The Home remedies for reflux Are essential in certain moments in which this pathology can be very annoying for those who suffer.
It is possible that reflux is the most frequent disorder of the digestive system. In Europe, an estimated 175 million people suffer from this disease and have to take chronic medicines to control it.
The term reflux refers to a return or backward movement; That is, an inverse movement of food in the process of digestion, from the stomach into the esophagus.
Most people have the following symptoms: acid taste, increased belching, hoarseness, dry cough, burning sensation in the upper middle portion of the chest, occasional spasms. These symptoms usually occur after the consumption of food, but in some cases can persist to become permanent.
Recurrent reflux can damage the skin of the esophagus, which causes inflammation and pain. In some cases it is very intense and occurs 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. It usually gets worse by flexing your waist or lying down, and is relieved by sitting upright.
Conventional treatment consists of avoiding positions and conditions that increase reflux, as well as foods or substances that stimulate the return of gastric contents. In this article we have compiled the recommendations of traditional medicine as well as new research confirming the benefits of ancestral treatments of oriental and alternative medicine.
10 Home remedies to combat reflux
1- The aloe vera
He aloe vera Is a medicinal plant with wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry, as it has been shown to possess in its composition several active ingredients such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, analgesics and antidiabetics.
In addition, aloe vera has also been shown to have an antiulcer effect, effective in wound healing and antimicrobial effects, the latter important for people suffering from gastric reflux.
In a study by the journal of Chinese traditional medicine , It is demonstrated that aloe vera may have favorable effects in the reduction of gastric reflux and in the decrease in the secretion of gastric juices.
In this study, a syrup containing aloe vera gel was administered, and people who received this syrup showed reduced acidity, less food regurgitation, fewer episodes of flatulence, belching, and nausea.
If we want to incorporate aloe vera in the diet we recommend it in juices and / or extracts.
2. Probiotic foods
When talking about probiotic foods we mainly refer to yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, they all possess the common characteristic of possessing beneficial bacteria to restore the bacterial flora of the intestine and protect us from infections. The most common bacteria are those of the Lactobacillus and Bifidus family.
There are also other benefits related to probiotics, including benefits in gastrointestinal reflux. Studies with Lactobacillus have been able to reduce gastric distension and accelerate gastric emptying, thus reducing the frequency of reflux.
3- The noni
Noni is a popular fruit in traditional Thai medicine that became known worldwide for its Multiple benefits . One of its attributes is to possess a compound called Scopoletin Which has an equivalent action to the drugs used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
Studies have proven its preventive and therapeutic effect, acting as an antacid, facilitator of the correct movement of the digestive tract and anti-inflammatory.
Noni can be consumed naturally (raw fruit), but because of its bitter taste it can be combined with yogurt, juice and / or extracts can also be made by combining it with other fruits.
4- Ginger
He ginger Or kion has been used to treat a large number of medical conditions, including those affecting the digestive system, such as dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Studies claim that ginger has properties that accelerate the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Ginger is beneficial for gastric reflux problems, as it increases the frequency of stomach contractions, pushing the contents into the intestine, accelerating gastric emptying and decreasing the likelihood of reflux.
Ginger besides being an excellent condiment, that can be used in soups, stews and desserts; It can also be brewed as an enjoyable digestive drink that you can enjoy after meals.
5- Nopal or Tuna
He Nopal Or also called Tuna ( Opuntia ficus ) Is a plant belonging to the growing family Cactaceae in semi-arid areas of countries around the world and is grown mainly in the Mediterranean region and Central America.
Both fruits and leaves have been used in traditional medicine in many countries. In addition, studies on the biological activity of this plant have shown that it has antiulcer effects.
Studies claim that its effects are due to arabinogalactan and galacturonic acid, which form a layer of gastroprotective defense.
The mucilage of this fruit is very viscous, which generates acts as a protector of the gastric mucosa, reduces the heartburn, acid regurgitation and reduces the number of episodes of acid reflux.
6- Algae
Algae have a substance called Alginate , Which has favorable effects for esophagitis and reflux. This alginate, in the presence of the gastric acid, is precipitated as a gel floating on the surface of the gastric contents, as a layer.
Several studies have shown that the alginate layer can be moved in the esophagus during episodes of gastroesophageal reflux acting as a physical barrier to reduce episodes of reflux.
The formation of the alginate layer occurs rapidly after its ingestion, which allows us to perceive the onset of relief soon.
They can be consumed in salads, soups or sautéed with vegetables, depending on the local variety of algae with which they are counted.
7- Low fat diet
A low-fat diet lowers the chance that the esophagus will be exposed to acid reflux.
When eating foods with a high fat content, the pressure inside the stomach increases and encourages the return of food to the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. A low-fat diet excludes sausages, butters, red meats, snacks, and fast food.
