What causes Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux is a condition which may give the symptoms of heartburn, a condition in which liquid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus.

Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, it can lead to serious health concerns over time. In acid reflux, the delicate esophagus lining starts eroding or wearing away due to the stomach acid. This wearing away of the esophagus lining leads to scar tissue which causes swallowing problems.

The patient shows several symptoms such as chest pain, wheezing, coarseness and tightness in the throat, dry coughing, breathing problems along with a bitter taste in the mouth and bad breath, also known as halitosis. If the patient is not careful, acid reflux can lead to regurgitation of the stomach acid into the mouth. This happens mostly when the patient goes to bed right after taking a meal, bends down more than normal or end up overeating.

A number of causes lead to acid reflux and some of the common causes include stress, use of certain antidepressants and sedatives, overeating and eating just before going to bed. If you are in a habit of drinking lots of bubbly, carbonated beverages and sodas, it can also cause acid reflux. Other diseases that lead to weakening of the esophageal muscle, like mixed connective tissue disease or hiatal hernias also cause acid reflux.

People who have elevated hormonal levels, like women during pregnancy also have a tendency to suffer from acid reflux. Smoking and drinking is also a cause of acid reflux. There may be other causes of acid reflux also, like people who have slower emptying of the stomach are likely to suffer from acid reflux. Similarly, people who eat greasy and fried fatty foods frequently may also suffer from acid reflux.
Natural Cures for Acid Reflux

Over the ages people have found several home remedies and natural cures to treat acid reflux. These include:

Apple Cider Vinegar – This is an amazing remedy for Acid Reflux. Although you might be wondering how acid itself can help cure acid reflux, but you will be surprised to know that apple cider vinegar is a “good” acid type and you can use it by mixing 1 teaspoon of the vinegar to half a glass of water and sipping it with your dinner.

Ginger Root – This is also an amazing natural herb to cure acid reflux. Ginger root is known to absorb stomach acid and it calms the nerves. You can purchase ginger root capsules from your nearest nutritional store and take 1 capsule daily after dinner.

Fennel Seeds – Fennel seeds are a powerful herb and they help maintain a healthy digestive system. Fennel seeds contain Anethole which is known to suppress spasms of the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. Taking half a teaspoon of fennel seeds after your meals and chewing them slowly is a good remedy for treating acid reflux.

Lavender Tea – Just like Ginger Root, Lavender tea reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and helps relieve heartburn and acid reflux. Some people like using peppermint with Lavender Tea, but that is not recommended for the treatment of acid reflux. Simply take equal amounts of aniseed and lavender tea to make a herbal mixture. Boil 2 to 3 cups of water and pour it over 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture you made. Let the tea mix and sit for a couple of minutes before you strain it. Drink 1 cup of this tea in the morning and 1 cup in the evening to provide relief from acid reflux and heartburn. You can add some honey to the tea as a natural sweetener.

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