Uncomfortable feelings of pain, throbbing inside one’s stomach and nausea
are just a few indicators one may be experiencing the discomforting condition known as acid reflux.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, acid reflux is the result of stomach acid bubbling up from the stomach to the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, burping, nausea, bloating and abdominal pain. While prescription drugs are offered to soothe this problem, there are also healthy alternatives that can help.
Sticking to an anti-reflux diet by eliminating unhealthy foods, such as anything fried or containing grease, can help reduce the effects of acid reflux.
Helpful liquids that may also reduce these symptoms are aloe vera juice, warm water, fresh lemon juice, baking soda in half a cup of water, apple cider vinegar and chamomile tea.
Other tasty alternatives recommended for reducing acid reflux are raw almonds, red apples and a stick of gum to eliminate the taste.
Teresa Barlow, senior health education major said some people may experience acid reflux because of anxiety, stress or having an unhealthy diet.
“Acid reflux is also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD,” Barlow said. “To get rid of acid reflux, I recommend refraining from any fried or spicy foods. In some severe cases, surgery may be needed to fully treat the GERD.”
Barlow also recommends seeing a doctor if symptoms do not improve.
“Anti-acids, gas relieving medication (Gas X), and modifying your diet is a great start to treating your acid reflux symptoms,” Barlow said.
Zantac is an over-the counter drug that helps treat and reduce heartburn with acid indigestion.
Sarah Rosen, junior liberal studies major, said she suffered from stomach pains due to acid reflux this year. She has been drinking Vemma, a liquid antioxidant that has helped cure her stomach problems.
“It was really difficult,” Rosen said. “I would always be sick and it was impossible for me to eat anything. I was really close to getting my gallbladder removed, but luckily I didn’t have to, thanks to Vemma.”
Similar to Vemma, Saccharomyces Boulardii is another supplement that helps reduce acid reflux in the small intestine.
When one sleeps on the right side of his or her stomach this can cause increases in GERD symptoms.
Acid reflux can be treated effectively by medication or home remedies. Although it is common in many lives, there are many solutions to treat and fight it off.
