Around 14 to 20 percent of people in the country suffer from GERD, commonly known as heartburn. While some ignore this condition, many look for remedies as this could be painful. Sometimes, certain foods can trigger GERD and cause uneasiness. However, some remedies can help you cure this condition without making a dent in your pocket. Moreover, they are easy.

Tips to fight GERD may include:

1. Avoid eating all kinds of foods
Sometimes, we end up eating more than what our stomachs can handle. When we overeat, the excess food relaxes the esophageal sphincter, and the contents overflow to the food pipe, as there is insufficient space. This makes the digestion process slow as well.

Once your eating habits are controlled, the body will digest food properly, which, in turn, can prevent the symptoms of GERD.

2. Stop sleeping on your right
Studies have shown that sleeping on your right side can worsen the valve expansion at night. This causes the acidic indigestion to multiply. Since the esophagus is attached to the stomach on the right, when you sleep, acids present in the stomach can overflow. Therefore, it sets a chain reaction of reflux or flow-back of food. Hence, besides avoiding the trigger foods for GERD, you would need to be careful of how you sleep as well.

3. Avoid consuming too much mint
Many studies have been conducted to see the effectiveness of mint and other common herbs in GERD. The studies have shown surprising results.

Consuming candy, mints, pepper, and chewing gum in large quantities can worsen reflux conditions. It could be one of those hidden trigger foods for GERD and should be avoided.

4. Reduce the consumption of chocolate
Some people suffering from GERD are recommended to reduce their consumption of chocolate, as it may increase the reflux reaction and deteriorate the digestive system.

Some studies show that consuming 4 ounces of chocolate daily can weaken the esophageal sphincter. Other studies show that chocolate drinks increase the amount of acidity, which aggravates the condition of GERD.

5. Get chewing gums with bicarbonate compounds
Bicarbonates present in chewing gum can reduce the acidity and increase the production of saliva. Therefore, it’s a powerful remedy to fight the trigger foods of GERD.

However, if you already suffer from GERD, you must know that chewing gums are not recommended to cure reflux issues.

6. Reduce the consumption of alcohol
Getting drunk, even occasionally, can be a threat to GERD patients. Excess alcohol in the gut can turn a mild case of reflux and heartburn into a serious condition.

Sadly, this problem cannot be avoided and getting proper treatment is the only solution. Following these simple yet helpful tips or home remedies can surely help avoid the problem in the future