由 home-healthhaven 
Acid reflux, often associated with indigestion and sour hiccups, is a condition where stomach juices flow back into the esophagus, causing ongoing symptoms and possible damage to the esophageal lining. This happens when the sphincters in the esophagus fail to stay closed after eating or drinking, allowing food to rise back up instead of going down into the stomach.
**Causes of Acid Reflux:**
Acid reflux occurs due to changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. In adults, it commonly presents as heartburn, a burning sensation caused by stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. This can lead to esophagitis, which is the inflammation or pain in the esophageal lining. In infants and young children, their immature digestive systems are often the cause. It’s best to consult a doctor for quick treatment in these cases.
**Symptoms of Acid Reflux:**
Symptoms can include coughing, ear pain, sinus issues, hoarseness, or a change in voice tone. If you experience these symptoms, visit a doctor for medication promptly, as ignoring them can lead to strictures or ulcers in the esophagus. Other signs are a sour or salty taste in the throat, heartburn, burping, bad breath, and increased saliva production.
**Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux:**
There are several home remedies you can try to ease acid reflux:
1. Drink tea with aniseed, jasmine, honey, and peppermint—8 ounces in the morning and 8 ounces in the evening for quick relief.
2. Take digestive enzymes like Betain, pepsin, or HCl after meals.
3. Have papaya juice, which contains the enzyme papain that helps digest proteins that can cause stomach acid.
4. Eat fresh or juiced organic pineapple to aid digestion and reduce acidity.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon on bread to help lower acidity.
6. Eat dried organic grapefruits to remedy indigestion.
7. Mix nutmeg, mace, and slippery elm regularly to reduce digestive upset, heartburn, acid reflux, gas, and vomiting.
8. Include romaine lettuce in your diet to help prevent acid reflux and heartburn.
By following these remedies and taking precautions, you can significantly reduce the discomfort and potential complications of acid reflux, maintaining better overall stomach health.