Heartburn and acid reflux are a condition that is now affecting thousands of people globally; so much so, that it is being considered an epidemic. The pain that is associated with the condition can become so agonizing for some, it is important to seek relief as soon as possible. The thing that most people do not realize is there are numerous home remedies to get relief from the symptoms of discomfort and pain associated with acid reflux.
Of course, there are tons of medications you can buy, both OTC (over the counter) and with a prescription. The majorities of these drugs are not only pricey, but they come with the added benefit of dangerous side effects.
These side effects can actually turn the acid reflux condition into a chronic condition called gastro esophageal reflux disease; otherwise known as GERD. If not controlled, the GERD can progress to needing surgery to repair the damage done. In the worst case scenario, the GERD can progress to cancer. For me that is too high a price to pay.
Natural home remedies are fabulous for acid reflux because there is a wide range of possibilities to chose from that may work for you. They can range from the very simple, that anyone can make at home, to techniques that are more sophisticated and should only be practiced by someone familiar with plants and herbs. The good news is that there are no side effects to healing gastric ailments with herbs and natural home remedies.
To be able to find the best home remedy for your acid reflux symptoms, it is essential to experiment with a variety of different acid reflux home remedies that are known for getting rid of acid reflux, heartburn or gastric ailments. This will allow you to discover what works best for your individual needs. Everyone is different and responds to treatments in different ways. What may work for your best friend Alice may have no effect on you what so ever, and vice-verse.
If you want to prevent the heartburn and acid reflux before it even starts, you should get serious and start thinking about the types of foods you're putting in to your mouth. Poor eating habits and diets; too little exercise and stress; and the use of acid reflux drugs, such as antacids and inhibitors, are the main culprits in the progression to gastro esophageal reflux disease.
What you are feeding your body to keep it healthy and running efficiently is the biggest reason that you are experiencing heartburn and acid reflux. You are not feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Eating processed foods and fast foods; drinking sodas and alcohol; and adding too much table salt and sugar to your diet are all contributors to heartburn and acid reflux.
The carbohydrates that come in the form of processed white flour products such as white bread, including hamburger and hot dog buns; donuts and pastries; cookies, cakes and ice cream; sugary white flour, white rice and corn cereals; and all white flour pasta are big culprits of gastric ailments. These processed foods should all be eliminated from the diet. Replace these items with whole grain foods instead. Old fashion oatmeal (not instant) is a better alternative than Coco-Puffs.
The heartburn, gassy stomach, indigestion and sore throats are all just warning signs your body is using to tell you that it is time to change before you have a major melt-down. Drinking soda (all soda – including diet and caffeine free) is like pouring kerosene into an open wound. Learn to replace the soda by drinking a lot more water, herbal teas and natural fruit juices (without sugar or sugar substitutes).
With diet modifications, and by eliminating the foods that set off your attacks, you can usually lower the occurrence of acid reflux. Very often you can completely eliminate it for good. On the other hand, you don't want to have to give up everything you enjoy eating. Keeping a journal of what you have eaten every time you have an acid reflux attack is the best first step to figuring out what you can and cannot eat. If greasy fries activate a heartburn attack, simply don't eat them. Simple enough, right?
If you should discover there are several foods you really enjoy eating, but they aggravate your ailment, just keep in mind that once you have gotten your acid reflux condition under control with a proper diet, you will be able to eat some of these junk foods again, only in moderation. You won't be able to go back to your old poor eating habits completely, but you will be able to have one of these aggravating foods at times.
Eating a diet that is rich in nutrients, is the first challenge for someone suffering from heartburn and acid reflux. This diet modification needs to begin immediately if you want to end the agony of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Eating foods full of nutrients instead of foods that are severely lacking will also prevent the condition from developing into something much worse. The body is a wonderful machine that was designed to heal itself when taken care of properly. Replacing these bad food eating habits with good food habits really isn't as daunting as you might think. Once you begin feeling better because there hasn't been any acid reflux flare ups, you will find that you also have more energy, you will feel better than you have in years and the huge bonus is that you will have lost weight too, without even trying.
