Heartburn Or Acid Reflux
When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to contract, it allows digestive acids to move backward from the stomach up to the esophagus, causing burning sensations in the chest and throat. This is what’s commonly known as heartburn, or in more severe cases, acid reflux.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Unhealthy food habits, lifestyle changes, stress and damaged sphincter are the common causes for acid reflux.
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
- A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to your throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Dry cough.
- Hoarseness or sore throat.
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
- Sensation of a lump in your throat.
Acid Reflux Remedies
According to studies, 60 million Americans experience this once a month or more. There are just as many commercial remedies for acid reflux, but their effects are short-lived and they often come with unwanted side effects.
Green Tea For Acid Reflux
If you’re looking for a natural alternative that’s quick, simple, and affordable, try green tea. We’re about to tell you why it works and exactly how to use it. Let’s get started!
Why Green Tea Is The Best Remedy For Heartburn?
Benefits Of Green Tea For Heartburn
- Green tea contains anti – oxidant polyphenols that promote proper digestion and restricts the acid or the food content flow back to esophagus.
- It is anti-inflammatory, so it relieves burning sensations caused by acid reflux.
- It triggers proper contraction of the LES, preventing backward movement of digestive acids.
- Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that reverses the effects of caffeine and calms the nervous system.
- It contains active compounds called catechins (EGCG) which is anti – oxidant and helps to repair damage done to healthy cells.
- Green tea contains theobromine, tannins, theophylline, all of which prevent heartburn.
How To Use Green Tea To Get Rid Of Acid Reflux Or Heartburn?
Green tea can be used alone and in combination with other natural ingredients that prevent and treat heartburn and acid reflux. Try all the methods below until you find the one that works best for you.
Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
1. Green Tea
Green tea bags can be found at most grocery stores and ordered online. Green tea also comes in powdered form. Follow the preparation instructions on the package, and make sure to drink green tea at least 3 times a day.
2. Citrus Green Tea
Lemon juice fights bacteria while the vitamin C in orange juice strengthens the immune system.
- Boil 4 cups of water and pour it in a pitcher with 2 green tea bags.
- Let steep 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice to taste.
- Sweeten with raw honey.
- This recipe is good hot or cold.
- Drink 3 times a day.
3. Green Tea And Almond Milk
Almond milk soothes irritated stomach and esophageal linings.
- Brew green tea using a bag or powder.
- Pour into a large cup and fill the rest with cold almond milk.
- Mix well and sip slowly to reduce the acid reflux.
- Drink 3 times a day.
- Note: You can use coconut milk instead of almonds milk.
4. Green Tea And Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera soothes and helps repair damaged tissues.
Brew a cup of green tea.
Cut open and squeeze an aloe vera leaf to extract fresh juice.
Stir ½ teaspoon of aloe vera juice into green tea.
Drink 3 times a day.
5. Green Tea And Raw Honey
Raw honey makes a great sweatener, and it soothes irritated stomach and esophageal linings while protecting the body from bacteria that can exacerbate heartburn.
- Brew green tea using a bag or powder.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
- Drink 3 times a day.
Note: You can mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for added benefits.
Does Green Tea Cause Acid Reflux?
Present research attempting to ascertain the effectiveness of green tea as a heartburn remedy offers mixed results. Green tea has many properties that promote proper digestion, but some believe that green tea actually causes acid reflux. In reality, it is the caffiene in green tea that triggers symptoms. Studies show that those who drink caffeinated tea are 1.5 times more likely to get acid reflux. So, for the remedies listed above, always use organic, decaffeinated green tea.
Tips And Precautions:
For best results, follow the advice below when using green tea to treat and prevent heartburn and acid reflux.
- Replace juices, sodas, and other drinks with herbal teas and de caffeinated green tea.
- Consult doctor if you have acid reflux symptoms more than once or twice a week because it is a serious health condition is called gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
- Before using green tea to treat acid reflux, ask your doctor if it will interact with blood thinners, medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, stomach ulcers, and depression, or any other medicines you may be taking.
- Drink at leat 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
- Eat a healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates.
- Get regular exercise.
- Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
