You may have felt it before. A burning sensation in your stomach moving up to your chest or a backwash of acid in your mouth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gut condition that affects up to 30% of the population in the Western world. The symptoms of GERD can be uncomfortable, unpleasant, and inconvenient. Luckily, there is a range of remedies that you can use to help ease these symptoms. In this article, we will uncover some natural acid blockers that can help make GERD a thing of the past.
GERD is a digestive system condition in which stomach acid or bile irritates the lining of the esophagus, the pipe that goes from the mouth down into the stomach.
Your stomach releases acid known as hydrochloric acid, which helps to break down food. Bile is another digestive juice that the liver makes and stores in the gallbladder.
During reflux, these two digestive juices can move up your esophagus from the stomach in the case of stomach acid and from the gallbladder in the case of bile.
There are multiple symptoms of GERD, and individuals may experience different symptoms. The most common symptoms of GERD are:
While GERD can affect anyone, there are a few factors that increase your risk of experiencing GERD. These risk factors are:
There are many remedies available to help ease the symptoms of GERD, including conventional medications and natural remedies.
The two most common conventional medications for GERD are H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). H2 blockers are short for Histamine 2 blockers and block the H2 receptors in your stomach. By blocking this receptor, your stomach makes less acid. PPIs block the protein in your stomach that is responsible for producing acid.
These acid blockers can reduce the symptoms of GERD by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. An estimated 15 million Americans use these classes of medications.
While these medications can provide relief, there are side effects to using acid blockers. These side effects include:
Although most of these side effects may seem minor, hypochlorhydria causes multiple additional side effects.
Hypochlorhydria is when the acid in your stomach is low. Stomach acid plays an important part in breaking down your food. When these levels are low, you cannot break down food optimally. On top of this, there is also a reduction in the absorption of nutrients. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
These conventional medications are not the only forms of acid blockers. Natural remedies can also act as acid blockers.
Ginger has a range of benefits and is rich in beneficial compounds such as phenols. The phenols in ginger are thought to help relieve irritation of the gut lining and can help reduce stomach contractions. This means it can potentially reduce the occurrence of acid being pushed into your esophagus.
Ginger is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation within the body. This can help to reduce inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause symptoms of GERD.
Ginger is available in many different forms, including powdered form, tea, lozenges, and chews. Do note, however, that while ginger can potentially help to reduce symptoms, large doses can cause gas and acid reflux.
The evidence for ginger's use in GERD is lacking, and more research is needed on its use in GERD.
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber, omega-3, and calcium. They also contain mucilage, which, when eaten, coats the esophagus in a film. This film protects the esophagus from damaging agents, including acid, which can help relieve symptoms of GERD.
Flaxseeds can be added to your diet in many different ways, including:
Flaxseeds also contain fiber, which can help the gut in many ways. One way is that it strengthens the opening between the esophagus and stomach, helping to reduce the occurrence of GERD.
If flaxseeds aren’t your seed of choice, adding fiber in other ways, such as chia seeds, almonds, and whole grains, can help increase the fiber content of your diet and strengthen your gut.
Although apple cider vinegar is acidic, it can help act as an acid blocker. The two theories behind the use of apple cider vinegar are that the acidity and bacteria in apple cider vinegar can help aid digestion, thus relieving symptoms of GERD. Another theory is that the acid in apple cider vinegar can help replenish acidity in individuals with hypochlorhydria.
While apple cider vinegar can relieve GERD, it can also aggravate symptoms in some people, especially if the lining of your gut is inflamed. To try this remedy, mix a teaspoon and a tablespoon into a glass of water and drink it before or after meals. Your healthcare provider can provide more guidance on this.
The evidence for using apple cider vinegar is mostly anecdotal at this time.
One cause of GERD is an accumulation of harmful bacteria in your gut and a reduction in good bacteria. To help improve the balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut, working to improve your health and having a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as probiotics can help.
Probiotics are, in simple terms, good bacteria for the gut. They can be found in supplemental form as well as naturally in foods such as:
Probiotics help increase the amount of good bacteria in the gut. These bacteria can help fight off the bad bacteria, improving gut health and relieving symptoms of GERD.
Not only do foods act as natural acid blockers, but supplements can also help. Ingredients that may act as natural acid blockers are:
These supplements work in different ways, but they help reduce inflammation, reduce bacteria that can cause GERD, and generally improve gut health. These ingredients can be present separately or together in supplements. An example is Dr. Lam's Adrenal Gut Restore supplement, which contains licorice and aloe vera.
Licorice helps to increase mucus production in the stomach. This increased mucus can act as a barrier to your stomach contents and reduce the occurrence of GERD. Licorice can also help promote blood flow, which can promote gut healing. Aloe vera helps to reduce inflammation and improve digestion, helping to relieve symptoms.
One cause of GERD can be chronic stress, which commonly occurs with adrenal fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) is a cluster of symptoms that result from chronic stress. Your body responds to stress through the adrenal glands, and the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response is composed of six circuits of related organ systems. However, your body is designed to cope with stress for short periods, not long ones.
If your body experiences chronic stress, your adrenal glands are unable to continue responding and become depleted. This can result in imbalances within the NEM System.
One circuit in the NEM System is the Inflammation circuit. This circuit comprises the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiome. If this circuit becomes imbalanced, it can cause an increase in inflammation and an imbalance in gut bacteria. These two symptoms can then contribute to GERD. Balancing this circuit and reducing stress levels can thus help to relieve symptoms of GERD.
While there are many remedies available to help manage symptoms of GERD, it is always important to be mindful of your body, especially if you are currently experiencing AFS.
During AFS, the body becomes sensitive to external products, including conventional and natural acid blockers. Another important factor to remember is that the FDA does not regulate supplements, and the quality and safety of the products are not guaranteed.
If you are currently experiencing AFS, chat with a healthcare provider who knows it before trying a new remedy.
Many individuals will experience GERD during their lives. A range of remedies is available to help prevent and relieve symptoms. Conventional acid blockers, H2 blockers, and PPIs also come with some side effects. However, natural acid blockers include ginger, flaxseeds, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics, which can help boost gut health, lower inflammation, and protect the esophagus.
If you are currently experiencing GERD, AFS, or a combination and are trying to find safe ways to stop the burn, you can call the team at Dr. Lam at +1 (626) 571-1234 for a private, free initial consultation.
Relieve Heartburn with Adrenal Gut Restore!
Health is individualized and are no standard best acid blockers as everyone reacts differently. To help you find the best acid blocker for your body in a way that is safe and will support your body, it is best to seek professional guidance.
