How to Treat Acid Reflux at Home

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is a condition that affects the digestive tract. Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach are forced back up into the esophagus, due to a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES. The LES is a muscular valve that normally closes after food passes through, preventing the stomach acid from entering the esophagus. When the LES fails to close properly, stomach acid can reflux back up, causing an uncomfortable burning feeling in the chest. In some cases, it can also cause a sour taste in the mouth.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

There are several factors that can contribute to acid reflux, including: certain foods and drinks, obesity, smoking, lying down after eating, pregnancy, and certain medications. Stress can also be a contributing factor.

How to Treat Acid Reflux at Home

Fortunately, there are several ways to treat acid reflux at home. Here are some tips to help you find relief:

1. Change Your Diet

Certain foods can trigger acid reflux, such as spicy, fatty, and fried foods. Other common culprits include tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods are causing your symptoms. Once you’ve identified these trigger foods, you can avoid them or reduce your intake.

2. Avoid Eating Late at Night

Eating late at night can cause the stomach to produce more acid, which can then reflux back up into the esophagus. Eating smaller meals and avoiding late-night snacks can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

3. Lose Weight

Being overweight can put extra pressure on the LES, increasing the risk of acid reflux. To reduce your risk, try to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Elevate Your Bed

Sleeping with your head and upper body elevated can help keep stomach acid from entering the esophagus. You can purchase special bed risers to achieve this, or you can use pillows to prop up the head of your bed.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking can weaken the LES and irritate the esophagus, making acid reflux more likely. If you’re a smoker, quitting can help reduce your risk of acid reflux.

6. Try Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. These include taking ginger root, drinking chamomile tea, and consuming apple cider vinegar. You should talk to your doctor before trying any of these remedies.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe acid reflux, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help reduce your symptoms.

Conclusion

Acid reflux can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but there are ways to treat it at home. Making dietary changes, avoiding late-night meals, losing weight, quitting smoking, and elevating your bed can all help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. If your symptoms persist, you should talk to your doctor.