Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burning sensation in the chest due to stomach acid rising into the esophagus. Symptoms of acid reflux disease appear at least 2 times a week.
Acid reflux or acid reflux disease can be experienced by both adults and children. Symptoms of this disease are often suspected as a heart attack or coronary heart disease, because the symptoms are almost similar to chest pain. Although not as deadly as a heart attack, stomach acid disease needs to be treated so it doesn’t cause complications.
Symptoms of Stomach Acid Disease
The main symptom of acid reflux is a burning feeling in the chest (heartburn), which gets worse after eating or when lying down. These symptoms can be accompanied by complaints of other digestive disorders, such as frequent belching, nausea and vomiting, as well as ulcers and shortness of breath. Acid reflux disease can also cause mouth complaints that taste sour.
Causes of Stomach Acid Disease
The exact cause of the weakening of the valve between the lower esophagus and the stomach is not known for certain. However, there are several things that can increase a person’s risk of developing GERD, including:
• Certain medical conditions, such as inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), and slowed movement of the stomach (gastroparesis)
• Congenital abnormalities in the stomach, such as hiatal hernia and gastroschisis
• Overweight or obesity
• H. pylori infection
• Smoking habits and frequent exposure to cigarette smoke
• Side effects of certain drugs, such as aspirin
• Consumption of certain foods and beverages, such as fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcoholic beverages in excess.
Gastric Acid Disease Diagnosis
Complaints of heartburn in patients with stomach acid will be felt at least 2 times a week. If the patient comes with this complaint, the doctor will perform a physical examination and a series of supporting tests. Examinations that can be carried out by doctors are gastroscopy, X-rays, examination of the pH of the esophagus, as well as a test of esophageal muscle strength (manometry).
Complications of Stomach Acid Disease
Incomplete treatment of acid reflux disease can lead to complications in the form of inflammation of the esophagus or oesophagus. This inflammation can cause sores to scar tissue in the esophagus, making it difficult for the patient to swallow.
This condition can also trigger the occurrence of Barrett’s esophagus, which is a disease that is at risk of causing esophageal cancer.
Tips For Treating Stomach Acid
Gastric acid disease that is mild in nature can still be treated at home. You can try some of the following natural ingredients to treat stomach acid:
1. Chewing gum
Research in the Journal of Dental Research shows that chewing gum for 30 minutes after eating can reduce GERD complaints. GERD, or commonly referred to for short as reflux, is a term to mark the rise of stomach acid.
“Chewing gum stimulates the rate at which saliva is released. Acid that accumulates in the stomach will be washed out and clean faster. Acid wears off quickly, and GERD symptoms decrease,” explains Rebecca Moazzez, director of the Oral Clinical Research Unit at King’s College London Dental Institute, who led the study.
2. Baking Soda / Baking Soda
Who says baking soda is only used for baking? It turns out that baking soda also has other benefits related to stomach acid.
Jacqueline Wolf, M.D., a health expert from Harvard Medical School, suggests that baking soda can be used in most people with chest pain due to stomach acid. Because baking soda is alkaline, it can help neutralize acids.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been known for generations as a wound healer, hair fertilizer, and even for skin care. Plants that are easy to find in the dry region of Africa are also able to relieve inflammation in the esophagus as well as in the stomach.
Dr. Sierpina, M.D., from the University of Texas Medical Branch, explains the benefits of aloe vera when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. He recommends half a glass of aloe vera before eating for those who often experience gastric acid reflux.
But also pay attention to the side effects to watch out for when drinking it. Because aloe vera juice is a laxative, or increases the frequency of bowel movements.
4. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally treat heartburn. In addition, this herbal plant can also overcome other digestive problems, such as flatulence and nausea. To overcome the symptoms of GERD, you can process ginger into a warm drink. In addition to raw ginger, you can also enjoy ginger drinks available in the market.
5. Licorice or liquorice
Licorice or also called liquorice is known to relieve symptoms of heartburn or heartburn due to GERD. This is thanks to the substance in licorice which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory so that it can reduce swelling, inflammation, and wounds in the stomach and esophagus due to increased stomach acid.
6. Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root contains various substances that can relieve coughs, heal wounds in the stomach and esophagus, and treat bacterial infections. This plant is also believed to protect the stomach wall, so it is not easily injured when exposed to stomach acid.
Not only stomach acid, marshmallow leaves and roots can also be used to treat diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of the stomach lining, as well as pain and swelling in the respiratory tract.
7. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has often been used to relieve stomach and heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and is traditionally believed to treat insomnia. These herbal remedies may be a natural and effective way to reduce GERD symptoms.
Although the natural ingredients above are known to be effective for treating symptoms of stomach acid, the efficacy and effectiveness of these herbal ingredients still require further research.
In addition to the natural ingredients above, there are several types of foods that you can also consume to relieve stomach acid symptoms, including:
• Green vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, chickpeas, cauliflower, potatoes, and cucumbers
• Oatmeal and whole wheat bread
• Fruits that are not sour, such as melons, bananas, apples, and pears
• Lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and low-fat seafood
You can also treat stomach acid by living a healthy lifestyle, such as:
• Avoid consuming too many foods or drinks that can trigger problems with stomach acid, such as spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol.
• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Avoid wearing clothes or pants that are too tight because they can put pressure on the stomach.
• Get enough sleep, which is for 7–9 hours every night.
• Sleep with the head and chest elevated.
Although there are natural ingredients that are known to treat stomach acid, you are still advised to consult a doctor. Moreover, if the stomach acid disease you have suffered for a long time and does not go away.
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