Remedies for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that occurs when acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other related discomfort. Weakening of the esophageal sphincter causes GERD in many cases. This condition allows the fluid to flow into the throat area. GERD can typically be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. Occasionally, chronic cases may require surgery or stronger medicine.

Drugs

Relieve GERD by using over-the-counter medications such as antacids, acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Antacids such as Tums or Mylanta will work to neutralize acid but will not heal inflammation and damage caused by the reflux. Overuse of antacids may cause diarrhea or constipation in some people.

Acid blockers (H-2 receptor blockers) work by reducing the production of acid at the cellular level. Products such as Tagament or Pepcid fall within this category. Proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec or Prevacid work by shutting down the acid producing cells in the stomach. This is the most popular GERD medication and it also provides proper time for the esophagus to heal without recurrences, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Prescription strength medications in all of these types exist for chronic cases of GERD.

Diet Modification

Watch what you eat and develop a varied and healthy diet to prevent GERD, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Maintaining a healthy weight and eating properly are lifestyle choices that impact GERD sufferers and those with others conditions as well. Try losing one to two pounds a week until you reach your optimum weight, and try to eat healthy foods and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.

GERD patients all have specific triggers that are individual but common trigger foods include fatty and fried foods, chocolate, mint, garlic and caffeine.

Drinking And Smoking

Cut back on drinking and stop smoking. Alcohol and tobacco are both likely to have a negative effect if you suffer with GERD, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Alcohol is on the short list of common GERD triggers. It may not affect everyone the same way, but it is a good idea to minimize alcohol consumption when you have this disorder.

Tobacco smoking affects the proper function of the esophageal sphincter and can bring on GERD or cause it to become worse, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Home Remedies

Drink chilled, fat-free (skim) milk every two hours if you are having a GERD flare up, according to Home-Remedies-For-You.com. The milk will soothe the stomach and reduce the burning sensation associated with the problem. Add cumin seeds to water and drink it to stop gas from forming in the stomach and worsening reflux as another option.

When you go to sleep at night, prop your head up several inches higher that the stomach to lessen the chance of backflow from the stomach to the esophagus.