OLIVES

[YEA]  07/25/2007: Dawn from East Bay Area, California writes: "I just read on this site that drinking some of the juice from a jar of pickles might help get rid of my acid reflux. I checked the fridge, and the closest thing I could find was a jar of Cocktail Olives (the green ones that are stuffed). I had a couple small sips of its juice. At first things felt like they were getting worse. I then had a sip of water, and in less than a minute I was feeling better. Not cured, but at least better."

[YEA]  02/06/2007: David from Annapolis, Maryland writes: "Great page. Thank you all. Along with ACV recipe #2, I would like to add that I have found Olives to be excellent against reflux and easier than pickle juice to swallow. They are PH neutral and some brands contain Sodium Alginate in the brine. Can anyone out there elaborate more on Sodium Alginate? From what I've read it sounds like studies are finding conclusive advantages. Along with apples and olives, other diet changes include a switch to snacking on almonds, raisins and Green tea with maple syrup."

ORANGE PEEL EXTRACT

[YEA]  01/28/2006: Jake from Tampa, Florida writes: "I have been suffering from heartburn for many years. I've been taking different medicines and found no relief. Just lots of medical bills and switching from Prevacid to Nexium to Prilosec and drinking lots of Maalox. I found online that Orange Peel Extract can cure heartburn. I was skeptical, but I decided to try it anyway. After using the second softgel tablet I felt total relief from heartburn. I thought it was an absolute miracle! For about six months I didn't have any heartburn! My old doctor did approve of herbal medicines but my new doctor doesn't. I have to take their medicines again and I feel miserable everyday. I don't eat regularly like I was. That's all those medicines do is cover the problem up, but your body counters the medicine by producing more acid. Prolonged use of meds can lead to cancer. Orange Peel Extract actually prevents certain cancers. I am planning on changing doctors soon and going back to Orange Peel Extract."

OTC

[WARNING!]  07/17/2008: Doris from San Antonio, Tx. writes: "I have certainly enjoyed reading the comments. Just warning on taking Nexum for long periods of time. I have suffered Acid Reflux for years and was prescribed Nexum and the Doctor never took me off it. Well I have a new Doctor and I told her how I had been having Pain in my Hip joints seemed like where the ball of it is. She then told me that was one of the side effects of Nexum on bones. So we decided it was best to get off of it. Tried Zantac and by the 3rd day I returned to Nexum. Well now I'm about to take the ACV challenge! After so many years of abusing Aspirin etc. for Migraines that was the effect on my stomach, esophogus was Acid Reflux. My daughter and friend suggested ACV and so will let you all know how it helps."

[WARNING!]  04/15/2008: Mike from Madison, WI writes: "Hi, I've tried sooo many things: All brands of antacid tablets, prescription Prilosec and Protonix, all brands of OTC acid reducers, Bismuth products, etc, etc. I will probably try many of the things I have read about here, however, that said, I and all of us sufferers must first stop the serious and deadly esophagus and throat damage IMMEDIATELY. We must use gravity to our advantage for a change instead of our worst enemy. This damage is not an issue as we go through our day in an upright position. All the damage is being done every hour we lay flat and sleep. All that acid lays in our esophagus and throat eating away at and destroying our precious membranes. Purchase one of those steep wedge type pillows or [if you're wealthy] a bed that will allow you crank up the head end. That will keep the acid in the stomach where it belongs allowing the membranes a chance to heal. Remember, the throat and esophagus was NEVER intended by natural design to have any regular contact with stomach acid. This is very serious and urgent for those of us whose stomach valves are damaged or defective. I've read reference to stomach acid "seeping" back into the esophagus. Mine doesn't seep; it FLOWS. Heck, if I bend over quickly to pick something up, I can get a mouthfull of vomit! Nice huh? Anyway, my point here is to make gravity your friend and stop letting stomach acid eat away all night at your delicate membranes. Get yourself upright as much as possible FIRST then start experimenting with the "cures". Good luck to all of us. Mike"

[YEA]  04/03/2008: Lida from Mahnomen, MN writes: "I have chronic gerd and also am allergic to iodine. I use digest advantage for lactose intolerance an OTC in small amounts whenever my stomach acts up. I also take benadryl in very small amounts an hour or so after the digest advantage. It works miracles for me. I tried so many other meds that only worked temporarily and caused soo many discomforts. I am back to eating and drinking whatever I wish mostly."

