Can folk
remedies like apples, yogurt and honey cure acid
reflux? If you suffer from this medical
condition, there is a great chance that you have
stumbled upon an article or two that recommended apples,
yogurt and honey as means to achieve relief from
heartburn. You have possibly wondered about the
authenticity of this recommendation. In this article, a
certified nutritionist and former acid reflux sufferer
discusses the potential effectiveness of the above
remedies in curing your acid reflux.
Acid
reflux, also known as gastro esophageal reflux disease
(GERD) has two main contributing factors: extra acidity
in the stomach and the weakening of the muscle called
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – a bundle of
circular muscle at the lower esophagus. Normally, this
muscle relaxes only when food passes from the esophagus
into the stomach; after the food passes, the LES closes
off, keeping the gastric juices and acid in the stomach.
However, among chronic acid reflux patients the LES is
weakened and
therefore
doesn't close properly, allowing acid to reflux into the
esophagus, burning its lining.
The
painful burning sensation caused by the refluxed acid is
called heartburn. Heartburn may be accompanied by
regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth or the
respiratory tree. Other typical GERD symptoms include
hoarseness, nocturnal wheezing, nausea and vomiting and
the sensation of deep pressure at the base of the neck.
Patients with severe cases of gastro esophageal reflux
disease may also experience a feeling of esophageal
stricture and dysphagia (a difficulty to
swallow).
All types
of nutritional acid reflux treatments are aimed at
achieving 4 main goals: bringing the main GERD symptoms
under control; healing the esophagus of inflammation;
reducing the extra acidity in the stomach; and
preventing the physical processes that contribute to the
relaxation of the LES. While there is a significant
shortage in scientific evidence that can support the
theory that apples, yogurt and honey can cure acid
reflux, there is some rational reason for supposing
their use for treating this condition.
a) Because
apples are very acidic (apples are alkaline forming but
also have high acid content) and their consumption
triggers the mouth to produce more saliva, it will
hinder acid production in the stomach. While this has
not been scientifically tested or proven, many acid
reflux patients swear by the effectiveness of red
delicious apples to relieve heartburn symptoms,
especially if consumed before bed.
b) Many
gastro esophageal reflux disease sufferers report that
daily consumption of sugar free probiotic yogurt helps
them relieve their GERD symptoms, and heartburn in
particular. The logic behind this is that yogurt has a
soothing effect on the inflamed esophagus; it helps
digestion and also has probiotic bacteria that keep the
bad bacteria including fungi and parasites under
control. Keep in mind that organic yogurt made of ship
or goat’s milk is the easiest to digest and is not
considered allergenic as cow milk’s products and thus is
preferred over other types of yogurt.
c) There
are many GERD sufferers who recommend eating one
teaspoon of raw honey after a meal. The possible
explanation for the positive effect of honey on acid
reflux symptoms is that unheated raw honey has certain
antioxidant and antibacterial properties, thus helps
relieve the inflammation in the esophagus.
Note that while home remedies can bring your acid reflux symptoms under control, it is only the first step and only a small part of the heartburn cure puzzle. The only way to permanently cure and prevent gastro esophageal reflux disease and heartburn symptoms is the holistic way, by tackling all the underlying causes, naturally and safely.
