Experiencing some discomfort after you eat a meal is a common experience for some of us. The burning sensation of heartburn is not something that anyone looks forward to but even that is more favorable than the repeated recurrence of acid reflux disease. When acid reflux strikes, the most natural thing to do is to find relief as fast as possible. Of course, you can opt for the common over-the-counter medications, which work quite well for single incidents of heartburn but when you have frequent bouts you may need to reach for something else to bring relief.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is usually the result of the ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter relaxing at the wrong time. The muscle keeps the esophagus and the stomach separated and works like a valve to keep the content of the stomach from backing up towards the esophagus. When it relaxes, it allows the stomach acid to enter the esophagus causing the burning sensation. The pain and discomfort you feel is literally acid burning the inside of your esophagus. If you've ever had a severe case of heartburn you know that all you want is to stop the burning but when common remedies are not available, you can still find some acid reflux natural cures.

Baking Soda:

Almost every home has baking soda or sodium bicarbonate in the house. Just a half-teaspoon can quickly bring relief from the unpleasant sensation. Baking soda has a pH higher than 7.0 so it can easily neutralize the stomach acid so you won't feel the burning pain even if your stomach acid backs up. While it doesn't do anything to wake up your lazy lower esophageal sphincter, you can still get some immediate relief. Simply add a half-teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water, stir it up and drink it down. Make sure that you don't sip the drink but take it all at one time.

Aloe Juice:

Another one of the many quick and easy acid reflux natural cures is aloe vera juice. The aloe plant has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for external burns but it works just as well internally. When you think about the fact that every time you feel that burning sensation the acid is gradually eating away at the lining of your esophagus the sooner you can neutralize it the better your health will be. There is no mixing needed, simply drink at least a half a cup of aloe vera juice before mealtime and you can enjoy your meal in peace. Take note, however, that aloe juice also works as a gentle but natural laxative so the more you drink the more likely you're going to be visiting the porcelain throne before long. So, when shopping for aloe vera look for the kind that has the laxative component removed.

Chewing Sugar-Free Gum:

There are lots of other acid reflux natural cures to try when acid reflux comes up. Try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for 30 minutes or lift your chin up in the air so that gravity will force the acid back down into your stomach. Whatever you try, you can be sure that there are natural ways to get rid of that awful burning sensation that can turn an enjoyable meal into a some kind of nightmare.