17 Best Ways To Find Acid Reflux Relief

If you regularly experience a burning feeling rising from your stomach after meals, you likely suffer from acid reflux. This common condition affects over 20 million Americans. While occasional heartburn is normal, ongoing reflux significantly impacts quality of life.

Understanding what causes these symptoms and finding effective solutions are key to regaining comfort. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and natural supplements, you can successfully manage acid reflux.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This backwash is called reflux. The esophagus is the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Stomach acid is normally prevented from entering by a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). But when this muscle becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately, acid can rise up, causing irritation. Mild or infrequent reflux is typical. But with consistent, recurrent symptoms, it is considered GERD.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

A variety of factors can prompt the LES to malfunction, resulting in acid reflux:

• Hiatal hernia - Part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, allowing acid to reflux more readily.
• Pregnancy - Hormonal changes and increased pressure relax the LES muscle.
• Obesity and excess weight - Additional weight strains the LES. Even small amounts of weight loss can reduce reflux.
• Certain medications - Drugs like antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, pain relievers and sedatives may worsen reflux.
• Smoking - Impairs muscle function in the LES.
• Some foods and drinks - Spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and others commonly trigger reflux symptoms.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Occasional, mild reflux is normal. But if you experience any of the following, consult your doctor:

• Frequent heartburn more than twice per week
• Difficulty swallowing or pain with swallowing
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Disrupted sleep due to nighttime reflux
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material

Testing like endoscopy, pH monitoring, manometry or barium swallow x-rays can evaluate the severity of your reflux, rule out complications, and direct appropriate treatment.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Making healthy lifestyle adjustments and avoiding trigger foods are recommended first steps for managing acid reflux:

• Losing excess weight - Reduces strain on the LES valve.
• Wearing loose clothing - Avoids abdominal pressure.
• Quitting smoking - Smoking impairs the LES.
• Limiting alcohol - Alcohol relaxes the LES.
• Avoiding fatty, fried, spicy foods - These foods commonly trigger reflux.
• Eating smaller, slower meals - Large portions overload the stomach.
• Remaining upright after eating - Reclining too soon enables acid to come up.
• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, etc. - Stress increases stomach acid production.

OTC and Prescription Medications

If lifestyle measures alone don’t relieve symptoms, several medications can reduce acid production and heal tissue damage:

• Antacids - Neutralize stomach acid quickly but effects are short-term.
• H2 blockers - Reduce acid production more long-term.
• Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs - Nearly eliminate acid production for extended relief.
• Prokinetics- Help strengthen the LES while improving stomach emptying.

Natural Supplements for Reflux Relief

Natural supplements offer additional options to find relief without side effects:

• Calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate help neutralize excess stomach acid.
• Aloe vera, marshmallow root, slippery elm and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) coat and protect the esophagus.
• Ginger, melatonin, and zinc carnosine have tissue healing properties.
• Certain probiotics balance gut flora for better digestion.
• Melatonin improves LES function while promoting restful sleep.

Give Your Body What It Needs

Acid reflux doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding the causes, making lifestyle and dietary changes, and supplementing with natural ingredients, you can successfully manage your symptoms. Listen to what your body needs and take a multifaceted approach for optimal digestive health and comfort. You deserve to live free from the burning misery of acid reflux.