Struggling to tackle acid reflux? Here are 5 things to try to relieve acidity naturally

Most of us are all too familiar with that burning sensation that radiates from the chest following a big meal. This niggling sensation is usually a sign of acid reflux. Acid reflux tends to occur when stomach acid backs up from your stomach into your oesophagus, the long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This can result in troublesome symptoms, such as pain, irritation, and an uncomfortable burning sensation (aka heartburn) that can progress into gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a more severe version of acid reflux.

While acid reflux is a really common digestive issue, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive – especially if it’s triggered just before bedtime!

The good news is that there are various lifemy and dietary tweaks that you can make to relieve acidity naturally. Here are five things that you could try at home to help ease acid reflux naturally.

Keep a Food Diary

When it comes to heartburn, it can be triggered by a range of factors, including the foods you eat. Keeping a food diary will allow you to keep track of the foods/drinks that you consume, and take note of how often and severe your heartburn is after any meals. By keeping track of both of these things, you may be able to work out which foods act as your triggers.

Some common triggers include:

• Spicy foods
• Fatty or fried foods
• Tomatoes
• Garlic and onions
• Citrus fruits or sour foods
• Fizzy drinks
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Alcohol

Top up On Ginger

Research suggests that ginger can help ease acid reflux. Experts believe that the phenolic compounds found in ginger can help speed stomach emptying and reduce the likelihood of acid flowing back into the oesophagus. Ginger is also naturally anti-inflammatory, which may also help ease irritation in the digestive tract. You might find that including our Organic Turmeric with Ginger supplement may help, as it provides a punch of anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it’s a great option for those who dislike the taste of fresh ginger.

Avoid Late Night Meals

Laying down horizontally with a stomach filled with food can cause a back flow of gastric acid, which can trigger heartburn and acid reflux. That’s why it’s probably best to steer clear of late night-meals or even large meals. To help prevent acid reflux in the evening, it’s a good idea to finish your meals at least two hours before laying down.

Eat More of These Low-Acid Foods

The natural acids found in the foods and drinks that you consume can also contribute to acid backing up into your oesophagus, leading to heartburn. You may find relief by increasing your intake of these low-acid foods:

• Oatmeal - oatmeal is packed in fibre, which helps move the contents of the stomach through the digestive system, and this helps reduce the production of stomach acid.
• Bananas - a ripe banana can help ease acid reflux by coating the oesophageal lining. The lining can help prevent heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.
• Green veggies - green veggies are highly alkaline, meaning they can help provide balance to the stomach’s acid levels. To help you get the most out of green veggies, aim to increase your intake of leafy veggies, broccoli, celery, asparagus and green beans.

Don’t Forget to Take your Daily Multivitamins

Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, can help combat acid reflux by decreasing the production of pepsin and gastric acid production. Additional vitamins, including folic acid and vitamin B12, may also help relieve symptoms. To help you reach your recommended daily intake for these key nutrients (along with many other nutrients), I’d recommend trying our multivitamin and mineral formula, which contains 26 different essential nutrients per serving.

Our Multivitamin Tablets for Men / Women come with 26 Key Vitamins & Minerals that have been carefully selected to support you on a daily basis giving you what you need for a full 12 months.

Riya Lakhani ANutr is a registered nutritionist and health writer with a special interest in plant-based nutrition. She has completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, and has developed a passion for writing about all things plant-based.