Alternative Treatments For Acid Reflux

While some leading medications work for everyone, they actually make the Acid Reflux worse after you stop taking them. In particular, when a patient takes the medications classed as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), they inhibit the production of acid.

If you stop taking these medications, the body responds by bouncing back and producing even more acid. This process is known as rebound hypersecretion. For this reason, it's not a good idea to suddenly stop taking PPI's if you are currently using them.

Several herbs are used as heartburn remedies. A post-meal tea of caraway seeds, coriander, chamomile, anise, fennel, angelica, offers great relief. Peppermint and spearmint teas, contraindicated in allopathy, also work a capsule containing peppermint and caraway seed oils taken for four weeks, also helps.

Roots and herbs are also used by some alternative treatment specialist. Ginger root is one of the herbs used in Ayurveda, and it can help reduce acid reflux when taken regularly.

Eating enough fiber can also help reduce the symptoms. Fiber helps your body to digest the acid in the foods as well as keeping you regular. If you don't like eating foods containing fiber, there are pills and powders you mix with water available.

Nicotine is another contributor to acid reflux, so if you smoke stopping can help. It causes the esophageal sphincter to relax, which can allow fluids and acid to "swish around" more freely. Plus, stress can sometimes be related to smoking which can also affect your digestion.

You should avoid raw onions, citrus fruits, ice cream, spicy foods, coffee, tea, cheese, potatoes, ground beef and spaghetti as well.

Some of the other alternative treatments that people have success with include licorice, meadowsweet, some digestive enzymes such as papain, and chamomile. Even marshmallow, which together with chamomile can work as an anti-inflammatory, has helped some people with their acid reflux.

In the end, a good diet, positive changes in your lifestyle, weight control and lowering your stress level will all help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.