Bev Kovatch says it almost feels like having a heart attack.
She has GERD, a severe form of acid reflux, when stomach contents leak back into the esophagus. Usual treatments include drugs and surgery, but here are some natural remedies to try.
The first: chewing gum.
"Chewing gum actually stimulates your saliva production and helps your esophagus to clear some of the acid," said gastroenterologist Dr. Scott Gabbard with The Cleveland Clinic.
Another GERD fighter: eat smaller meals. Studies show consuming 500-600 calories and between 15 and 20 grams of fat at a time decreases heartburn.
So does shedding excess weight; losing as little as 10-15 pounds has been shown to greatly improve symptoms.
More suggestions: Avoid anything fried, fatty or acidic, which can make symptoms worse. Don't eat three to four hours before bedtime. Try sleeping on your left side
Researchers are now testing a new wedge pillow that forces patients to lie on their left sides. In a pilot trial, it reduced reflux by over 80 percent.
Bev used to experience symptoms three to four times a week. And now?
"I have had acid reflux one night in the last six weeks that I've had the pillow," she said.
There are similar wedge pillows currently on the market, but none that restricts sleeping positions to this extent.
