Uh oh! It’s that dreaded burning, burping sensation in your chest again. If you know exactly what we’re talking about, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced acid reflux. To put it simply, acid reflux doesn’t feel good. It can get in the way of your feelings of well-being and overall quality of life.
At KOR, we believe everyone deserves to feel their very best. We also believe there are a lot of natural ways to do just that. That’s why we got in touch with our team of experts to find out how to beat acid reflux without having to call in a prescription.
Ready to keep that bubbling at bay? Here are six all natural tips for beating acid reflux once and for all:
1. Reach for ginger root
My go-to all natural solution for acid reflux is ginger. Ginger root is a powerhouse herb that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-nausea, and anti-ulcer benefits, making it a great addition to help acid reflux. Ginger root can be used in tea form, supplement capsules, or cold-pressed juice shots, like KOR’s Wellness.
Ginger works by providing what’s called a carminative effect that helps to regulate digestion and can decrease pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter to help control acid reflux. It’s also been shown to reduce bloating and lessen GI cramping. Ginger is considered safe and effective for a wide-range of symptoms, especially digestive!
Dr. Ellie Heintze, Naturopathic Doctor, Starting Point Acupuncture
2. Be mindful of fruits
Be wary of the fruits you are consuming, as many of them are highly acidic and will promote acid reflux. When consuming fruits, you’ll want to aim for the least acidic fruits, such as bananas, watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydew, etc.
Low acid fruits, like bananas, can help reduce reflux symptoms by coating and soothing the lining of the esophageal tract. Bananas are also high in fiber, which has proven to be beneficial for your GI system by aiding indigestion. Pectin, a soluble fiber found in bananas, helps to move contents located in the stomach for a smooth transition through the rest of the digestive tract. This is helpful for anyone with reflux disease, because the longer food is present in the stomach, the more acid will be produced over time.
Don’t forget about melons! These sweet fruits contain magnesium, which is regularly found in medications that help to reduce acid reflux
Dr. Waqas Ahmad Buttar, Family Physician, sachetinfusions.com
3. Eat early
In terms of acid reflux, it's best not to eat three hours before bedtime. When food is properly digested, it reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.
When you lie down immediately after eating, gravity pulls the contents of your stomach against the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can lead to heartburn.
In addition to eating earlier, aim to eat small frequent meals rather than one large meal at the end of the day. This prevents your stomach from getting too full and helps the body digest the food properly.
Kevin Daly, Workplace Wellness Expert, Zevo Health
4. Drink herbal tea
Are you an espresso after dinner person? Or do you prefer wine as a nightcap? If either sounds like you, it’s important to note that coffee and alcohol make you more prone to acid reflux. Try replacing these common after-dinner beverages with herbal tea instead, like chamomile, fruit, or licorice tea. Pro-tip: avoid caffeinated and mint teas, as they can also aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
Herbal teas not only improve digestion and soothe stomach problems and nausea, but licorice tea is said to aid in resisting the effects of stomach acid by increasing the coating of the esophageal lining.
Niyla Carson, Nutritionist, Fast Food Menu Prices
5. Focus on whole grains
Following a low-carbohydrate diet, or a diet that emphasizes whole grains over refined carbohydrates, can help to prevent or treat reflux. Some evidence indicates that undigested carbs lead to bacterial overgrowth. This overgrowth can lead to many health conditions, including reflux because of the pressure placed on the abdomen by these bacteria.
Another natural remedy for reflux includes integrating fruits into your diet. Apples contain pectin, which can help balance the pH of the stomach. Bananas can also help reduce the impact of reflux by coating the lining of the stomach. Papayas have an enzyme, papain, that is responsible for dissolving carbohydrates which can aid in preventing reflux causing bacterial growth.
Lisa Richards, Nutritionist, The Candida Diet
6. Baking soda can provide short term relief
Contrary to popular thought, acid reflux is more often caused by acid in the wrong place, not an excess of acid. It's actually often low stomach acid that causes reflux, so using acid blocking medications can have a detrimental effect long term.
One natural, cheap, and easy solution for acid reflux is good old fashioned baking soda. This won't address the root cause of the acid reflux but can help short term. All you need to do is mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/4 cup water, and drink it down. Wait five minutes, then repeat if needed. Baking soda has an alkaline pH, so it neutralizes the excess stomach acid that causes the discomfort.
Note: it’s important to address the root cause of ongoing acid reflux symptoms, and no natural solution should be used long term. A skilled practitioner can help guide you through possible risk factors and how to overcome it once and for all.
Lauren "Lozzy" Barnao, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Of course, before getting started on any kind of treatment plan, get in touch with your medical practitioner for professional guidance. With their green light, these all-natural remedies can be a helpful way to manage acid reflux symptoms.
If ginger is the place for you to start, KOR’s got you covered. Our Wellness shot is our most ginger-forward blend, but ginger juice also features prominently in our Intense Defense, Immune+, Sweet Dreams, Focus Fuel, Gut Check, Green Up, Restore, and De-Stress. Give ‘em all a try with our Remix Box.