PINE NEEDLES

PINE NUTS

RAISE THE BED

[YEA]  Jon from Concord, NH writes: "Elevating the head of the bed 2" (use 2 pieces scrap 2"x6' board to elevate head of bed) cures acid reflux when you awaken in the morning. Doesn't work all day but its good for a nice part of the morning when you first wake up."

RAW HONEY

[YEA]  07/30/2006: David from Europe writes: "Just having a spoon or 2 of raw honey every time the burning starts and just before you go bed seems to work for me but eating everything slowly and not drinking coffee alcohol (dunno spelling) or soda and always follow a meal with a glass of water and if it goes away which it did for me u can resume your normal diet and if the reflux comes back just go back to doing all of these and you should be fine."

[YEA]  04/14/2006: Frank from Fort Pierce, FL writes: "SEEMS THIS MIGHT BE THE RIGHT REMEDY FOR ACID REFLUX. I AM NOT DOING AS MUCH BELCHING AS I DID BEFORE. HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO COMPLETLY CURE ME?"

[YEA]  Brad from Phoenix, AZ writes: "I'have had acid reflux for a long time I been taking the pills such as Nexium and Prevacid but it makes my stomach bloated and gives me diarrhea. I have been currently taking Raw honey and 100% aloe vera juice and it has healed my problem with acid reflux."

READER THEORIES

03/28/2008: Robin (robinlittle AT gmail.com) from Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA writes: "If you have reflux, get tested for celiac disease."

--The other change that I made just one week ago was the addition of Apple Cider Vinegar to my diet.

Because I made these changes at the same time, I'm not sure who should get the credit, but I really don't want to stop either one of them as I never want that feeling again! I cannot begin to express my gratitude but this site is awesome! Thank you!""

12/25/2007: HD from Bothell, WA writes: "I noticed many people are looking for a cure for their acid reflux. I used to have acid reflux, and my doctor gave me some kind of medication that I need to take before bed time. Since I do not like taking too much medication, I was very fortunate when a nurse, who was working with me as a coach in helping me improve me health and lifestyle, told me to ask my doctor to test my acid reflux for h. pilori. To make the story short, I had the h. pilori tested, and the result was positive. The test involved taking a breath test, take some medication to kill the h. pilori bateria. On the second trial, my doctor gave me a different kind of medication.  After the second treatment, the result came out negative. I was very glad that I no longer need to take the medication every night.  I no longer have acid reflux. With this in mind, and before starting to take ACV with baking soda, you might take the same route I did."

11/22/2007: RB from Pentwater, USA writes: "Heartburn acid reflux can also be started by sudden stress. You may not even be aware of this happening. I too have had acid reflux heartburn on in off for some years. Mine started with a death of my father, then I was a care giver to my mother while raising my 6 mo old child. Off in on for 16 yrs. Went to a crabby mean ole Gastro Dr. the same one I had 2 stomach scopes. !st time said maybe had IBS. The 2nd one, he said it was all in my head & my nerves were doing to me. Wrote down this Globus word Told me this, then off he went.Just over a mo. this acid stuff has been bothering me. I'm in Menopause, have allergies, am anxious, some times depressed. Have to live in the cold weather for now. I think a number of things can make your health bad just in your home. Hot air force furnace for one,gas or oil. carpet in your house can be real bad for any one health. I have it all over but don't have the funds to get rid of it. I just recently found this nice place. My acid is back & me too, burning in my back between my shoulder blades. Notice today after Turkey day. tasted so good, but forgot & ate salad with onion in gravy, & over ate. My Dr. just runs more blood work. I am trying Acv, raw apples. I hope something natural helps. We all get tired of being sick with something. now days there is so much polutions in the air. Thanks for reading."

Whatever, my advice to everyone is to eat your food as close to the way God grows it, if you want to be healthier."

