Home remedies for reflux disease

Simple home measures can reduce reflux symptoms for many people, particularly mild or occasional ones. They work best alongside medical advice when symptoms are frequent. Home care is not a replacement for evaluation of alarm symptoms.

Habits that help

• Eat smaller meals and chew slowly.
• Finish dinner at least two to three hours before lying down.
• Raise the head of the bed by about 15 to 20 cm with blocks under the legs, instead of just adding pillows.
• Sleep on your left side, which may reduce night reflux for some people.
• Wear loose clothing around the waist.
• Stay upright after meals and take a gentle walk.
• Lose excess weight if you carry it, even a modest amount can help.
• Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Foods and drinks people find soothing Oatmeal, bananas, melon, ginger in small amounts, non-citrus fruits, and plain cold or room temperature milk or water. Responses vary, so a food diary can show your own triggers. Avoid large amounts of peppermint, which can relax the valve.

Common remedies with limited evidence

• Chewing fennel seeds or sipping fennel water after meals.
• Aloe vera juice, which may cause loose stools and is not well tested.