Bile reflux is a condition that occurs when bile (digestive fluid produced in the liver) refluxes into the stomach and the esophagus. It can cause discomfort, a burning sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting.
“Bile reflux is seen in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or those who have an altered anatomy,” says Dr Rohan Badave, consultant, medical gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Goa. It can be a challenging condition to treat, but there are several ways to manage and reduce the symptoms naturally.
Here is what experts say are some natural ways to get relief and manage bile reflux at home:
Plan meals to manage bile reflux
Eating smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the amount of bile that accumulates in the stomach and the risk of reflux.
“There is a wall between the food pipe and the stomach. In patients with bile reflux, the function of the wall is weak. So, some food comes back to the food pipe, which causes the reflux,” says Dr Badave.
Dr Badave adds that you can have small meals every four hours rather than a large meal at once. If you have smaller meals, the chance of reflux is lesser.
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 more. More the secretions, the more 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 which are being neutralised by food intake. When you skip your meal, the acid secreted is not neutralised. So, it causes more reflux,” says Dr Kumar.
Avoid alcohol
Experts say that alcohol is an irritant to the stomach.
“It is a powerful mediator that relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter [the muscles bundle at the lower end of the esophagus]. Whenever the sphincter is relaxed, the food content in the stomach goes up to the esophagus and causes irritation,” says Dr Kumar.
Dr Badave adds that the stomach produces a lot of acids, including bile. The secretions are more when you consume alcohol, so there is a high chance of developing reflux.
Sleep and sleep position for bile reflux
Lying down after eating can increase the risk of bile reflux, so stay upright for at least two hours after meals. Experts suggest not sleeping immediately after having food. “It takes four hours for our stomach to empty solid particles and two hours to empty the liquids,” says Dr Kumar.
Dr Badave recommends a gap of at least two hours between dinner and sleep time.
Sleeping with your head elevated can be one of the natural ways to prevent bile. You can use a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed with blocks or risers.
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 low-fat, less-oily diet
“Some foods promote the lower esophagal sphincter to get more relaxed. It causes food to enter the food pipe, irritates the esophagus and causes nausea and vomiting,” says Dr Kumar.
“You should have a low-fat diet, lower oil intake, less spicy food and eat curd with your food, so it can prevent reflux,” says Dr Kumar. Experts recommend avoiding certain foods when you are experiencing reflux including chocolate, carbonated drinks, vinegar-based dressings, onions, citrus and spicy foods. Avoiding these foods can help alleviate symptoms of bile reflux.
“Reflux is mostly recurring. So firstly, you should adjust your diet and modify your lifestyle. You should keep yourself fit and eat less,” says Dr Kumar.
According to Dr Badave, one should consult a doctor immediately if there are recurrent cases of reflux.
He says that many people ignore even the alarming symptoms of bile reflux. If the reflux symptoms don’t resolve in six months, even after a change in lifestyle and doing home remedies, you should seek medical attention. Those who also experience weight loss, difficulty in swallowing and anemia along with the bile reflux symptoms should get immediate medical help because constant bile reflux can also lead to esophageal cancer.
Takeaways
- The physical discomforts of bile reflux can be managed through minor lifestyle and dietary alterations.
- Experts recommend reducing the portion size and increasing the frequency of meals.
- Stress management plays a key role in keeping bile reflux under control.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol and adopting a low-fat and less oily can help control bile reflux.
