Before beginning with any remedy for acid reflux, it is best to see your doctor. Several effective medications can help alleviate the symptoms of GERD. They include antacids like Rolaids or Tums (calcium carbonate) and Histamine-2 blockers like Tagamet (cimetidine), Aciphex (rabeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole). In addition, prescription-strength Protonix, Prevacid, and Nexium (esomeprazole) are used to treat a severe condition. Doctors prescribe them in cases when other medications do not work.
Can other medications help?
Another medication for heartburn is Zantac (Ranitidine), an H2 blocker. Doctors recommend this to people who do not respond well to other medications. Moreover, Zantac can also help heal erosive esophagitis, the more severe disease.
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Proton pump inhibitors
PPIs are suitable if you have chronic acid reflux. They reduce the amount of stomach acid, preventing damage to the food pipe. Moreover, doctors recommend this remedy to people who develop symptoms twice a week or more. If you have serious complications from gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as bleeding in the food pipe or strictures (narrowing of the oesophagus), PPIs can help.
Lansoprazole 15mg
Omeprazole 20mg
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Reglan
Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe something like Reglan (metoclopramide). However, not for its heartburn properties. It stimulates the stomach to empty. It is used in severe cases when you cannot eat or drink due to vomiting and nausea. Nevertheless, if you are using Reglan, do not drive or operate machinery; the medication may cause drowsiness.
It is vital to see your doctor if you are experiencing GERD symptoms. He or she can tell you which medications may work best for you. Your doctor may consider your indigestion and other factors that could influence treatment. However, if your symptoms don’t respond to medicines, you may need surgery to treat your condition.
What home remedies can help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease?
There are many natural remedies for acid reflux treatment. Nevertheless, here we look at 7 of the most popular-
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Almonds
They contain large amounts of magnesium. Almonds are effective in treating GERD. Moreover, they also contain fibre, which can help to bulk up your stool. Eventually, making it easier to pass. Fibre can also reduce the frequency of indigestion. It does it by reducing the time food spends in your stomach.
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Bone broth
Some studies show that amino acids found in bone broth (glycine and proline) can help to counteract acid reflux. Moreover, bone broth also contains lots of minerals and collagen. They can help improve your gut health. Collagen is the protein needed to make your stomach lining. Therefore, improving its intake can be very beneficial for heartburn sufferers.
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Bananas
Eating a banana can help your healing. It binds any excess acid in the stomach and neutralizes the acid before it reaches your oesophagus. Moreover, bananas are also high in pectin. It can help protect the stomach lining and reduce damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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Ginger tea
It is very good for GERD symptoms. Ginger tea reduces inflammation in your exophages. Moreover, it also has anti-bacterial properties, which can help destroy the H. Pylori bacteria. It is a familiar culprit of acid reflux.
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Apple cider vinegar
ACV contains acetic acid. It can kill some bad bacteria in your stomach. However, apple cider vinegar can also damage your tooth enamel by becoming more acidic when mixed with saliva. Therefore, be careful with this one. ACV does not have a pleasant taste. Nevertheless, it can help alkalize your body.
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Chamomile tea
It is a fantastic herb for heartburn treatment. Chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory element and can reduce some gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Moreover, it also contains anti-bacterial properties. They stop the bad bacteria from multiplying.
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Baking soda
Bicarbonate of soda can alkalize your body. Moreover, it can reduce acidity in your stomach. Moreover, baking soda can also help protect against ulcers. It does it by neutralizing hydrochloric acid before it causes damage to the stomach lining. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink before meals to reduce your symptoms.
What is acid reflux?
The condition occurs when stomach acid makes its way up into your throat. When this happens frequently, it is known as heartburn, which can be very painful. Nevertheless, you can do some things to support your healing. They may also lend you a hand to prevent the attacks.
What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Many things can cause this disease, such as eating certain foods and eating before bed. Moreover, other triggers can be-
- Being obese
- Having loose skin after weight loss surgery
- Smoking
- Bending over soon after eating or lying down right after a meal
These factors are the leading causes of developing GERD.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
The most common symptom of developing or experiencing heartburn or having a bitter taste in your mouth. Your chest may also feel heavy, tight, or itchy. Moreover, some people experience an upset stomach. Other symptoms can be-
- Frequent burping
- Changes in bowel movements
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
If you have these symptoms for two weeks or more, see your doctor. They can lead to some more critical conditions.
Is there a cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease?
You can do a few things at home for your healing. One is to sleep with your upper body elevated on a few pillows. It will make it easier for your stomach acid to flow out of the oesophagus. Eventually, it prevents further discomfort. Moreover, another helpful hack is drinking milk or eating yogurt with live cultures before bed. It will naturally neutralize the stomach acid, which has built up during the day. As a result, milk or yogurt can assist in treating your symptoms. If you feel like what you’ve eaten is coming back up, eat something sour like a lemon wedge, lime wedge, or pickle. It will help balance the acid in your stomach.
However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor. Moreover, do not ignore your acid reflux if your symptoms are excruciatingly painful. The condition can lead to oesophageal cancer in the absence of proper treatment methods.
