Acid Reflux: The Natural Remedy

 

Acid Reflux: The Natural Remedy

Acid Reflux is experienced by many people who struggle with anxiety. In fact, feeling anxious often fuels the physical symptoms of acid reflux. When one is upset, the body produces more adrenaline, and stomach acid increases as well. This is irritating to the stomach and can create all the symptoms of reflux and GERD. There are definite symptoms of Acid Reflux and they are easy to identify:

-Common symptoms of acid reflux are:

• Heartburn

• Regurgitation: a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat when you burp.

Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:

• Gassy stomach

• Bloated Stomach

• Burping

• Dysphagia- the sensation of food being stuck in your throat

• Hiccups

• Burning in the back of the throat

• Hoarse, Laryngitis type symptoms

• Wheezing, Cough, and Feeling of mucus in throat

Causes of Acid Reflux

• Overweight

• Eating too much at one large meal

• Tight clothing

• Anxiety and Tension

• Rushing through meals

• Spicy foods

• Chocolate

• Mints

• Citrus foods

• Tomato Sauce

• Fried Foods

• High Fat Foods

• Reclining after meals

• Going to bed too soon after meals

• Eating too late in the evening

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

- Exercise Daily

- Low Fat Food Choices

- Lower Sugar content in foods

- Earlier Dinner

- Smaller meals (4-6 smaller meals), spread out over 3-4 hours

- Address and treat anxiety and stress

- Avoid eating 3 hours before bed, avoid drinking 2 hours before bed

- Lose Weight

- Antacids (Tums, Gaviscon, Baking Soda)

- Meditation

- No Tobacco

- No Alcohol

Food Plan for Acid Reflux

Good Foods

Meats, Poultry, and Fish:

Lean, Grilled, Steamed, Baked, or Broiled Beef, Chicken, Turkey, or Fish

Fruits: Melons, Berries, Apples, Peaches, Grapes, Bananas

Vegetables: Every vegetable, other than tomatoes and onions, is not spicy or fried.

Dairy: Low-fat dairy items such as low-fat or fat-free milk, low-fat or fat-free sour cream, hard cheeses, and ice cream. Fat-free is best. Low fat if tolerated.

Beverages: Decaffeinated drinks, Non-Citrus Fruit Juices, Water, Non-Spicy teas,

Pieces of bread and Grains: Lower fat pieces of bread and Cereals. Oatmeal, Pasta, Cereals, Brown Rice, White Rice, Baked Chips, Whole Grain Breads (ex: rye, oats)

Soups and Stews: Low fat minus tomato or onion base.

Snacks: Low fat, Puddings, Angel Food Cake, Vanilla rather than chocolate, Pretzels, Popcorn, Baked Chips, Graham Crackers, and Saltines.

AVOID

- Chocolate

- Citrus. No Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit

- High-Fat Foods

- Mint: No mint teas, candies, or chewing gum

- Whole Milk or Cream, Full Fat Sour Cream, Full Fat Cottage Cheese, Full Fat Cheeses

- Tomatoes. Tomato Sauces, Tomato Soups, Tomato Paste, Tomato Garnishes, Salsa.

- Cocoa

- Alcohol

- Cold Cuts

- Fried Foods: Fried Eggs, Fried Meats, Fried Chicken, Fried Fish

- Caffeine: Coffee, Tea, Sodas

- Garlic and Onion

- Butter

- Pineapple: Fresh, Canned, Frozen.

- Nitrites (found in Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Lunch Meats such as Bologna)

- Carbonated Beverages

Remember that it's important to eat smaller meals, lose weight if necessary, and elevate the head portion of your bed.

Do not eat for 3 hours before sleeping

Do not drink for 2 hours before sleeping.

Exercise Daily

Wear Looser Clothing

Try not to slouch after eating. Sit up straight

Meditate

Learn anti-anxiety techniques and sleep well

Antacids are helpful but your diet and lifestyle are very important when dealing with Acid Reflux and GERD.