A well-balanced diet and nutrition are critical for your child’s optimum growth and development. If your kid refuses to eat, spits up frequently, suffers from stomach aches, or deals with repeated bouts of sore throats, he or she may have acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Continue reading to learn more about acid reflux in children natural remedies.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a digestive condition that can affect both kids and infants. In most circumstances, your child’s condition will improve by the time he or she reaches the age of three. However, some kids may struggle with it for a longer amount of time, which might impede the child’s growth and cause damage to the esophagus. If the reflux occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks, it could be Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What Causes Acid Reflux in Children?
You may be perplexed as to why your child is experiencing this issue. In most kids, an immature digestive system is the reason behind this disorder. However, in older babies in children, it happens due to a weaker lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The following are some of the reasons or causes of a kid’s weak LES:
- Using certain prescription drugs (for example, painkillers, antihistamines to treat asthma)
- Due to obesity or intensive physical activity, there is more strain on the abdomen region
- Neurological disorders or developmental issues
- Any irregularity in the stomach (such as hiatus hernia) that could allow acid to back up the esophagus
- Wearing tight belts or bend down from the waist after eating spicy and heavy meals
- Consuming foods that are acidic such as lemons, limes, plums, grapes, oranges or tomatoes
- Meals eaten right before bedtime or past midnight
Symptoms of Acid Reflux In Children
If you can observe the following symptoms of acid reflux in children, you should seek medical assistance:
- Bad breath or a foul odour coming from your kid’s mouth.
- Feelings of nausea or vomiting
- Refusal to eat on a regular basis.
- Suffering from stomach pains or difficulties swallowing food.
- When food enters your kid’s food pipe, it feels like a choking /gagging
- Frequent presence of cough or wheezing
- Your kid complains of a sour feeling in his mouth, which normally occurs after waking up in the morning.
- Consistent attacks of heartburn and a burning sensation in the stomach, as well as complaints of chest pain by your kid.
All of the symptoms listed above are signs that your kid may be struggling with gastroesophageal reflux. As a result, you should seek medical advice and home remedies for acid reflux in order to manage your kid’s problems.
Home Remedies for Acid Reflux in Children
There are a number of excellent natural home remedies for acid reflux problems. Here are some home remedies for acid reflux that you can use to improve the digestive health of your kids:
1. Yoghurt
You can offer your kid yoghurt to help with acid reflux. Yogurt has alkaline properties that help to soothe the esophagus and keep a healthy pH balance in the body. Yogurt is also highly safe and unlike most antacids, it does not prevent the body from absorbing protein.
2. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds contain an enzyme called anethole, which is highly effective in regulating gastrointestinal spasms and hence in treating GERD in children.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil decreases the symptoms of GERD to a large amount when consumed on a regular basis. This is due to the anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil, which calm the stomach and prevent acid reflux.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the finest home remedies for acid reflux. Apart from this, it is also great for maintaining the body’s pH equilibrium. To keep the symptoms of acid reflux in children at bay, give your child one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in half a glass of water on a regular basis.
5. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves are also useful for alleviating symptoms of acid reflux in children. Fill a glass with water and add a few basil leaves. Boil until it’s reduced to one-third of its original volume and refrigerate it before giving it to your kid to drink in the morning.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been proven to be of great help to kids with acid reflux. You can scoop the gel out of a fresh aloe vera leaf and boil it with some water. Give this mixture to your child before each meal to prevent acid reflux.
7. Ginger
In kids, ginger juice mixed with warm water works miracles in preventing symptoms of acid reflux in children. However, this mixture should be consumed on an empty belly.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda’s alkaline properties help to maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. In a glass of water, add a tablespoon of baking soda. Give this mix to your child to help with acid reflux problems.
9. Aniseed
Aniseed is an excellent remedy for alleviating the symptoms of acid reflux in children. After each meal, give your child a tablespoon of aniseed to chew. Alternatively, you can soak it in water for 3 to 4 hours before straining it and giving it to your child. To make the water taste better, add little sugar.
10. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is another one of many excellent home remedies for acid reflux. Chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which in turn helps to neutralize stomach acids.
A Word from Healthkart
You may effectively control GER in your child with home remedies for acid reflux and medical assistance. However, certain issues may emerge that need immediate medical attention. The following are some of the problems you should notify your child’s doctor about right away:
- If your child appears to be dehydrated.
- If he is slimming down.
- If he’s throwing up a lot.
- If his vomit is green or yellow, or if there are blood spots in it.
- If he has difficulty breathing after vomiting.
If you observe any of these symptoms of acid reflux in children, you should get medical help immediately. Any significant issue can be avoided with timely treatment.
Make sure your child gets light, home-cooked meals on a regular basis. Begin using the home remedies as soon as you observe any GER symptoms. However, before administering any home remedy to your child, you must consult with his or her doctor.
