Acid reflux is also called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Acid reflux is caused when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus. Common symptoms associated with acid reflux include heartburn and regurgitation. Heartburn is a condition where discomfort or pain occurs in the breastbone that may rise to the throat.
Regurgitation is a symptom of GERD that causes a sore or bitter acid to flow up into the throat. Other symptoms of acid reflux include nausea, cough, chest pain, asthma, hoarseness, bloating, hiccups, burping, dental erosion, weight loss, and difficulty in swallowing.
Causes of Acid Reflux
There can be various causes of GERD. Some of these causes are:
- Hiatal hernia: Hiatal hernia is among common causes of acid reflux. It is a condition where stomach acid flows up into the esophagus and causes symptoms of acid reflux.
- Pregnancy: It may be among the causes of acid reflux but disappears after the baby is born. Pregnancy can cause accumulation of gastric acids that move back up to the esophagus.
- Peptic ulcers: Causes of GERD may include peptic ulcers and lack of sufficient digestive enzymes.
- Large meals: Eating large meals is among the causes of acid reflux. People who reduce the quantity of food in their meals have been observed to provide some relief from GERD.
- Other causes: Causes of GERD include excessive intake of alcohol, smoking, and obesity. Taking medications like ibuprofen and aspirin may also be the causes of GERD.
Treatments and Natural Remedies of Acid Reflux
Natural treatments and remedies help to cure heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. Some GERD treatments are as follows:
- Chewing gum is among the helpful treatments of GERD. Chewing gum after meals increases saliva production and reduces acid levels in the esophagus.
- Herbal tea is one of the natural remedies used for GERD treatments. It can be prepared using herbs like chamomile, fenugreek, and mint.
- Apple cider vinegar can be used for GERD treatments. Daily intake of one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar is recommended.
- Lemon juice can be used in the treatments. Drinking one cup of warm water and lemon juice can be effective.
- Consumption of juice prepared from aloe vera can be helpful as GERD treatments. Taking two ounces of this unprocessed juice daily is beneficial.
- Slippery elm herb is among useful treatments for GERD. It can be used in the form of a powder, as capsules, and lozenges.
- Taking an anti-reflux diet can be helpful treatments. The diet should not include spicy foods that may worsen the condition. Intake of coffee, chocolate, and acidic foods in the diet should also be avoided.
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