3. Reduce Stress:
Stress tightens stomach muscles and heightens acid sensitivity. Managing stress can significantly ease symptoms.
Four Ways to Relieve Reflux and Heal
1. Avoid Trigger Foods:
Stay away from refined carbs, gluten, high-fat foods (even healthy ones like avocado and cheese), carbonated drinks, coffee, spicy foods, alcohol, citrus, and tomatoes.
2. Eat Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Include root veggies, leafy greens, lentils, oatmeal, bananas, apples, yogurt, kimchi, and lean proteins. Chamomile tea, ginger, and plenty of water also help.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes:
Sleep on your left side, elevate your head at night, eat smaller meals, and avoid eating 3 hours before bed. If overweight, losing even 10% of your weight can relieve pressure. Also, quit smoking—nicotine weakens the LES.
4. Try Natural Remedies:
Melatonin: Proven in studies to relieve GERD symptoms.
Licorice Root (DGL): Reduces inflammation and heartburn without blocking acid.
Demulcent Herbs (Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root): Form a protective layer in the esophagus and stomach, easing irritation.
By understanding that the root cause of reflux often lies in low acid rather than too much, and taking a holistic, supportive approach, long-term relief from acid reflux and heartburn becomes more achievable.
3. Reduce Stress:
Stress tightens stomach muscles and heightens acid sensitivity. Managing stress can significantly ease symptoms.
Four Ways to Relieve Reflux and Heal
1. Avoid Trigger Foods:
Stay away from refined carbs, gluten, high-fat foods (even healthy ones like avocado and cheese), carbonated drinks, coffee, spicy foods, alcohol, citrus, and tomatoes.
2. Eat Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Include root veggies, leafy greens, lentils, oatmeal, bananas, apples, yogurt, kimchi, and lean proteins. Chamomile tea, ginger, and plenty of water also help.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes:
Sleep on your left side, elevate your head at night, eat smaller meals, and avoid eating 3 hours before bed. If overweight, losing even 10% of your weight can relieve pressure. Also, quit smoking—nicotine weakens the LES.
4. Try Natural Remedies:
Melatonin: Proven in studies to relieve GERD symptoms.
Licorice Root (DGL): Reduces inflammation and heartburn without blocking acid.
Demulcent Herbs (Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root): Form a protective layer in the esophagus and stomach, easing irritation.
By understanding that the root cause of reflux often lies in low acid rather than too much, and taking a holistic, supportive approach, long-term relief from acid reflux and heartburn becomes more achievable.
