Smoking can weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus (so stomach acid flows back into the esophagus); cause fat-digesting bile salts to migrate from the small intestine to the stomach; and cut down on saliva, which normally flushes stomach acid out of the esophagus and contains acid-fighting bicarbonate. Smoking makes GERD worse.
So do over-the-counter pain-killers, fish oil capsules, stress, peppermint, being over weight, possibly your genes, arguing during meals. See this article, then add 1/4 cup of aloe vera jel to a glass of warm water and sip it slowly. You will feel better. Aloe will also clear your complexion and prevent bad breath. It helps relax tense muscles in the abdomen during PMS or other stressy times.
High acid foods increase sour stomach, bloating, burps and acid reflux. If you have those digestive discomforts or constipation, drink 1 – 2 tablespoons of health food store aloe vera juice added to warm water after meals. Aloe, a soothing deep-acting cleanser, helps relax muscle tension that makes you feel choked with acid. Use an aloe juice or gel such as Lily of the Desert or other drinkable brands (not the aloe you put on sun burns!) Many people get relief from acid reflux by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and sipping it with a straw. Some traditional Chinese doctors recommend apple cider vinegar for weight loss because they believe digestive spasms are associated with liver congestion. To avoid acid reflux, (and gout) reduce or avoid the following high acid foods: Continue reading ‘Foods for Acid Reflux’
