Millions of people globally experience or have experienced acid reflux at least once in their life. Primarily, when you have acid reflux, the most prevalent treatment that your doctor may prescribe you is commercial medications like omeprazole.
But, in addition to it, there are also an array of lifestyle changes, which can help you deal with acid reflux better. For this, all you need to do is alter your dietary habits, maybe the way you sleep, and you can see a change in the quality of your life.
But how can you cure acid reflux naturally at home? Well, we have cracked the code for you. So, let us get started and address some natural ways to cure acid reflux at home.
Do not overeat
The area of the esophagus’ opening into the stomach has a ring-like muscle. It is known as the lower esophageal sphincter. The sphincter works as a valve and does not let the acidic contents in the stomach travel back to the esophagus.
However, this opening opens up as you vomit, belch, or swallow. Other than that, it stays shut. In people with acid reflux, the muscle is either dysfunctional or weakened. Acid reflux may occur majorly when there is excess pressure on the muscle, which is making the acid squeeze via the opening.
It has been seen the major reflux symptoms appear when you eat a meal, and more so when the quantity is enormous. Larger meals worsen the reflux symptoms. So, to avoid acid reflux, you should stop eating larger meals.
Sleep on an incline
When you sleep, your head must be at an elevation of at least six to eight inches higher than your feet. However, it is easy to achieve. For this, all you need is an extra-tall bed riser. This should go on the legs, which support the bed’s head.
‘Since I have a constant struggle with acid reflux, I was using a bed riser, but my husband could not sleep well because of that. So, then we stopped doing it and instead purchased a foam wedge support for my upper body, and that worked incredibly well,’ shares Monisha, an online reviewer who did the best goatee trimmers review.
Well, what Monisha just stated can be extremely helpful, but do not try to create an elevation by stacking pillows. This can feel uncomfortable as it won’t provide you with constant support as required.
Lose weight if needed
It is true that heartburn can happen to anyone of us. However, it is more prevalent in people who are obese or overweight. When you have a high-fat level on, especially around your abdominal area, it puts more significant pressure on your stomach. Consequently, it increases the likelihood of stomach acids being pushed into the esophagus and causing heartburn.
So, if you are obese and constantly struggle with acid reflux, you can consider losing some weight. However, do not indulge in any fad diet. To lose weight, you can try a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Quit smoking
There is enough research, which says smoking is not good for your health. However, what many people do not know is smoking; even secondhand smoking can aggravate your risk of developing acid reflux.
‘Back in the day, I used to be a chain smoker, and in addition to many other problems, it even was causing acid reflux flare-ups in me. Many a time, I felt as if I was having a stroke, and that got me scared. So, I decided to quit smoking, and there have been no reflux flare-ups ever since,’ shares Eric, an online reviewer who did the best flushing toilets review.
Smoking lowers the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This makes acid reflux possible. To normalize this pressure and reduce your symptoms of reflux, you should quit smoking.
Do not wear tight-waisted cloths.
Clothes that have a snug waistline or even belts tend to put extreme pressure on your legs. This can aggravate your risk of acid reflux. Instead, you should wear pants, which do not cinch your waist; maybe something like low-rise pants can help. If the problem is persistent, you can consider going a size up. Women who wear skirts usually can consider switching to dresses and see if this is helping with the symptoms.
Do not sleep immediately after eating.
After you eat, wait for a while before retiring to bed. If you lie too fast, the meals you consumed in your dinner can lead to acid reflux. So, instead of going to bed or lying down on the bed immediately after eating, you can consider walking a bit to digest the food. Generally speaking, your last meal should be approximately three to four hours before sleeping. This can help the stomach properly settle in the stomach and prevent it from travelling back or causing reflux.