8- Basil
This plant is well known both in the gastronomic field and in the traditional medicine. Its intense aroma and pleasant taste have made it part of many preparations. And the Benefits provided Have made it even more popular.
Basil has antiparasitic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect is attributed to protective effects of the gastric mucosa, decreases the secretion of gastric acids and has a similar effect to the drugs used to combat gastroesophageal reflux.
We invite you to enjoy the basil in salad, infusions and / or extracts in combination with other vegetables.
9- Fiber rich diets
Fiber is a componte of the diet that favors in the battle against gastric reflux since it has the function to accelerate the transit of foods. We can find it in whole grains (wheat, oats, barley), in vegetables and fruits.
A healthy diet for our digestive system includes many Foods containing fiber .
10-Licorice
He licorice Is a root that is widely used in the confectionery and pharmaceutical industry. This root contains many flavonoids (liquiritin, glabrol), isoflavones (glabrene, glabridine), coumarins and stilbenoids, as well as small amounts of essential oils, which give it expectorant, antipyretic, antimicrobial and anxiolytic properties.
In addition, scientific studies have proven their effect on the relief of gastric discomfort, including gastric reflux and ulcers.
Because it has a similar flavor to anise, it is recommended to consume it in infusions, sauces, desserts, salty dishes and other preparations.
Some tips on things to avoid if you suffer from reflux
Avoid copious high-fat meals
Copious, fat-rich foods increase the risk that gastric contents will return to the esophagus because of the pressure they exert.
Avoid eating food between 3 and 4 hours before bedtime
The horizontal position is not favorable for people suffering from reflux, more so if it is immediately after eating.
It is advised to sleep hours after the last intake and with the head elevated to avoid the reflux during the nights. This is best achieved by using a wedge-shaped head to raise the head and shoulders at least 15 cm.
Avoid smoking
He Consumption of tobacco products Is contraindicated in people with reflux. Nicotine increases the likelihood of return of gastric contents.
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages increase the acidity of gastric secretions and make reflux symptoms more intense.
Avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages
Caffeine, theophylline and other substances present in the coffee , tea Y mint , Make the valve that divides the esophagus with the stomach does not fulfill its function of preventing food from returning and not following its natural course through the digestive system.
Stand erect and avoid vigorous physical activity immediately after eating
It is recommended to eat the food in a sedative position and to avoid lying down for several hours after the intake. The inclined position should be avoided for long periods. It increases intra-abdominal pressure and causes reflux of gastric contents.
Avoid tight clothing, especially after eating
Tight clothing that presses the stomach area (tight pants, straps, etc.) can affect the correct passage of food from the stomach, favoring the return of food.
Consuming a healthy and complete diet with an adequate amount of fiber
Fiber increases peristaltic movements, ie accelerates the passage of food through the digestive tract. This is favorable when reflux is present because the gastric contents do not remain in the stomach for a long time and therefore the probability of reflux decreases.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods when there is inflammation
In many cases reflux damages parts of the esophagus with gastric juices, which has a very high acidity. It is therefore recommended to avoid acidic foods and condiments so as not to exacerbate inflammation.
Lose weight in case of overweight
In people with Overweight or obesity It is frequent to suffer reflux, because in this condition the body inhibits the function of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the closure of the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, making more recurrent gastric contents return.
References
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- Medina H., Ledo P., Rosa M. Alginatos. Properties and Use in Reducing Gastroesophageal Reflux. Médi Report 2010. 12 (10): 519-23.
- Indrio F, Riezzo G, Raimondi F, Bisceglia M, Filannino A, Cavallo L, Francavilla R. Lactobacillus reuteri accelerates gastric emptying and improves regurgitation in infants. Eur J Clin Invest. 2011; 41 (4): 417-22.
- Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A. Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med 2015 Dec; 35 (6): 632-6.
- Ming-Luen Hu, Christophan K Rayner, Keng-Liang Wu, Seng-Kee Chuah, Wei-Chen Tai, Yeh-Pin Chou, Yi-Chun Chiu, King-Wah Chiu, Tsung-Hui Hu. Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. World J Gastroenterol. 2011.
- Umberto Alecci, Francesco Bonina, Andrea Bonina, Luisa Rizza, Santi Inferrera, Carmen Mannucci and Gioacchino Calapai. Efficacy and safety of a natural remedy for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux: a randomized controlled double-blind study. Evid Based Supplement Alternat Med. 2016.
- E. Ofem., A. E. Eno and A. B. Antai. Gastric acid anti-secretory, anti-ulcerogenic and mucogenic effects of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum in rats. Niger. J. Physiol. Sci. 2012.
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