A common anomaly, acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes too relaxed, causing the bottom end of the esophagus to open, which lets the acids in the stomach to regurgitate back into the esophageal wall right along the chest. There is a readily available, natural and safe remedy, baking soda, which is probably already in your household. You can use this to relieve yourself on the disorder, both as a short-term remedy and as a long-term cure.
How is baking soda good for acid reflux and heartburn
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is a natural antacid. Mixing baking soda with water releases carbon dioxide, this creates a fizz in the solution and this fizz, in turn, helps open up lower esophageal sphincter, thereby letting you burp and soothe the pressure from being bloated.
Sometimes the opening up of the sphincter can cause the contents of your stomach to regurgitate up the esophagus, causing you to vomit, which, depending on the severity of your heartburn, can remedy the discomfort further.
How to use baking soda to help heartburn
Drinking baking soda and water
The most basic delivery method for ingesting baking soda to treat heartburn is to drink it with water. A teaspoon of baking soda dissolved completely in a glass of water will help you get rid of that heartburn rather swiftly. For even quicker relief, either decrease the amount of water or increase the quantity of baking soda, depending on how much discomfort your acid reflux is causing.
This baking soda remedy is safe to use during pregnancy as well.
Baking soda with Honey
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and another teaspoon of raw honey into a glass of warm water. Stir the mixture till such time that the baking soda has completely dissolved.
Baking soda with freshly squeezed lemon juice
Half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice are to be mixed with a glass of tepid hot water. As always, the baking soda must be completely dissolved in the mixture.
Baking soda with apple cider vinegar
A quarter teaspoon of baking soda is to be mixed with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 200ml of water. Taking this mixture 2-3 times a day on an empty stomach or after three hours from the last meal will be a quick way of helping you do away with acid reflux. However, this should not be continued for more than five days. Ideally, the mixture should be taken with a straw as the apple cider vinegar is capable of eroding tooth enamel.
Things to remember when using baking soda for heartburn relief
- Using excessive amounts of baking soda for prolonged periods can cause side effects like diarrhea, gas, indigestion, nausea and abdominal pain.
- Frequent usage of baking soda can over-neutralize the acidic content in your stomach, reducing it, thereby stopping the proper functioning of the digestive system.
- The fizz that occurs when mixing baking soda in water can cause further heartburn, rather than reducing it. It is important to let the fizz settle down before you drink the mixture.
- Any unexpected side effects warrant consulting a doctor immediately.
- Taking baking soda in large amounts may not be safe and be potentially dangerous for someone with a high blood pressure level, as the sodium content of baking soda raises the B.P. level further, leading to harmful consequences.
