Acid Reflux
Description
Body System
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1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 helps improve muscle function by enhancing calcium absorption and reducing inflammation, which may lower the risk of acid reflux. A deficiency in D3 could weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
2. Betaine HCI: Betaine HCl increases stomach acid in individuals with hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), promoting digestion and reducing acid reflux symptoms by supporting proper food breakdown.
3. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil or seeds like flax, reduce inflammation in the esophagus and lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially easing acid reflux by addressing inflammation-induced damage.
4. Methylsulfonylmethane [MSM]: MSM reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigating gastric mucosal injury caused by irritants like ethanol and stomach acid, helping alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
5. Melatonin: Melatonin decreases gastric acid secretion and stimulates gastrin production, which aids in tightening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), preventing acid reflux and protecting the esophageal lining.
6. Tryptophan: Tryptophan supports the mucosal barrier, aiding in the repair of the gastrointestinal lining. It also raises melatonin levels, which helps regulate acid production and protect the esophagus from acid reflux.
7. Probiotics: Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, promote digestive balance, reducing harmful bacteria that can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms like regurgitation and heartburn.
1. Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root, with its glycyrrhizin content, enhances mucus production, forming a protective barrier in the stomach and esophagus. This helps alleviate acid reflux and other digestive discomforts by shielding tissues from acid damage and reducing inflammation.
2. Slippery Elm: Slippery elm’s mucilage forms a protective layer on the esophagus, shielding it from acid, while also providing local anti-inflammatory benefits in the stomach.
3. Cumin Extract: Cumin, in moderate amounts, stimulates digestive enzyme production, supporting healthy digestion and potentially preventing acid reflux by reducing indigestion.
4. Ginger Extract: Ginger extract, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols, may reduce esophageal inflammation and support the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), helping to prevent acid reflux.
5. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera provides relief from acid reflux by reducing inflammation and forming a protective layer on the esophagus, soothing the digestive tract and promoting healing.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar may help balance stomach acidity, though anecdotal evidence suggests its effect on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not scientifically confirmed. Drinking it through a straw is advised to protect tooth enamel.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture alleviates acid reflux symptoms by targeting points like PC6 (Neiguan), located three finger-widths above the wrist, and ST36 (Zusanli), found below the knee, both of which are believed to improve digestive function and reduce reflux.
2. Acupressure: Acupressure on points like Pericardium-6 (P6), located three finger-widths above the wrist, may relieve acid reflux symptoms by improving digestion and reducing nausea.
3. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care addresses spinal misalignments that may impair nerve communication to digestive organs. By enhancing nerve function, it can potentially improve lower esophageal sphincter (LES) control, reducing acid reflux symptoms.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Age, Poor Diet, Stress, Medications, Bacterial Infections, Zinc Deficiency
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
A variety of natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux and its side effects quickly. Dietary modifications include:
Eat your largest meal at midday. This will give your body plenty of time to digest the food properly.
Make your breakfast and supper small and nutrient-dense to avoid hunger.
Eat easily digestible, light, boiled, or steamed foods. Include vegetables, quality natural yogurts, rice, whole grains, cottage cheese, and vegetable juices.
Eat your last meal of the day no later than 6 P.M. Give your body enough time to process it before going to bed.
Use mild spices.
Eat digestive enzyme-rich fruits such as pineapples, kiwis, and mangoes.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but not at mealtime.
Vegetable juices: If your acid reflux is severe, you might want to try a vegetable-juice-only diet for a couple of days. Include some cabbage juice, which helps relieve the symptoms. However, before you start, make sure that there are no medical contradictions to such a restrictive diet. Consult a medical professional.
Furthermore, also consider:
Losing excess weight,
Reducing stress,
Sleeping with your head raised at night,
Visiting a chiropractor.
Things To Avoid
If you suffer from acid reflux, pay attention to the circumstances surrounding its occurrence.
Coffee, alcohol, fruit juices, chocolate, citrus fruits, fried foods, and even tomatoes are some of the foods and beverages that can cause acid reflux. If any food or drink in your diet is associated with this condition, eliminate it immediately.
Stress, smoking, and excess weight can also contribute to acid reflux.
Additionally, there are multiple dietary aspects that you should avoid to diminish the risk of its occurrence:
Don't eat large meals close to bedtime.
Don't overeat. Large meals take a lot of time to digest.
Avoid eating and snacking after 6 P.M.
Don't drink water or any beverages [especially carbonated] prior to, with, or right after your meal. Water dilutes and weakens stomach acid.
Avoid greasy, fatty, and fried foods.
Do not eat spicy foods.
Do not consume highly processed and sugary foods.
Try reducing or eliminating meat completely. Especially during acid reflux attacks. Cold-cut meats are some of the worst to consume.