Lemon juice and honey can treat or cure acid reflux by reducing or eliminating heartburn symptoms. You may have experienced reflux disease at one time or another. However, if you experience these symptoms frequently (daily for several days), then you should look into remedies such as lemon juice and honey to eliminate these symptoms. However, you shouldn’t always depend on this remedy to relieve your pain.
What is acid reflux?
This disease is characterized by excessive production of stomach acid leading to severe heartburn, regurgitation, belching, bloating, chest pain, and indigestion. Usually occurring after a meal, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a circular band of muscle fibres that connects the oesophagus to the stomach, does not close all of the ways. When this happens, stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing discomfort.
What causes heartburn?
There are several causes, which result in GERD. They may include-
- Overeating
- Excess weight
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Certain medications
What can help relieve acid reflux?
Several ways can reduce or eliminate heartburn. Some of them are-
- Avoiding foods such as peppermint, citrus fruits, raw onions, and spicy stuff
- Raising your bed-head to about 6-8 inches
- Not lying down for 3-4 hours after eating a meal
- Losing or maintaining a healthy weight
Additionally, you can reduce symptoms by using some home remedies.
Does heartburn always indicate acid reflux?
Not all heartburn is due to acid reflux. Heartburn is the feeling of having a burning sensation in the centre of your chest, brought on by eating certain foods. However, this disease is caused by an excess production of stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, which causes pain and discomfort.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used lemon juice, also known as citric acid and sour salt, for many ailments such as arthritis, swelling, and bladder problems. Hippocrates prescribed a mixture of water and lemon juice to his patients with stomach ulcers.
Honey has been used as a medicine for more than 1,000 years and was first recorded in ancient Egyptian pyramids. Egyptians even placed jars of honey near the mummies they buried with so they might have it in their afterlife. The Greeks and Romans were also big fans of honey and often used it to treat ulcers, respiratory problems, and acid reflux treatment.
Can lemon juice and honey help ease heartburn?
Lemon juice and honey can be used as a natural remedy for heartburn symptoms. Honey contains a naturally occurring element called hydrogen peroxide, which fights the bacteria responsible for the formation of ulcers.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid, which help to fight infection. Therefore, lemon juice and honey can fight back many health-related ailments, including heartburn.
The best method for using lemon juice and honey to treat acid reflux is by mixing one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with two parts of honey. You can take the mixture daily at any time of the day. If you do not have an immediate heartburn attack, we would recommend taking this mixture approximately 30-45 minutes before a meal or just before bedtime.
What are effective ways to get rid of heartburn?
Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach back up into the oesophagus. High levels of acid can cause painful symptoms and damage to your oesophagus.
Symptoms may include the following-
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or hoarse voice
- Chest pain
- A sour taste in the mouth
Because reflux disease attacks your oesophagus, it can be difficult to treat. There is no cure. However, many home remedies can assist alleviate your symptoms. Here are some well-working solutions-
Eat more foods that are alkaline
Overproduction of stomach acid is the main cause of acid reflux and heartburn. Eating foods, which form alkaline in your body, can reduce the risk. Some foods you can add to your diet are sprouted grains, fresh vegetables, and green drinks.
Amplify your magnesium levels
Low magnesium levels can increase the risk of GERD. Therefore, increase your magnesium levels by eating magnesium-rich foods, taking a supplement, or getting a massage, which will help to absorb the nutrient into your body.
Baking Soda
When you mix baking soda with water, it creates a fizzing reaction. It has a soothing effect on your stomach acids. Mix baking soda with warm water and drink it before you go to bed at night.
Baking Soda + Apple Cider Vinegar
Another popular home remedy is mixing 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water. You can take the mixture 3-4 times per day on an empty stomach.
Aloe Vera Juice
According to some studies, aloe vera juice was found to be significantly more effective than prescription drugs at relieving heartburn symptoms. It helped reduce the number of acid reflux episodes by 70%. You can drink 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice before meals for effective results.
Herbal teas
Some people get relief from their symptoms with herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint tea. These can be taken before bed to promote a good night’s sleep, which will help with your recovery.
Eliminate trigger foods
The most effective way to treat reflux diseases is to avoid troublesome foods that cause an overproduction of stomach acid. Common culprits include-
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Fried foods
- Tomatoes
- Tomato-based products
- Oranges and orange juice
- Soda pop
- Milk and milk products
Relax before meals
Stress can lead to GERD. Therefore, it can be helpful to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes before each meal. Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help overcome stress.
Lose weight
Excess pounds put pressure on your stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux disease. Therefore, if you are overweight, losing just 10 pounds could have a dramatic effect on your heartburn.
Elevate the head of your bed
It is recommended to sleep with the head of your bed elevated 6-9 inches so that gravity reduces heartburn during the night. You can place wood blocks under the legs at the head of your bed or use an adjustable bed frame.
