Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an irritating and sometimes painful condition where the stomach acid goes through the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. This can lead to the wearing down of esophageal tissue, cause a sore throat, as well as a burning, bad taste in the mouth and usually will not go away without some kind of treatment. You can naturally treat GERD by changing your eating, sleeping and exercise habits, and trying some herbal and natural supplements.
Eating Habits
By creating a basic diet to neutralize stomach acid, GERD can be controlled. Eating or drinking foods that are acidic, such as citric juice, coffee, tomatoes and spicy foods, can cause an increase of stomach acid and increase the chance your GERD will flare up. It is recommended to exchange those foods for ones that are not acidic in nature, like fruits (not including citric fruits) and vegetables (not including peppers, garlic or onions).
Sleeping Habits
GERD can flare up when you lie down or are trying to sleep because the position of the body enables the malfunctioning sphincter to open, allowing the stomach acid into the esophagus. The Heartburn Help website recommends allowing two to three hours to pass after eating before laying down and raising the head of the bed so that your head and chest are higher than your feet.
Exercise Habits
GERD can also flare up during exercise because of the increased movement of the muscles in the abdomen, which can force acid up into the esophagus. Heartburn Help suggests waiting at least two hours after eating before exercising and drinking plenty of water before and during exercise.
Herbal and Natural Supplements
Herbal and natural supplements can bring relief for the symptoms and neutralize the acid in the stomach. Aloe juice is a natural supplement which can be purchased flavored and only about a 1/2 cup is needed after each meal to reduce stomach acid. According to Health Central's expert on acid reflux and GERD, Jennifer Rackley, papaya enzymes and slippery elm bark, which is in some prescription remedies, can help. Some cures that work for occasional heartburn are not recommended for the chronic heartburn symptoms of GERD like peppermint and milk because they can cause the muscles of the sphincter to open up more rather than stay closed.
Tags: stomach acid, acid into, acid into esophagus, after eating, after eating before, during exercise, eating before
