12 Best Herbs for Acid Reflux

papaya

Photo credit: bigstock.com

If you have been told by your doctor that you have acid reflux or are you fairly certain that you do have it, one thing is for certain: you want relief. The consequences of acid reflux should not be taken lightly, however. Once the muscle located at the bottom of your esophagus begins to relax, the acid in your stomach can move up and into areas that can’t tolerate those high levels of acid. This will lead to scarring of the esophagus and can even lead to serious problems swallowing or breathing. Continued acid reflux has been connected to an increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus.

Although antacids can help to a point, your body eventually becomes accustomed to them and in turn makes even more acid, which only makes the problem worse. Long term use of any prescription drug wreaks havoc on your liver as well.

You don’t have to live with acid reflux or risk taking drugs, however; you do have another option. There are natural, herbal remedies that not only target the source of the reflux, but work to prevent it from occurring again.

Although there hasn’t been a great deal of research in this area, some herbs have been studied by scientists and have shown great promise in the relief of digestive, stomach, and issues related to the esophagus with no apparent side effects.

So if you have been plagued by acid reflux, keep reading for the top 12 herbal remedies you can take to stop this monster in its tracks.

 

1.  Papaya

Yes, this is a fruit, but a terrific one for improving digestion. This fruit is a great source of nutrients, providing the body with vitamins A, K, C, and E, along with minerals such as iron, copper, selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and other important antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, bioflavonoids, and choline.

To add to all that nutrition, papaya is an excellent treatment for acid reflux. It contains a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins in the digestive system into amino acids. The active ingredient, papaine, is super helpful to the body when comes to the digestion of fats and carbs. When these foods are properly broken down, it aids in digestion and allows your body to make acid. The potassium in papaya also introduces healthy bacteria into your intestines. This can prevent your stomach from working as hard and helps to stop indigestion and reflux.  Be careful to avoid papayas from Hawaii, as 90 percent of the papaya sold is a GMO product.

 

SEE ALSO: Is Your Acidic Diet Ruining Your Health?

2.  Mustard

This can work by either eating more mustard greens in your diet or by simply swallowing a teaspoon of a good quality prepared mustard after each meal. Mustard is actually an alkalizing food that is loaded with minerals. When making prepared mustard (the yellow kind that most people put on hot dogs and hamburgers) it’s processed with a weak form of vinegar. Due to its alkaline compounds, it neutralizes the acid that you feel creeping into your esophagus. Although it might seem a bit disgusting or sour, you might actually learn to love it once you feel the almost instant relief it provides.

Continue to Page 2

PrevPage: 1 of 4Next
//

One Comment

  1. Real Hepls Out

    Mar 20, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    If anyone is interested in an Immigration Attorney visit http://www.realhelpsout.com to find a great Attorney.