A hiatal hernia, a stomach defect, is a common cause of acid reflux disease. This happens when the upper stomach and LES move over the diaphragm, a muscle that connects the stomach to the chest. Normally, the diaphragm helps retain stomach acid. However, if you have a hiatus hernia, the acid can go back into the esophagus and cause acid reflux symptoms.
These are other common risk factors for acid reflux disease:
• Eat large meals or lie down immediately after a meal
• Being overweight or obese
• Eat a heavy meal and lie on your back or bend over at the waist
• Have a snack before bedtime
• Eat citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
• Drink alcohol, soda, coffee or tea
• Smoking
• Pregnant
• Taking aspirin, ibuprofen
Consuming manuka honey can be beneficial for reducing stomach acid and balancing the digestive system. This is because small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), acid reflux, and stomach acid can all interact with one another. Manuka honey is known to contain antibiotics that are efficacious as a medicine for diseases caused by bacteria.
There are several studies that examine the efficacy of honey as a remedy for acid reflux disease. One of them was published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
- The results of the study found that the antioxidant content in honey is thought to be able to ward off free radicals that damage the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to gastrointestinal cells is one of the factors that cause reflux, namely the condition of rising gastric contents, in the form of food, drinks, and gastric acid fluids.
- Research has also found that the benefits of honey for stomach acid are believed to reduce inflammation in the esophagus.
- The thick texture of honey can help coat the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This property is thought to be able to help relieve your esophagus when stomach acid disease recurs.
- According to research published in British Medical Research, the thick texture of honey is also thought to prevent gastric contents from rising.
Consumption of about 1 teaspoon of honey every day is enough to relieve symptoms of stomach acid. You can mix honey with a glass of warm water or tea.
Although research is still limited, honey consumption is still considered a safe and effective way to relieve stomach acid symptoms.