Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affects about 20% of Americans, according to research.
If you’re one of the 20 percent suffering from GERD, you know it’s not fun. Heartburn can cause a lot of discomfort and irritability, but the scariest part of GERD is the chance it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus is when abnormal tissue starts to grow in the esophagus, which can lead to cancer. Not fun, right? This is why it’s important to take steps to treat your GERD rather than letting it go untreated.
This doesn’t have to mean various medications for the rest of your life, though. Check out our top tips for treating GERD naturally.
1. Have a Healthy Diet
Having a healthy diet is one of the most important steps in treating GERD naturally. Make sure to avoid any trigger foods, such as caffeine, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, as well as spicy and acidic foods that can cause stomach pain.
Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of larger meals to reduce the risk of acid reflux. Include plenty of high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Eating high-protein foods is also considered beneficial for treating GERD. Additionally, reduce the amount of alcohol, carbonated beverages, and processed foods you consume.
Eating well-balanced meals gives essential vitamins and minerals, which aid with digestion. Additionally, avoid eating right before bed, as this can cause acid reflux to occur.
Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Following these simple steps can help to keep GERD symptoms under control and can help to reduce the risk of future health problems.
2. Beneficial Herbs and Spices
When it comes to treating GERD naturally, beneficial herbs and spices are incredibly helpful. Ginger root, turmeric, and oregano have all been shown to reduce acid reflux symptoms.
When cooking, adding a pinch of these spices to your meals can help balance out acid levels. Fennel is another spice found to soothe GERD-related acidity.
Adding these spices to meals and drinking flaxseed-infused water may ease GERD symptoms. Chamomile relaxes stomach muscles, relieving GERD symptoms.
Make sure to do additional research and read this helpful resource that can help you choose safe and effective natural remedies.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, which can further slow down digestion and enhance reflux. It can also weaken the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing acid reflux to seep in.
The acid from the stomach is pushed up the esophagus, causing symptoms of GERD. Quitting smoking can help reduce these symptoms and have long-term benefits.
4. Change Sleep Habits
One of the simplest natural tips for treating GERD is to change your sleep habits. Elevating your head five to six inches while sleeping can make a big difference in reducing symptoms. This means either sleeping with a wedge pillow or using blocks to lift your mattress or headboard.
Where possible, sleep on your left side, as this is associated with less severe GERD. Refrain from eating a few hours before bed, as this can reduce reflux symptoms.
Treating GERD Naturally Made Easy
GERD can be treated naturally by making small and simple changes to diet, lifestyle, and home remedies. With a commitment to these changes, GERD symptoms can be relieved quickly and long term.
Make sure to always consult your doctor for a personalized plan and potential medical solutions for treating GERD naturally.
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