Acid Reflux Natural Remedies
I wanted to find out about some natural options pertaining to getting acid of reflux problems. So, I proceeded to go to the internet to do some study. I found that there are many natural remedies that have proven effective for controlling acid reflux, but much to my surprise, the overwhelming preference happens to be using apple cider vinegar.
My initial reaction was that this did not make much sense as a treatment solution. If vinegar is an acid, then how is that going to improve a problem called heartburn, and that is coming from acid reflux as a cause? Isn’t the aim to get rid of the acid, instead of increasing it?
There are a variety of hypotheses as to why the acid in apple cider vinegar is the most effective natural remedy for acid reflux. The LES or lower esophageal sphincter, which is a valve at the entry to your stomach is intended to close and not allow acid from moving up into your esophagus, is actually pH sensitive. So, when it detects acid, it closes to protect the esophagus from the acid reflux. As it turns out, some people who have heartburn actually don’t have enough digestive acid instead of having an excessive amount. Therefore, the additional acid from apple cider vinegar actually helps in keeping the LES closed.
Another point of view is based on the type of acid that is inside the stomach. Since stomach acid happens to be hydrochloric acid, and vinegar is acetic acid, which is a weaker acid, it is believed that the combination will reduce the total acidity. If this theory is correct, then your stomach can still digest what has been eaten, but it can do so without making the excess acid that leads to acid reflux and heartburn.
Note: if you use apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for acid reflux, it was recommended to combine 2 or 3 teaspoons in an 8 ounce glass of water, and then drink it prior to meals or whenever you have heartburn problems.
Another natural remedy for acid reflux problems that was endorsed is baking soda; you can try using this by combining one tablespoon in a glass of water. Now this made sense. Considering that baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, this could have a pH balancing effect that could be useful for helping to counteract the acid content inside of the stomach. However, what if the principle for using apple cider vinegar as a treatment solution is valid? Then, in the event that an individual actually doesn’t have enough stomach acid instead of too much, then choosing to use baking soda would actually reduce the acid further.
Also note that baking soda is extremely high in sodium content. As result, this could very well turn into a problem from using an excessive amount and/or with prolonged use for someone with high blood pressure. If you are going to use baking soda as an acid reflux natural remedy, there are a couple of additional things to be aware of – do not drink the baking soda mixture until it is completely dissolved, and don’t make use of this remedy in the event that you are already very full from drinking or eating.
There are a number of other natural treatments which could be tried, but apple cider vinegar and baking soda, or even a combination of these two, seemed to be of what was the most beneficial. Just keep in mind that even though a natural remedy may not be a drug or medicine, it is still being consumed internally. Thus, it could have side effects or cause interaction problems with different medicines that you are currently taking. So, if you aren’t going to consult with your doctor, at the minimum check with a pharmacist.
This wouldn’t be considered a natural remedy like apple cider vinegar or baking soda, but when in comparison to those or to medications prescribed to control acid reflux and heartburn problems, what could be more natural than changing your life style for a remedy?
I am a chronic acid reflux and heartburn sufferer. I have been taking Nexium for many years. And regardless, there were still days where I have needed to take tums along with that – I have chewed so many tums that I actually have chipped teeth from them. As well, I also let myself get overweight, and not only was I eating too much, I was also eating too many of the acid reflux trigger foods. I have never had a drinking problem, but when we would go out on the weekend, I would have red wine. Alcohol is bad enough for acid reflux, but red wine has been said to be one of the worst.
No, it was never my intentions to get acid reflux disease on purpose. But is it any wonder that someone would have acid reflux problems and heartburn with that life style, coupled with the other related problems from being overweight and out of shape?
Then one day a couple of years ago I had horrible chest pain, and had to go to the hospital in an ambulance. My claim to fame is that the emergency room doctor told me that my 203 heart rate was the highest that he had ever seen from someone who was still conscious. He also told me that I was obese – but I am 6 feet tall and only weighed 225 pounds, and next time I very well might not make it.
I have lost 50 pounds, workout most every day, and have done this for the last 2 years. I eat very ‘properly’, and also try to avoid the foods on the acid reflux ‘bad list’. And surprise surprise, I now have hardly any acid reflux problems.
So, if I was suggesting something that I would view as being a natural treatment for acid reflux disease, it would have to start with making life style changes, and stopping the things that can be controlled that are contributing to the acid reflux and heartburn problems.
