When you have an upset stomach–whether you call it heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, dyspepsia–you want a cure sooner rather than later. Thanks to the poor quality of diet that we eat and the kind of inactive lifestyle that we lead–and sometimes also because of some other factors such as pregnancy, anatomy, genetics, or simple aging–almost every one of us suffers from an upset stomach in one form or another during our lifetime. No doubt that this accounts for so many turning to Tums and similar antacids to extinguish the acidic flames that roar up during these times.
What most of us know as “acid reflux” is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in the medical world. It is characterized by the backward flow of stomach juices into the esophagus. This causes you to feel a burning sensation or pain in your chest and/or esophagus. It is estimated that around 60% of the adult population living in the US suffers from acid reflux and experiences heartburns whenever they eat spicy, oily, fried, fatty or acidic food. If ignored and left untreated, acid reflux may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease – a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux.
NATURAL HOMEMADE RECIPES FOR ACID REFLUX
If you experience occasional acid reflux, you can sometimes treat this condition and stop it from progressing to GERD by making some lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that seem to trigger heartburn. Let us have a look at some of the natural homemade remedies that you can try to alleviate your symptoms before turning to medications. You can easily make these recipes at home by using common, all-natural ingredients.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Contrary to the common belief, acid reflux is often actually caused by a decrease in the production of acid in the stomach. This adversely affects the digestive process. Apple Cider Vinegar actually contains an acid called “malic acid” which can help balance the stomach acid level and improve the digestion process. Here is how you can include apple cider vinegar to your daily diet:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar
- 6-8 ounces of fresh filtered water
- Fresh lemon juice or honey (for taste)
Directions:
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of raw apple cedar vinegar to 6-8 ounces of fresh filtered water and mix well. You can add fresh lemon juice or honey as per your need to develop some taste. You can use this drink before each meal, especially before bedtime to pre-empt the acid reflux. Avoid overdosing apple cedar vinegar as it can disturb the pH of your stomach.
- Gingerroot Tea
Ginger is a root herb which is used for a number of medicinal purposes. Whether used in plain, powdered, or pickled form it relieves pain and discomfort associated with heartburn and acid reflux. There are so many different ways in which you can add this miracle root to your diet. Making gingerroot tea and drinking a cup just before you eat your meal can act as an acid buffer and help reduce swelling and irritation in mucus membrane.
Ingredients:
- One inch piece of fresh ginger root
- Fresh filtered water
- Fresh Lemon juice
- Honey
Directions:
Boil one cup of water on the stove and add a one-inch piece of peeled and cleaned gingerroot. Let the water boil for 5 minutes and simmer for 10 minutes. Now you can add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to give it some taste. You can also add honey to make it sweet. Drink twice a day before taking the meals to get rid of acid reflux.
- Fennel Tea
Fennel seeds contain an active ingredient known as “Anethole” which helps improve digestion and alleviate discomforts associated with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Fennel seeds also possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat harmful bacteria and soothe the irritated mucus membrane. Although simply chewing 1 teaspoon of fennel seed can refresh your breath and control the production of stomach acid, you can try making and drinking a cup of sweet, mild fennel tea to improve your stomach function.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 cup of fresh filtered water
Directions:
Put 1 cup of water in a small saucepan and bring it to boil. Once fully boiled, put 1 teaspoon of fennel seed and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the water and boil for another 5 minutes. Now remove the saucepan from the flame and let the water cool down. Strain the mixture into a coffee mug and serve while warm. Drink the fennel tea 2-3 times in a day to get relief from symptoms associated with acid reflux.
- Lemon Juice
With a pH of around 2, Lemon juice is considered to be a stronger acid than apple cider vinegar. Drinking a glass of warm water mixed with fresh lemon juice on an empty stomach can help balance out acid level in the stomach, and some say it can also boost your immune system. It is easily available throughout the year and acts as a safe digestive aid. You can make lemon juice in a number of ways, here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 8 ounces of fresh filtered water
- Salt (as per your taste)
Directions:
Take a fresh lemon, cut it into two pieces. Squeeze the lemon piece to extract maximum juice. Now add this fresh lemon juice into 8 ounces of fresh water, mix it well. You can add a pinch of salt to give it some taste. Consume the lemon juice early in the morning or 20 minutes before taking your meal.