they are not for everyone, either due to side effects, cost or
because of a reluctance to take medications long term. While
modifying your diet and adapting your sleeping position can be
very helpful steps in keeping this condition under control,
there are times when they might not be enough. When that is the
case, some turn to natural forms of indigestion treatment to see
if they can help keep acid reflux symptoms and pain at bay.
One of the best natural types of indigestion treatments is a
modification of lifestyle. If you are overweight, losing just
ten percent of your body weight can help. Many acid reflux
sufferers report a significant improvement and even elimination
of symptoms simply by losing excess weight. It is thought that
being overweight places pressure on the stomach, especially when
lying down, which forces the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (the
muscle at the top of the stomach) open, allowing acid and
stomach contents to easily reflux into the esophagus.
Smoking is another lifestyle factor that can actively encourage
acid reflux symptoms. Smoking relaxes the LES and slows down
digestion speed, meaning that food sits in the stomach for
longer, promoting the likelihood of acid reflux to occur.
A third lifestyle factor is alcohol consumption. Alcohol is bad
for acid reflux for a number of reasons. It relaxes the LES,
encourages stomach acid production and can lead to indigestion.
If you're suffering with acid reflux it is best to avoid all
alcohol, especially the carbonated drinks. However, if you do
want to have a drink keep the quantity small and make sure you
have plenty of water alongside it.
Modifying diet was mentioned at the beginning of this article
as being a beneficial way of controlling acid reflux. Along with
what you eat, it is just as important to be aware of when you
eat and in what quantities. Eating smaller meals more often
throughout the day is the best approach. The traditional large 3
meals a day we're all used to is not good for acid reflux
sufferers. Large meals place the stomach under stress and will
often trigger symptoms to flare. Also, be aware of when you eat
and try to make the last meal of the day 3 hours before your
retire to bed at night so foods have been digested and moved out
of the stomach.
For some people a natural indigestion treatment that works well
is probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that are naturally
present in your stomach that aid digestion. Should these get out
of kilter, you can have problems with digestion. Probiotics are
available in food or supplement form that helps aid digestion
and keep your system moving. Having sufficient quantities of
probiotics can cut down on the amount of acid your stomach has
to make, lessening your chance of developing problems with
indigestion and acid reflux. As an added benefit, Probiotics
also help boost your immune system too.
Other natural indigestion remedies can be found in the home.
Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid and to reduce
nausea. Ginger can be taken as tea, either using tea bags or
steeping shavings of fresh, peeled ginger root You can also find
it in capsule form or as a syrup. Ginger seems to absorb or
neutralize acid in your stomach, and also has a calming affect.
Should you wish to try any type of natural indigestion
treatment, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to be
sure they are safe and that they will not adversely react with
any type of medication you may be taking.
About The Author: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's
brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here
http://www.naturall
overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat
Acid Reflux and GERD.
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