Real Health / Top 5 Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

Top 5 Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

August 13, 2024 Dr. Livingood

Many of us rely on antacids like Tums and other over-the-counter or prescription remedies to manage our stomach pain and acid reflux. You might even have them in your car, purse, or at home.

But what we often overlook is that these antacids, especially prescription ones like the infamous ‘purple pills,’ can be very hard on our kidneys. They can also cause a buildup of calcium in our bodies. So, while it’s okay to use them occasionally, it’s important to proceed with caution.

Indigestion is your body’s way of saying, “I don’t like what you’re feeding me!” Our typical response has been to suppress this signal, which can cause long-term damage to both the stomach and kidneys.

Instead of telling your body to be quiet, let’s explore some great natural solutions to replace those antacids in your medicine cabinet.

Ginger for Nausea

Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for nausea. Whether you’re pregnant, seasick, or just someone who frequently experiences nausea, ginger tea or ginger lozenges can be very effective. Here’s how you can incorporate ginger into your wellness routine:

Ginger Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

1-inch piece of fresh ginger root
2 cups water
Honey or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

Peel and slice the ginger root.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
Add the ginger slices to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Strain the tea into a cup.
Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
Enjoy warm.

You can also use ginger lozenges, which are great for on-the-go relief. Simply suck on a lozenge whenever you feel nauseous.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

It might seem counterintuitive, but apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help with acid reflux. Often, acid reflux occurs because your stomach is actually lacking enough acid, causing it to overproduce after meals.

Here’s a simple way to use ACV to manage acid reflux:

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink:

Ingredients:

1–2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
Honey (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the apple cider vinegar with water.
Add honey if you need a touch of sweetness.
Drink this mixture 15–20 minutes before each meal.

ACV has properties that can help support your immune system while balancing your stomach’s acid levels.

If you find drinking apple cider vinegar to still be too harsh, consider taking it in capsule form.

Aloe Vera for Digestive Relief

Aloe vera is another fantastic remedy for digestive distress. It can soothe heartburn, an upset stomach, and even bloating. Aloe vera is versatile and can be used both internally and externally.

Aloe Vera Juice Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 aloe vera leaf
1 cup water or juice (like orange or pineapple)
Honey (optional)

Instructions:

Cut the aloe vera leaf open and scoop out the gel.
Blend the gel with water or juice until smooth.
Add honey to taste, if desired.
Drink 1/4 cup of this mixture 20 minutes before meals.

You can also purchase aloe vera juice from health food stores if you prefer a ready-made option. Additionally, aloe vera can be applied topically for skin irritations and itchiness.

Celery Juice for Bloating

Celery juice is a great addition to your wellness routine if you often experience bloating. It’s simple to make and highly effective.

Celery Juice Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 bunch of celery
Water (optional)

Instructions:

Wash the celery thoroughly.
Chop the celery into smaller pieces.
Blend the celery in a blender until smooth.
Add water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Drink 1 cup of celery juice on an empty stomach in the morning.

This juice can help reduce bloating and improve overall digestive health and gut microbiome health.

Conclusion

By replacing antacids with these natural remedies, you can manage acid reflux and digestive issues more healthily and sustainably.

Ginger tea or lozenges can help with nausea, while apple cider vinegar can balance your stomach acid levels. Aloe vera juice soothes digestive distress, and celery juice reduces bloating.

By turning to natural solutions first, you can avoid the negative effects of medications all while treating the problem, instead of bandaging the symptoms!

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