Reviewed by Dr.Vijaykumar Kamat & written by Dr. Khyati Dave.

Suffering From Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux is a gastric condition, also known as Hyperacidity or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Acid reflux is a condition in which the stomach contents including digestive enzymes and acids flow back into the esophagus. If you observe, it is a very common gastric condition and usually, we link it with acidity. However, there is much more to it than we know. The latest research shows a link between prolonged acidity and stomach cancers. Thus, it becomes extremely important to address acid reflux as soon as it is diagnosed. Read on to learn more about acid reflux and possible natural remedies for acid reflux. 

What is Acid Reflux?

When we consume any food, it passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach, and the food is digested in the stomach. There is a muscular ring at the intersection of the esophagus and stomach. This muscular ring called LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) prevents the food from flowing back into the esophagus. In Acid reflux or GERD, the stomach contents like digestive acids and enzymes leak back into the esophagus as the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t function optimally. This regurgitated fluid mainly consists of gastric acid and pepsin which are produced in the stomach. This leads to burning, irritation and inflammation in the lining of the esophagus, which causes heartburn. It is a very common condition and many people suffer from heartburn every single day. Acid reflux is prevalent in every person, irrespective of their age. 

What Are The Causes Of Acid Reflux?

There are various causes of the formation of acid reflux. Some of the causes of acid reflux are:

• Certain ailments and disease conditions such as scleroderma (weakening of esophageal muscles) or pregnancy make a person more susceptible to acid reflux.
• Medical conditions like Hiatus hernia or esophageal stricture may be associated with acid reflux.
• Other factors include alcohol, obesity, smoking, and eating fried or spicy food.

Risk Factors of Acid Reflux

Conditions that increase the risk of Acid reflux include:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Hiatus hernia
• Delayed evacuation of the stomach
• Connective tissue disorders like scleroderma

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux are:

• Smoking
• Consuming fried and fatty foods
• Drinking alcohol or coffee
• Eating large or heavy meals or eating late at night
• Take medications like aspirin

What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux may cause the following symptoms:

• Heartburn: The burning sensation that starts from chest to the throat which is aggravated by lying down.
• Irritation in the lining of the esophagus due to regurgitation of stomach acids.
• Chest pain, especially while lying down.
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Infants may show symptoms like immature digestion, frequent vomiting and coughing. These symptoms gradually subside when the child is 1 year old.
• Sour taste in the mouth.

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What Are The Complications Of Acid Reflux?

If acid reflux is left untreated for long may lead to complications such as:

• Bleeding and ulcers.
• Chronic irritation and inflammation of esophageal mucosa may lead to precancerous changes called Barrett’s esophagus.
• Acid reflux may lead to aggravation of respiratory issues such as pulmonary fibrosis and asthma.
• Ulcers may heal with scar formation and may form strictures.

What To Expect From Your Doctor?

The physician may suspect GERD or acid reflux from the general description of your symptoms and analyzing your medical history and lifestyle. The diagnosis can be established by the following tests:

• Endoscopy
• Barium X-ray
• Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests

What Are The Treatments For Acid Reflux?

Conventional Treatment 

Conventional treatment for acid reflux or GERD consists of the following:

• Antacids like Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol which are known as acid regulators. But these antacids have side-effects such as diarrhea or constipation.
• H2 Blockers that clog the production of acids may be suggested. However, they merely provide temporary relief of symptoms.
• Pro-kinetic drugs that work by strengthening the sphincter and force the stomach to empty faster may be suggested by your doctor. However, these drugs have a host of side-effects.
• In severe cases, Nissen fundoplication surgery may be advised.

Natural Treatment For Acid Reflux?

Complementary systems of medicine that consists of Ayurveda, homeopathy and dietary supplements aim to address the root cause of the issue. Acid reflux is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter does not function correctly, and the stomach acids regurgitate back into the esophagus from the stomach. Natural sciences are believed to soothe the stomach and esophageal linings by neutralizing the acid levels and improving the functioning of the sphincter.

