Natural Alternatives for Nighttime Acid Reflux

Dear Sister Knowitall,

I'm looking for recommendations please, I woke up choking due to aspirating stomach acid into my airway while I was sleeping. It was terrifying I really thought I was dying.
Signed, All Choked Up

Dear All Choked Up,

I bet you were pretty scared.  At night, we are obviously lying down which allows for the opportunity for some of the acid in our stomachs to travel back up our esophagus.  The key is to keep the acid from over producing and your stomach or being full enough to cause this reaction.  Here are some ideas how to avoid this very unpleasant and scary reaction.*
(*Remember this is not a substitute for the advise of your doctor. These are simple home remedies. If the problem persists please do not hesitate to consult your doctor. )

• Avoid tomato based or acidic foods during the evening hours.   Pizza and spaghetti sauce are
  
  the worst for nighttime acid reflux. 
• Raise the head of your bed off the floor about six inches or use a second pillow to elevate your head and heart higher than your stomach. 
• Do not eat after 6 pm.   Your body runs on a circadian rhythms or body clock, which influence body functions kind like; sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, 
• Avoid alcohol, because it increases the production of stomach acid and makes your esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid . 
• Whole clean foods, avoid processed food, I have a program called  "Detox 120 "  facebook.  Where you can learn how to eliminate all the bad stuff and add all the good stuff  to make your life as healthy and happy as humanly possible.  If you want to take the free assessment the next online event is August 15th. 
• 4 oz glass of water with 1/4 tsp of baking soda is a great alternative to tums or rolaids for neutralizing acid and killing heartburn in its tracks. 
• Sleep on your left side.. I know, sounds crazy right?  So, here is how and why it works. Your stomach leans to the to left side of your body so when you lay on your left side it is in a natural position the gastric juices are toward the bottom. When you roll over to your right side it causes the gastric juices to empty out of the stomach and into your esophagus making it easier for the acid to travel back up into the esophagus and possibly breathing it into your airway. 

Introducing- Dear Sister Knowitall Column at the Gwinnett Citizen

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert  Gwinnett Citizen  July 2016

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Sister Knowitall

Just wanted to say Hello Gwinnett.  Sister Knowitall here.  Looking forward to sharing my years of research and personal experience taking care of myself and my family with natural home remedies for your health and home.  My family teased me about all my know it all remedies so I wrote a blog. I have many tried and true home remedies and will share some total fails with my readers as well.  I am looking forward to your questions citizens of Gwinnett. These are helpful hints and remedies. If symptoms persist consult a physician to rule out a more serious health issue.

Dear Sister Knowitall,

It burns, It burns.  I can't sleep I go to sleep at night and wake up to acid reflux only to fumble through the house searching for something to give me some relief is there anything natural I can do to help my pain?

Sincerely,

Nightburn in Buford

Dear Nightburn in Buford,

Acid flux is uncomfortable no matter what time of day it hits you,  night is the worst time, when you are trying to sleep and are awakened by that burning sensation in your chest  it just seems worse doesn't it.  There are several simple remedies to help with acid reflux that occurs after bedtime. 

·         Over the counter antacids such as Tums or Alka Seltzer chews do offer relief and can be kept by your bed for late night emergencies.

·         Baking soda mixed with half a glass of water (filtered if possible)

·         A half a glass of milk can also help relieve the burn

·         Don't eat anything prior to 4 hours before you sleep

·         Don't eat anything with tomato after 6pm

·         Raising your head above your stomach allows gravity to help keep the acid down

·         Sleeping on your left side will also offer relief, your stomach is able to stay below your esophagus

Remember different remedies work for different people so these are some of my favorites. Good luck Nightburn.

Nighty Night,                                                                                                              

Sister Knowitall