Home Remedies For Gerd: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Severe or prolonged acid reflux is known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Characterized by heartburn or burning sensation around the lower chest area, acid reflux causes the moving up of stomach acids that irritate the esophagus, a long tube interconnecting the throat and the stomach.

GERD may give rise to symptoms like a sore throat, dry cough, nausea, and chest pain. If left untreated for a long time GERD may cause serious complications like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. There are a wide array of home remedies that you may apply to get relief.

1. Apple cigar vinegar:

   One of the most effective home remedies is to drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water. Add one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and drink it twenty to thirty minutes before having a meal. You need to continue this regularly for at least a few months.

2. Baking soda:

   It is another popular home remedy for GERD. Add half to one teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water and drink it for instant relief. You may also drink aloe vera juice, as it is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera controls inflammation in the stomach and esophagus to bring relief. Drink one-quarter cup of aloe vera juice about twenty minutes before having a meal.

3. Cumin seeds:

   It also helps in dealing with acid reflux by stimulating digestion and reducing acidity issues. Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds to a cup and boil it for some time. Then let it steep for five minutes and strain it. Drink this concoction in the mornings after meals till you notice improvements.

4. Avoid heavy meals:

   eating fruits like an apple after meals can prevent the onset of acid reflux.

5. Sleeping posture:

   While sleeping, elevate the head of your bed by up to four to six inches and try to sleep on the left side.

6. lose weight:

   Gerd is more likely to happen in a person with overweight or a person dealing with obesity. If you are having excess fat in the abdominal area it will create high pressure on the stomach which may lead to movement of stomach acid back to the esophagus resulting in heartburn. Adding yoga to your daily life will help to reduce weight.

7. Eat smaller meals:

   when you intake small meals it creates less pressure on your stomach and that prevents movement of stomach acid back to the esophagus. It will help to get rid of heartburn. Chew your food adequately and slowly.

8. Quit smoking:

   smoking is one of the major reasons for GERD. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that prevents the movement of stomach acid to the esophagus, this muscle damaged by smoking. So, it's time for you to quit smoking to reduce heartburn.

9. Chewing gum:

   Chewing gum helps to increase the salivation process which acts as a buffer for the acid in the stomach. It secretes saliva which is alkaline and neutralizes the acid which came to the throat by backflow and reduces heartburn.

10. Ginger Tea:

    Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce heartburn. Acid reflux causes inflammation in the stomach which leads to irritation in the gut region. You can take ginger tea to reduce inflammation.

11. Avoid tomato-based products:

    Tomato and tomato-based products such as ketchup, sauce, tomato soup may lead to an increase in acid reflux as the tomato contains acid. Try to avoid tomato and tomato-based products.

Summary: GERD symptoms can be reduced by taking apple cider vinegar, baking soda, tomato-based product, ginger tea. Avoid heavy meals and smoking. Exercise regularly and take care of posture while sleeping.

Home remedies are usually considered safe. However, it would be wrong to consider that home remedies are free from side-effects. They may be less harmful than the chemical derivatives but you may face some side effects if you don’t use them properly or the ingredients are impure. For centuries home remedies have been utilized to

• Give a boost to the immune system
• Recover wounds
• Even cure numerous painful conditions.
• Many have found that these natural ingredients enhance the general well-being all in all.

A few herbs or natural substances could bring about poisoning or have some contraindication with physician endorsed drugs, in these cases the side effects could be hazardous.

Therefore you must be aware and do proper research about the ingredients before applying any remedies.

• Ingredients like baking soda should not be taken for a prolonged period. Those with high blood pressure should avoid it as it contains sodium.
• You should avoid having aloe vera in excess as it may have a laxative effect.
• Always make sure that none of your ingredients is old, or the containers are unclean.
• The best way to avoid side effects is to start slow. First, take a small dose then gradually increase the dosage slowly and check whether the remedy suits your body.

Home remedies are natural and usually take a longer time to heal GERD. Take a moderate dose and do not attempt more than one remedy at a time. If you want to go all-natural, then you need to ensure that you know precisely what you are up against.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

GERD is a chronic digestive disease health problem, almost fifteen percent western population has suffered from GERD on some occasions. Even after the cure, you need to be careful and maintain a healthy diet so that acid reflux doesn't return. There are a few things you may try to avoid having acid reflux again. You may try losing weight, as obesity is the leading cause of GERD.

Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, and acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus along with chocolate, onions, etc. Also, stay away from caffeinated beverages like coffee and carbonated drinks.

Summary: You need to follow the guidelines. Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, and acidic foods like tomatoes. Also, stay away from caffeinated beverages like coffee and carbonated drinks.

That is no certain time limit. It relies on the intensity of your problem and whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Usually, complete recovery takes a few months. If you notice improvements after using the remedy that means your cure is working.

Home remedies usually take more time than prescription medicines, so be patient and continue using them till the problem disappears. It normally takes six to twelve weeks, sometimes even longer for complete recovery using prescription medicine. But natural ingredients are considered safer and inexpensive derivatives compared to chemical medications and surgeries.

Summary: The time of recovery depends upon the Intensity of the problem. It usually takes a month for recovery using home remedies. If you don't observe any improvement it's recommended to approach a doctor.

Home remedies may reduce your acid reflux by a substantial level but might not be permanent if you are not mindful of your habits. It may return at any point in time. Be that as it may, but you shouldn’t stop caring about your health and body. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and always avoid having foods that are known to cause GERD.

Prefer smaller meals, cut back on alcohol, and don’t lie down just after having a meal. Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not constrict your stomach.

Summary: No, results are not permanent if proper precaution is not being followed post-recovery.

If your acid reflux symptoms aren’t severe, then you do not require a visit to a doctor or specialist. Home remedies are enough to treat your acid reflux if you can follow the guidelines properly. But if your symptoms are severe and long-lasting then you must consult a doctor.

GERD is treatable with home remedies. Applying natural remedies may be time-consuming but they are effective. Always have faith in home remedies as they are natural and natural things are preferable to use than prescription medicines or surgeries.

Summary: No, training and assistance are not required to apply these home remedies. If the condition is severe you need to consult a doctor.