What Simple Things Can I Do to Lessen GERD Pain? - By: Richard Pagano

Acid reflux, and the more severe gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), both occasionally referred to as acid reflux, are conditions that set off the regurgitation of the stomach content into the esophagus and throat. Acid reflux is very common and may occur due to an inappropriate diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. In severe cases, stomach and esophageal ulcers can appear.

When the suffering becomes acute it is probably time to take some sort of medication to relieve the pain. Even though these drugs can be helpful at relieving symptoms like heartburn and abdominal pain, they may have serious long-term side effects. Women, chiefly those in jeopardy of developing osteoporosis, must be very careful when taking some types of acid reflux medications as some of them may actually play a role in bone deterioration. Medications treat the symptoms: burning; acid taste; and chest pain, but do nothing to treat the causes of the disease.

One of the best and simplest natural cures for acid reflux is considered to be apple cider vinegar. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it during your meal in order to achieve the best results. Carrots and cabbage (or carrot and cabbage juice) are also efficient natural cures for acid reflux and can control the secretion of gastric juices inside the stomach.

There are some other home remedies, in addition to diet and lifestyle changes, that are popular. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) herbal extract is believed to help the stomach lining to heal, and can be combined with other calming herbs, like slippery elm and milk thistle. You can also check out the amino acid, L-glutamine in powder form. A teaspoon of L-glutamine powder in four ounces of water taken with each main meal can help heal gastritis and perhaps even stomach ulcers. Pharmaceutical digestive enzymes are considered effective in many cases because they have the effect of decreasing distension of the stomach. The enzymes should be acid-resistant, so they work in the stomach itself, instead of the small intestine. A powdered enzyme preparation (1/2 teaspoon) can be combined with powdered calcium citrate and consumed after lunch and dinner. Digestive enzymes are available in natural food stores and pharmacies.

Along with testing different natural remedies, and even combinations of remedies, you must not forget the little--but extremely important--things such as:

- Keep away from foods that you already know cause you discomfort, especially if your acid reflux or GERD has been active. So-called “acid” foods, like oranges and tomatoes, do not cause GERD, but they may irritate an already tender esophagus

- Maintain a normal weight. Being overweight boosts your risk of GERD.

- Don’t smoke.

- Do not lay down in front of the television immediately after eating.

Take steps to improve your lifestyle, reduce stress and follow a sound diet. Use natural therapies for acid reflux and see which one works best for you. Try to steadily replace synthetic drugs with natural remedies, as they offer good results and are a lot safer to use.

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