Acid reflux is defined by the burning pain occurring around the lower chest area. This occurs due to stomach acids that move up into the esophagus. This pain can worsen when you bend over or lie down. Severe acid reflux is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Apart from burning pain, you can also experience symptoms such as nausea, sore throat, a sour taste in mouth, chest pain and dry cough. If properly untreated, it can result in serious complications like esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus.
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List Of Home Remedies For GERD In Babies, Toddlers And Adults
Now, in this article, Healthy Guide will show you some natural home remedies for GERD that you can consider applying at home in order to reduce the pain and burning sensation associated with GERD.
CONTENTS
I. Causes And Symptoms Of Acid Reflux Disease And GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a chronic version of acid reflux. You may have GERD if you suffer from acid reflux more than twice per week while you have an inflammation in the esophagus. The exact causes of GERD are still not known. However, the following factors can contribute to the occurrence of this disease:
- Smoking
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Eating some certain foods
- Taking some certain medications
- Malfunctioning of the muscles in lower esophageal sphincter
- Hiatal hernia
And, here are some common signs and symptoms of GERD that you can experience:
- Frequent eruct
- Sour heartburn
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Lots of saliva
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Cough and sore throat
- Bitter mouth
Severe bouts of acid reflux need medical treatment. But, if you have only mild symptoms, try some home remedies for GERD to get a quick relief.
List of 23 Best Natural Home Remedies For Vomiting In Infants, Toddlers, & Adults will show you some of the natural treatments for vomiting in babies, toddlers and adults, so check it out!
II. Home Remedies For GERD You Should Try
There are many natural treatments for the symptoms of GERD that you can try out. All of these treatments use natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen. Moreover, these ingredients are safe, so you do not need to worry about unwanted side effects after making use any of these ingredients at home.
1. Licorice Root
This is the first one among home remedies for GERD pain that we would like to mention in this article. Licorice root is helpful for acid reflux thanks to its stomach-healing properties. It helps in soothing the mucus membranes, reducing gastric inflammation, protecting the gut’s lining and simultaneously relieving gastric spasms. To know how to use licorice root as a GERD treatment, you can apply either of the following methods:
Method 1:
- Boil ½ tsp. of powered licorice root in about a cup of water.
- Strain and drink this tea about 15- 20 minutes before meals.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times daily for one week.
Method 2:
- Take 400-800mg chewable tablets of Deglycyrrhizinated licorice before meals.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times daily for at least several weeks.
- Note: Consult a doctor before taking this tablet.
Read on 41 Home Remedies For Acid Reflux While Pregnant, In Toddlers & Infants to discover some of the natural treatments for acid reflux in infants, toddlers and pregnant women.
2. Best Home Remedies For GERD – Aloe Vera Juice
When it comes to learning home remedies for GERD in babies and toddlers, you should try making use of aloe vera juice. Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it can be used to relieve inflammation in the esophagus and stomach.
Directions:
- Drink about ¼ cup of aloe vera juice 20 minutes before your meal.
- Note: Do not consume the large amount of aloe vera juice because it can have a laxative effect.
To know some simple uses of aloe vera for redness, blemishes and acne scars, read on 29 Uses Of Aloe Vera For Acne Scars, Redness, Blemishes & Pores
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is known as a natural antacid that gives you a quick relief from the burning pain, which may be the most common sign and symptom of acid reflux. Therefore, if you do not know natural home remedies for GERD in adults, you should try using baking soda.
Directions:
- Mix ½- 1 tsp. of baking soda in about a cup of water.
- Then, drink it down quickly.
- Note: Consumption of baking soda for long periods of time is not recommended. Also, people who experience high blood pressure should not use this remedy.
If you want to know natural treatments for stomach ache and bloating in babies, infants and adults, read on 38 Home Remedies For Stomach Ache & Bloating In Infants, Babies, & Adults
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known as one of the best home remedies for GERD in babies, toddlers, and adults because it can help with digestion and simultaneously balances production of acids in the stomach.
Directions:
- Mix 1-2 tsp. of raw apple cider vinegar in about a cup of warm water.
- Then, drink this solution 20-30 minutes before your meal.
