How to Cure Gastric Reflux

You can treat symptoms of gastric reflux with some home remedies such as ginger, cumin, and almond milk. Learn more about gastric reflux and its remedies below.

Also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD is its abbreviation), it refers to the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus from the stomach. This is due to an alteration in the natural “barriers” of the body.

Surprisingly, reflux is one of the most common digestive disorders (15% of the adult population suffers from it once a week and 7% daily).

It is not always considered a disease, however, it may appear when having bad eating habits. Learn how to cure gastric reflux in the following article.

Causes and symptoms of gastric reflux

One of the most important or recurring causes of gastric reflux is the imbalance of the inner esophageal sphincter – a kind of ring around the esophagus where it joins the stomach.

This remains closed to prevent gastric juices from climbing up the esophagus. When it is altered, there is less pressure while resting, the muscle relaxes, and do not fulfill its function.

Certain drugs or substances like alcohol, tobacco, caffeine favor the reflux. Just like certain foods can trigger this as well.

Read more below to find out some of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Heartburn

Heartburn is best known and it involves the burning or a “fire” in the sternum region, which increases after overeating or when going to bed right after eating dinner.

Regurgitation

Acid reflux can cause regurgitation. Essentially, this produces a sour taste in the mouth, chest pain or difficulty swallowing food or saliva.

Respiratory disorders

Respiratory disorders are more noticeable, especially at night: bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, etc.

Other manifestations

Other manifestations like abdominal pain, excessive burping, heaviness after meals, hiccups, nausea, pain in the larynx or pharynx, foreign body sensation in the throat and even loss of voice.

In children, the main symptom is excessive regurgitation and respiratory problems. When it becomes chronic, it can cause anemia, intermittent torticollis, and can delay development.

Tips to avoid gastric reflux

• Avoid lying down immediately after meals, especially after dinner. Let about two hours or more pass after meals, depending on whether you ate moderately or if you had a heavy meal.
• Raise the head of the bed about 15 cm with wooden dowels on the front legs, this way the body is not lying completely.
• Do not put more pillows to elevate your head at bedtime, because it only results in flexing the neck and what it needs to be lifted is the entire upper body.
•  Try to not wear clothes that are too tight when eating. Better wear clothes and fabrics that are comfortable and not too tight.

• Prepare meals adequate in size. It is preferable to prepare six small portions or two very large portions.
• Control obesity and weight.
• Eliminate alcohol and quit smoking.
• Avoid foods or drinks that relax the esophageal sphincter, such as chocolates, sauces, stews, etc.
• Avoid exercise, sudden movements, bending down, lifting, etc. immediately after meals.
• Reduce stress as much as you can.
• Eliminate foods that have an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa and the esophageal sphincter interior, such as fat, garlic, tomato, fried foods, onion, salted foods, juices, tea, nuts, cola, soda, mint, citrus fruits.
• Minimize the consumption of sugars and processed foods. Also, pay attention to the balance of gut and intestinal flora.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as skimmed milk and yogurt.

Natural remedies to treat gastric reflux

Apple cider vinegar

Before meals, drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a glass of cold water. This will help in digestion and also as a quick treatment for gastric reflux.

Baking soda

Drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda, while it is effervescent. Baking soda is known to be a natural antacid.

Aloe vera juice

This is very effective for stomach aches and inflammation of the digestive tract.

• Take a stalk of aloe vera and remove the pulp.
• Then, mix it with a little water.
• Drink once a day to relieve symptoms of sensations of burning or fire in the mouth of the stomach.

Licorice

This herb protects the digestive tract and helps eliminate gastric reflux.

• Make an infusion with a handful of dried plant per liter of water
• Cover with a lid and then strain it.
• Drink a cup of this infusion after meals.

Almond milk

Almond milk can be consumed before or after eating or when symptoms of reflux or heartburn begin.

• Put 100 grams of almonds and a liter of water in a blender.
• Blend well and strain.
• You then can mix this composition with half of liter of water and other 50 grams.
• Lastly, sweeten with honey, stevia or cinnamon.

Foods with natural fermenting agents

Foods with natural fermenting agents such as milk or water kefir, a sip of liquid from pickles or a spoonful of sauerkraut, will quickly relieve the signs of gastric reflux.

Clove and cardamom

You can eat these like candies after meals or make a tea with both of them. They will help reduce the levels of acidity in the stomach and the reflux symptoms.

Cabbage

Prepare a cabbage juice every day (a few leaves with a little bit of water in the blender) to treat or prevent gastric reflux.

Cumin

Cumin reduces acidity and even helps with digestion.

• Boil a cup of water with a few seeds of cumin.
• Drink during meals.

Ginger

Ginger extract is very good for improving the discomfort produced by gastric reflux. You can also make a tea with a very small slice of ginger in a cup of boiling water.