What Causes Acid Reflux/ Indigestion?
Acid reflux is a common problem and happens when the sphincter muscles at the lower end of your oesophagus relax at the wrong time, which allows stomach acid to enter your oesophagus. Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the oesophagus.
Common symptoms include heartburn, which is a burning pain that moves from the stomach to the upper abdomen, chest and even throat. You might even experience backwash (regurgitation), which is when you taste a sour or bitter-acidic tasting liquid backing up into your throat or mouth. You may also get tummy or chest pain with it and perhaps even trouble swallowing. This pain often occurs after meals, or when lying down. It is estimated that about 1% of the UK population suffers with persistent acid reflux symptoms.
Many things can trigger acid reflux, indigestion and heartburn. Certain medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, some blood pressure medicines and sedatives can cause acid reflux. Stress and anxiety can also be a factor, as well as over-eating, eating too fast, or eating late before bed.
People who are overweight or who struggle with obesity are more likely to experience acid reflux, heartburn or indigestion, as are smokers. Also some pregnant women can be prone to acid reflux.
Which Foods Cause Acid Reflux and Indigestion?
The most common foods that can cause acid reflux, heartburn or indigestion are high acid foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes or even onions, or fatty foods such as butter, cheese and chocolate. Coffee can be a contributor too.
Foods to avoid if you have Acid Reflux include:
- Onions, garlic and spicy food
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes and tomato sauce
- Cream and Cheese (yogurt is a good pro-biotic)
- Fatty cuts of meat including bacon and lard
- Greasy and fried food
- Chips
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
Seasonal Indulgence and Acid Reflux
Many of us like to indulge a bit over the Christmas holiday season and tempting food and drinks are readily available. Be cautious with alcoholic drinks, especially fizzy ones like lager or sparkling wine, which can increase your episodes of indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Try to stick to non-alcoholic and non-fizzy drinks to avoid triggering your acid reflux.
Be mindful of oily, spicy and junk foods that are often more on offer in the winter season and festivities. Try having a light meal or snack before you go out to events so that you are less likely to be tempted by unhealthy snacks on offer that might trigger your acid reflux, heartburn and or indigestion.
Darker days are here but it is still important to exercise and also to get fresh air as much as possible. When the weather is OK go for a walk or jog and when it is not then a few minutes of stretching indoors can help keep your acid reflux at bay.
How to Treat Indigestion and Acid Reflux at Home
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural remedy for indigestion, nausea, heartburn, acid reflux and other digestive disorders.
Oats are also a helpful food to regularly include in your diet, particularly if you suffer from Acid Reflux as oats absorb stomach acid making you less likely to experience Acid Reflux. You may also want to include other high-fibre options like whole grains including brown rice.
Tips if you Suffer from Acid Reflux:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t overeat
- Stop smoking
- Eat slowly, chew thoroughly
- Wear loose clothes
- Give at least a 2 hour gap from eating to going to bed
- Use 1 – 2 pillows to reduce symptoms whilst you sleep
Homeopathic Medicines for Acid Reflux
Carbo Veg
Carbo Veg is great Homeopathic medicine for indigestion when there is bloating and gas in the stomach with lots of belching, which can help you feel better for a bit. The stomach can appear distended.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is an indicated Homeopathic medicine when there is discomfort, indigestion with bloating particularly around the waist. Triggers include eating onions and garlic.
Nux Vom
Nux Vomica is an indicated Homeopathic remedy when there is indigestion, nausea and cramps from Acid Reflux especially after overindulgence of alcohol, rich or spicy foods. Passing wind can be difficult.
Arsenicum Alb
Arsencium Alb, is a good Homeopathic remedy when you feel worse from the smell or sight of food and you feel exhausted and anxious with your symptoms. In your tummy you will feel a burning pain which can extend up to your oesophagus. You may feel better for sitting up, or propping up in bed.
If you are looking for Homeopathy for acid reflux to deal with your day to day symptoms and address the underlying causes, including indigestion digestive problems, get in touch today.
Natural Homeopathic treatment for acid reflux can be really helpful at treating your symptoms and the underlying cause. I specialise in digestive health, my solution is a Gut Health Treatment Plan that is suitable for people aged 12-65 who are suffering from acid reflux, and other digestive disorders. This Gut Health Treatment Plan includes 1-2-1 online consultations with me Kiran, a qualified Homeopath with over 16 year of professional clinical experience, a bespoke plan for homeopathic remedies, a nourishment plan and regular check-in phone calls and email support.
Start by booking a free consultation to talk about your acid reflux and homeopathy treatment with me and how homeopathy can address your symptoms and help reduce your symptoms naturally so that you feel calmer, centered and well.
Once you start a course on the Gut Health Treatment Plan you should start to notice improvements within a few weeks. Homeopathic treatment for acid reflux and digestive disorders usually lasts around 3 – 6 months. This will vary according to your symptoms, how long you have had them and the severity.
Get in touch to book your free consultation with me and let’s work together using gut homeopathy treatment to naturally balance your digestive disorders and relieve your acid reflux and gut problems symptoms.
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Watch my new video on Homeopathy for acid reflux and indigestion
