Acid reflux, a condition also known as hyperacidity, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), is caused by the release of stomach acid into the esophagus. Although it is not a serious problem, in most cases it can be uncomfortable to deal with, and there is always the possibility of more serious disorders such as ulcers or Barrett's esophagus. It is difficult to sleep with acid reflux as there may be a burning sensation in the chest, nausea, and increased pain when lying down or turning over.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Taking Medicine
Step 1. Buy an over-the-counter antacid
These medications can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce reflux for up to two weeks. If you don't notice improvement in symptoms after two weeks, see a doctor.
Do not use antacids for a long time. They are likely to cause diarrhea, mineral imbalance, and kidney damage
Step 2. Take H2 blockers
H2 blockers (or antihistamines) help to reduce acid secretion in the stomach and are sold at any pharmacy (cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine). Read the instructions on the package insert and, if they do not provide the desired effect, go to a gastroenterologist so that he can better analyze the situation, recommending the correct medication or prescribing a higher dose.
- It is important to know the side effects of H2 blockers. Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, nausea and vomiting may arise, in addition to difficulty in urinating. If you notice serious adverse effects, stop using these medications and consult a doctor.
- It is essential to go to the emergency room if serious problems appear, such as swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue and difficulty breathing. These manifestations may indicate an anaphylactic reaction; go to the nearest hospital or call SAMU (192).
Step 3. Try using Proton Pump Inhibitors (IBPs)
They block the production of stomach acid and are used to relieve reflux symptoms and can be purchased at any pharmacy; omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, dexlansoprazole and omeprazole sodium are some of them. Always read the package insert and use the recommended dosage.
- PPIs can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and rash.
- Avoid consuming IBPs for a long time. They are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the spine, hips, and wrists.
Step 4. Look for Gaviscon, a drug that creates a protective barrier
By combining an antacid and a layer of gel, the medicine dissolves in the stomach, creating a barrier that does not allow acid to enter the esophagus.
At the moment, Gaviscon is the only drug on the market of its kind
Method 2 of 3: Changing Eating and Sleeping Habits
Step 1. Identify which foods trigger acid reflux and avoid them
People with chronic reflux may need to make dietary changes to avoid foods or beverages that lead to GERD. Write down the foods you eat (in a notebook or on your own cell phone), especially those that cause reflux symptoms within an hour or two. Remove them from your diet so that the gastrointestinal tract is not affected by them.
In a hypothetical situation, you ate chicken fingers, broccoli, and pasta with tomato sauce for dinner and suffered reflux an hour later. The “trigger” can be chicken, breadcrumbs, broccoli, pasta or tomato sauce. At first, don't add tomato sauce to the next meal; if there is no stomach acidity, this seasoning is what is triggering the condition. However, if you still have acid reflux, the problem could be caused by one of the other foods you eat. Do this process of elimination with each one until reflux does not occur
Step 2. Meals should be smaller, and you should chew your food slowly
Pressure on the stomach is less when the portion is also small, allowing the digestive tract to function properly and reducing the acid imbalance in the stomach.
- Eat slowly, chewing your food several times before swallowing it. This helps to digest it more easily and quickly, leaving less contents in the stomach and decreasing pressure on the digestive system.
- The last meal of the day should be eaten two to three hours before bedtime. Eating earlier in the evening will allow the stomach to digest food more effectively before the person goes to bed.
Step 3. Don't smoke two hours before bed or stop smoking
Cigarettes can increase stomach acid production, increasing the chance of reflux. If you are unable to stop smoking, avoid cigarettes for at least two hours before bedtime.
Step 4. Chew gum after a heavy meal, especially at night
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate the salivary glands, releasing bicarbonate into the saliva and neutralizing acid in the esophagus.
Step 5. Raise the headboard
By lifting only the top of the bed (the headboard), gravity will help keep the acid in the stomach and not let it back into the esophagus. Piling pillows and lying on them is not recommended, as the neck and body will be bent and curved, making reflux worse.
Step 6. Do an exercise 15 to 30 minutes before bed
In it, you should stand on tiptoe and lower your foot several times in a row. This technique is used to treat hiatus hernia, but it can also be used to combat acid reflux. This method helps to realign the stomach with the diaphragm.
- Start by drinking 180 to 240 ml of warm water. Stand up straight and stretch your arms out to the sides, bending them at the elbow and bringing your hands to your chest.
- Stand on your toes, lifting your heels. Step on the floor and repeat the exercise 10 times. After the last time, keep your arms up and breathe quickly and shortly for 15 seconds.
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Drink ½ cup organic aloe juice an hour or two before bed
Aloe vera reduces inflammation and helps neutralize stomach acid.
If you prefer, take sips of the juice during the day. Do not take more than one or two cups a day as aloe can act as a laxative
Step 2. Consume organic apple cider vinegar with water an hour or two before bedtime
In this method, the “acid sensors” themselves will realize that it's time to stop producing acids in the stomach. Put 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in 180 ml of water.
Prepare some lemonade and take it before bed. Mix a few tablespoons of pure lemon or lime juice and add water to taste better; if you like, you can also add honey. Drink lemonade during and after meals so that the acid in the drink demonstrates to the body that acid production must be stopped through a process called “feedback inhibition”
Step 3. Eat an apple an hour before bedtime
Pectin, present in apple peel, is a natural antacid that can bring stomach production down to normal levels.
Step 4. Ginger, chamomile and fennel teas can be taken an hour or two before bed
Ginger tea is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to calm the stomach and relieve nausea. Use the tea bags or slice the ginger until you have enough for 1 tsp. Pour it into boiling water and let it stand for five minutes.
- Fennel tea not only fights stomach irritation, but lowers the acid content in it. Crush fennel and pour 1 teaspoon into boiling water.
- Chamomile tea helps to calm the stomach and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Step 5. Dissolve mustard in water or consume it without anything
Mustard is a good anti-inflammatory and acid neutralizer; drink it an hour before bedtime or pour it into 1 teaspoon, consuming it alone.
Step 6. Consume Red Elm (Ulmus rubra) one hour before bedtime
You can drink it (88 to 118 ml) or take two tablets before bed to relieve irritated tissues.
Red elm is safe for pregnant women
Step 7. Eat licorice root
It can be obtained in the form of chewable tablets, although the taste is not the best; you'll have to get used to it, but your stomach will be a lot less acidic and irritated. Before bedtime, consume two or three tablets.
Step 8. Drink baking soda dissolved in water about an hour before bed
Baking soda can be helpful in neutralizing stomach acid and reducing reflux symptoms. Do not use baking powder, but baking soda, as the former may be less effective. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 177 ml of water, drinking one hour before bed.
Tips
- If you have already tried making adjustments to your diet and sleeping habits, as well as taking natural remedies, and your acid reflux does not improve within two to three weeks, see a doctor. It may be necessary to take stronger drugs.
- Pregnant or lactating women must be cleared by their physician before using any of these methods.
- If you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week or they persist after taking over-the-counter medications, see your gastroenterologist as soon as possible.
- Ask your doctor to switch medications if you suspect they are causing reflux.