Avoid lying down after eating
Acid reflux is more likely to occur after a meal. Therefore, try not to lie down for at least two hours afterward. Some people find that sleeping on the left side has helped the treatment because it prevents stomach acids from flowing into the oesophagus.
Get rid of hiatal hernias
A hiatal hernia is a condition where part of the stomach squeezes through an opening in your diaphragm, which causes acid to back up into your throat. If you have this condition, it can be helpful to get surgery to repair the opening.
Reduce Inflammation
Foods such as corn, wheat, and soy can cause an inflammatory reaction in your body, especially if you are gluten intolerant. Addressing food sensitivities is another significant part of eliminating acid reflux disease naturally.
Chew your food
Swallowing too much air when you eat can worsen your symptoms. Therefore, it is best to chew each bite of food 20 or 30 times if you have GERD with a hiatal hernia.
Drink a lot of water
Drinking plenty of water can support your healing. An abundance of water keeps your digestive system hydrated, reduces inflammation in your throat, and provides the necessary fluids for saliva formation, which helps break down acid.
Eat ginger root
Ginger root is helpful for people with stomach problems because it stimulates the release of gastric juices and helps to neutralize the acid. You can cut it into slices or drink ginger tea.
Try apple cider vinegar
Drinking some organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed with water has been shown to help digest food, balance your stomach pH levels and reduce the effects of heartburn. It is significant to start with a small amount and then gradually increase the dose because abruptly drinking too much apple cider vinegar can cause diarrhoea.
Eat pineapple
If you suffer from GERD, it is best to avoid pineapple for now because it contains bromelain, which breaks down proteins in your digestive tract like Candida yeast. However, if your acid reflux disease is caused by low levels of stomach acid production instead of Candida overgrowth, then eating pineapple can be helpful.
Bromelain can reduce inflammation in your digestive tract and improve digestion.
Try a low carb diet
Cutting back on carbohydrates can help relieve heartburn symptoms. It reduces the time food stays in your stomach, which is one of the primary causes of GERD. In addition, you might find that a low-carb diet helps improve your overall health and well-being, as many people who switch to a low carbohydrate diet report feeling more energetic and happier.
Avoid refined sugars
Sugar is another common cause of heartburn. It creates inflammation in your digestive tract, harming the natural pH balance that protects you from heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. If you have Candida overgrowth or some kind of bacterial infection in your digestive tract, then sugar can feed it and make it worse.
Check your hormones
GERD can be caused by hormonal imbalances such as low levels of progesterone or high levels of cortisol. Therefore, it is significant to check your hormone levels and find the root cause of the problem.
Several studies have shown that serotonin is a primary neurotransmitter involved in the disease, which means that balancing your serotonin levels through diet and lifestyle changes might be helpful for treatment.
Design tranquil surroundings
Many people find emotional and physical stress caused by acid reflux disease can make them feel overwhelmed. However, it is crucial to understand that your digestion starts in your mind. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed because of work, family problems, or something else, this added stress can make your GERD worse.
Try meditation
If you are a smoker, quitting can help because smoking is one of the most common causes of acid reflux disease. In addition, meditating can be extremely helpful for people who suffer from stress or anxiety. This practice helps calm the fight-or-flight response and lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, which in turn, can improve your digestion.
Get more sleep
Not getting enough sleep is one of the primary causes of GERD because it puts a lot of stress on your body, increases inflammation, and makes you more susceptible to food sensitivities. Unfortunately, many people ignore the importance of sleep until their health is already ruined, but getting enough sleep is vital to maintaining your health.
Exercise
Many people neglect exercise when trying to beat acid reflux disease because it can make you feel worse in the short term. However, regular exercise is extremely helpful for your treatment. It helps relieve stress and reduce inflammation over time, and strengthen your diaphragm so that you can better control your breathing.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol or taking in caffeine (or both) is another common cause of reflux diseases because it can increase stomach acid production. When combined with stress and lack of sleep, they become even more problematic. Therefore, if you suffer from GERD, it is best to avoid these substances altogether.
Improve your digestion
People often neglect their digestion because they are busy with work, exercise, or daily stress. However, improving your digestion is crucial for preventing acid reflux disease. If you have poor gut health due to an overgrowth of Candida, it is best to start with natural antifungals and probiotics before trying medications. They can worsen your symptoms.
Improve your diet
A healthy diet that is low in refined carbohydrates and high in vegetables is vital for preventing acid reflux disease. It reduces inflammation throughout the body while also improving gut flora, which helps your digestive system function efficiently.
In addition, organic fruits and vegetables have an excellent proportion of antioxidants and other significant nutrients that your body needs.
Take an anti-inflammatory diet
It is crucial to control your inflammation levels by reducing sugar and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet. It may include-
- Plenty of healthy fats ( avocados, olive oil, coconut oil)
- Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables ( berries, cherries, spinach, turmeric )
- Healthy proteins (grass-fed beef, wild fish, poultry, and eggs)
