You Can Make Your Anti
This Anti-Reflux Energizing & Healing Morning Smoothie recipe takes only 5 minutes to make, is super tasty, my son loves it, and most importantly, it will bring lots of health benefits. Along with the foods discussed above, papaya, pineapple, apples, dragon fruit, cherries, and grated cauliflower are also great ingredients for this type of smoothie.
I highly recommend a good high-speed blender like the one I use, the Vitamix Professional. It is really the best investment I ever made. I use it every single day! Here are a few of my top product recommendations:
Please remember that every case is unique, and the severity of reflux varies. Im sharing my experience with the natural remedies, and how they keep my son reflux-free. He suffered from severe reflux the first 2.5 years of his life. Even though he no longer shows signs of reflux, we still monitor his development closely and see the gastroenterologist once a year.
Taking medications is sometimes necessary, but if you can find natural alternatives, then you can avoid the long-term side effects. There is some trial and error when using natural remedies to find what works best to treat your acid reflux, but in the long run, its well worth it.
What To Eat And Drink For Heartburn Relief
Lets say you have heartburn right nowwhat can you do to get some relief? You could try drinking low-fat or no-fat milk, says Zumpano. This can act as an acid reducer, like OTC calcium-based antacids. Another option: Drinking herbal tea for heartburn relief, although you should steer clear of peppermint tea, which may cause heartburn rather than relieve it.
And this is an odd but effective food remedy: Add a hearty dose of mustard to your mealit may help neutralize your stomach acid, relieving that burning pain, says Zumpano. Mustard also stimulates saliva production, which acts as a lubricant and coats your esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid.
What about baking soda? A go-to heartburn solution for years, it can provide the relief youre looking for. Its a natural remedy, says Zumpano. Baking soda is a base, so it offsets the acidity in your esophagus and your gut. Try a teaspoon or even a half of a teaspoon dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of water. Dont overdo it, though: Too much baking soda may be harmful, leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Women who are pregnant and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease, should avoid baking soda altogether.
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How Do I Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy
When youre growing a human being, you dont have time for that yucky acid reflux. But your usual go-to methods for treating it may not be safe for your unborn baby.
Instead, here are some of the safest and best ways to get rid of heartburn when youre pregnant:
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Foods That Help To Kill Heartburn
Eating a banana can help to form a lining that prevents heartburn from getting worse.
Most of us have suffered from heartburn at some point or another, and it sometimes seems so common that there isnt really any cure for it.
Heartburn is unlikely to last more than a few hours, but if you experience recurring heartburn, you can start to feel like you are constantly suffering.
If you want to try some natural ways of relieving heartburn, you can start by eating the right foods.
Here are 10 of the best foods that you can try if youre experiencing heartburn and want to get rid of it quickly.
How Does Alcohol Trigger Acid Reflux
The effect of alcohol on acid reflux and heartburn is still widely debated until now, which is why theres no definite answer regarding why alcoholic drinks trigger some peoples symptoms compared to others.
Still, most doctors seem to believe that alcohol causes heartburn symptoms like acid reflux and GERD.
Here are some reasons why it may be a trigger:
- Carbonated drinks such as champagne or beer increase the pressure in the stomach
- Some alcohols contain plenty of sugar
- Cold drinks often stay longer in the stomach
- Alcoholic drinks with small ethanol content can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid
- People who mix alcohol with soda, energy drinks, or orange juice are at more risk of these symptoms
- Those who eat fatty food or smoke while drinking are more prone to the trigger acid reflux
- Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. What happens is that when the LES is tight, it prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus
Apart from what is mentioned above, we also know that drinking or eating anything at least three hours before bedtime can undeniably cause an uncomfortable night of regurgitation and heartburn.
This is the reason why if you opt to go out for drinks, make sure not to overeat at the same time since this will only make things worse.
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Fight Heartburn With Healthy Food
Add the right foods to your diet. They could really help with your heartburn. But there are limits to what they can do.
