Acid Reflux

Antacids can rob you of the nutrients in your food because the medication may rid you of the essential digestive juices that break down and allow your food to nourish your body. And in that spirit, today we have some starting advice for you…it’s about quitting bad habits – habits that could be exacerbating your acid reflux problems.

Things to avoid if you have acid reflux:

If you smoke, quit.

There are 3 reasons tobacco use perpetuates acid reflux.

 1.) tobacco products directly irritate the lining of the esophagus.

2.) tobacco can dramatically lower the production of saliva. Normally, saliva pushes acid back into the stomach, plus it’s a natural bicarbonate helping to lower acidity. 

3.) nicotine increases the production of stomach acid.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a major irritant to the stomach and digestive system. It also dehydrates you, which can make your reflux worse.

Here’s a list of other things you’ll want to avoid:

• Coffee; anything with caffeine

• Citrus fruits

• Tomatoes

• Garlic/onion

• Fried foods

• Chocolate

• Dairy products (lactic acid)

• Ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDS)

• Stress 

• Being overweight

Symptoms to notice:

• Sound hoarse persistent, dry cough

• Recurring lump in throat

• Have a bitter taste in their mouths or bad breath

• Difficulty swallowing

Here is list of remedies you could try:

• Aloe Vera juice – diluted with a beverage or drink it undiluted. It may be able to heal damage the acid caused in your esophagus

• 1 -2 teaspoons of raw liquid honey to coat your esophagus and stomach.

• For 2 days eat softer foods; mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and bread.

• Pectin and grape juice – mix ½ tsp of pectin with 1 – 2 ounces of grape juice

• You might find the right combination by alternating remedies or try multiple techniques.

• Eat smaller portions; eat slowly; chew your food thoroughly. The softer the food the easier on your esophagus.

Remember – these are natural remedies so mixing them is fine. You might find the right combination by alternating remedies and trying multiple techniques.