Aloe Vera For Acid Reflux: Does it help?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including aloe vera for acid reflux.

It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and chest pain.

Aloe vera gel has also been shown to be helpful in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that develops with chronic acid reflux.

In one study, subjects who drank aloe vera juice twice per day for three weeks saw a 29% decrease in symptoms of acid reflux.

Aloe vera also helps improve gastric motility and reduce inflammation in the stomach lining.

Some people also use aloe vera gel as a natural replacement for over-the-counter medicines such as Prilosec or Nexium, commonly used to treat acid reflux.

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What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition in which acidic stomach contents, such as gastric juices and food, travel up the esophagus and into the mouth or throat. This causes irritation that may lead to chest pain and heartburn.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close tightly after eating. This allows stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus, thus causing reflux.

Treatment for acid reflux typically includes medications and lifestyle changes.

If not controlled, chronic acid reflux can lead to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

What Causes Acid Reflux?

1. Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the opening in the diaphragm (the muscular wall that separates the chest from the abdomen). This can cause acid reflux and other digestive problems. The hernia may also cause problems with breathing in some cases.

2. Pregnancy

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus. Normally, this muscle is responsible for preventing acid from flowing back up into the stomach. However, during pregnancy, hormones stimulate LES relaxation, which can lead to acid reflux.

Also, the growing uterus during pregnancy presses on your stomach, which extends the pressure to the lower esophageal sphincter. The pressure and change in position can cause reflux episodes, especially in late pregnancy. That’s why most women find that they experience more reflux episodes during the third trimester than any other stage.

Usually, acid reflux goes away after delivery.

3. Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of acid reflux. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that normally keeps stomach contents from entering the esophagus,

In people who smoke, the sphincter becomes less effective at preventing gastric reflux and heartburn, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Smoking also increases the production of stomach acids, making the reflux worse.

4. Obesity

Obesity is another leading cause of acid reflux. In fact, more than two-thirds of people with acid reflux syndrome are overweight or obese.

Obesity puts pressure on the stomach and the esophageal sphincter, leading to over-distension and increased stomach acid production.

This can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to become weak, allowing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus and causing heartburn and other problems.

In addition, excess weight can stretch out the gastroesophageal junction, leading to increased reflux of stomach contents.

This can lead to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and other complications. If you are obese, losing weight can greatly improve your symptoms.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine relaxes the muscles at the lower esophageal sphincter, which gives way for the stomach content to pass into the esophagus, thus causing acid reflux. This can cause new acid reflux cases or worsen a preexisting one.

6. Overeating

Overeating can cause your abdominal muscles to extend, which can lead to acid reflux. This is because when you overeat, your abdominal muscles expand, which creates an upward pressure against the LES, causing it to open and the stomach content to pass.

7. Fatty foods

When fatty foods are eaten, they slow stomach emptying as they take longer to digest, which tends to cause the stomach to produce more acid. This may contribute to acid reflux.

8. Spicy foods

When you eat spicy foods, your stomach produces more hydrochloric acid to help break them down. This high level of acid can irritate your stomach’s lining and cause reflux.

9. Lying down immediately after eating

Lying down on a full stomach immediately after eating causes the food to flow back, putting pressure on the LES. With time the sphincter muscles weaken and give way, causing acid reflux to occur. So always avoid lying down immediately after you finish eating.

Always wait at least two hours before lying down after eating.

10. Alcohol

Some people who drink alcohol are at an increased risk of developing acid reflux. An article published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 found that individuals who consumed more than 2 drinks a day were almost three times as likely to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease than those who didn’t drink.

Alcohol also encourages the overproduction of stomach acids which can erode the stomach’s protective lining.

Signs And Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from acid reflux:

A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn)

A burning sensation in your chest is one of the most common signs of acid reflux. When this happens, you may experience a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, as well as a burning sensation in your chest.

Upper abdominal or chest pain

When you have acid reflux, you may experience chest pain. This pain may be sharp and stabbing, or it may be a dull ache. You may also experience a burning sensation in your chest. This is caused by the stomach acid that is flowing back up into your esophagus. The pain may be worse when you are lying down or after you have eaten a meal.

Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid

When stomach contents — including food, liquid, and digestive juices — come back up into the esophagus, it’s called regurgitation or backwash.

A sensation of a lump in your throat

The feeling of a lump in your throat is a common symptom of acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the throat. The irritation causes the muscles in the throat to spasm, resulting in the feeling of a lump.

Excessive belching

Belching is another common symptom of acid reflux. When stomach acids come up into the mouth, they produce an intense sour smell. This smell may be accompanied by an occasional belching sound.

