Myth Buster: Acid Reflux - 5 Simple Tips To Get Relief
Acid reflux is experienced by many of the people who come to me seeking nutrition and wellness support. But are you aware that there is a big myth surrounding the true cause of acid reflux. Conventional medicine believes it is due to too much stomach acid. However, it is actually stomach acid in he wrong place (entering the esophagus) and if anything, it is due to a lack of stomach acid! Yep, you heard me correctly.
Here are some general suggestions you can try to relieve acid reflux symptoms once and for all:
- Supplement with magnesium. Magnesium Citrate is great if you also suffer from frequent constipation. Otherwise opt for Magnesium Glycinate. Magnesium helps the muscles of the body to relax and contract at all the right times, improving symptoms of acid reflux.
- Slow down and eat in a relaxed state, chewing your food thoroughly. Stress is a big trigger for acid reflux and drastically impedes digestion / absorption of nutrients. Our gastrointestinal tract needs to know when it is about to receive food, so it can secrete all the right gastric juices, including sufficient amounts of stomach acid. Chewing is the only voluntary part of digestion... so it is up to us to mindfully chew thoroughly to make the job of the hard working stomach and intestines easier.
- Try supplementing with HCl Betaine + Pepsin in the middle of your meal (particularly meals rich in protein) to temporarily boost stomach acid levels (don't rely on this for long term use). Alternatively try a little diluted Apple Cider Vinegar in the middle of your meal (with all new supplements, start with a low dose and work your way up as needed - start with a couple of teaspoons and work your way up to a couple of tablespoons - note that everyone is unique and has different requirements). Herbal bitters may be something you want to look into too. They also stimulate the production of sufficient gastric juices.
- Hydrate between meals to avoid diluting your stomach acid during meal time.
- Ditch your reflux triggers, for a lot of people this includes coffee, fried foods, dairy and alcohol!!! Other triggers for people include very rich, spicy or overly acidic foods.