Gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly called acid reflux or GERD, affects a large number of people. The causes are not always immediately known, but some of them include overeating, excess fat around the middle that puts pressure on the stomach, genetic predisposition to acidity and hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia develops when a tear in the diaphragm allows some of the stomach to slide up into the esophagus along with stomach acid.

Herbs and Home Remedies

You can purchase remedies over the counter to help control the acid, but some people prefer to use herbal remedies. Slippery elm bark is one of the most useful herbs for stomach disorders. The inner layer of the bark is powdered and can be decocted into tea, made into a tincture with vodka, and mixed with licorice and honey to make lozenges which serve double duty for cough and acid control. Slippery elm contains mucilage, which soothes the stomach lining, providing relief. Another herb that works in much the same way is Irish moss, or carrageen. Found on rocks near the Atlantic Ocean, Irish moss has been used for centuries as a food thickener, cough remedy and stomach soothing medicine. GrandmasHomeRemedies.com recommends apple cider vinegar. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, licorice root extract, green tea extract and reishi mushroom extract are all good choices for helping to minimize the inflammation associated with acid reflux. These herbs can be found, alone or in mixed remedies, at your local health food store and online.

Lifestyle Changes

If you have developed acid reflux, chances are good that one or more lifestyle changes are in order. If you are overweight, begin now to lose at least some of the excess pounds. Eating smaller meals provides your body the opportunity to fully digest the food. It also increases the likelihood that your esophageal opening will be able to stay closed and keep the acid in your stomach. Stress is a known factor in acid production, so exercise and other forms of relaxation can help. If you notice more pronounced burning after drinking coffee, avoid it. GrandmasHomeRemedies.com suggests quitting smoking will help control acid production as well. When you do eat, sit up straight, and do not lay down afterward for at least a couple of hours. Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow, or raise the head of your bed.

Source:

University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Grandma's Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

University of Maryland Medical Center: Slippery Elm