Although bile reflux is a difficult ailment to cure, its physical discomfort can be controlled by dietary and lifestyle changes.
When bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, refluxes into the stomach and esophagus, it is known as bile reflux disease. It may result in discomfort, a burning sensation in the chest, motion sickness, and nausea.
“Bile reflux is seen in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or those who have an altered anatomy,” explains Dr. Rohan Badave, specialist in medical gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital in Goa. Although it might be difficult to treat, there are a number of natural strategies to control and lessen the symptoms.
Here are some home remedies recommended by specialists for managing and relieving bile reflux:
Create a menu to control bile reflux
Smaller, more frequent meals can aid in lowering the risk of reflux and the amount of bile that builds up in the stomach.
“The food pipe and the stomach are separated by a wall. Bile reflux patients have weakened wall physiology. As a result, some food refluxes back into the food pipe and causes reflux, according to Dr. Badave.
Dr. Badave says that little meals every four hours are preferable to a single substantial meal. Smaller meals reduce your risk of experiencing reflux.
Manage stress
“Stress plays a major role in your lifestyle. Whenever you are under stress, your body automatically secretes a lot of acids,” says Dr Kavita Sampath Kumar, gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai.
“With stress, our gastrointestinal (GI) secretions increase, and the sensitivity of the intestines, stomach, and food pipe goes up. So, whenever we are stressed, the GI secretions are higher. The more secretions, the greater the chances of bile reflux,” says Dr. Badave.
Stress can aggravate existing digestive issues. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, can naturally help manage bile reflux. People also tend to skip meals due to stress; this aggravates the reflux. “Our body regularly secretes acids that are being neutralized by food intake. When you skip your meal, the acid secreted is not neutralized. So, it causes more reflux,” says Dr Kumar.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol, according to experts, upsets the stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter, or the group of muscles at the lower end of the esophagus, is relaxed by this potent mediator. The food in the stomach can go up into the esophagus and irritate it whenever the sphincter is relaxed, according to Dr. Kumar.
The stomach produces a lot of acids, including bile, says Dr. Badave. Alcohol use increases the number of secretions, which increases the risk of reflux.
Bile reflux and sleeping positions
Stay up for at least two hours after meals to avoid lying down, which can increase the risk of bile reflux. Experts advise against going to bed right after eating. According to Dr. Kumar, our stomachs need four hours to empty solid particles and two hours to empty liquids.
Dinner and bedtime should be separated by at least two hours, according to Dr. Badave.
One natural technique to stop bile can be to sleep with your head elevated. You can use a wedge-shaped cushion or blocks or risers to raise the head of your bed.
Quit smoking
Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which can cause reflux. “Smoke is an irritant inside the stomach lining. It causes the secretion of acids,” says Dr Kumar.
“Those who stop smoking will notice a substantial improvement in their sphincter pressure,” says Dr Badave.
Adopt a diet that is low in fat and oil
“Some foods help to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. In addition to irritating the esophagus and causing food to enter the food pipe, it also causes nausea and vomiting, claims Dr. Kumar.
According to Dr. Kumar, a low-fat diet, reduced oil consumption, less spicy food, and eating curd with meals can all help to prevent reflux. When you have reflux, experts advise staying away from things like chocolate, carbonated beverages, vinegar-based dressings, onions, citrus, and spicy foods. Bile reflux symptoms can be reduced by avoiding these foods.
“Reflux frequently occurs again. Therefore, you should first change your food and lifestyle. You should exercise regularly and consume less, advises Dr. Kumar.
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