Heartburn sensation is something that every individual experience in their lifetime. The reason behind the occurrence is due to acid reflux. Acid reflux is an illness caused due to the situation where the acids developed in the stomach get back into the esophagus.
The esophagus is the coupling tube between the mouth and the stomach. Furthermore, at the beginning of the stomach, there is a muscular region called as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that acts as the valve. When the valve does not function appropriately, the acids developed in the stomach head back into the esophagus, causing irritation that ultimately leads to heartburn. If neglected, acid reflux turns into a severe problem that could damage the entire esophagus.
What Can I Do For Acid Reflux?
A simple change in lifestyle and food habits are all that you need to do to overcome the situation of acid reflux. In some cases, you may require medication for given period to make the necessary adjustments. Given below are a few remedies that you can follow to ensure that you can quickly overcome acid reflux with ease.
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Using Baking Soda
A teaspoon of baking soda is all you need to reduce the burning sensation caused by acid reflux. Commonly known as sodium bicarbonate, it has a pH content of 7.0 and higher, making it the perfect choice to neutralize stomach acid.
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Using Aloe Juice
Aloe plant is helpful in soothing burns such as sunburn. However, it is also capable of reducing the inflammation within the body. It means that when you are experiencing chest pain or the acid reflux, a nice glass of aloe juice is all you need to calm down the stomach. It is preferable to consume it before to ensure that the stomach releases the required quantity of acids that do not cause any irritation.
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Chew Gum
According to a study by Dental Research, people suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux disease showed improvement and aid by chewing sugar-free gum after consuming a meal for 30 minutes. The reason is that chewing activates the salivary glands, which helps in increasing the flow of saliva. Due to this, dilution occurs in the gut and clears out at a faster pace. The same principle is useful for reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.
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Chin Up
Symptoms of acid reflux increases at night due to the fact that you are lying down. As gravity is acting against your normal position, it is easy for the acids from the stomach to go back into the esophagus. To prevent this action, you can elevate your head at least six inches by placing pillows. Additionally, ensure that you do not sleep right away after a meal. Maintain at least a gap of two hours to allow the digestive system to function appropriately and no lying down even during this period.
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Food Practices
Food practices play a critical role in showing the symptoms of acid reflux. Keep an eye on how you are eating the food. It is crucial to take smaller bites, chew it thoroughly, and with mouth closed to prevent suction of air. At the same instance, it is also imperative to maintain a diet where you would be avoiding certain foods that trigger acid reflux. Consuming smaller meals than a large meal is preferable.
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Apple or Banana
Bananas are rich sources of antacids. It is the simplest home remedy that you will find for acid reflux. The same goes with the apple. Consuming it a couple of hours before heading to the bedtime will be helpful in preventing discomfort caused by acid flux after eating your dinner.
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