Acid reflux and GERD are health conditions that cause excess acidity. It can also cause regurgitation of food from the stomach causing many side effects. Treating GERD/acid reflux through natural remedies is better if the symptoms are not too severe. The article lists out six effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD.

Reduce weight
One of the effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD is to make efforts to reduce weight. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of developing GERD/heartburn. Excess belly fat creates more pressure on the stomach. This can push the acid back towards the throat. Exercise and diet can help in reducing weight. Reducing calories consumed and doing aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes a week is recommended.

Change your eating habits
The problem of heartburn and GERD can worsen by eating heavy meals, as they increase acid production. People with GERD should avoid eating a large meal. Instead of eating three large meals, they can consider eating five to six small meals every day that doesn’t overload the stomach. Eating healthy food is important. This includes more of fiber that can help in digestion and fewer fats. Fried foods, coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of GERD and should be avoided. Lying down immediately after a meal should be avoided as it can lead to acid reflux. One should finish dinner at least two to three hours before sleep time.

Chew gum
An effective natural remedy for GERD is to chew gum. When you chew gum, you increase the saliva in the mouth. This would help in reducing acid in the esophagus. This is a natural way of coping with the symptoms of acid reflux through saliva. It is important to chew non-mint gum since mint can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux.

Wear loose clothing
Tight clothing can worsen the symptoms of GERD. The pressure on the stomach can increase acid flow into the esophagus. Wearing a belt may also worsen the symptoms. It is recommended to wear loose clothing to avoid this problem.

Reduce stress and relax
Stress can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Stress leads to increased acid production that can worsen the symptoms of GERD. Reducing stress can help in treating GERD. Meditation and yoga can be very helpful in remaining calm and being de-stressed. Deep breathing exercises are another way of reducing stress. This can be helpful in managing GERD symptoms.

Herbal remedies
There are a number of herbal remedies that are safe and do not cause side effects. These remedies can help treat acid reflux. Some of the common herbal remedies include caraway, angelica, German chamomile, licorice, and milk thistle. Melatonin is a supplement that is useful to treat sleep disorders. Some studies have shown that it can be helpful in treating GERD.

The effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD described in this article are proven. They have helped many people get relief from the symptoms of GERD.