13 Natural Remedies Against Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare but serious disorder affecting the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. In individuals with achalasia, the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fail to relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food, chest pain, and unintentional weight loss. While medical interventions like medications, balloon dilation, or surgery may be necessary for many individuals, some people find that natural remedies can help alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Below are 13 natural remedies that may support individuals with achalasia in managing their symptoms more effectively.
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms of achalasia. One of the primary goals for individuals with achalasia is to minimize episodes of difficulty swallowing and to maintain proper nutrition. Focusing on foods that are easy to swallow and digest can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with the condition.
Incorporating potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and sweet potatoes can support muscle function, which is essential for the proper movement of food through the esophagus. Additionally, including magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, spinach, and avocados can help relax the muscles of the esophagus, potentially reducing spasms. Calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, yogurt, and fortified plant-based milks also play a role in muscle function and should be part of a balanced diet for individuals with achalasia.
For some, eating softer, easily digestible foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed vegetables can help minimize the difficulty of swallowing. It’s important to avoid extremely dry or tough foods that may become lodged in the esophagus, exacerbating symptoms.
2. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Maintaining adequate hydration is another essential strategy for managing achalasia. Proper hydration supports the function of muscles and can help ease the passage of food through the esophagus. Drinking water regularly throughout the day is crucial, especially before, during, and after meals to help prevent food from getting stuck in the esophagus.
Electrolyte-rich beverages, such as coconut water or drinks fortified with essential minerals, can further support muscle function. Electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium, help regulate muscle contractions and are important for the esophagus’s overall function. However, it’s important to choose low-sugar electrolyte drinks to avoid exacerbating acid reflux, which can be a common issue for individuals with achalasia.
Avoiding beverages that can trigger symptoms, such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, or caffeinated beverages, may also be beneficial. These drinks can irritate the esophagus and exacerbate muscle spasms, making swallowing more difficult.
3. Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Though exercise alone cannot cure achalasia, engaging in regular, moderate physical activity can improve overall well-being and muscle function, which may indirectly benefit the condition. Exercises that promote flexibility and relaxation, such as yoga, Tai Chi, or light aerobic exercises like walking or swimming, can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, potentially easing esophageal spasms.
For those with achalasia, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities that may worsen symptoms or cause dehydration. However, incorporating gentle stretches and movements can improve muscle coordination and help reduce stress, which is a known trigger for achalasia symptoms. Breathing exercises, which are common in yoga and Tai Chi, can also help regulate the nervous system and may alleviate some of the stress-induced symptoms of achalasia.
4. Stress Management Techniques
Stress is known to exacerbate many digestive disorders, including achalasia. Chronic stress can lead to increased esophageal spasms and make symptoms more frequent and severe. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques can help manage symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension in the esophagus.
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation are some techniques that may help alleviate stress. These methods encourage relaxation and allow individuals to focus on calming both their mind and body. Biofeedback is another technique that teaches individuals to control physiological responses, such as muscle tension, which may help reduce esophageal spasms.
Additionally, activities such as journaling, walking in nature, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy can help lower stress levels and improve emotional well-being. Addressing stress is key in managing achalasia, as reduced stress often correlates with fewer and less severe episodes.
5. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is a well-known natural remedy for soothing the digestive tract, and it can be particularly beneficial for individuals with achalasia. Aloe vera juice is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and can help soothe the lining of the esophagus, reducing irritation and promoting smoother swallowing.
Aloe vera juice also contains enzymes that may support digestion, helping break down food more efficiently and reducing the likelihood of food getting stuck in the esophagus. For individuals with acid reflux symptoms, aloe vera juice may help neutralize stomach acid, offering relief from heartburn and reducing damage to the esophagus.
Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals can help prepare the digestive tract for the intake of food, reducing the risk of discomfort during meals. However, it’s important to use pure aloe vera juice and avoid those with added sugars or artificial ingredients.
6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular herbal remedy for digestive disorders, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile can help relax the muscles of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, potentially reducing esophageal spasms and improving swallowing.
Drinking chamomile tea before or after meals can soothe irritation in the esophagus and promote digestion. Chamomile is also effective in reducing acid reflux, which is a common symptom associated with achalasia. The tea’s relaxing effects can also help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are known to trigger or worsen achalasia symptoms.
The gentle nature of chamomile makes it a safe and effective option for individuals looking for natural relief from achalasia-related discomfort. Regular consumption may help provide long-term benefits for managing symptoms.
7. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues. It works by forming a protective coating over the lining of the esophagus and digestive tract, which can help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by achalasia.
When mixed with water, slippery elm creates a gel-like substance that soothes the esophagus, making it easier for food to pass through and reducing discomfort. This natural remedy is particularly helpful for individuals who experience frequent regurgitation or acid reflux, as it provides a barrier between stomach acid and the sensitive tissues of the esophagus.
Drinking slippery elm tea or taking it in supplement form before meals can help prepare the esophagus for swallowing and reduce the risk of food getting stuck.
8. Licorice Root (DGL)
Licorice root, particularly deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), is another effective natural remedy for achalasia. DGL licorice helps promote the production of protective mucus in the esophagus and digestive tract, which can soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. This makes it easier for food to pass through the esophagus without causing discomfort.
Licorice root also has anti-inflammatory and antacid properties, making it beneficial for those who experience acid reflux or heartburn. Taking DGL licorice tablets before meals can help coat the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing the risk of irritation caused by acid or hard-to-digest foods.
It’s important to use DGL licorice instead of regular licorice root, as it lacks the compound glycyrrhizin, which can cause adverse side effects like high blood pressure if consumed in large amounts.
9. Ginger
Ginger is widely known for its digestive benefits, including its ability to reduce nausea, inflammation, and indigestion. For individuals with achalasia, ginger may help soothe the esophagus and reduce muscle spasms that make swallowing difficult.
You can consume ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger capsules, or by adding fresh ginger to meals. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for reducing chest pain and regurgitation, which are common symptoms in people with achalasia. Moreover, ginger can help improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, which makes it easier for food to pass through the digestive system.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often used to improve digestion and balance stomach acid levels, which can be beneficial for people with achalasia who experience acid reflux or indigestion. Drinking a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar before meals may help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, improving the breakdown of food and facilitating its movement through the esophagus.
Although ACV is acidic, it can have an alkalizing effect once metabolized in the body, potentially reducing symptoms of acid reflux. However, it’s important to dilute apple cider vinegar with water to avoid further irritation of the esophagus, especially for individuals with severe symptoms.
11. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural muscle relaxant that can help reduce esophageal spasms and ease the passage of food. Peppermint oil has been shown to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can help alleviate the discomfort associated with achalasia.
Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to water or drinking peppermint tea before meals can help relax the esophageal muscles, making it easier to swallow and reducing the chances of food becoming stuck. Peppermint also has soothing properties that can help relieve indigestion and acid reflux. However, peppermint oil should be used with caution, as it may exacerbate heartburn in some individuals.
Conclusion
While achalasia is a challenging condition that often requires medical interventions, these natural remedies can provide relief and support for managing symptoms. By incorporating herbs like slippery elm, licorice root, and chamomile, focusing on a balanced diet, managing stress, and using natural supplements, individuals with achalasia can improve their quality of life and potentially reduce the severity of their symptoms. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new remedies, as individual cases of achalasia may vary.