Natural ingredients like Manjusha, Ficus benghalensis, zingiber officinale and Natrum phos have shown tremendous effects in clinical studies on acid reflux. A few of the clinical studies are mentioned below:

• Ficus benghalensis: Research suggests that ficus benghalensis helps reduce the excessive acid secretion in the stomach. [1] 
• Zingiber officinale: A study shows that zingiber officinale helps to reduce the oesophageal reflux and irritable bowel naturally. [2] 

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Tips To Address Or Prevent Acid Reflux Or GERD

• Maintain Healthy Weight: Acid reflux is more prone to adults who are overweight or obese. Thus, you must maintain a healthy weight and proper digestion.
• Quit smoking and drinking: Hot drinks and smoking may increase heartburn and damage the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is conducting the regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus.
• Eat wisely: Avoid overeating. Take small frequent meals. Avoid lying down or sleeping for at least 2 hours after meals.
• Lie down with the head elevated: Many people experience acid reflux in sleeping or lying down position. You must consider elevating the head of the bed while lying down to avoid regurgitation.
• Sleep on your left-hand side: The esophagus is followed by the right-hand side of the stomach. Thus, when you sleep on your left-hand side the lower esophageal sphincter is lined above the level of stomach acid. This sleeping position will help prevent stomach contents to regurgitate back into the esophagus.
• Reduce Stress: Stress is one of the reasons for most the illness in our body. Try to reduce stress by meditation or deep breathing techniques. You may also try to take up one of your hobbies such as music, dancing, reading, painting, etc.

Foods To Avoid:

• Cold food, sweets, desserts and food heavy to digest should be avoided as these are known to create more internal toxins in the body. Citrus fruit juices and very sweet fruits such as grapes should also be completely avoided.
• Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and carbonated beverages. As carbonated drinks contain carbon dioxide gas which causes people to belch frequently after consuming them.
• Frozen, leftover or preserved food should also be avoided as they are harder to digest when compared to fresh foods
• Raw onion, garlic or spicy food as it may increase burning, belching and acid reflux.
• Processed, fatty, fried and junk foods, and also refined flours.
• Tomato sauce or other tomato products.
• Biscuits, pasta, bread, mushrooms and peanuts.
• Fermented foods like vinegar and other products that contain fermented ingredients.
• Chocolate.

Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

• Eat one ripened banana every day. Banana is known to possess natural antacid properties and it may help in reducing the discomfort of acid regurgitation into the esophagus and burning. 
• Have half a cup of ginger tea on an empty stomach. Ginger is exceptionally beneficial for digestion related issues like vomiting, nausea and acid reflux. Simmer a few slices of ginger root in water for almost 30 minutes and drink it on an empty stomach or before meals for maximum benefit.

• Have 1-2 tsp of freshly expressed curry leaf juice with lime twice a day. It is known to benefit nausea, morning sickness and vomiting. 
• Take licorice as a tincture, supplement or tea form. Licorice is known to soothe the acids of the stomach naturally.
• Have low carbs: Consuming a lot of undigested carbohydrates in your digestive tract may make you bloated, gassy and belch frequently. Consuming a low-carb diet helps to improve reflux symptoms.

Holistic treatment for acid reflux consists of Homeopathic formulations, Ayurvedic herbs, and dietary supplements. These natural remedies along with an improved lifestyle, proper exercise, and diet can help all aspects of acid reflux. Biogetica combines all these natural remedies to target the issue as a whole and from its root cause so that effects can be long-lasting. All our products have traditional use of clinical analysis from Homeopathy and Ayurveda and are supported by modern research and trials. 

If you want to know the natural, safe and effective natural treatment for acid reflux or consult one of our doctors for free, please click on the link https://www.biogetica.com/how-to-find-natural-gerd-medicines-treatments-cures#acid-reflux-treatment or log on to www.biogetica.com 

References:

1. Sartha Vedulla, S. Angala Parameswari and C. Gopinath. “Isolation of Active Compound in Ficus Religiosa Linn.” International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research 2013; 5(1); Pages 60-65. 
2. Jalal Bayati Zadeh and Nasroallah Moradi Kor. “Physiological and pharmaceutical effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a valuable medicinal plant.” Pelagia Research Library; European Journal of Experimental Biology; 2014, 4 (1), Pages 87-90.