09/27/2007: Danielle from Hiram, GA writes: "I love this website and natural remedies are my first line of defense when it comes to ailments, but i had to go the pharmacuetical path when it came to my Acid reflux. I was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer when i was 12yrs old, and from that point i was on prescription acid reducers. My stomach pain would be so bad that i would have to throw-up to relieve the pressure. I tried ACV, baking soda, mustard, you name it. Everything was a temporary fix. And i knew I didn't want to pop pills the rest of my life. I'm 32 now and 3 yrs ago a fear of problems developing in my esophugus and stomach, from years of acid reflux lead me to go to a Gastro-specialist, who diagnosed me with a bacteria in my stomach that caused the problem. After a week of Prayer and many antibiotics i was finally freed from that curse. I haven't had any problems, Praise GOD in 3yrs. If you are a long term suffer of acid reflux as i was, please look into the possibility of a stomach bacteria, but if you suffer only occasionally, the natural remedies mentioned on this website will work just great."

09/22/2007: Deborah from Indy, USA writes: "I have suffered from GERDs since my first pregnancy. Yet, within the last 15 years it has gotten much worse which has coincided with a heavier use of ibuprofen.  For the last 15 years, I had noticed I never got better when, I contracted flu, bacterial infections, etc.   So I began my own investigation and after many hours of research, the conclusion was, every time I got sick and was given any medication with any food dye (red dye #40 absolute worst) I did not get well and usually got worse.  I now use a natural yogurt daily for my GERDs, NO OTC's or prescribed meds unless I can get natural compounded with NO dye.  So, if you still have any problems you might try eliminating all dyes from your diet.  Trust me, it is not easy and remember your soaps, shampoos, etc.  For the last few months, I have been doing very well."

08/08/2007: Aujah from Huntington Beach, CA writes: "I think it very important to mention that smoking marijuana will cause acid reflux in some people. Mostly girls. The problem (besides it being illegal) is it will take the pain of acid reflux away and then be the cause of it when the drug wears off. It is very easy to get caught up in that cause and affect."

07/02/2007: Elissa from Asheville, North Carolina writes: "My remedy is spring water for acid reflux. I am new to this site, but so far it looks like I am the only one writing about water in connection with reflux. I was experiencing extreme heartburn and acid reflux at the end of my year at college. For about 6-8 weeks I had extreme pain in my upper abdomen (sternum) area, belching, sleeplessness, and other problems! I read on another website that chlorine-containing tap water alone can cause reflux. The best water to drink that is chlorine-free is spring water. I went out and bought some and in the store after sipping it for 10 minutes I had relief! Within 24 hours, all of my symptomns were gone! Spring water is wonderful."

03/13/2007: Pat from Atlanta, GA writes: "I have found nothing that "cures" my GERDS. I have found many temporary remedies. It doesn't matter rather you're taking ACV, DGL, yoghurt, mint, honey, chamomile, six small meals per day, lo-carb ...whatever! It is really no different than taking PPI's/H2's/antacids. If your're getting up everyday and taking ACV twice aday you still have GERDS. I have tried them all (with the exception of the mint and yoghurt). DGL is an H2 blocker for instance. It's just more empowering because you are taking control of your medical problem instead of leaving it up to the doctor and you don't have to purchase or bother with those demon pharmaceuticals. My main concern is has anyone ever had their acid tested to determine if it is too high/too low? How can doctors in good conscience arbitrarily prescribe PPI/H2 blockers without first testing. Why I have GERD and you have GERDs might be totally different. Doctors say smoking relaxes the LES, and pregnant women get hiatal hernias and that contributes to it. But everyone doesn't smoke and men get hiatal hernias. Children get this disease for Gods sake! What is going on! And incidently the gastrointestinal tract doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's not like the LES valve or stomach has a mind of it's own. What about the pancreas? The autonomic nervous system a great deal to do with it. Read about the ANS and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. So different remedies and different diets may work for some and not for others depending and your "type". I have tried whey protein drinks for instance that helps, because my doctor gave me six small meals aday diet where you eat protein with each meal then I decided to substitute whey protein for meat. I also tried platinumplus amino acids. And last year homemade bean soup made with beef and bones stopped my symptoms completely for several days, where now it doesn't. Whether yeast/fungi is the cause, or a major contributor why don't the geniuses of medical community recognize this fact? Cancer/AIDS patients are loaded with the mess. I saw my doctor in May, had endoscopy & have Grade 1 Barretts. I was to supposed to go back in six mos. but I cancelled. When I told my primary care physician that I purchased an alternative remedy because Nexium cost $160 . She said, "but you have money to buy amino acids". Is she kidding me? Good luck too everyone and Good health."

