Can Ginger Help Acid Reflux? How to Reap Its Benefits

When I was younger, I could eat anything! You know a delicious meal that’s deep fried, high fat, and so spicy it’ll make me sweat?! Count me in!

In fact, let’s chase it with a chocolatey dessert and red wine. Cheers to us!

But alas…then I aged. And suddenly, my favorite foods started to fight me back. While I’ve never been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, I’ve become all too familiar with most acid reflux symptoms.

Like most people, I’m hesitant to add any prescriptions to my daily regimen. After all, every medication that resolves one symptom seems to create 20 more.

But one day, I mentioned it in passing to a good friend, who also happens to be a nurse. She suggested a solution that seemed way too simple to resolve such an annoying problem: ginger.

Can ginger help acid reflux? It turns out that’s a resounding yes!

Let’s chat about what acid reflux actually is, why ginger might be your BFF in combating acid reflux symptoms, and the best ways to work ginger into your daily routine.

Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux happens when your stomach contents move up into your food pipe. And it can cause loads of discomfort.

The Role of Stomach Acid

Your stomach makes acid to break down food. This acid is strong and can hurt other parts of your body if and when it escapes your stomach.

Cue your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps that acid in your stomach. Ideally, this muscle would always be employee of the year but sometimes it’s just not.

Some things that can weaken your LES are:

• Eating big meals
• Lying down after eating
• Certain foods and drinks

And the more frequently you hit those points (How comforting is it to lay on the couch after dinner?!), the weaker and weaker your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes.

When your LES isn’t quite up to its job, acid can push past it to move up, causing acid reflux.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

You might have acid reflux if you feel:

• A burning in your chest (heartburn)
• A sour taste in your mouth
• Trouble swallowing
• Chest pain

These symptoms often happen after meals or at night (when you lay horizontally and lose gravity’s help in keeping dinner down).

You might also have:

• A cough that won’t go away
• A sore throat
• A feeling that something is stuck in your throat

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Acid Reflux

Now if you experience acid reflux regularly, you might need to talk to your doctor to find out if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is more serious than occasional acid reflux because, with consistent enough reflux, your food pipe can become damaged.

Signs of GERD include:

• Heartburn more than twice a week
• Trouble sleeping because of reflux
• Weight loss
• Choking or coughing at night

GERD can also lead to other health issues, including:

• Damage to your esophagus
• Breathing problems
• Tooth decay

If you think you might have GERD, be sure to see your doctor for some additional help!

Ginger’s Role in Managing Acid Reflux

Now on to your new friend, ginger, and its role in managing acid reflux symptoms!

Properties of Ginger

Ginger contains phenolic compounds that can reduce stomach acid and ease irritation in your gut. It also has a soothing effect on the stomach lining, which can help calm the burning feeling of acid reflux.

Ginger root, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in your esophagus caused by stomach acid.

How Ginger Can Help

One of ginger’s best tricks is that it can speed up stomach emptying. That means less time for acid to back up into your esophagus!

It can also lower stomach acid levels. Less acid means less chance of it flowing back up.

But that’s not all!

Ginger can boost saliva production. More saliva helps neutralize stomach acid.

It can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can help prevent acid from coming back up.

With all of these factors combined, it’s no wonder that so many people swear by ginger for managing their acid reflux symptoms!

Types of Ginger Preparations

But…how do you use ginger? Eat it directly? (Yuck.) Pop a pill?

You can try ginger in lots of different forms!

Fresh ginger root is great in teas or added to meals.

Ginger tea is easy to make. Just boil sliced ginger in water for a soothing drink.

Candied ginger can be a tasty option. Just watch out for added sugar if you eat a lot!

Ginger supplements come as capsules or powders. These offer a convenient way to add ginger into your daily routine, but be sure to talk to your doctor first to ensure they’re a good fit for you.

Ginger ale might seem helpful, but most brands have little real ginger. If you want to go this route, look for versions with actual ginger.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

But ginger’s not the only natural fix out there! Making small changes to your daily habits and experimenting with other natural remedies can help ease acid reflux symptoms.

These approaches are often easy to implement and can provide quick relief.

Dietary Considerations

Changing what and how you eat can make a big difference in managing acid reflux symptoms. 

Eat slowly, setting your fork down between bites, to give your stomach time to process food. Avoid large meals and opt for smaller, more frequent ones throughout the day.

Some foods to limit or avoid:

• Spicy or fatty foods
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Instead, try:

• Lean proteins
• Non-citrus fruits
• Vegetables
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal

Chew your food well and make sure you sit upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. This will help your digestive process and reduce the chance of reflux.

Alternative Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can soothe your stomach and reduce acid reflux symptoms. 

Ginger tea is a central focus in many natural remedies for acid reflux, but there are lots of other natural tea options worth trying!

Other helpful teas include:

• Chamomile tea
• Licorice root tea
• Marshmallow root tea

These teas can calm an upset stomach and help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. Drink them between meals or before bed for best results.

Additional Home Treatments

Beyond diet and herbal teas, there are other home remedies you can try to manage acid reflux. 

Apple cider vinegar can help balance stomach acid. Mix a tablespoon with water and drink it before meals.

Aloe vera juice can soothe your digestive system. Look for brands specifically made for ingestion.

Lemon juice in warm water, taken first thing in the morning, may also help!

Outside of the natural remedies you can eat or drink, consider elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches. This will use gravity to keep stomach acid down while you sleep.

Loose-fitting clothes can also reduce pressure on your stomach and ease symptoms.

Professional Treatment Options

When home remedies don’t provide enough relief, there are medical treatments available for acid reflux. These options can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Your doctor can guide you to the best approach for your situation.

Over-the-Counter Medications

You have several choices for over-the-counter acid reflux treatments.

Antacids like Tums or Rolaids can neutralize stomach acid quickly. They work well for occasional heartburn.

For more frequent symptoms, you might try H2 blockers, which reduce acid production. Popular options include Pepcid and Zantac.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the strongest acid-blockers and can heal damage from acid reflux. Prilosec and Nexium are common brands.

If you take the medication route, always follow the instructions on the package.

Also, don’t use these meds for more than two weeks without talking to your doctor. Every medication comes with both side effects and interactions with other medications, making it extra important that your healthcare provider is a part of the conversation.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

If your symptoms don’t improve with these natural remedies or over-the-counter medications, it’s time to see your doctor. You should also get checked out if you have:

• Heartburn more than twice a week
• Trouble swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain (which could be heart-related)

Your doctor might recommend tests to check for complications. These could include an endoscopy or pH monitoring.

They may prescribe stronger versions of OTC meds. And in some cases, surgery might be an option to help strengthen the barrier between your stomach and esophagus.

Remember, chronic acid reflux can lead to serious issues. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling to manage your symptoms.

So…can ginger help acid reflux? No doubt about it.

Whatever remedies let you enjoy your favorite foods and drinks again, I’m cheering you on, friend! You’ve got this.

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