put pressure on the stomach and result in excess acid production.
14. Don’t smoke. Smoking has been proven to cause heartburn.
15. Take steps to reduce stress. Something as simple as deep breathing or counting to 10 can help prevent the onset of heartburn.
16. Sleeping with a few pillows under your head helps keep your esophagus elevated and stomach acids where they belong.
17. Losing a few pounds may help relieve the pressure on the chest and stomach extra weight can add.

For more information on natural and holistic treatment ideas for heartburn, please see our Reflux Remedy Report.