Monday, January 21, 2013

Reduce Acid Before Bed

If you suffer from acid reflux you are not alone. The symptoms of acid reflux are many, including heartburn, discomfort in the abdomen, sore throat, regurgitation, nausea and hiccups. These symptoms often are worse at night causing you to lose sleep.


Here are some things you can do to control acid while you sleep.


Instructions


1. Check your diet. If there are any foods in your diet that cause you discomfort or bloating or gas, eliminate them completely as these are likely causing your nighttime reflux as well. Also note that something you eat in the morning may very well be the cause of your nighttime acid reflux. As a general rule, you want to avoid fatty foods, fried foods, creamy foods and sauces, all dairy products and citrus. Alcohol and caffeinated products are culprits as well.


2. Learn about the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) The use of ACV in healing has long been known but forgotten. This incredible substance can reduce acid reflux in a matter of seconds. For best results add one to two tsp. of ACV to a glass of water and drink before eating. Some people find that simply sipping a half-glass of this before bed instead of before meals helps them sleep through the night without waking due to acid reflux discomfort.


3. Buy some fennel seed. You can get this at supermarket chains or health food stores. Fennel is a powerful digestive aid and helps to reduce not only acid, but flatulence as well. Its benefits have been know throughout the ages, in fact the Romans ate them as part of an after-meal "seed cake" for this purpose.


4. Use fennel essential oil. If you do not like the pungent taste of fennel, try using its essential oil. Essential oils have powerful healing properties and can be used in a diffuser or as a massage oil. Simply place two to three drops of oil in water following your diffuser directions or make a massage oil out of two to three drops of essential oil and two to three tbsp. of almond, olive or other unscented massage oil. Breathe in the restorative properties. Use the massage oil on and around the abdomen.


5. Change sleeping positions. Very often simply propping up on an extra pillow at night helps acid reflux.


6. Peel and slice a raw potato. Eat a half slice before bed. Potatoes, when uncooked and peeled, have digestive enzymes that often eliminate acid reflux. Note that cooked potatoes, especially potato chips are best to eliminate.








7. Add some honey. Adding one tbsp. of honey to a glass of cold water is also an effective acid reflux and heartburn reliever.

Tags: acid reflux, three drops, your diet, your nighttime