Gastric reflux burns the esophagus and hurts the stomach. A naturopath reveals her remedies to relieve them.
Nearly 10% of French people regularly suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or “GERD”. Because of this reflux, very acidic gastric juice rises from the stomach towards the esophagus and burns. Natural remedies can help relieve reflux when it is occasional or in addition to medication when it repeats.
1. Potato juice before eating
Potato juice has soothing, healing and emollient properties. By lining the stomach mucosa, this drink is particularly effective in reducing gastric reflux. “It is best to drink it before meals, at lunchtime and in the evening, for a period of two to three weeks, until symptoms improve.“, advises Manon Borderie, naturopath in Lyon.
2. Licorice, a “major” anti-reflux plant
Endowed with softening properties, licorice is a plant which soothes the walls of the digestive tract, especially in the stomach. “It’s here major plant in case of reflux gastric, the one that soothes the mosts”, assures the naturopath. Please note, she is contraindicated in cases of hypertension because it tends to increase tension. Licorice can be consumed in the form of fresh plant, decoction or capsules.
3. Aloe vera
Soothing, healing and anti-inflammatoryaloe vera is a natural antacid rich in minerals. Aloe vera can be found in organic stores in the form of juice, gel or plants, depending on the season. “It is then necessary to cut the aloe vera leaf yourself to extract the gel, which is more delicate because there is an abrasive white substance to remove.“, warns Manon Borderie. When in doubt, use it as a ready-to-use gel.
4. A few drops of fig bud
The fig bud is very popular in gemmotherapy, a branch of herbal medicine in which the buds of plants and shrubs are used to macerate with glycerin and alcohol to extract their benefits. “Fig tree bud soothes the stomach, gastric reflux and other digestive disorders. It is also a valuable ally in cases of stress, anxiety and nervousness. The fig bud is taken in the form of drops, to be diluted in water in the morning or around 5 p.m.“, explains Marion Borderie.
5. Lithothamne powder
From its scientific name Lithothamnium calcareum, lithothamnium is a red algae of the Corallinaceae family. “Rich in minerals and trace elements, particularly in calcium which has very great alkalizing properties, it constitutes an excellent antacid. It is therefore very useful for relieving heartburn and gastric reflux.“, informs the naturopath. We find lithothamne in capsule or powder form.
6. L-glutamine, an anti-inflammatory amino acid
L-glutamine is an amino acid with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in the treatment of gastritis, ulcers and irritable bowel to repair the wall of the small intestine when there are porosities or digestive disorders. More broadly, it allows heal the mucous membranes. “In case of reflux, the stomach wall is very irritated, L-glutamine helps calm this inflammation, repair the cells of the stomach and thus soothe gastric reflux.“, specifies the specialist.
7. Gentian
Gastric reflux can be due to a excess hydrochloric acid from the stomach, in which case PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are prescribed to inhibit stomach acid. But, in other cases, the stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid and as a result, food tends to stagnate in the stomach, creating reflux. “In this case, we will seek to promote the production of hydrochloric acid and that is precisely what the gentian will do. This is a very bitter plant that works wonders in cases of hypochlorhydria or a general decrease in the secretion of digestive enzymes. It can be consumed in different ways: infusion, capsules, decoction“, says our expert.
8. The Zinlori
Zinlori is a zinc-based food supplement – a nutrient prescribed in cases of porosity of the small intestine for its restorative effect on the mucous membranes – and carnosine, a amino acid which has a repair function for parietal cells which produce and modulate gastric acidity. The dosage indicated by the laboratory should be respected.
Thanks to Manon Borderie, naturopath in Lyon.