Introduction to Acid Reflux Remedies

It’s that burning sensation first in your stomach, then your chest followed by a few burps that also leaves you with a burning throat. It usually happens after a heavy meal when you have gorged on your favorite food items. In common parlance, it’s called acidity. In medical parlance, acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when acid secreted by the stomach from undigested food irritates the esophagus and leaves you with a very, very uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in the stomach and even may lead to a headache. On the flip side, there are many acid reflux remedies, both natural or chemical which give prompt relief. It’s for you to find out which works best for you.

Your neighborhood pharmacy may provide you with antacid tablets manufactured from aluminum hydroxide, which is the standard and basic compound for antacids. It’s a simple chemical reaction: Aluminum Hydroxide is a base which reacts with the acid to produce salt and water – neutralization in common chemistry parlance. However, it has been clinically reported that extensive use of aluminum hydroxide leads to nephrological problems later on and should be avoided, if possible. Similarly, laxatives also act as effective acid reflux remedies. For instance, flea seed husk, commonly known as isabgol is yet another effective item which also helps in the ejection of undigested food, one of the principal causes of acid reflux.

In recent times, there has been the advent of new acid reflux remedies such as Pantoprazole and Domperidone, which prevent the acid from forming in the stomach and act as a preventive medicine for regular sufferers of acid reflux. Also called Histamine Receptor Antagonists from the pharmacological point of view, these are usually taken before meals as a preventive measure and helps in breaking down food particles thus leaving little undigested food in the abdomen.

If you intend sticking to natural acid reflux remedies, the most pragmatic thing to do is to avoid fatty and fried foods which encourage acidity. Water and fibrous food intake should be increased considerably as also foods which are rich in anti-oxidants such as herbal teas. The Wormwood herb is also effective as is crushed garlic or ginger. Papaya also falls in the category of effective natural acid reflux remedies as it aids digestion and helps in the ejection of undigested food through proper bowel movements.

It is also prudent to remember that smoking and excessive consumption of tea and coffee increase acidity and should be avoided if one were to cure himself of the problem. Regular bowel movements should be monitored to ensure ejection of undigested food. Proper chewing of food also leads to lesser undigested food in the stomach and regular exercise – a short walk before or after dinner – aids digestion. These so far, have been known to be the most effective acid reflux remedies and is applicable on a person to person basis, depending on his constitution, physique and pathological structure of the stomach.