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Herbs And Supplements For Acid Reflux (GERD)
Some herbs and supplements like peppermint oil, licorice root, and melatonin may help improve GERD with other treatments. However, more research is needed.
Treatment for acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may include a combination of lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and surgery.
Herbal remedies and supplements have been used for many years to help ease symptoms of GERD.
However, research on their role in treating GERD is limited, and mixed.
Keep reading to learn more about potential herbal remedies and supplements for GERD and acid reflux.
Peppermint oil and tea leaves have been used traditionally to help alleviate many conditions, such as:
Research suggests that peppermint oil could help improve symptoms related to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. For example, it might help relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and other muscles in the abdomen area.
The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) recommends not taking peppermint at least 2 hours before or after taking medications like antacids. This may increase the risk of heartburn.
Ginger root has been used for many years as an herbal remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
A 2023 review found that ginger may have several benefits for acid reflux and GERD, such as:
That said, a 2020 review found that some studies reported heartburn as a side effect of taking 500–2,000 milligrams (mg) of ginger each day.
Before taking ginger supplements, speak with a healthcare professional. They could advise you on the best dosage or suggest an alternative remedy to help treat GERD.
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects, which is why many people drink it before going to bed.
Research suggests chamomile may also help reduce GERD symptoms and inflammation when taken after your last meal. Chamomile may also help relieve associated symptoms like:
The risks of side effects from chamomile are very small, but some people may experience an allergic reaction.
Licorice root, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), may also help relieve the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms.
A 2023 review suggests it could help relieve acid reflux by boosting several enzymes associated with acid secretion in the stomach. This could also help your GI tract digest food, absorb minerals, and manage bacteria.
A small 2017 study found that DGL supplements may be more efficient at relieving symptoms than some antacid drugs.
However, research on the link between licorice root and GERD and acid reflux is limited. It's important not to stop taking medications for GERD unless a doctor tells you it's safe to do so.
A handful of other herbs and botanicals available as teas, oils, or capsules may be used to help treat GERD, such as:
However, limited research supports these herbs in the treatment of GERD. Herbs are also not regulated by any government agency for safety or effectiveness.
Antioxidant nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E are being explored for their potential in GERD prevention.
A small 2012 study found that people who consumed more of these vitamins, either in foods or in supplement form, were less likely to develop GERD than people who consumed lower levels.
According to a 2020 review, animal studies found that quercetin has antioxidative effects that may help treat GERD.
Antioxidant supplements are only typically used if you don't get enough nutrients from food. A blood test can help determine which nutrients your body is deficient in.
Melatonin, also known as the "sleep hormone," is primarily known for helping trigger changes in the brain that promote the onset of sleep.
A 2023 study looked at the effects of combining melatonin with omeprazole to help treat GERD symptoms. One group of participants took 3 mg of melatonin and 20 mg of omeprazole daily, while the other group only took 20 mg of omeprazole.
After 4 weeks, researchers found that the group taking melatonin reported significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared to the group only taking omeprazole.
Despite these results, it's important to note the research on melatonin and GERD is limited.
What herb is good for acid reflux?Some herbs that may help acid reflux include peppermint, chamomile, and ginger. However, more research is needed.
How can I cure acid reflux naturally?Some natural remedies for acid reflux may include sleeping with your head elevated, taking herbal remedies, not eating or drinking within 3 hours of going to bed, and limiting certain foods.
What is the best natural antacid?Some natural alternatives to taking antacid medications may include herbal remedies like chamomile tea, ginger root, and licorice root.
Some research suggests certain herbal remedies and supplements could help improve acid reflux and GERD.
However, it's important to note that many of these positive effects are when the herbal remedy is taken alongside conventional treatments, such as medications.
More research is also needed to support the role of herbal remedies and supplements in GERD treatments.
If you're considering taking a herbal remedy or supplement, speak with a healthcare professional. They could advise you on the correct dosage or offer an alternative remedy for your condition.
Five Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux
Before rushing to the pharmacy for some medication, you may want to read this first. Chances are you already have a remedy at home. But before we get to that, let's understand what acid reflux is first and what it does to the body.
