There are various ways of relieving reflux and some are listed below. If you experience abdominal pain, as well as reflux, then consider asking your GP for a Helicobacter Pylori test (H. pylori). This is a type of bacteria that’s found in the stomach and small intestine but if it multiplies too much there can be pain and long term issues and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
You can try several of these at the same time, or one at a time, whatever suits you but they are in no particular order.
• 1 tblspn of organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (preferably Braggs from Holland & Barrett) in a large glass of water daily. The pectin in this may also help soothe intestinal spasms and its properties will stimulate digestive juices so food is broken down easier. It also helps to control unwanted yeast and bacteria throughout the body. You may need to try this in smaller quantities initially and build up to 1 tblspn per day.
• Take a good quality probiotic daily
• Slippery Elm powder or capsule – the powder, which is made into a hot drink and taken after food, is preferable as it coats the oesophagus as it goes down. This protects the tubing so when the acid reflux occurs there is less damage. Slippery Elm is highly nutritious and is anti-inflammatory. If you do not like the drink then consider the capsules but they will not be as effective in soothing the oesophagus but they will help with the inflammation.
• Leave at least 3 hours between finishing food in the evening and going to bed and you may get some relief by propping yourself up with pillows rather than lying flat.
• Smoking, alcohol, over eating, not chewing, rushing food, stress and certain medications all contribute to this condition. If you know that a food doesn’t suit you then try to avoid it rather than put up with the symptoms as acid reflux does cause long term damage.