GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease arises due to the acid flowing back into the tube that connects the stomach and mouth frequently. The symptoms of GERD can be mild or severe.

People usually rely on various over-the-counter medicines to deal with the discomforts caused by GERD. Further, most people try out lifestyle changes to avoid the discomforts associated with GERD. If the symptoms of GERD are persistent, doctors prescribe stronger medicines or even surgeries in severe cases.

To get relief from the symptoms of GERD, home remedies are also helpful. Here are some effective home remedies for the treatment of GERD.

Ginger tea
Ginger tea can help treat various stomach-related ailments. It is helpful for conditions such as nausea, common stomach ache, and GERD. To maximize the benefits, drink ginger tea before your meal.

Baking soda
Add one teaspoon of baking soda to eight ounces of water. Mix well and drink it. You can drink this five to seven times a day if required to ease the symptoms of GERD. However, avoid using it for more than a week as it may lead to nausea or swelling due to the high salt content.

Avoid lying down after eating
If you lie down immediately after eating, the food content tends to get pushed back up due to the esophageal sphincter. Hence, it is advisable to lie down at least three to four hours after having food. Thus, the body gets enough time for digestion. In this way, one can keep the symptoms of GERD under control.

Chew gum
Chewing sugar-free gums proves to be helpful in getting relief from the symptoms of GERD. According to a study conducted by the Journal of Dental Research, chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, and the flow of saliva washes away the acids. It usually takes around 30 minutes to see the impact of chewing gum.

Eat fruits
Bananas contain natural antacids properties. These antacid properties counteract GERD. Regular consumption of ripened bananas can help in preventing the symptoms of GERD. Like bananas, other fruits such as apple, honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe also work well in reducing the discomfort caused by GERD.

Mustard
Mustard is a storehouse of various minerals and vinegar. Further, it is alkaline in nature. Thus, it helps in reducing the symptoms of GERD. Consume one teaspoon of mustard directly to see the difference.

Chamomile tea
Drinking chamomile tea helps in reducing the discomfort caused by GERD. You can consume chamomile tea regularly 30 minutes prior to bedtime. You can also add lemon or honey to it based on your taste.

Avoid certain foods
It has been observed that some foods trigger the symptoms of GERD. If your stomach is sensitive, you can try avoiding the food items mentioned below.

High-fat foods

• Fat rich dairy products such as sour cream, butter, cheese, and whole milk
• Deep fried foods such as onion rings, French fries, cuts of beef, pork, or lamb
• Fat rich desserts, creamy salad dressings, and cream sauces
• Chips

Citrus fruits and tomatoes

• Oranges
• Grape
• Lemons
• Pineapple
• Tomatoes

In the end, simple lifestyle changes can keep the symptoms of GERD away.