- Repeat this remedy regularly for several months.
Learn More: 30 Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff And Itchy Scalp, Hair Loss
5. Warm Salt Water
Using warm salt water is an effective remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease, making it one of the home remedies for GERD in toddlers and adults.
Directions:
- Add 1 tbsp. of salt to a cup of warm water
- Stir it well and then drink it for a quick pain relief.
6. Yellow Mustard
According to a study [1], yellow mustard is another great one among natural home remedies for GERD in adults, babies, and toddlers because it helps neutralize the acid in your stomach. Besides, the vinegar content found in yellow mustard can help reduce the pH of stomach acid. Simply, you just need to eat 1 tsp. of yellow mustard for a quick relief. In case it is too strong, drink a glass of water after that. However, this remedy can make heartburn worse in some cases.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric contains powerful compounds that improve the digestive tract. And, the compound called curcumin found in turmeric helps prevent inflammation associated with GERD. Addition to this, the antioxidants of turmeric can help remove the toxics from the body.
Method 1:
- Rinse a fresh turmeric and peel off its skin
- Then, grind it to get the paste before filtering it to get turmeric juice
- Simply, drink turmeric juice regularly
Method 2:
- Add 3 tbsp. of turmeric powder and 1 tbsp. of honey to 100ml of lukewarm water
- Mix the mixture well
- Drink it before meals twice per day for about 2 months
- Note: Although turmeric is effective in treating GERD, it is not recommended in some cases, including patients who feel hot in their body, children, older people or pregnant women who are having many other diseases. Besides, when using the combination of honey and turmeric, you should avoid soft foods, animal fat and hot spices.
8. Best Home Remedies For GERD – Chewing Gum
According to a study, chewing a sugar-free gum for about half an hour after a meal may be effective in reducing the symptoms of GERD. This is because chewing gum can stimulate the production of saliva, hence washing away acid buildup in the gut. Addition to this, being alkaline, saliva can also be effective in neutralizing stomach acids. As a result, you can relieve your acid reflux by having sugar-free chewing gum after your meals. Also, you can try chewing a cinnamon gum. However, you should avoid mint-flavored gums because mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which causes the reflux of stomach acids to get into the food pipe.
9. Mint Juice
Peppermint leaves can be used to help with digestion and treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Directions:
- Chew 1-2 fresh mint leaves about 2-3 times in several days.
- Alternatively, place some mint leaves in hot water and drink it 2-3 times daily.
There are other home remedies for GERD in toddlers and adults in this article. Therefore, you should continue to read this interesting article and then try applying any of these remedies for good.
10. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains demulcent properties, which help cover the esophagus as well as the stomach’s lining. Addition to this, slippery elm also contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Directions:
- Mix 2 tbsp. of slippery elm bark powder in about 2 cups of boiling water.
- Then, let it steep for 5 minutes
- Drink this solution 3 times daily until you notice an improvement.
11. Marshmallow
Marshmallow also contains soothing and demulcent properties, making it one of the best home remedies for GERD in toddlers, babies, and adults. Being high in mucilage, it can help in protecting the mucosal lining of the esophagus and stomach.
Directions:
- Add 2 tbsp. of dried marshmallow root to about 4 cups of water.
- Leave it on overnight
- Then, strain it out the next morning
- Drink this solution a few times daily until your condition is better.
12. Cumin Seeds
This is another one among the best home remedies for GERD that you should give it a try! Cumin seeds can be used to deal with acid reflux because according to a research about cumin health benefits [2], they help with digestion and simultaneously reduce acidity and gas.
Directions:
- Boil 1 tsp. of cumin seeds in about a cup of water.
- Then, let it steep for about 5 minutes before straining it.
- Drink this tea every morning and after meals for several days.
- Alternatively, add this spice to your cooking.
13. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are effective in improving digestion and simultaneously suppressing stomach spasms. According to a study, these seeds contain a compound called anethole, which helps in calming spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. To know how to use fennel seeds for treating the symptoms of GERD, you can take the following steps:
Directions:
- Boil 1 tsp. of fennel seeds in about a cup of water.
