It is important to note that acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a complicated issue and the result of many internal factors.
Most GERD remedies are not effective cures in themselves.
That said, home remedy, when properly selected and applied, can reduce most of the symptoms of acid reflux.
Let's briefly examine the immediate biological reasons behind gastro-esophageal reflux disease as a medical condition, before discussing the home remedies that can be applied and how to choose them.
Normally, the gastric system is controlled by a circle of muscle situated at the end of the esophagus.
This muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.
Food or drink travels down the esophagus to trigger opening of the LES, which then lets the food and drink into the stomach.
gastro-esophageal reflux disease happens when stomach acid splashes back up into the lower end of the esophagus, resulting in a disagreeable burning sensation.
Sadly, most conventional treatments whether medicinal or surgical, target only the immediate cause acting locally to trigger GERD.
Physiological degradation of the LES caused by a combination of influences such as inherited traits (which have to be accepted) and several aspects of lifestyle and diet make up the "internal environment" bringing on acid reflux.
The holistic program also offers a full methodology for tackling the root causes of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, which can be very simple to use.
The majority of these holistic treatments are easily acquired at your local food store for application in the privacy of your home.
As a bonus, holistic treatment brings acid reflux sufferers a wide choice of natural cures that have been demonstrated to provide almost immediate relief.
Another treatment would be simple alterations to your diet.
A large quantity of food is harder to digest and needs much more time.
By eating small and frequent meals, your digestive system gets a holiday from heavy food intake.
Eating smaller meals is strongly recommended for acid reflux sufferers by both doctors and alternative therapists.
As another example, you can find relief for GERD symptoms by taking organic apple cider vinegar.
And on the same theme, certain foods and drinks have been associated with increased risk of acid reflux and should not be taken.
The list includes alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, soda, chocolate, as well as foods that are high in fat and dairy products.
Enhancing sleep, including changes to your sleeping position, has been demonstrated to effectively alleviate GERD symptoms.
Quitting smoking may be bring considerable benefit, as the substances in cigarette smoke may act to relax the LES that then opens to cause reflux of stomach acid.
Lifestyle changes is yet another category of answers to gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
When you use these possibilities together with a holistic program to resolve the basic causes of GERD, you will have the possibility to relieve its symptoms and permanently stop them coming back.
The herbal supplements in such programs may bring distinct advantages in the short term.
Different herbal supplements are available to patients who want an immediate solution to relieve acid reflux symptoms via home remedies.