If you have a bad taste in your mouth, heart burn, hoarseness in your voice and may be a sore throat, you may be battling acid reflux.
When acid flows backwards into the oesophagus- the tube that carries food into your stomach in rhythmic waves, it causes a reflux. This can also cause pain and a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Coffee, spicy foods and genetics are some of the main causes of acid reflux.
Before resorting to treatment, you must first determine whether what you are experiencing is a heart burn or a severe form of reflux which may cause GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD may occur due to a number of reasons and is accompanied with some coughing, difficult swallowing, bad breath and chest pain. However, the most common symptom is heart burn.
If not treated or managed, GERD can lead to esophagitis, esophageal cancer and other diseases. GERD is a chronic condition where acidified liquid content from your stomach is regularly pushed up into the esophagus.
So, what does this mean? Well, you may have to make some lifestyle changes with regards to certain foods, like no more smoking and going easy on alcohol as you try one of these home remedies:
Although there is no conclusive evidence that this works, the reason it is recommended is on the basis that your heartburn may be as a result of contents flowing back to the oesophagus because there isn't enough acid.
By drinking some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, it helps restore the acidity levels in your stomach back to normal as it aids in digestion.
To a cup of warm water add three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and drink before mealtime or going to bed.
An inexpensive remedy that works is basking soda. This is one of the best alkalines for neutralizing acidity.
This however should not be a solution you reach out to every time you have acid reflux. Bicarbonate of soda is high in sodium and may lead to alkalosis which may in turn trigger cardiovascular diseases.
If you're also on a low sodium diet it is advisable to talk to your doctor first before using this remedy. In a cup of warm water add a tablespoon, stir and drink.
Replace coffee and alcohol with decaffeinated herbal teas such as green tea, fruit teas, chamomile and licorice tea. Mint teas are to be avoided at all costs as they may cause heart burn to certain people.
Take any of these teas while distressing and relaxing. Although herbs are a natural way to reduce the symptoms, enough studies haven't been carried out to prove whether or not it works with GERD>
If tea isn't your thing, you can also consider tinctures and supplements.
LicoriceUsed in soothing stomach ailments, the deglycyrrhizinated licorice works best because the glycyrrhizin, the compound that can raise blood pressure has been removed.
It works by reducing inflammation in the oesophagus when your immune system causes a reaction to fight off infection. In this case, it can worsen the influx.
It comes in multiple flavors and you can take it in the form of a tablet. If you can't find one, take some ginger.
To lessen acid reflux from occurring, introduce a fiber rich diet that will aid digestion. Start introducing some oats, brown rice, broccoli and other whole foods and organic fruits and vegetables slowly into your diet.
Stick to low fat foods and proteins as well.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX AND HEARTBURN RELIEF
10 home remedies for acid reflux and heartburn relief HOME REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX AND HEARTBURN RELIEF Published By MintGenie Team01 May, 2024 Baking SodaMix half a teaspoon of baking soda in water for quick relief as it acts as a natural antacid.
Credit : PIXABAY GingerChew fresh ginger or drink ginger tea to reduce stomach inflammation and acidity.
Credit : PEXELS Aloe Vera JuiceConsume pure aloe vera juice to soothe the digestive system and lower stomach acid.
Credit : PIXABAY Apple Cider VinegarMix raw apple cider vinegar with water to balance stomach pH levels despite its acidic nature.
Credit : UNSPLASH Chamomile TeaDrink chamomile tea for its anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in stomach relaxation and acidity reduction.
Credit : UNSPLASH Fennel SeedsChew fennel seeds after meals to neutralize stomach acid and aid digestion.
Credit : UNSPLASH Slippery ElmTake slippery elm supplements or lozenges to form a protective layer in the stomach, reducing acidity.
Credit : PINTEREST Cold MilkDrink cold milk to neutralize stomach acid and alleviate acidity symptoms.
Credit : UNSPLASH BananasRipe bananas can coat the stomach lining and alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
Credit : UNSPLASH ProbioticsConsume probiotic-rich foods or supplements like yoghurt to maintain gut health and regulate stomach acid levels.
Credit : PEXELS
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