- Then, let it steep for about 10 minutes before straining it.
- Drink this solution 2-3 times daily for a few days.
- Alternatively, chew ½ tsp. of fennel seeds after your meals.
14. Best Home Remedies For GERD – Probiotics
The good bacteria found in probiotics can help remove harmful bacteria causing GERD, reduce infections, and simultaneously improve digestion. You can take probiotics through consuming fermented foods like yogurt, mackerel, sour cream, and fermented veggies or through supplements.
15. Glutamine
This is worth mentioning in this list of the best home remedies for GERD in adults, babies, and toddlers that you should consider making use at home. According to a study [3], glutamine is a nonessential amino acid, which helps reduce infection caused due to H pylori bacteria, and protects your body from further gastric damage. Glutamine can be found in foods such as fish, beef, chicken, dairy products, fruits and vegetables or supplements. Before taking this supplement, ask a doctor for your proper dosage.
16. Ginger
Ginger root can be used for treating gastrointestinal issues. It helps fight against H pylori bacteria and may have a gastroprotective effect on the stomach. You just need to chew a fresh ginger root or make a ginger tea with added fresh lemon juice and honey.
Directions:
- Peel off the skin of a small piece of ginger
- Grate fresh ginger and then mix it with some plain water
- Then, bring it to a boil and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Optionally, add 1 tsp. of honey or sugar before consuming it
- Drink the tea 3 times daily after meals.
- Note: Limit the consumption of ginger tea at night. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid drinking ginger tea. Also, if you have intestinal disease, diabetes, and gall bladder problems, consuming so much of ginger tea can be harmful.
17. Try Antioxidants
In regard to learning natural home remedies for GERD in babies, toddlers, and adults, using antioxidants is one of the best solutions for patients who are suffering from GERD symptoms. While there is no evidence for the effects of antioxidant supplements on treating GERD, antioxidant therapy can help reduce ulcers. Simply, consume foods that are rich in antioxidants like kidney beans and berries.
18. Vitamin C
This is another great way among natural home remedies for GERD in toddlers, babies, and adults that you should not forget, yet to try using for good. Getting enough vitamin C can help keep GERD at bay thanks to its antihistamine and antioxidant properties. You can either consume vitamin C-rich foods or taking vitamin C supplements.
19. Best Home Remedies For GERD Pain – Cabbage
This is another one among home remedies for GERD in babies and toddlers that you should try out, especially if you would like to treat the symptoms of GERD by using natural ingredients. Now, if you want to make use of cabbage for treating GERD symptoms, you just need to follow the instructions below:
Directions:
- Wash the outside leaves of cabbage
- Then, boil them with water before picking out to dry
- Grind to create a paste and filter the cabbage juice
- Optionally, add sugar or salt for easier drinking
- Drink about 1000ml of cabbage juice on a daily basis
- Note: People with thyroid disorders should avoid using this remedy.
20. Banana Or Apple
Bananas contain powerful antacids that can work as a natural buffer against acid reflux. So, if you are looking for home remedies for GERD, try eating a ripe banana every day. Another option for you is to consume an apple on a daily basis. Slice up an apple and then eat it several hours before going to bed in order to relieve discomfort. Actually, this is known as one of the natural remedies for the symptoms of GERD.
21. Slippery Elm Tea
Slippery elm can be used to improve your digestion and simultaneously prevent GERD. According to a study, this herb helps increase mucus secretion and protects your gastrointestinal tract from acidity and ulcers. Nonetheless, it can reduce the efficiency of others drugs, so you should take this herb at least about 2 hours before you take any drugs. Make slippery elm tea from 2 tbsp. of the slippery elm bark powder and then drink this tea about 3 times daily. Alternatively, take 400g of slippery elm in the form of supplements, for 3 times daily.
22. Papaya
Ripe papaya contains proteolytic protein, which helps convert proteins in the digestive organs into amino acids. Therefore, papaya helps speed up the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Besides, according to a research [4], papaya also contains a compound called papain, which helps the body digest foods rich in fat and starch more easily. Plus, ripe papaya can provide your stomach with some beneficial bacteria, hence repelling gastroesophageal reflux disease syndrome.
