If you have experienced a burning sensation in your chest after drinking coffee or after having some fries, then you’ve experienced a condition called acid reflux.
Acid reflux occurs when you eat a lot of acidic foods. The stomach cannot process the excess acid and, in turn, the acid is pushed back up. Avoiding acidic foods would be the best way to treat the problem, but it is difficult because you’d have to eliminate most of your favorite foods.
If you feel it is impossible to give up on acidic foods, you can try effective home remedies to ease the discomfort. Lemon, with other common ingredients like ginger, honey, and baking soda, is one such remedy you can try at home.
Why Lemon Is Effective In Treating Acid Reflux
Lemon is a citric fruit and contains citric acid. This makes lemon an acidic fruit. You’re probably wondering how an acidic fruit can help in the treatment of acid reflux.
The pH of lemon outside the body is acidic because of its citric acid. However, when lemon, diluted in water, is ingested and completely metabolized, it has an alkalizing effect on the body. Therefore, it raises the pH of the blood making it more alkaline than acidic. Studies also show how vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can help with gastritis and gastric diseases and may also help in reducing the risk of developing gastric cancer.1
Another essential reason why lemon may be effective in treating acid reflux is because of its antibacterial properties. Studies show that lemon juice or lemon extracts can fight against bacteria.2 This makes it an effective remedy to kill germs that may cause indigestion or other digestive issues.
Now that you know the reasons why lemon is effective in treating acid reflux, let’s examine the different ways to use it.
Ways You Can Use Lemon To Treat Acid Reflux
Although lemon is an easy home remedy to treat acid reflux, it may also trigger the condition if it is not used correctly. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that too much lemon cannot be good for the body. Therefore, it must be consumed in moderate amounts. In addition, lemon should always be diluted before consuming it. Let’s take a look at the different ways to use this fruit to treat acid reflux.
1. Lemon Juice
As mentioned earlier, it is always important to consume diluted lemon juice. This is because raw lemon juice is acidic and only becomes alkaline when it is diluted, which is important to treat acid reflux.
How To Prepare
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to 8 ounces of warm water.
- Drink it 20 minutes before a meal.
- Repeat the process regularly.
- You can also add a teaspoon of honey for flavor.
2. Lemon And Ginger
Ginger is known to relieve digestive issues including indigestion, constipation, and ulcers.3 Ginger in combination with lemon is effective in treating acid reflux.
How To Prepare
- Extract the juice of a peeled 1-inch piece of ginger.
- Mix this juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Consume this mixture and repeat whenever required.
3. Lemon And Cane Sugar
This may be effective in treating acid reflux in pregnant women. However, speak to a doctor before trying this remedy.
How To Prepare
- Cut a lemon in very thin slices.
- Dip one slice in organic cane sugar and eat it.
- Have this once every day.
4. Lemon Juice And Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural antacid and can neutralize the stomach acid, providing instant relief from acid reflux.
How To Prepare
- To half a cup of warm water, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and the juice of one medium-sized lemon.
- Stir this mixture well and drink when you experience a burning sensation.
5. Lemon And Aloe Vera
Studies show that aloe vera may be a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.4
How To Prepare
- Blend aloe vera gel (extracted from a 3-inch piece of an aloe plant), the juice of one lemon, and 8 ounces of coconut water.
- Serve the juice in a glass.
- Add sugar as required and mix well.
- Drink the juice whenever you suffer from acid reflux.
6. Lemon Zest
Lemon peel can boost digestion and can maintain regular bowel movements because of the fiber content present in the lemon peel. 100 grams of raw lemon peel contains about 10 grams of dietary fiber.5 D-limonene present in lemon peels is good for treating chronic heartburn.6
How To Prepare
- Freeze a lemon in the freezer overnight.
- The following morning, grate the frozen outer part of the lemon.
- Boil a cup of water and add the grated lemon zest.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Add a tablespoon and a half of honey to the water.
- Drink this lemon zest water 30 minutes before breakfast.
7. Lemon Juice And Apple Cider Vinegar
If the acid reflux is caused due to the lack of stomach acid, apple cider vinegar may help. Although there is limited evidence, apple cider vinegar may help ease a heartburn caused due to acid reflux.7
How To Prepare
- Add a tablespoon each of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to a cup of water.
- Stir this well and drink the solution.
8. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has similar properties of the raw lemon juice. Therefore, care must be taken when using lemon oil.
How To Prepare
- Add a drop of lemon oil to a glass of water.
- Stir this well and drink it.
- This can be repeated when you experience a heartburn.
9. Lemon And Carrot
Carrot juice is alkaline and can help neutralize the stomach acid. It may also help ease heartburn caused due to acid reflux.
How To Prepare
- Add the juice of half a lemon to freshly prepared carrot juice.
- Stir this well and drink at least once a day.
- Repeat this once every day to reduce acid reflux.
The remedies mentioned are effective for those who are not allergic to citrus fruits. Consume lemon juice only in moderate quantity. It is also better to use fresh lemon juice than the bottled ones. If your acid reflux symptoms are severe and these home remedies don’t seem to ease the discomfort, consult the doctor immediately.
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