01/30/2007: Eileen from Rockville Centre, NY writes: "I tried norm robillard's low carb diet for my acid reflux. By day 3 my pain was lessened and by the end of the week, I felt normal. I cannot eat extra carbs for more then 2 days for by day 3 I'm sick with another irritation. I just can't eat any sugary or starchy foods, too many carbs I guess. Not eating bread at all reduces my symptoms just enough that I know I feel a little better. It's just so hard to stay away from. I also get less stomach problems and my bowels don't work much different now then they did when I ate all that fiber and high carb foods. Maybe it will take awhile before everything changes. I wonder if starving out the bacteria in my colon will eventually change my bathroom habits."

12/15/2006: Mike from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: "I am no expert or have an university degree but I've had acid reflux over 8 years. I had ulcers for about 7 years. Unfortunately doctors in Canada doesn't want to treat the sick.

Acid reflux is due to fungi in your intestines. Over the years you were eating bread, sugars etc which had a lot of fungi. Bread is very bad for you much worse than pasta alone because yeast culture which is a type of fungi is used. Also if you have problem at work at home you will have acid reflux so be sure to get your home tested.

A lot fat diet should be used. Absolutely no pork of beef only chicken without skin. Fiber may make things worse so I suggest you juice cabbage and or broccoli. Start off with a cup of fresh juice then gradually increase it. Deep breathing OUTSIDE with help, make sure to get some sunlight if possible between 10 am to 2 pm in most places. Buy a natural skin brush. This is help your body detoxify toxins in your body. Never eat after 6 preferably after 3 or 4 pm. Jumping rope is good for the lymphatic system which helps a lot. Be sure to get check for ear wax. If there's too much ear wax you can use oliver oil in each ear everyday for about 20 to 30 days. Ear wax is another way of getting rid of toxins in your body. Use Mudra, you can google it. Simply hands out flat both of them just move the thumb and index finger. Hold up to 30 minutes. I suggest an after a year, if doing it indoors be sure to open the windows for fresh air. This alone will be what no medicine can do very fast. From what i read it works on electrical fields. By touching your two fingers you create electrical charge through your body.
You can do what is called sleeping meditation this will be very relaxing and help with acid reflux be sure not to eat or drink for 2 hours before sleeping. This is very hard to do but it is well worth it, you don't have to have acid reflux to do this. Simple lie in bed, close your eyes. Now concentrated between your eye brows, this is called the third eye. Just keep on focusing on it til you fall asleep. If done right your body will be cleansed even better than just normal sleeping.

Wheat, soy, milk, corn, coffee, tea, honey, fats especially fried foods (always boil your chicken or get a slow cooker), sugars, potatoes, pop, salt and fruits are bad for acid reflux. Some suggestions maybe help temporarily. But light skipping rope, fresh air, mudra hand gesture and plenty of fresh air and sunlight will help a lot. Juicing cabbage or broccoli should work. Skin brushing should help accelerate the curing process. Avoid stress it can make things worse of course. I am also taking licorice root for my ulcers. my acid reflux and ulcer was very bad but i refused to take meds. If you have any questions give me an email i'll be glad to help. Love peace and light!"

11/29/2006: Mark from Litchfield, CT writes: "While I'm sure there is more than 1 reason anyone might develop acid reflux, I truly believe I have found the most common reason for it.

As most of us know, acid reflux is really nothing more than the acid in our stomach coming up into our esophagus. There is a diaphragm that sits just above the stomach and surrounds the esophagus, and it's sole purpose is to tighten-up around the esophagus when necessary to prevent this very thing we call acid reflux. More on this later.

About 5 years ago I started getting numerous digestive/intestinal problems, such as bloating, cramps, and fluctuating from diarrhea to constipation on a regular basis. I tried many things, including apple cider vinegar, but nothing worked, so I went to a homeopathic doctor who prescribed large amounts of Acidophilus. 1 week after taking it I suddenly developed acid reflux, which stayed with me ever since. Then I came across another homeopathic doctor who, after giving me certain tests, told me I had Candida.
I have since studied much about this disease, and it is quite disturbing how we get it, how many diseases it is responsible for, and how more & more of us are getting it every year.

