Natural Treatment Options for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It is an uncomfortable experience for those who suffer from it. The burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn, can disrupt daily life and impact overall well-being. While conventional treatments are available, many individuals are turning to natural remedies to manage their acid reflux symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore some gentle and effective natural remedies for acid reflux, providing relief and improving quality of life.

Additionally, for many people, it is important to realize that acid reflux isn’t a standalone problem. 1 in 5 adults suffers from GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Your acid reflux or heartburn may be a sign of this more serious concern, and so you need to take that into consideration.

Living with acid reflux can be challenging, but it's important to note that simple lifestyle changes and natural supplements for acid reflux can often make a significant difference. These natural approaches focus on addressing the underlying causes of acid reflux, reducing symptoms, and promoting overall digestive health. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you may find relief without the potential side effects associated with medications.

Dietary Adjustments

Some of the simplest natural remedies for acid reflux are dietary. Paying attention to what you’re eating can help you manage your acid reflux, heartburn, and other GERD symptoms.

One adjustment is to avoid trigger foods. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy or fried foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages, can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Identifying your personal trigger foods and limiting or avoiding them is an easy natural remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. You can also incorporate more alkaline foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, non-citrus fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.

You can also change the way you eat. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with reduced portion sizes reduces the pressure on your stomach and minimizes acid reflux episodes. Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and avoid lying down immediately after meals to allow proper digestion. 

For detailed diet options, Take a look at: Acid Reflux Diet Guide

Lifestyle Modifications

Another way to naturally relieve GERD is by implementing certain lifestyle modifications. This can be as simple as elevating the head of your bed. Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches using blocks or a wedge pillow. This elevation helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while sleeping.

Practicing good stress management is also helpful, as stress can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Engage in activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

Herbal Remedies and Natural Supplements

There are lots of heartburn natural supplements and acid reflux supplements that use the power of nature to help treat your GERD. Natural remedies can still have medical side effects, so check with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements to make sure that they won’t have negative side effects or interactions with medications you may already be taking. Here are some of the best GERD supplements and herbs you can take to deal with acid reflux.

• Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the esophagus. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals may provide relief.
• Chamomile: Chamomile tea has calming effects on the stomach and can aid in digestion. Sip on a cup of chamomile tea after meals for relief.
• DGL: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice root that has had the compound responsible for raising blood pressure removed. DGL has been shown to help soothe and protect the lining of the esophagus. You can find DGL in chewable tablet or powder form.
• Fennel: Fennel has long been used to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of acid reflux. It can help calm the digestive system and reduce acid production. Chew on fennel seeds after meals or drink fennel tea for relief.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help soothe the digestive system. Drink ginger tea or chew on a small piece of fresh ginger to relieve symptoms.
• Lemon balm: Lemon balm has been used traditionally to calm the digestive system and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. It is available as a supplement or in tea form.
• Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can help coat and protect the lining of the esophagus. It is available in capsule, powder, or tea form. Drinking marshmallow root tea or taking it as a supplement before meals may provide relief.
• Peppermint: Peppermint has a soothing effect on the digestive system and can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Drink peppermint tea or use peppermint oil capsules, but be cautious if you have GERD, as peppermint may relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Slippery elm: This herb forms a protective lining in the esophagus and may help reduce irritation. It's available in powdered form, and you can mix it with water to create a soothing drink.

Another acid reflux and heartburn supplement that has achieved good results for many patients with GERD is d-limonene. This is a natural compound found in the rinds of citrus fruits. In clinical trials, 89% of participants reported improved heartburn symptoms just two weeks after starting d-limonene. GerdLi is the easiest way to take this supplement.

GERD supplements can do more than just help you with your acid reflux. They can help keep you off of pharmaceuticals like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which have many negative side effects. Instead of risking serious reactions like low magnesium levels and liver impairment, and common reactions like headache, abdominal pain, and Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use, you can manage your symptoms with more gentle, natural techniques.

At GerdLi, we want to help you manage your GERD symptoms in a way that’s comfortable, safe, and effective. To learn more about what we do, contact us with any questions and read about our approach– and then try GerdLi for yourself!