Gastric reflux, or the rise of stomach contents towards the esophagus, can be treated with different natural remedies. Find out what they are.
Gastric reflux is a malaise that is manifested by the rise of the stomach's contents towards the esophagus, which leads to irritation especially of the mucous membranes with inflammation and burning in the mouth of the stomach, up to having acidity and even regurgitation.
Usually the gastric reflux is a temporary malaise also called gastritis, but which can turn into a real disease if it becomes so frequent that it damages the wall of the esophagus .
Causes and symptoms of gastric reflux
The food we eat comes to the stomach where it finds the esophageal sphincter, a valve used for the passage of food that prevents the acidic juices of the stomach from rising upwards keeping them inside to promote their digestion function. The esophageal valve can only be opened in exceptional cases such as vomiting and eruption.
In gastric reflux it can happen that this valve malfunctions, is poorly toned, allowing the acidic gastric juice to rise.
The symptoms of reflux are felt with irritation of the mucosa, burning in the stomach and throat, hoarseness, cough, nausea, erosion of tooth enamel, wheezing, need to clear your throat and difficulty swallowing.
Healthy habits against reflux
Rest and sleep can become a very difficult time for those suffering from reflux, so a good habit is to sleep not completely horizontally but with a pillow high behind your back while maintaining a 30 degree angle .
Thanks to the help of gravity, this precaution prevents the rising of the stomach contents when we sleep. The best position is therefore on the belly up or at the most on the left side.
Cigarette smoking is certainly an enemy of this disorder because it increases the irritation of the entire mucosa, cough and burning.
Doing physical activity always helps, both because gastric reflux is more frequent in overweight people, and because blood is better oxygenated, the strength and tone of the whole organism is improved and therefore also the digestive process is strengthened .
We remind you that physical activity is to be considered carried out far from meals, at least 2 hours after they have been taken to avoid disturbing the ongoing digestion.
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Natural remedies for gastric reflux
A glass of water and lemon to drink in the morning after getting up is still a good habit that preserves the right acidity of the stomach and allows the correct development of digestive activity.
Mallow, marshmallow and plantain are plants rich in mucilage with a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucosa of the gastroesophageal tract and of the stomach.
In herbal medicine we can find them in herbal tea format and we will be able to prepare a macerated in water that is left to soak overnight during the morning and then drink the liquid in the morning after having filtered it, rich in mucilage that will create a protective film on the mucosa helping healing.
Aloe gel for internal use is refreshing, emollient and regenerating the mucous membrane. Be careful, however, not to buy the aloe juice most commonly used for laxative purposes which in this situation is certainly not indicated.
Licorice is an anti-inflammatory indicated for the mucosa of the stomach and esophagus due to its ability to produce more mucin, a useful and protective substance with gastric acidity. It is also an antitussive: cough is one of the most common symptoms when gastric reflux becomes persistent. Licorice should not be used by people who have hypertension problems . The form of intake can be the decoction of the root or the capsules in mono dosages.
Boswelia is an exotic plant that is excellent against inflammation of any origin. It also stimulates cell regeneration of the gastric mucosa. We can find this plant in capsules and single dosages or in mother tincture.
Nutrition in the event of gastric reflux
Good eating habits for those suffering from gastric reflux are:
- controlled meals in quantities of food to facilitate and speed up digestion;
- simple meals with inadequate dishes (correct food combinations)
- avoid fast food and highly processed foods
- chew food well for a long time
- after meals do not lie down for at least a few hours
- avoid acidifying foods
The foods to avoid
As for the last point, they usually create more difficulties when there is gastric reflux, alcohol and coffee, to be eliminated at least for a sufficient period of time to reduce or eliminate the disorder.
Also foods like tomatoes, dairy products, white sugar, citrus fruits, chocolate acidify the body or can lead to reflux due to their internal acid pH .
Fatty, very spicy foods and, of course, all fried foods should also be kept under control: these foods, which are more difficult to digest, remain in the stomach longer, increasing the risk of reflux; moreover, their complexity of ingredients can lead to a worsening of the symptoms themselves.
The foods to take
On the other hand, foods such as calcium-rich almonds, which are extremely alkalizing and capable of bringing back the most basic pH, are excellent aids. The same function of alkalizing is possessed by all vegetables and a lot of fruit .
Among the cereals, semi-integral rice is an excellent helper to fight inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes.
The last of our allies is apple or cider vinegar which has the right acidity to allow the body's pH to be buffered and rebalanced. The purchase of organically grown apple vinegar is recommended, to be consumed in small sips diluted in water during meals, or taken each morning in the dose of one or two tablespoons in a little warm water to start the day.
