Samuel Njoroge
It’s not uncommon to experience heartburn from time to time. Sometimes it’s just discomfort that you tend to ignore, but there are desperate times you’d take anything if only to ease the perturbing sensation. For centuries, people have used aloe vera as a natural remedy for acid reflux. A vast majority of people swear on its efficacy in treating heartburn. Medics have developed an interest in the common yet super plant for medicinal properties, with some doctors prescribing it for GERD.
Aloe Vera for Acid Reflux Treatment
Acid reflux, which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux, causes heartburn. In severe cases, it causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is now a health concern due to the high number of people diagnosed with it.
GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows from the stomach back to the esophagus resulting in a burning sensation around the chest. The lining of the tract gets damaged as a result explaining why you experience some pain. The good news is that you can use pure aloe vera to manage it.
A study on aloe vera syrup’s efficacy as a natural treatment option found that it is safe and effective. Compared to conventional treatment, which can cause serious side effects, aloe vera is well tolerated by the body, making it the best option for treating acid reflux.
How do you Manage Heartburn Using Aloe Vera?
If you’re pregnant or under medication for other conditions, it is best to consult your doctor before taking aloe vera. Here’s how you can use it to manage acid reflux:
Available Forms
You might be wondering how to get aloe vera past your throat. Fresh aloe gel can be so bitter that you will feel the taste in your mouth long after. You can prepare your aloe juice too though it can be quite cumbersome. The best thing is that it is available as a supplement in various forms for you to choose from.
You can take the juice, gel, tablets, or powder. The market is flooded with numerous aloe products, so be sure to use the one intended for internal consumption. Aloe vera gel and juice are the best for acid reflux.
You can take the juice as it is or mix it with another juice for better taste. Alternatively, you can make a refreshing aloe vera drink by mixing the powder with water then drink it.
The tablets and gel go well with water. Mixing the aloe with other drinks like a smoothie is an excellent way to dilute it. The drink should, however, complement the aloe in fighting heartburn rather than promote acid reflux.
Dosage
If you get frequent heartburns, take aloe vera before meals as a preventive measure. However, if the burning sensation has begun, take it at that time as a remedy. Taking it before meals helps with digestion and the prevention of acid reflux.
For the treatment of reflux, take aloe vera daily but in the prescribed amount.
Take Pure Organic
It is best to take organic aloe vera juice extracted from the gel found in the aloe plant. The green part of the leaf contains latex. Latex is a thick yellow liquid found in the inner layer of the leaf. It has Aloin, a laxative that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and kidney problems. It is also said to be carcinogenic, though there is no research to verify the claim.
How it Works
What makes aloe vera so unique? Well, it contains minerals, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory properties. The enzymes and vitamins help in digestion and, by extension, prevents acid reflux. The anti-inflammatory ability comes in handy to treat the damage caused by acid reflux and ease the disconcerting pain.
Your lifestyle could be the reason you suffer from acid reflux. Smoking, certain foods, eating late at night, being overweight, and stress will aggravate your acid reflux further.
Drinking aloe vera juice eases the pain caused by acid reflux because it has anti-inflammatory properties. If you take aloe regularly, the symptoms will disappear within a few days, but it might take two weeks in some cases. Should you feel stomach cramps, it’s best to stop consuming it and consult a doctor.
The next time you experience acid reflux, consider taking a glass of aloe vera juice or gel before rushing for over the counter drugs. Aloe vera is safe and efficient for reducing heartburn. Besides, your body will benefit from the nutrients in aloe vera, creating a perfect win-win situation.
