Painful, distressing and debilitating, acid reflux or GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) may also be known as gastric reflux. It is also commonly termed “heartburn” although the heart is in no way involved in the condition. However, since the symptoms mimic those that can occur in a heart attack, the term has come to be widely used. It is a relatively common condition and more than 60 million people in the country experience some form of it in a month.

Natural management strategies for acid reflux and GERD

• It is important to maintain a low weight to avoid putting extra pressure on the stomach.
• Avoid trigger foods like citrus juices, high-fat, spicy and greasy foods, processed foods, onions and garlic, soda, coffee, chocolates, and alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise
• Include low-fat, high protein dietary choices
• Vegetables, non-citrus fruits, lean meats, seafood, and healthy fats along with reduced dairy and processed foods helps to reduce symptoms.

Effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD
There are several easy home remedies and natural products that can help manage the problem of acid reflux and GERD. Most of them can be found in your kitchen or local supermarket.

• Baking soda
  Drink a mild solution of baking soda and water to neutralize stomach acids. However, this should not be done excessively.
• Fennel seeds
  They are an effective aid to digestion and also help to relax the stomach muscles. You can either chew a teaspoonful of fennel seeds after a meal or crush and steep in boiling water to make a soothing tea following a meal. Fennel is packed with vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and promote healing.
• Kudzu
  Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners prescribe taking small amounts of dried kudzu root for stomach ailments and gastric problems. Mixed with fresh, unfiltered apple-juice which contains pectin, kudzu helps to soothe the stomach.
• Aloe vera
  This wonder plant is a highly effective natural remedy for acid reflux and GERD. You can take it mixed in coconut water or non-citrus fruit juice about 15 minutes before your food for the best results.
• Fruits
  Bananas, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and watermelon are effective digestive aids. Add them to your daily diet. Avoid citrus family fruits and juices.
• Ginger
  Ginger is a well-documented product used in many forms of traditional medicine. It also has a well-established reputation as an effective, easy and quick home remedy. Add it to your diet in fresh, juiced or candied form. Ginger tea is also a good digestive and an effective remedy for symptoms of gastritis and indigestion.
• Chamomile
  This is a versatile organic remedy that helps to soothe stress, both mental and physical. Chamomile tea with honey taken half an hour before bed-time prevents acid build-up.
• Mustard
  Mustard is alkaline in nature and can balance excess acidity by neutralizing the build-up of stomach acids. You can take a spoonful of mustard that contains a small amount of vinegar for almost instant relief from acid reflux symptoms.
• Apple cider vinegar
  This is an alkaline substance that reduces the effect of harmful intestinal bacteria that may cause acid reflux.