Acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which happens when stomach acid enters your esophagus and causes irritation. This article teaches you effective home remedies for treating acid reflux and when to see a doctor.
Remedies for Acid Reflux
These are some remedies you can try at home to minimize symptoms and prevent acid reflux:
Avoid Overeating
Your food commonly causes acid reflux, so focusing on your diet can reduce symptoms. You can start by avoiding overeating, as research shows most symptoms occur after a meal.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Multiple studies have linked alcohol consumption with increased stomach acid, which can promote acid reflux symptoms, even in healthy individuals. As such, limiting your alcohol intake can prevent acid reflux and heartburn.
Eat High-fiber Foods
High-fiber meals can help you reduce and avoid acid reflux symptoms. It would help if you tried eating whole grains, green vegetables like broccoli, and root vegetables like carrots and beets. Other excellent options include nuts and fruits with high water content, such as watermelon.
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
In addition to reducing your alcohol intake and avoiding overeating, you also need to stay away from acidic food and drinks that can make your symptoms worse. These include:
● Citrus fruit juice
● Fried food
● Tomato sauce
● Coffee
● Chocolate
Avoid Tight Clothing
Wearing tight clothing like a belt or restraining pants around your stomach area can lead to acid reflux symptoms. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid increased pressure on your abdomen.
Don’t Eat Before Bed
You can stop acid reflux from affecting your sleep by avoiding eating at least three hours before bedtime. Studies have also shown that individuals who eat closer to bedtime experience increased GERD symptoms.
When To See a Doctor
Sometimes, home remedies might not be effective enough to reduce your symptoms, or you might be experiencing signs of a more serious condition. If you experience severe heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms constantly, consult your doctor about medication that can help you manage your symptoms.
Sometimes, acid reflux could result in esophageal damage that requires further treatment. Your doctor may also order an upper endoscopy or chest exam to check things out further and evaluate the extent of the damage.
Conclusion
You can treat acid reflux at home by avoiding overeating, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating high-fiber foods. However, you should see your doctor if these symptoms are not effective.