Candida, simply put, is an overgrowth of yeast throughout our bodies. We all have yeast in our digestive system, along with Lactobacillus, which is a good bacteria that feeds off of the yeast, keeping it under control. Antibiotics will kill the Lactobacillus in our bodies, but not the yeast. Once this happens the yeast grows out of control and causes too many health issues to list here.
Acidophilus contains Lactobacillus, which is why many naturalists will prescribe it. However, in cases of Candida, once the yeast is already out ot control, it is useless, if not detrimental. The Lactobacillus Prevents Candida. Once you have this disease you must first get rid of it, then restore your flora/Lactobacillus

But in severe cases the Candida will leave the digestive system and spread into organs such as our lungs, etc. This over growth of yeast will embed itself into the walls of the intestines, causing many digestive problems, and will undoubtedly be one of the culprits for acid reflux. However, many of us have difficulty digesting carbs, and sometimes even protein, due to our bodies not producing the proper enzymes we need in order to digest these foods. I am one of these people. As a result of this, when I eat carbs my abdomen will immediately bloat up. A modern medicinal doctor, and homeopathic doctor, both explained to me the reasons why this sort of thing happens, but I never really understood it. But long story short, my lower abdomen will bloat up after eating carbs during its struggle to digest these foods, and this in turn pushes my stomach upwards, thus forcing it to open the diaphragm more-so, thus allowing acid reflux to occur. My chiropractor, who also studies much about natural cures, was able to adjust/massage the diaphragm, as it sits just below our solar plexus, and this, along with changing my diet, AND ridding the candida which took me just over 1 year to do, has rid my acid reflux permanently.

If the muscle membrane surrounding the diaphragm is torn, which is called a Hiatal Hernia, this too, will allow acid to travel up into the esophagus. In severe cases such as this surgery is necessary, but this is rare. Most of the time it can be cured through non-invasive therapy.
I'd like to note here that most people who have this issue with digesting carbs will end up with Candida. Please take the time to read up about this disease, and don't just buy the first product you see for curing it. To rid it permanently will take a minimum of 6 months to 1 year. Since Candida feeds off of carbs you need to go on an Atkins-like diet to starve it while you kill it. Staying away from antibiotics is very important to prevent getting this disease, but if its necessary to take one you must take an anti-fungis-like product, like Caprylic Acid to prevent the yeast from growing out of control while on the antibiotic. However since antibiotics are found in so much of our foods, while we ingest these foods every day we are gradually killing the good bacteria in our bodies which inevitably brings on Candida. Organic food is a must for truly good health. I hope this helps. Good luck!"

Armed with this information....the more I thought about the sudden problem I had developed with acid reflux, the more I thought it must be related to a bacteria problem (either not enough good or too much bad). Since I try to eat a healthy diet, I could not see why I would suddenly develop this "disease". Therefore, I banked on the idea that ibuprofen was probably destroying the good bacteria which allowed the bad bacteria to attack the esophagus. I have to say, I have stopped taking pain pills except on rare occasions. I started exercising (biking) and my knee is now 80% better than it was before. One other new fact that has just come out about ibuprofen is that it also inhibits muscles from strengthening. I heard about this through a friend - I believe one of the universities did a study with athletes and they discovered this about the athletes who took ibuprofen either before, during or after training."

10/05/2006: Anonymous writes: "GERD can be a symptom of hyperparathyroidism. See parathyroid.com for more info."

08/20/2006: Lisa from Santa Clarita, CA writes: "I've been getting heartburn since I was 11 or 12. Many misdiagnoses and 30 years later, I found out that I had ACHALASIA. This is a condition where the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) does not properly relax and open to allow food/liquid to pass into the stomach. The pain is unbelievable and sipping ice water slowly was the best solution most of the time. I was probably born this way; don't know if it's true for everyone. I've had several medical/surgical procedures. The best was one that "tore" open the LES muscle so food can pass through to my stomach. It doesn't last forever, but with experimentation and avoiding foods that get "stuck," I get along just fine. I'm so grateful to the doctor that finally gave me the barium swallow and diagnosed my condition!"