There are various natural treatments for acid reflux, as well as more traditional treatments for bowel disease that can help reduce flare ups and symptoms. If symptoms of acid reflux persist, you may be experiencing a more serious underlying health condition, like bowel disease. So it’s important to talk to your doctor to avoid complications and get relief.

What is acid reflux?
Acidity is one of the problems most people face. Excess acid can cause heartburn and, in most cases, can result in the acid getting pushed up into the esophagus. This is known as acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

It can cause irritation, and repeated instances of this can damage the esophagus. The common treatment for acid reflux is antacids, which block acid production. However, prolonged use of these medications can cause side effects; as a result, natural treatments are advisable.

Natural treatments for acid reflux include:
The natural treatments for acid reflux that are effective and useful to alleviate symptoms include the following:

Fruits
Fruits like banana and papaya can be helpful to reduce the effects of the acid. Banana, in particular, can be a natural antacid. It can create a lining of the stomach to reduce acid.

However, citrus fruits like oranges, lime, and grapefruit have more acidic content. Eating citrus fruits or even drinking its juice can irritate the esophagus and stimulate acid production in the stomach that can worsen acid reflux symptoms.

Raise the head of the bed
One of the natural ways of treating acid reflux is to raise the level of your head while sleeping. This raises the position of the head and can thus prevent the acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Studies have shown this to be an effective way of controlling acid reflux. Using a thick pillow is not as effective as using blocks to raise the head.

Chewing gum
Chewing gum has been found to help reduce acidity in the esophagus. This also increases saliva production that helps clear the acid present in the esophagus.

Tips to avoid acid reflux
In addition to natural treatments, there are a few tips one must follow to help avoid the condition of acid reflux. They include:

Avoid large meals
Acid reflux occurs more after eating a heavy meal. Heavy meals should be avoided. In fact, eating small meals more often would be better to help reduce excess acid production.

Reduce belly fat
Too much fat can put pressure on the sphincter that controls the esophagus. This can lead to the acid moving up the esophagus. Weight loss, to reduce the belly size, can help in reducing acid reflux instances. This is also generally good for a person’s health.

Avoid coffee, smoking, and alcohol
Coffee, smoking, and alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach, leading to excess acid production. It can also weaken the sphincter, resulting in acid reflux. Those suffering from acid reflux should give up or reduce the consumption of coffee and alcohol. They should also give up smoking.

Eat low carbs
A low carb diet can be very helpful as a natural treatment of acid reflux. It avoids bloating and the production of acid that high levels of carbohydrates can cause.

The natural treatments and tips for acid reflux can be effective to provide relief from acid reflux. It is advisable to try out natural methods, only after seeking the advice of a doctor. More serious acid reflux and bowel disease cases may require prescription medications like Stelara, Entyvio, Otezla, Kesimpta, and Linzess.