Acid reflux or heartburn is caused by the irregular movements of the lower esophageal sphincter. Approximately 14-20% of adults in the country suffer from this condition. While medicines are best for acid reflux, some home remedies work wonders as well.

Here are some effective home remedies for acid reflux treatment. These methods reduce the symptoms and ease pain.

Eat fruit
Fruits are known to neutralize the effects of acid by their antacid properties.

• Bananas have natural antacid properties. Consume a fully ripe banana once a day to prevent the acid from coming back up.
• Apples prevent acid reflux. Have this fruit a few hours before going to bed.
• Other fruits that can ease the symptoms of acid reflux are cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. Fruits with high acidic content must be avoided. These include oranges, grapefruit, and sweet lime.

Baking soda
Baking soda neutralizes the acidic substance in the stomach. As a result, even if the juices come up, you won’t feel the pain. Mix one part baking soda with eight parts water and consume it fully. However, do not drink more than one glass a day. The high salinity in this mixture can cause other side effects so use this remedy sparingly.

Ginger tea
From a basic stomach ache to the terrible pain caused by acid reflux, ginger tea is a boon to all stomach ailments. Soak some slices of ginger root in hot water for thirty minutes and discard the slices. Then, consume the water fully. For the best effect, drink the tea before your meal.

Chew gum
It is found that people with acid reflux who chew gum for about thirty minutes after they eat have lesser symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Chewing gum increases saliva production since it stimulates the salivary glands. Saliva is helpful for relief against acid reflux as it washes away the acid. After a meal, chew a single piece of sugar-free gum to notice a difference.

Mustard
Mustard contains vinegar and is full of minerals. It’s also alkaline, which helps neutralize the effects of acid. Take a teaspoon of mustard when you experience a symptom of heartburn.

Sit up after eating
Apart from all the other minor health issues, you can trigger when you lie flat immediately after a meal, acid reflux can easily be facilitated. When you lie down flat, especially right after a meal, the contents in your stomach along with the acid produced can come back up easily and pressurize your lower esophageal sphincter. However, when you sit up or take a walk, it helps keep the food down. Take three hours between each meal before you lie down. When you lie down, keep a pillow under your head to avoid nighttime heartburn.

Chamomile tea
Chamomile reduces stress levels and balances the acidity level in your body. Half an hour before going to bed, make sure you make yourself a cup of chamomile tea.