Reasons To Try Aloe Vera

1. Aloe vera is a natural antacid

Aloe vera is a natural antacid that can help relieve heartburn and indigestion.

The plant contains a gel-like substance rich in nutrients and enzymes that can help soothe the stomach.

When taken internally, aloe vera can help to neutralize stomach acidity and promote healing of the digestive tract.

The gel-like substance also coats and soothes the digestive tract, which can protect the stomach from ulcers and other damage caused by gastric acid.

2. It’s rich in prebiotics

Prebiotics are compounds that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They are found in a variety of foods, including aloe vera.

Aloe vera contains a type of prebiotic called fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS is a short-chain carbohydrate that is fermented by gut bacteria.

This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have a number of health benefits.

SCFAs can help to protect the gut from infection, promote gut motility, and enhance nutrient absorption. They also have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects.

3. Fights inflammation

Aloe vera is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to be effective in treating other inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aloe vera effectively reduced acid reflux symptoms.

The researchers found that aloe vera helped reduce inflammation of the esophagus and stomach and increased the production of mucus, which protects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Balances PH

Aloe vera balances the pH in your stomach. When the pH is balanced, it decreases the amount of acid in your stomach, which can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

5. Aloe vera is a natural laxative.

This means that it can help to keep things moving through your digestive system, which can help to prevent acid reflux by keeping stomach contents from sitting in your stomach for too long.

Additional Aloe Benefits

1. Lowers blood sugar levels

Studies have shown that aloe vera can help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

One study showed that taking two tablespoons of aloe vera gel per day for eight weeks resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar levels.

Another study found that taking one gram of aloe vera daily for four weeks significantly lowered fasting blood sugar and post-meal blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

3. Antibacterial properties

The gel from aloe vera leaves also has antibacterial properties. This means it can help kill harmful bacteria that can cause infections. Aloe vera gel has been shown to be effective against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

4. Reduces dental plaque

Aloe vera is believed to be effective in reducing dental plaque because it contains antibacterial compounds that kill the bacteria causing plaque.

5. Promotes skin health

One of the most well-known benefits of aloe vera is its ability to soothe sunburn. Aloe vera’s cooling and moisture-replenishing properties can help relieve pain and speed up healing time. Aloe vera can also be used to moisturize the skin. Its hydrating properties help to keep the skin soft and supple.

6. It’s a good source of fiber

Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents constipation. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. In addition to these major benefits, fiber also has minor effects on mood disorders, mental focus and energy levels, weight management, and overall heart health.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Acid Reflux

To use aloe vera as an antacid, mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with water and drink it before meals or whenever you experience heartburn or indigestion.

Aloe vera can also be juiced and consumed as a healthy beverage. Juicing the plant releases its medically significant compounds, including enzymes, polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides.

Drinking 1-2 glasses of fresh aloe vera juice each day can help to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and improve your overall health.

You can also add aloe vera juice to smoothies, cocktails, or lemonade.

If you are new to using aloe vera juice, start by adding a small amount to your drink, then increase the amount as the body gets used.

If the taste of aloe vera gel or juice is unpleasant to you, you can consider aloe vera capsules.

When To See A Doctor

If your acid reflux is not responding to treatment with aloe vera, it’s important to see a doctor.

There are a number of potential underlying causes of acid reflux, and a doctor can help you identify the root cause of your symptoms.

In some cases, acid reflux may be caused by a more serious condition that may require medical attention.

Additionally, there are a number of serious complications that can result from untreated acid reflux, so it is important to seek medical care if you are experiencing any persistent symptoms.

If there’s nothing like an underlying health condition, your doctor may prescribe some medications, including

H2 receptor blockers like Pepcid, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, and antacids like tums. While these medications may improve symptoms, it’s good to remember that they may have some side effects.

Final Thoughts

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain.

Many people turn to antacids to relieve their symptoms, but these drugs can have side effects.

Aloe vera has been shown to be an effective natural remedy for acid reflux.

It can help to calm the stomach and soothe the digestive tract. Aloe vera juice is also a good source of antioxidants and fiber, which can help to boost your overall health.

Overall, aloe vera is a gentle and effective remedy for acid reflux.

It can be taken in many forms, including capsules, juice, and gel. If you’re looking for a natural way to treat your acid reflux, aloe vera may be a good option. However, if the symptoms are not improving with aloe vera treatment, consider seeking professional help from a doctor.

That being said, managing the primary cause of acid reflux is essential to eliminate acid reflux.

Aloe Vera For Acid Reflux: Does it help?

What Is Acid Reflux?