What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or what is known as acid reflux is a type of disease condition that can cause damage to the lining of our esophagus. GERD is described as the reflux of stomach content back to the esophagus instead of going down to the duodenum. Since stomach contents are acidic it can cause irritation to the lining of the esophagus which is not protected by a mucus barrier unlike our stomach. This in turn produces discomfort and pain. GERD begins to develop when food that is ingested is not properly digested. This happens when enzymes of gastric acid present in the stomach fails to break down food. Good thing is there are a lot of natural remedies to combat acid reflux.
Before enumerating the effective natural remedies for GERD, it is important to know the different symptoms produced by this disease condition:
- Heart burn
- Reflux of food from stomach to mouth
- Pain in the chest area
- Difficulty swallowing
- Asthma or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Erosion of teeth and gums
These are the most common symptoms that can occur if you have an acid reflux. Symptoms can worsen in time if they are not treated and managed properly.
To battle GERD, here are some effective and natural remedies that can reduce the symptoms if not prevent acid reflux. These are easy to do remedies and since they are natural, they are also very affordable.
- Drink at least 2 glasses of water after every meal. Increasing your oral fluid intake can dilute the acid that is in the stomach thereby decreasing its potency, lessening harm and irritation to the esophageal lining.
- Eat almonds in the morning after breakfast. Almonds are nuts that can eliminate the symptoms of GERD. In order to completely feel its benefits, the nuts should be chewed thoroughly.
- Chamomile tea. This type of tea is effective in relieving the symptoms of acid reflux and reduces the discomfort that GERD brings. The good thing about this tea is that you can drink it any time of the day.
- Apples and ginger. Both ginger and apples can reduce the acid in the stomach.
- Chewing gum. Chewing gum can increase the production of saliva that can be effective in diluting the acid once stomach content reaches the mouth.
