How to Use Coconut Oil for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux appears when the esophageal sphincter fails to contract, thus allowing the gastric acids to move upward from the stomach. This leads to a burning feeling around your lower chest and throat. Studies show that acid reflux is a result of bacteria growth within the stomach. Following a couple of surveys conducted on Americans, it has been proven that nearly half of them experience feelings associated with acid reflux such as chest pain, heartburn, burping, and also bloating. So how do you prevent acid reflux without spending a lot of money on medicine that has short-lived effects? You go natural, of course. Here is how coconut oil comes in handy:

Why Does Coconut Oil Help in Treating Acid Reflux?

There are various reasons why coconut oil is good for this condition. Here are just some of them:

• It soothes the throat and the digestive tract, reducing the burning.
• It has antiseptic properties that kill the fungus.
• Prevents overeating and helps you feel full.
• It is easily digestible.
• Triggers the production of chloride, which enables proper digestion.
• It neutralizes the acid and reduces inflammation.

10 Examples of Coconut-Oil Based Treatments

You can use coconut oil alone or combine it with other ingredients which help enable a proper digestion. Here are some examples:

• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Taken 3 times a day.

• Baking with Coconut Butter

Use coconut butter instead of dairy butter.

• Yogurt Smoothies with Coconut Oil

Blend ½ cup yogurt, ½ cup crushed ice, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 banana and 1 tsp of coconut oil.

• Coconut Oatmeal

2 cups coconut oil stirred in 1 cup steel cut oatmeal. Simmer on low heat until oatmeal is done. Add shredded coconut, chopped almonds, cardamom powder, coconut oil, and honey (1 tsp of each).

• Coconut Meat

Stops heartburn and promotes healthy hair.

• Coconut Oil with Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

Combine 1 tsp each of extra virgin coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, honey and fresh aloe juice. Stir in a glass of warm water and drink.

• Diluted Coconut Oil

Stir in a saucepan 4 tsp coconut oil and 8 ounces of water.

• Coconut Oil Pulling

Put 3 tsp coconut oil in your mouth, swish and roll for 5 minutes, then spit it out. It pulls out the bacteria.

• Coconut Milk

Replace regular milk with coconut milk. It can be found in grocery stores.

• Coconut Water

Drink a cup every morning or whenever you feel the acid reflux.

Precautions

Some individuals may experience acid reflux from coconut oil because it is rich in saturated fat. If you suffer from heartburn, it is best that you avoid oils in general. Before starting any treatment, you have to take just a small amount of coconut oil to make sure that you are not allergic or that it doesn’t provoke other diseases. If you are prone to stomach conditions, consult your doctor before starting a coconut oil treatment.