davidwolfeA stomach ache can be hard on a child, but it’s also tough on the parent, who may not have the tools to heal it naturally. Treating acid reflux, on the other hand, becomes a bit easier with the natural remedies outlined below.
Unfortunately, medications aimed at treating acid reflux can be harsh and have been proven to cause damage to internal organs when used over the long term.
While many patients are willing to take their chances with the pills when it comes to their own acid reflux, the decision isn’t as easy when the person who needs help is your child.
Luckily, there are natural, gentler acid reflux remedies that you can use. But first…
How do you spot acid reflux in your child?
According to WebMD, children with acid reflux often present the following symptoms:
- Frequent vomiting
- Persistent cough
- Choking or gagging while eating
- Gas
- Belly pain
- Recurring pneumonia
- Unexplained sore throats
It’s slightly tougher to spot acid reflux in babies and infants, but these are the signs you’ll want to look out for:
- Red eyes and runny nose while eating
- Coughing
- Frequent hiccups
- Arched back or writhing while eating
So you’ve noticed the above symptoms, you’ve checked with your doctor, and you’ve found out that your child or infant does, indeed, have acid reflux. What next?
The first thing you’re probably thinking of doing is changing your child’s diet. And while that’s good, a lot of people mistakenly believe that acid reflux is an issue tied to diet alone.
In reality, although diet can play a large role in increasing the severity of acid reflux symptoms, the issue is commonly caused by an immature gastrointestinal tract.
In other words, it’s highly possible that your child’s acid reflux may not go away without time, no matter how much you change his or her diet.
But there are options.
Safe And Effective Natural Options for Treating Acid Reflux
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
It might come as a surprise that something as acidic as apple cider vinegar could remedy acid reflux in your child.
Actually, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Why? Because the medical industry has been lying to you.
Acid reflux isn’t caused by too much acid in your stomach. It’s caused by too little. When your child’s stomach contains too little acid, that acid must be sloshed around to effectively break down food. That leads to the acid being sloshed up into the esophagus.
Antacids reduce the potency of stomach acid, which may seem to work in the short term but will result in improper digestion.
For a natural treatment, mix roughly one quarter of a teaspoon – no more than half – of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water to produce a fast-acting acid reflux treatment for your child that will restore the acidic balance in the stomach.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is naturally anti-inflammatory. As a result, it calms the inflammation from acid reflux. For young children, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to a warm drink.
When treating acid reflux in infants, simply swab his or her mouth with the oil 3 to 4 times daily.
In addition to fighting inflammation, the coconut oil will also help your little one’s digestion and hormonal balance.
3. Yogurt
Here’s a remedy your kid will love! Yogurt is an alkaline food that will soothe your esophagus. Unlike antacids, it will also increase the body’s ability to absorb proteins.
You can employ this remedy by simply giving your child one cup of low fat plain yogurt. You can make the remedy even more effective by adding sliced ginger root, or pistachios or honey.
4. Sugarless Gum
Do not use this remedy for your baby, as infants are much more likely to swallow the gum.
However, this remedy can work wonders for children at four years of age and older. It works by stimulating the flow of saliva, which will neutralize stomach acid.
Making sure the gum is sugarless will keep your child’s teeth healthy and free of cavities, while treating acid reflux naturally.
Sources:
WebMD – Heartburn in Children and Infants
WhatToExpect.com
WebMD – What is Acid Reflux Disease?
Parents.com
Home Remedies For Life
Healthyy.net
The Health Wyze Report