Acid Reflux Home Remedies for Older Adults

Acid reflux can target older adults, and it is causes can be a number of factors, including overeating, high levels of stress, smoking, drinking or taking medication that can cause stomach upset. Symptoms of acid indigestion can vary and include a burning sensation in the throat or chest, an upset stomach, excessive bloating, gas, nausea or even an acidic taste in the mouth. Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can alleviate these symptoms, but there are also natural remedies that can be made at home that have been known to help alleviate acid reflux.

Food

Evaluate the kind of foods you eat. Older adults have slower digestive tracts, so eliminating fatty or processed foods, and large amounts of coffee, tand alcohol can help reduce the symptoms. Avoid overeating and don't eat anything for three hours before bed.

Sleep Positions

When going to bed at night, prop yourself up with some pillows. If you're lying in a flat position, stomach acid can become aggravated. If you're propped up at a slight angle with your head and upper torso partially raised, this allows for acid to stay down in the stomach and move down in the right direction.

Healing Teas and Herbs

Your local health food store should have a few products that can help eliminate acid indigestion. Both ginger and peppermint tea are great for alleviating acid reflux. Slippery elm bark as a tea or a tablet can help coat the lining of the stomach, relieving indigestion. Chamomile tea is great for unwinding before bed but can also get rid of bloating, gas and reflux.

Cooking with Healing Herbs and Spices

When you cook make sure you use a variety of herbs and spices. There are a few that you probably already have in your kitchen that can help with regulating an older adult's digestive system and help cure acid reflux. When cooking your next meal, try adding some basil, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cumin, ginger or rosemary to your food and see if that helps.

References

• Health Central

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