Though most of us enjoy devouring a tasty meal in the evening before bed, this practice can be the main reason for heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, as well as insomnia. According to statistics, 60 percent of adult citizens in the U.S. will have problems with GERD within a 12-month period while 20 to 30 percent will experience the symptoms on a weekly basis.
How to Treat Digestive Issues?
In conventional medicine, some digestive problems are usually treated with over-the-counter meds; however, this is not always the best solution as these meds come with serious side effects. This means that it is time to go with a more natural solution instead. If you suffer from GERD, make sure you avoid the below-mentioned foods, drinks, and habits.
- Fried and high-fat foods
- Chocolate
- Smoking
- creamy soups
- fast food
- peppermint
- lying down right after eating
- caffeinated drinks
- large meals throughout the day
- spicy and acidic foods
- tight clothes
- citrus fruits
- processed meat
- excessive intake of alcohol
- chewing gums and hard candies
- tea
How to Reduce GERD Symptoms
Besides minimizing the above-mentioned habits and foods and drinks, you should start leading a healthier diet based on whole foods and suitable veggies and fruits. It is important to mention that you can consume some of the above-mentioned foods from time to time; you do not need to exclude them completely. Also, make sure to start drinking the following homemade GERD remedy, known as golden milk.
Recipe for Golden Milk
You will need:
2 cups of coconut milk
A tsp of turmeric
One-inch ginger root
¼ tsp of black pepper, ground
A tbsp of honey, organic
Preparation:
Put all of the ingredients in a saucepan, except the honey, and mix them well. Then, bring the saucepan to medium heat and stir it until it begins boiling. Reduce the heat to low and cook the content for 5 more minutes. Next, remove it from the heat and add the honey and mix it in well. Pour the content into a mug and drink it while warm.
Use: Drink one mug shortly before bed.
Why Is Golden Milk Good for You?
This beverage has the power to better the digestion and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. When combined together, the ingredients present in it can do wonders for your health. For example, turmeric has strong healing properties and it can cleanse the liver, soothe the digestive tract, avert ulcers, better the health of the brain and heart, alleviates arthritis symptoms, decrease pain and fever, prevent cancer, and better the blood flow.
Moreover, coconut milk is abundant in healthy fats and it will coat the oesophagus and bring relief from GERD ache and discomfort. Black pepper is added because of its ability to improve the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Last but not least, honey is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes which will contribute to a better digestion and minimize the burning sensation associated with acid reflux.