Millions of people suffer from acid reflux, a term used to define a medical condition where excess stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. The more technical term is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GERD, and the symptoms can range from excessive burping and hiccups to a strange burning sensation in the chest.   The condition can be caused from any number of things, including overeating, excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol, smoking, stress, and even by lying down too soon after eating.

While there are some wonderful over-the-counter products available for fighting this disorder, we also have some very simple home remedies that work just as well.

1. Chewing gum

Next time that you have an acid reflux flair-up, reach for a stick of your favorite chewing gum.  This accelerates our production of saliva which essentially washes away the excess buildup of stomach acid.

2. Licorice

Trying brewing a nice cup of tea laced with a bit of licorice root.  This added spice creates a thin coating of mucus along the esophagus wall which protects us from the rising levels of stomach acid.

3. Honey

If you are not a big fan of licorice, try swallowing a sweet spoonful of pure honey right before bedtime.  Honey helps neutralize the stomach acids and essentially prevents the onset of acid reflux.

4. Carrot or cabbage juice

For those times when we need an instant cure for acid reflux, drinking a glass of carrot or cabbage juice does the trick every time.

5. Black pepper

Adding more black pepper to your daily diet helps to stimulate the digestive system.  For a preventative measure, mix about a ½ teaspoon of black pepper into a cool glass of water.  Drink a glass both in the morning and at bedtime.

6. Bananas

Bananas are high in pH which will help to stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach lining, significantly reducing the chances of an acid reflux flare-up.

7. Cloves

Instead of reaching for the Tums or Rolaids, try chewing on a few cloves instead.   Cloves are Mother Nature’s version of an antacid tablet.

8. Baking soda

Another simple substitution to antacid tablets is a mixture of backing soda and water.  Use ½ teaspoon to neutralize the effects of the stomach acid buildup.  However, avoid using this home remedy for chronic heartburn since baking soda is high is salt.

9. Milk

Drink a cool glass of milk for instant relief.  The milk coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus and eradicates the excess acid buildup almost immediately on contact.

10. Raw almonds

Eating a handful of raw almonds also helps to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.  Much like milk, almonds are high in calcium which provides almost instant relief.

For those suffering from acid reflux, there is a whole list of home remedies available.  Some can be used as a preventative measure while others offer nearly instantaneous relief from an acid reflux outbreak.  For questions or more information, contact the friendly staff at ABC Compounding Pharmacy.