Heartburn and Acid Reflux

People who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn experience a painful burning sensation in the throat and a sore taste in their mouth. Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid moving up through the gastrointestinal system into the esophagus, disturbing soft tissues. While most people will experience mild and temporary heartburn at some point, the persistent heartburn that accompanies acid reflux can be hard to live with. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to deal with this painful condition.

Natural Supplements

One home-remedy for heartburn that many people have success with is apple cider vinegar. While it may seem crazy to combat too much stomach acid with another acid, apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that stimulate digestion. Consuming a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before meals can help encourage proper digestion, reducing heartburn. If it?s too late to avoid heartburn, aloe vera juice can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe vera juice twenty minutes before a meal can also help prevent against future problems.

Other common supplements to help reduce painful heartburn and acid reflux symptoms include ginger, mint, and licorice. Ginger can be grated into foods or steeped into tea. In addition to relaxing the stomach and intestines, ginger may help reduce feelings of nausea. Mint has similar properties. Again, mint may be added to food or steeped into tea. This powerful herb helps calm the stomach and has analgesic effects that may soothe a sore gastrointestinal system. Finally, licorice can also help to reduce heartburn. It is believe that licorice reduces inflammation and the development of bacteria. These food items are all available at the grocery, ensuring their safety for those who choose to utilize them as part of their treatment plan.

Nutrition and Fiber

Nutrition and eating play a major role in heartburn and acid reflux. Certain foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and vegetables, and foods high in fat, are known to exacerbate problems with excess acid production. As such, these foods should be avoided. Instead, a diet of whole foods, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins, should be consumed. It is also important to consume plenty of fiber. Fiber is a neutral substance that does not cause the stomach to form acid. Additionally, fiber is known to regulate the digestive system, improving overall health.

While what is eaten is very important, is also important to consider how it is eaten. Most people eat three large meals a day. However, this can lead to stomach distension and increased acid production, causing more heartburn. Most doctors recommend that people who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux consume many small meals a day. This prevents the stomach from getting too full and allows it completely empty before adding more food.

While heartburn and acid reflux can be hard to live with, there are many natural ways to avoid that burning sensation in the throat. For more natural acid reflux remedies, download The Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

A sore throat is one of the most uncomfortable things to deal with. It can alter how you speak and even what you eat and drink. Most people relate a sore throat to having a cold or even the flu. But these aren’t the only ways that you can end up with a sore throat. Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can contribute to developing a sore throat. GERD can be caused by several different conditions.

Causes of GERD

To treat a sore throat that is caused by GERD, you need to concentrate on the root cause of GERD.

• A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can be the main cause of your GERD and sore throat. The (LES) is the diaphragm muscle between the esophagus and stomach that allows food to enter the stomach after it is chewed and swallowed. Once the food goes into the stomach for digestions, the LES is supposed to close. A weak LES doesn’t close properly and can permit stomach acid to leave the stomach and go into the esophagus.
• Other medical conditions can promote GERD or persistent acid reflux. Being pregnant or obese may cause your stomach and intestines to move and compress because of the growing fetus. Shifts in the stomach organ can cause gastric acid to escape into the esophagus.

Symptoms of GERD

A sore throat is one of the symptoms of GERD. It can actually be considered as a symptom of another symptom as well.

• Heartburn is the primary symptom of GERD. Heartburn occurs when the acid from your stomach refluxes up to your esophagus and your throat, causing intense irritation, a burning sensation and tissue damage. Tissue damage in the throat will cause soreness.
• Regurgitation is another symptom of GERD. Regurgitation happens when food and gastric acid is brought up to the esophagus and even into the mouth. This can cause discomfort and a foul odor in the oral cavity. This may contribute to a sore throat.
• Other less common symptoms include nausea, chest pain and abdominal discomfort.

Treatment for GERD and Sore Throat

A typical sore throat requires that you rest your voice, gargle or eat throat lozenges for relief. These methods don’t address the underlying cause—GERD. There are several treatment methods for GERD that can eliminate your sore throat as well.

• Change your diet to include less fatty foods.
• Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can exacerbate GERD.
• Don’t eat right before bed. This can increase the production of stomach acid at a time when you lay down. Being in a horizontal position can encourage stomach acid to breach your LES.
• Balance the amount of alkaline and acid forming foods in your daily diet.
• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen is found in several over-the-counter medications like Advil.

The Reflux Remedy Report contains more information on the symptoms of GERD sore throat and can assist you in determining your risk level. Log on to refluxremedy.com to view additional tips and methods of treating these symptoms.