Remember that good foods can’t counteract the effects of trigger foods. “Eating a little ginger won’t stop you from getting heartburn after a big dinner of a fatty steak, a salad with tomatoes, a couple of glasses of wine, and a coffee,” Kuemmerle says.
And while eating a low-acid diet is a good strategy, it may not be enough on its own. For some people it’s not so much the acids in the stomach, but the reflux of other stuff in gastric juices — like bile — that trigger heartburn, he says.
“The specific causes of heartburn vary a lot from person to person,” Kuemmerle says. “That’s why treatment always needs a personalized approach.”
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Dairy And Plant Milks
Anyone who’s been to the supermarket lately knows that milk doesn’t just mean cow’s milk anymore. Unless you’re lactose-intolerant or otherwise allergic, cow’s milk, which is alkaline, may be OK, but for some people it can also trigger allergies. Goat’s milk, however, is recommended over cow’s milk because it’s easier to digest. However, there may be better choices. Plant-based milks made from soy or almonds are not only safe, but when the final product has an alkaline composition, this may actually help neutralize acid lingering in the esophagus.
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Drinks For Managing Acid Reflux
Though uncomfortable, acid reflux is a common condition that affects more than 15 million Americans daily.
It occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining, causing heartburn and sometimes additional bothersome symptoms.
Thankfully, there are many ways to treat and soothe the symptoms of acid reflux, including over-the-counter medications and drinks you can take at home.
However, not all drinks will help acid reflux.
In fact, some can make the symptoms worse.
Learn more about what to drink and what to avoid for managing acid reflux.
What Medications Can I Take For Heartburn During Pregnancy
Its important to be extremely careful about the medications you take when pregnant.
For heartburn relief, over-the-counter antacids are all considered safe medications to use during pregnancy.
As always, consult with your provider about any medications youre taking even if theyre considered safe.
If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking an over-the-counter medication, call your doctor immediately.
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Elevate Your Upper Body
Lying down can make heartburn worse. When it comes time for bed, adjust your sleeping surface to raise your upper body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lifting your head with extra pillows isnt usually enough. Instead, the goal is to elevate your body from the waist up.
If you have an adjustable bed, set it at a suitable angle to provide relief. If your bed isnt adjustable, you can change the angle of your sleeping surface by using a wedge pillow.
Lifestyle Changes To Managing Heartburn
Those who suffer from heartburn but have no other serious complications attached to it- can cure their condition by tweaking their lifestyles a bit.
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Take An Acid Neutralizer
When heartburn hits and you need relief, try an antacid like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox. These medications act quickly to neutralize the acid in the stomach, which can reduce your symptoms. Dont have any on hand? Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water and drink to neutralize the acid in your stomach. Just use caution with this home remedy since its high in sodium and shouldnt be used by people on a sodium-restricted diet.
Learn more: Treating GERD with medications: What you need to know
We also like H-2 blockers, also known as Histamine H2-receptor antagonists. These include such brand names a Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Tagamet, and Zantac. These medications dont work as quickly as acid neutralizers, but they are still very fast. H2 blockers should be taken about 30 minutes before you eat or when you typically experience symptoms.
The benefit of H2 blockers is that they work longer than antacids, but they dont have the same medical risks associated with proton pump inhibitors. As is true with all medications we highly recommend that you discuss use with your doctor before you begin any drug treatment, prescription or over-the-counter.
And remember that while these quick fixes may help relieve your GERD symptoms, they dont address the underlying cause of those symptoms. Your goal should be to stop reflux from happening in the first place, which is why we recommend several long-term solutions to cure heartburn.
C Make All The Necessary Lifestyle Changes
There are many things you can do besides maintaining a healthy BMI and following a GERD friendly diet. Here is a short list of recommendations you should consider:
- Avoid alcohol
- If you smoke, stop immediately
- Leave at least 3 hours between your final meal and bedtime
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Drink plenty of water
- Walk for 20 minutes after a major meal to aid digestion
- Try eating 5 or 6 small meals daily
For a more thorough list of recommendations, we recommend you read Acid Reflux Remedies Questions, Answers, Stages & Treatments.
