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how to treat acid reflux at home
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Digestive Health
Question #22602
29 days ago
57

how to treat acid reflux at home - #22602

Om

I am really struggling with my acid reflux lately. It all started about a month ago when I had this huge BBQ meal with friends, and ever since then, it’s like I can't catch a break. I don't want to go for meds right away, so I’ve been looking into how to treat acid reflux at home. Some mornings, I wake up with this awful burning in my chest, and it's just awful! I tried drinking some ginger tea and eating smaller meals, but I'm not sure that's enough. I've heard about elevating my head while I sleep, which I started doing, but I feel kinda silly propping my pillows up so high. Also, I've read that losing weight could help, but I’ve been really inconsistent with working out due to my work schedule. Are there any good home remedies that work? How to treat acid reflux at home without relying on over-the-counter stuff? I saw someone mention apple cider vinegar, but that sounds crazy, right? Like, how can I manage this every day? I'm worried it will disrupt my life even more — I just wanna feel normal again. What do you all think? Any tips or personal experiences would really help!

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Doctors' responses

Managing acid reflux at home involves a mix of lifestyle changes and practical tips that help reduce symptoms without immediately resorting to medication. Based on what you’ve mentioned, you’re already doing a few things right, like eating smaller meals and elevating your head during sleep. You could further enhance this by avoiding food and drink that are known triggers for reflux. Try cutting back on spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol, which can all exacerbate symptoms. Also, avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to give your stomach time to empty.

Incorporating some daily physical activity, even short walks after meals, can promote digestion and help manage weight, though it’s understandable if a busy work schedule makes this tough. Regarding weight loss, even a slight reduction in weight can lead to significant relief from symptoms, so consistency over intensity is key.

Drinking ginger tea, as you have been, is excellent since ginger has naturally soothing properties. As for apple cider vinegar, it’s often touted as a remedy, but there’s very limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for reflux; it might be worth avoiding if it worsens symptoms.

Consider wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on your abdomen and practicing stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga, which can decrease the frequency and intensity of reflux episodes. If you notice that these changes aren’t improving your symptoms or they become more frequent, then it might be time to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and to discuss other treatment options. Persistent and severe reflux can lead to complications, so it’s essential to monitor the condition closely and ensure you address any alarming symptoms promptly.

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