Heartburn and GERD are two of the most common gastrointestinal problems that people experience. The burning sensation in the chest, chest pain, and regurgitation of food are common symptoms of these conditions. While over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief from the symptoms, natural remedies can be just as effective in managing heartburn and GERD. Here are some natural remedies to try if you're experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.

1. Chew Gum: Chewing sugarless gum for 30 minutes after meals can help reduce heartburn symptoms by increasing saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid.

 

2. Drink Ginger Tea: Ginger has long been used to treat digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to have a protective effect on the esophageal lining, reducing inflammation and helping with GERD symptoms. To make ginger tea, steep 2–3 slices of fresh ginger root in hot water for 10 minutes before drinking it up to three times a day after meals or when heartburn occurs.

 

3. Eat Bananas: Bananas contain high levels of potassium which helps counteract excess stomach acids, making them a great natural remedy for heartburn and GERD sufferers alike! Eating one banana per day is recommended for best results but if you’re feeling more daring why not try adding them into smoothies or baking banana bread?

 

4. Reduce Stress Levels: Stress can cause an increase in stomach acid production which in turn increases your risk of developing heartburn or worsening existing symptoms so taking steps to reduce stress levels should be high priority! Exercise regularly, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation or even just taking some time out each day for yourself can have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing – if not your digestion too!

 

5. Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods have been known to worsen heartburn and GERD including spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits/juices, coffee/tea/alcoholic drinks etc. So, avoiding these where possible is key! If it’s difficult to pinpoint particular trigger foods then trying an elimination diet could be beneficial – this involves cutting out all suspect foods for two weeks before reintroducing one food at a time until you identify which ones cause issues for your digestion specifically – it might take some trial and error but could be well worth the effort!

 

6. Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently: Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day will reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allowing food and stomach acid to pass through more easily without causing discomfort – this means that eating five small meals instead of three larger ones could make all the difference when it comes to managing GERD effectively! It’s also important not to eat too close to bedtime as lying down with a full stomach puts additional pressure on the LES making it much easier for food/acid refluxes occur during sleep – try leaving at least three hours between dinner (or last meal) time and bedtime in order to give your digestive system enough time settle down before turning in for the night!

 

7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV): ACV has long been used as an age-old home remedy thanks largely due its acidic properties which help balance pH levels within our bodies thereby reducing excess stomach acids production – simply mix 2 tablespoons with 8 ounces (1 cup) of water then drink 15 minutes before meals 3 times per day (it might take some getting used too!) – this should help reduce uncomfortable heartburn episodes significantly over time although please note that ACV should never be consumed undiluted as this could irritate throat tissue further so always ensure you dilute adequately first!

 

8. Try Baking Soda: Baking soda is another effective home remedy thanks largely due its alkaline nature which helps neutralize excessive stomach acids quickly – simply mix 1 teaspoon with 8 ounces (1 cup)of water then drink promptly after experiencing any kind of acid reflux symptom – again please note that baking soda should never be consumed undiluted either as this too could irritate throat tissue further so always ensure you dilute adequately first!

 

9. Take Probiotics Regularly: Taking probiotics regularly has been shown useful when treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by helping restore healthy gut flora balance – probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into our digestive tracts which strengthens our immune systems enabling us better cope with acid reflux episodes; they also promote regularity by breaking down carbohydrates into simpler forms that our bodies can absorb more efficiently thus lessening indigestion related discomfort – probiotic supplements are available from most health stores or alternatively naturally fermented foods such yogurt provide good sources too but always check labels carefully first ensuring they contain live cultures otherwise they won't really do much good at all unfortunately…

 

10. Consume Herbal Remedies Wisely : There are many herbal remedies purported helpful treating both heartburn & GERD however be cautious since many herbs come their own potential side effects – Chamomile & Slippery Elm both commonly recommended however please consult doctor or healthcare professional prior taking any herbal supplement just case…