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How Do You Stop Getting Heartburn
Making changes to your eating habits can also ease heartburn.
13. Stay upright
Lying down after eating can put pressure on your sphincter, making it relax. Stay upright after eating.
14. Dont overeat
Eating too much and too often keeps your stomach full and creates pressure against your valve.
15. Eat smaller portions
Try eating small amounts more often to keep pressure off your sphincter. This can help relieve symptoms.
16. Take your time
Make your meals slow and intentional. Eating too quickly puts pressure on that valve, leading to symptoms.
17. Wait to exercise
Bending over, jumping around, and bouncing can worsen heartburn symptoms for some people. Give your system time to digest food before you exercise.
18. Avoid late snacks
Late-night snacking can lead to overeating. Eat nutrient-dense foods during the day to stay full and avoid late snacks.
Best Foods For Acid Reflux
A diet balanced with vegetables, protein and fruits is best, Dr. Khaitan says. Examples of the best foods for acid reflux include:
- Chicken breast Be sure to remove the fatty skin. Skip fried and instead choose baked, broiled or grilled.
- Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach and wont cause painful gas.
- Brown rice This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling just dont serve it fried.
- Melons Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
- Oatmeal Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.
- Fennel This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.
- Ginger Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or chew on low-sugar dried ginger for a natural tummy tamer.
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What Is The Best Diet For Heartburn
That does not have to be true, however. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be both enjoyable and heartburn-friendly if you know which foods to incorporate into your diet.
Heartburn can flare when your stomach produces too much gastric acid, and your food choices can directly affect this. Here are three meals that incorporate heartburn-reducing foods that your stomach will appreciate.
Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast
Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease . For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars. Of course, eating oatmeal every day could get boring, so switch things up with a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, or some whole grain toast with peanut butter.
Avoid coffee and most teas that contain caffeine, which can cause heartburn. Instead, brew a soothing cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help regulate acid production.
Vegetables: Add Some Color and Nutrients to Your Lunch
Try these options for a light and tasty lunch:
- Baked potato with steamed broccoli
- Mixed green salad with fresh-cut vegetables and a light oil and vinegar dressing
- Veggie wrap or veggie quesadilla
Next Steps And Precautions
Except for bottled water, most bottled beverages — including fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas — are preserved with ascorbic or citric acid as part of the “canning and bottling” process and therefore may have a low pH value — meaning that they’re acidic and potentially irritating. Although mint tea is enjoyed by many as a digestive aid, mint may cause the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, allowing acidic digestive juices to leak into the esophagus. For this reason, the pediatric remedy “Gripe Water,” which often contains mint and other herbs, may not be good for acid reflux.
Finally, while diet and lifestyle modifications may be helpful for GERD, some people require acid-suppressing medication as well, so work with your doctor if you are dealing with more than just occasional heartburn.
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Follow The Gerd Diet To Make Your Anti
The GERD diet is one of the best doctor-approved natural ways to prevent and ease the symptoms of acid reflux. The entire diet is based on the scientifically proven principal that certain foods either cause or increase the severity of acid reflux, while others prevent or ease it. Check out my list of the best and worst foods to eat for acid reflux. Some of the best foods to eat also happen to work beautifully together in a smoothie! They include:
- Root veggies, like carrots and beets
- Green veggies, such as kale and spinach
- High-fiber foods
- Alkaline foods such as bananas, melons, and nuts
- Foods with high water content, like watermelons and cucumbers
Along with these top foods to include in an anti-reflux smoothie, other ingredients that are okay on the GERD diet include:
- Non-fat milk or low-fat yogurt
- Ginger
- Lemon water mixed with honey
That last one is a bit surprising, isnt it? After all, as well see in a moment, citrus fruits are on the no-fly list. However, when combined with honey and taken in small amounts, it actually has more of an alkalizing effect, according to Hopkins Medical Center.
As for milk, while the full-fat version can irritate your stomach, fat-free milk acts as a buffer, so small amounts can help temporarily relieve GERD symptoms. That said, there is a better alternative: coconut water.