When acid reflux hits, the one thing you want is instant relief.
It is often referred to as heartburn because it feels like a burning sensation in the chest.
Eating spicy food or lying down shortly after a meal can open up the cardiac sphincter. This means that stomach acid is no longer held in the stomach and is free to travel up the oesophagus. This migration causes chest pain and bad digestion.
Chronic acid reflux wears down the oesophagus, where it can cause permanent damage.
There’s increasing evidence that drug store antacids may cause unwanted side effects (4). Fortunately, baking soda is a safe and easy alternative that can relieve and prevent symptoms.
Common Causes Of Acid Reflux:
- Eating spicy, acidic or greasy meals
- Obesity, which puts you at risk of developing a hernia that causes heartburn
- Being pregnant
- Taking medications (aspirin, iboprofen, ect…)
- Smoking
Why Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is an active ingredient in baked goods and household cleaning products.
Your pancreas actually produces sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes excess acid in the digestive system. The lifestyles habits mentioned above can influence the proper function of this process.
Baking soda imitates body-produced sodium bicarbonate to heal your digestion system in a natural way.
Recommended Intake:
- Mix ½ teaspoon in 8 ounces of cold water
- Drink after a meal to prevent acid reflux
- Take every two hours until relief of symptoms
Warning: Do not exceed 7 doses in a 24 hours period. Children and elderly adults should not exceed 3 doses for the same period.
Baking soda may not be safe for pregnant women, children under the age of 6 or anyone taking prescription medication. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find out if baking soda is a good alternative for you.
sources:
[1]https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sodium-bicarbonate-oral-route-intravenous-route-subcutaneous-route/before-using/drg-20065950
[2]https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/baking-soda#Outlook5
[3]https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease
[4]https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm