Acid reflux is painful. Food and acid splash into the oesophagus and cause belching, heartburn and in severe cases, chest pains. Some individuals have experienced pain so intense they have thought they were having a heart attack. If a person experiences acid reflux on a regular basis, the acids irritate the oesophagus, which may advance to scarring, ulceration, swelling, or haemorrhaging. What is the risk of acid reflux? Many experts agree, if acid reflux persists, it may lead to oesophageal cancer.
If you suffer from acid reflux, you need to take inventory of your life and determine what’s causing or exacerbating the problem. Start off with a review of your dietary habits. Foods that contain living enzymes are crucial in eliminating and preventing acid reflux. Other measures you can take include:
6 Natural Remedies for Balancing Acid Reflux
1. Balance Your Hydrochloric Acid Levels
Increasing the natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is the first step to preventing acid reflux. I recommend replacing cheap table salt with high-quality sea salt such as Himalayan crystal salt because it contains chloride and dozens of trace minerals the body needs. I also recommend taking a plant-derived Betaine HCL supplement before meals.This is extremely effective at preventing acid reflux.
2. Change Your Diet
Processed foods and sugars are an almost guaranteed way to exacerbate acid reflux and create a bacterial imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. To combat this, eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables regularly … an apple a day keeps big pharma away! Taking a probiotic supplement will also help balance the gut with good bacteria.
3. Take a Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Enzymes are found in abundance in raw food, but cooking food over 116° Fahrenheit destroys the health-promoting enzymes. Only living and raw foods are high in nutrient values and the enzyme levels that are crucial to combat acid reflux, so I recommend taking a good enzyme supplement.
4. Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
I recommend taking one tablespoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar mixed in about 4 ounces of purified water before each meal. This will help calm the stomach and supports digestion. It’s also my favourite, fast-acting home remedy for acid reflux.
5. Take Organic Baking Soda
Bicarbonate is a wonder product. Mix a spoonful in a glass of water, stir, and drink before it stops fizzing. Some doctors are skeptical so if you have high blood pressure or if you are on a sodium-restricted diet it’s best to get advice first.
6. Take Organic Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly used to calm an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and redness associated with bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera leaf gel supports digestion and is another great alternative for soothing acid reflux.
Additional Tips
I also suggest a full body cleanse, beginning with a comprehensive colon cleanse. Accumulated toxins from processed foods and sugars can disrupt digestion and lead to acid reflux symptoms. A regular full body cleanse can flush out your system and help promote acid balance. Eliminating the discomfort of acid reflux can be done without expensive over-the-counter medications. There are many natural remedies readily available that will help you feel better naturally; and your body will thank you!