How to treat stomach acid at home

The body uses stomach acid to digest food. There are times when the amount of stomach acid becomes excessive, so it is likely to cause interference with the digestive system. In addition to changing lifestyles, various natural ingredients may help relieve symptoms of your stomach acid.

Gastric acid can rise to the esophagus due to the valve between the esophagus and stomach not functioning properly. This condition is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Symptoms caused by GERD include chest pain or heartburn, difficulty swallowing, mouth feels sour / bitter because stomach acid rises to the esophagus, and the stomach feels uncomfortable.

The exact cause of weakening the valve between the lower esophagus and the stomach is not clearly known, but there are some things that can increase a person's risk of developing GERD, including:

• Certain medical conditions, such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach wall), and gastroparesis (slowing down of the gastric movement).
• Congenital abnormalities in the stomach, such as hiatus and gastroschisis hernias.
• Overweight or obese.
• Infection of H. pylori bacteria.
• Smoke
• Side effects of certain drugs, such as aspirin.
• Consumption of certain foods and beverages, such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee and alcohol in large quantities.

Change Lifestyle

Treating stomach acid cannot be separated from efforts to improve lifestyle, among others by:

Avoid trigger foods and regulate meal portions

GERD can be triggered by foods that contain lots of fat. Fatty foods are digested longer by the body so that the stomach produces more stomach acid and risks rising to the esophagus. In addition, avoid coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and spicy foods because it risks making the lower esophagus valve relax so as to facilitate stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. In addition, try to eat small portions but often and chew slowly.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Smoking and the direct habit of lying down after eating are some things that can cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. Therefore, it is important to avoid these habits in order to prevent the appearance of stomach acid disease. Give a gap of at least 3 hours to lie down after eating.

Don't wear tight clothes on the stomach

Avoid wearing tight clothing on the abdomen, because it can suppress the stomach, causing stomach contents to rise into the esophagus and vomiting. To be safer, use loose clothing.

Do not do movements that might suppress the stomach

Of course you still have to exercise to always be healthy. However, avoid doing movements that might put pressure on the stomach, such as jumping or rocking. When you exercise you have to pay attention, don't do it when you finish eating. Give a gap of about 2-4 hours after eating.

Enough sleep

Reflux of stomach acid can be triggered if your body produces stress hormones due to lack of sleep. Do not ignore this condition because it can cause complications, cause the disease to become chronic, and ultimately can reduce the quality and life expectancy. Improve your sleep pattern so that sleep can be fulfilled.

Sleep with a higher head and chest position

All you have to do is increase your upper body position to be higher than the lower body. The upper body that needs to be elevated is the waist up. If you just add a pillow behind your head, it's usually not effective.

Treating Gastric Acid with Natural Herbs

At home, you can also try making your own natural concoctions. Here are some examples of natural herbs to treat stomach acid:

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally treat heartburn and other digestive problems. The use of ginger to overcome the symptoms of GERD or reflux of stomach acid is to process it as a warm drink. In addition to raw ginger, you can enjoy warm ginger drinks from ginger powder products sold on the market.

Licorice or sweet root

Licorice or also called sweet root, is believed to overcome problems in the digestive system, such as heartburn or heartburn. The chemicals contained in this plant are called can reduce swelling, and cure inflammation or injury in the body.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow leaves and roots are commonly used to treat stomach ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of the lining of the stomach, as well as pain and swelling of the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract.

Marshmallow contains chemicals that can relieve cough and help heal wounds, by reducing inflammation and fighting certain microbes. Marshmallow also forms a protective layer on the skin and lining of the digestive tract.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has often been used to relieve abdominal pain and heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and is traditionally believed to overcome insomnia.

These herbal ingredients may be a natural and effective way to reduce the symptoms of GERD. However, you need to know that the efficacy and effectiveness of these herbal ingredients have not been supported by adequate research and clinical evidence. So, you are still advised to consult a doctor before using it.

In addition to herbal ingredients, there are several foods that can help relieve symptoms of stomach acid. Among others are:

• Vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, green vegetables, beans, cauliflower, potatoes, and cucumbers.
• Oatmeal and whole wheat bread. This breakfast menu made from whole wheat is a source of fiber that can absorb stomach acid and relieve reflux symptoms.
• Non-citrus fruits, such as melons, bananas, apples, and pears.

Lean meat, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and low-fat seafood. Meat it by grilling, burning or boiling.

Efforts to treat stomach acid can be done independently through lifestyle changes. Although there are no natural ingredients that can repair esophageal damage due to GERD, some types of natural herbs may help relieve symptoms. In addition, you can buy various medications to control stomach acid at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. However, if the symptoms do not improve, immediately see a doctor so that you can get the right treatment.

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