23. Almonds
Having some almonds as your daily snack can be effective in reducing painful episodes of acid reflux as they are an alkaline food, which helps balance the body’s pH and simultaneously prevent the acidity in the stomach from irritating other tissues of your gastrointestinal system.
24. Beans
The beans are rich in fiber, which is required for patients with reflux. However, some beans like peas, soybeans, black beans, and green beans contain complex carbohydrates that can contribute to flatulence. A solution for this is to soak these dried peas overnight before use.
25. Home Remedies For GERD – Dill
Dill contains a powerful compound called Anethole, which can help relieve the contractions in the stomach and simultaneously protect the digestive tract. The dill’s seeds can be used to reduce the pain linked with digestive tract, and prevent the symptoms of acid reflux from occurring. There are many different ways to use dill for treating the symptoms of GERD, including:
- Add some grinded dill to grilled or boiled vegetables.
- Add some dill to mayonnaise and then spread it on bread
- Mix the dill with garlic powder, chili powder, red pepper and onion powder to create the burger seasoning.
- Drink dill tea on a daily basis.
26. Bread
Bread is known as a relief for patients with gastroesophageal reflux thanks to its ability to absorb acid, hence reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. As a result, if you are suffering from GERD, you should include bread in your diet plan.
27. Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea can be used to alleviate GERD symptoms thanks to its high contents of vitamins and amino acids. Drinking chrysanthemum tea mixed with a fresh ginger can also work wonders to treat GERD symptoms very well. Actually, it is known as one of the best home remedies for GERD pain you should try out!
28. Oatmeal
Oats are good for gastroesophageal reflux patients. Adding oats to your breakfast will provide your body with abundant energy. Addition to this, oats are also rich in fiber, which helps absorb excess acidity. So, you should consider adding oats to your diet plan if you suffer from GERD.
29. Lose Weight
This may sound strange when it comes to learning natural home remedies for GERD that you should know. If you have excess belly fat, your lower esophageal sphincter can be pushed upward, hence increasing the risk of developing GERD. So, it is recommended that losing weight can relieve reflux symptoms.
30. Home Remedies For GERD – Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water can help balance excess acid in your stomach. Simply, drink a cup of warm water right after you experience GERD symptoms. If not, you should drink water after your meal for half an hour in order to cleanse your digestive system. Just remember not to drink too much water during meals to avoid causing stomach upsets.
31. Quit Smoking And Limit Alcohol
Smoking has been associated with weakening your lower esophageal sphincter. Actually, smoking is a terribly dangerous habit; therefore, if you are dealing with acid reflux disease, then you should quit smoking.
Addition to this, excessive alcohol consumption can cause many issues in your stomach, including an increased risk of developing acid reflux disease. So, it is important for you to reduce the consumption of alcohol if you are trying to deal with the symptoms of GERD.
32. Avoid Some Certain Foods
This is the last way among home remedies for GERD in adults that we would like to mention in this article. If you often suffer from GERD, you need to avoid eating some certain foods. They include:
- Sour foods: These foods are not good for the stomach as it increases the acid amounts in the stomach, hence causing inflammation, stomach ulcers as well as GERD.
- Spicy spices and carbonated drinks: They can irritate the digestive system.
- High-fat foods: They cause indigestion and put more pressure on the stomach.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains milk and fat, both of which can make the reflux worse.
- Green papaya: The papain enzymes found in green papaya can destroy the esophageal lining.
Some other home remedies for GERD that you can apply at the comfort of your own home:
- Avoid eating heavy meals right before bedtime.
- Take B complex vitamins
- Take melatonin supplements to reduce heartburn [5] as well as other symptoms of GERD.
- Try applying acupuncture techniques.
- Sleep with the head elevated.
After reading this interesting article, we hope that all of my readers can be aware of some natural treatments for the symptoms of GERD. Actually, all of the home remedies as mentioned above are effective in reducing the pain and burning sensation associated with GERD. So, you can feel free when applying any of these home remedies at home. Also, if you know other home remedies for GERD pain, feel free to share them with other readers by leaving your comments in the comment section below.
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