7 MILKY TRICKS TO GET FAST RELIEF FROM ACIDITY, HEARTBURN, ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) or acid indigestion is now one of the most common health complaints especially in pregnant women. Esophagus is the food carrying pipe from mouth to the stomach. LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is located at the entrance of the stomach and controls the flow movements of food from esophagus to our stomach. It controls valve and contracts instantaneously when food enters into stomach.

But, when (LES) lower esophageal sphincter fails to contract, it let the digestive acids to move backward from the stomach to the throat, and causes burning sensations in the chest. This is called as ‘heartburn’, and in some severe cases, acid reflux. Its other symptoms include bloating, gas and burping.

Instead of using chemicals and preservatives based commercial antacids, try milk. It’s a fast, simple and very effective home cure, and we’re about to tell you how it works and exactly how to use it.

How milk help with acid reflux?

Milk coats the inner layer of the digestive tract and esophagus, thus it minimizes irritation caused by stomach acids. Additionally, milk contains calcium, minerals and essential vitamins that digestive system needs to function smoothly.

1. Milk with cinnamon

Mix 1 tsp of fresh ground cinnamon powder in ½ glass of cool/cold skimmed milk and drink it slowly to get rid of heart burn and acid reflux. You can repeat this twice a day to get rid of acid reflux.

2. Goat’s milk

Goat’s milk has low amount of fat, hence it is very easy to digest. But try to buy unprocessed, organic goat’s milk. Boil it and store it in refrigerator. Drink cup of cool milk to get relief from acid reflux. Repeat this 2-3 times a day for best result.

3. Skim milk

If you don’t have unprocessed, organic goat’s milk, then go for skim milk. It gives you the same nutrients. Drink a cup of cool skim milk to soothe burning sensations in the chest and throat due to acid reflux and heartburn.

4. Milk and peppermint

In case of heartburn or stomach aches milk is a finest drink to setting everything. Mash 6-7 fresh peppermint leaves and mix them with cup of cool goat’s milk or skim milk. Drink it slowly. Follow this remedy once or twice a day.

5. Milk with green cardamom

Mix 2-3 pinches of green cardamom powder with glass of goat’s milk or skim milk and boil it over low flame for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Then store this mixture in refrigerator with lid. Slowly drink half of this mixture at a time and after 2-3 hours drink remaining mixture.

6. Milk and banana smoothie

Banana is rich source of potassium, which works as a natural antacid. Take a ripe banana, 1 tsp of green cardamom powder and blend them in blender using 2 cups of goat’s milk or skim milk to make smoothie, take this smoothie in glass and add 1-2 tbsp of raw honey, then store it in refrigerator for 30-50 minutes and drink it once a day. You can add more milk to make it smooth.

7. Milk and honey sorbet

Combination of honey and milk works as antibacterial. It will soothe the throat and digestive tract naturally.

Take 1 teaspoon of green cardamom powder, cup of plain oatmeal, 5-7 raisins and boil them in 2 cups of goat’s milk or skim milk on low flame until oats are cooked to desired consistency. Then remove it from heat, let cool to room temperature and add 1 tbsp of raw honey to it and then freeze for 1-2 hours. Eat once a day to fight acid reflux and heartburn.

Does milk cause acid reflux?

Many people believe that milk causes acid reflux and heartburn, but if you consumed it in moderate amounts and in cool or cold form and when you drink goat’s milk or skim milk rather than full fat cow’s milk it will not be harmful.

In first use, the fats present in milk may trigger acid production in the stomach, but, this reaction will fall down with regular use. Milk is rich source of protein and calcium, but, don’t drink more than 225-250 ml (8 oz) of milk at a time, this may trigger acid production in the stomach.

Advice and Precautions

For fast relief, follow the advice below while using milk to treat and prevent acid reflux and heartburn.

1.  Try to drink organic, unprocessed milk.
2.  If someone is lactose intolerant, don’t go for milk to treat your heartburn & acid reflux.
3.  Don’t add citrus fruits & juices to milk when making smoothies because this may cause fermentation & curdling. You can try berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries etc.
4.  Check expiry date of milk, otherwise it may cause food poisoning.
5.  Lack of sleep causes acid reflux and heartburn. So take adequate sleep.
6.  Stress, unhealthy fat and weight contributes to heartburn. Healthy food, well-balanced diet and regular exercise prevent heartburn.