Aloe Vera Juice for Acid Reflux

Can You Use Aloe Vera Juice To Treat Acid Reflux?

Can you use Aloe Vera to treat acid reflux? The answer is Yes you can. Aloe Vera is one of the best natural home remedies used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux is identified when the backward flow of stomach acid enters the esophagus. The esophagus in layman’s terms is the tube that makes the connection between the stomach and throat.

When a person experiences acid reflux a sour taste in the back of the mouth or the taste of regurgitated food may be present.

The sensation of burning in the chest, also known as heartburn, may also be experienced. If symptoms occur more than twice a week acid reflux disease may be diagnosed.

What causes Acid Reflux?

A common cause of acid reflux is a hiatal hernia. Reflux occurs when the LES, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter, moves above the diaphragm, the muscle separating the stomach from the chest, allowing for acid to move up into the esophagus.

There are several other factors that create acid reflux symptoms in individuals. Eating large meals, eating close to bedtime, and lying on your back after a meal can lead to acid reflux symptoms.

Overeating can cause acid reflux as well as excess weight and obesity. Beverages including carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol can lead to acid reflux. Spicy and fatty foods, onions, chocolate, and citrus can contribute to acid reflux.

Medications such as muscle relaxers, ibuprofen, aspirin, and blood pressure medications can also attribute to an individual having acid reflux symptoms.

In addition, smoking can increase the risk of acid reflux. Pregnant women usually experience heartburn which is acid reflux. The increased amount of hormones and pressure from the growth of the fetus lead to these symptoms.

In today’s world of overprescribed medicines, many individuals want to take a more natural approach to control acid reflux symptoms.

Aloe vera juice has been found to relieve such symptoms. Using a chemistry explanation aloe vera has alkaline properties. This means aloe vera can act as a basic substance.

When combined with the excess acid in the stomach the introduction of a base neutralizes the acid.

The amount of time and amount of consumption of aloe vera juice is dependent on the severity of an individual’s symptoms and the concentration of the aloe vera juice ingested.

It should be mentioned too much aloe vera juice can create the effect of a laxative on an individual.

Aloe Vera Acid Reflux Home Remedy

A good starting point is to take one tablespoon of aloe vera juice before a meal to determine an individual’s tolerance to it.

Adjustments to the needed dose can be made by trial and error to provide a suitable amount of aloe vera juice to diminish acid reflux symptoms.

As with all natural remedies, an individual needs to consult their physician before use.

Acid reflux disease affects nearly 20% of the population in western countries. Currently, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been used as the main option when it comes to relieving the symptoms of acid reflux [1].

Proton pump inhibitors help to reduce the production of acid in an individual’s stomach. This leaves a very small amount of liquid in the stomach to allow acid reflux into the esophagus.

Since there is no acid backing up into the esophagus, proton pump inhibitors also allow the esophagus to heal since no fluid is causing irritation.

Although proton pump inhibitors have high efficacy in relieving acid reflux symptoms, not all patients respond to this type of treatment.

Approximately 30%-35% of patients receiving proton pump inhibitor drug therapy needed additional treatments to relieve all acid reflux symptoms [1].

Other studies have revealed aloe vera juice can prevent acid reflux. According to Dr. Santiago Rodriguez Ph.D., a member of the American Global Health Group LLC stated “Aloe Vera juice contains a natural acid buffer—malic calcium and/or calcium malate—which helps regulate acid levels in the stomach over time” [2].

Usually, antacids are used as an additional therapy if proton pump inhibitors are not fully effective.

Possible Dangers of OTC Medications

Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid and eliminate acid reflux symptoms similar to the chemical properties used in aloe vera juice.

However, continuous use of antacids formulated with aluminum and magnesium can weaken bones by depleting the body’s supply of calcium and phosphorus.

There is also a known link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease. If an antacid is used composed of sodium bicarbonate a pH imbalance is created causing alkalosis.

Alkalosis is the opposite of acid reflux. There is now too much base in the stomach creating health problems.

Symptoms that may occur are hand tremors, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, muscle twitching, numbness or tingling sensations in the hands, face, or feet. If the condition is severe enough it can lead to a comma.

After the stomach fluids return to their normal pH symptoms normally cease. Care must be taken when using antacids longer than the recommended time frame. Serious health complications can occur.

Other Benefits of taking Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice also has other medicinal benefits than reducing acid reflux. Aloe vera juice is also known to be beneficial to other gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and aiding in digestion.

Other benefits include helping to regulate blood sugars by improving glucose levels and also improving circulation. Research has shown aloe vera juice can decrease blood lipids and benefit individuals with acute hepatitis. Detoxifying the body is an added health benefit of aloe vera juice.

Due to its many vitamins, minerals, and trace elements; aloe vera juice is able to improve colon health and relieve stress and strain on the body.

As aloe vera juice strengthens the immune system it is able to aid in the healing of internal tissues and reduce inflammation.

Aloe vera juice shows overwhelming evidence to support its use for the treatment of acid reflux and is also known to benefit many other symptoms and conditions.

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Stay Healthy Folks ;)

Reference Information is taken from studies below

[1] Savarino, Edoardo; de Bortoli, Nicola, Zentilin; Patrizia, Martinucci; Irene, Bruzzon;, Luca, Furnari; Manuele, Marchi; Savarino, Vincenzo. “Alginate controls heartburn in patients with erosive and nonerosive reflux disease.” World J Gastroenterol. 18(32) (2012): 4371–4378.Web.09Apr2014.

[2] Bulleti, Manila. “Aloe Vera Is Anti-Acidity.”Library Health News 09Oct.2012 Philippine Council for Research and Development.Web.08Apr2014.