[WARNING!]  03/30/2008: Mary from Atalissa, Iowa writes: "FOR THOSE WHO THINK THAT NEUTRALIZING YOUR STOMACH IS THE WAY TO GO THINK BACK TO WHEN YOUR STOMACH PROBLEMS STARTED.DID IT SEEM TO GET WORSE THE MORE YOU TOOK ANTACIDS YOUR STOMACH ACID IS FAR MORE ACIDIC THAN ANYTHING YOU ARE GOING TO DIGEST. NUETRALIZING THE STOMACH ACID INTERFERS WITH YOUR BODIES NATURAL PH, EVERY TIME YOU TAKE A ANTACID YOUR PERPETUATING THE PROBLEM. IF MILK DOES NOT WORK AND TAKING PILLS EVERY DAY FOR YEARS DOES NOT HELP, WHAT DOES THAT PROVE? THAT YEARS OF NEUTRALIZING STOMACH ACID DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE MARKET IS FULL OF OVER THE COUNTER ANTACIDS IF THESE CURED YOU, YOU WOULD NOT NEED TO TAKE THEM EVERY DAY, SURE THEY NEUTRALIZE STOMACH ACID BUT IF THE INDUSTRY CURED EVERYONE'S ACID PROBLEMS THEY WOULD NOT HAVE A MARKET ANY LONGER. IS THAT NOT WHAT THEY ARE, MARKETING A PRODUCT TO MAKE MONEY. I HAD BEEN ON MEDICINES FOR TEN YEARS, CHANGED MY DIET EVERYTHING YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DO. IT ONLY GOT WORSE. ONLY AFTER TAKING KOMBUCHA TEA AND ACV DID I RELIEVE MY HEART BURN AND ACID REFLUX I HAVE BEEN OFF ANY MEDICINE FOR NINE MONTHS. I CAN DRINK A LITTLE BEFORE A SPICY MEAL AND NOT HAVE A LICK OF HEART BURN."

[WARNING!]  01/07/2008: Mary from British Columbia, Canada writes: "For about a year I have been bothered periodically by acid reflux. In December 2007, it traumatized my throat and I was having trouble swallowing vitamin pills. The doctor urged me to take Pantaloc. I took one pill and within a day developed erythema nodosum with excruciatingly painful joints and red blotches all over my lower legs. The doctor tested for all other causes, but it was likely an allergic reaction to the sulfur in the drug. Ironically I took Ibuprofen for the joint pain which only made the acid reflux worse. I also now notice that I have developed vertical ridges on my nails and loss of the white half moon on all but the thumbs. The Internet tells me that this is due to a B12 deficiency due to use of antacids. Do a search on "B12 Antacids nail ridges" to read about the potential adverse effects (memory loss, etc). I immediately swore off antacids (even Tums) and went hunting online for natural acid reflux remedies and found your great site. Yesterday I used ACV in water and it cleared up the reflux almost immediately. I will be purchasing the organic today. MANY THANKS!"

[WARNING!]  01/01/2008: Scott from Atlanta, GA writes: "I have had acid reflux for several years now. I was on a prescription for Prilosec before it was OTC. Usually only took a pill when I felt the reflux coming on strong. Over time, it has gotten worse with many reflux attacks daily. Two months ago, I started taking Prilosec OTC every day to see if I could fend it off. It worked great and I rarely felt any reflux all day long. Then, I had three violent episodes of Vertigo....which is similar to being spun around while you are violently seasick and stays like that for about 5 hours. Turns out this is rare but known side-effect of Prilosec. Needless to say, I'm off it now. I am relying on Pepsid AC now which works great but only last for a few hours and gets expensive. I'm planning to try the ACV next."

[YEA]  09/12/2007: Rose from Philadelphia, PA writes: "I have had esophageal spasms on and off for 7 years. Diag. with reflux and put on Nexium. Nexium caused many side effects including urinary tract infection due to change in pH (suppression of acid). No help from Nexium. Found OTC meds for asthma containing expectorant and ephedra. Taking only small amounts (1/4-1/2 pill) was enough to quiet spasms and reduce mucous production. Be careful of ephedra, however, since it can increase BP. The small amount doesn't seem to add to BP, though. The docs do give nitroglyerine for spasms, but this works just as well. (incidentally, that feeling of "choking" is the esophagus spasming.) Have heard digestive anzymes with Betaine HCl will help reflux (probably same mechanism as ACV). Hope these suggestions help others."

[WARNING!]  07/08/2007: Terri from Carmel, Indiana writes: "I have suffered from Acid Reflux for years and took the "purple pill", which helped my symptoms most of the time. In May, I was rushed to the ER with horrific stomach pains. After a colonoscopy, upper GI, barrage of blood work, it was discovered that I had pancreatitis. Very strange since I don't fit the profile for the disease (don't drink, gallbladder removed, healthy diet). My chiropractor told me to research the purple pill and imagine my shock when the possible side effects of the pill was PANCREATITIS - of which there is no cure!! I immediately went off the pill and found your site while looking for a cure for the acid reflux. I am hoping the ACV works! If anyone is on the purple pill, BEWARE."

PAPAYA

[YEA]  01/07/2008: John from Slana, Alaska writes: "I just wanted to share the cure for Acid Reflux with y'all. I suffered with Acid Reflux for years; I couldn't drink a glass of water without an attack, until I tried the following method.

On a daily basis take a couple Papaya Enzyme tablets and a Fenugreek capsule with each meal; and once a day drink a 16oz fruit smoothy w/Aloe Vera juice replacing 2/3s the apple juice used to make the smoothy. Within three days, my reflux was gone. Within two weeks I was eating anything I wanted with no reflux at all. I haven't had Acid Reflux since then (four years.)

P.S. I'm the kind of guy who enjoys a bowl of chili at midnight; this cure works."

[YEA]  04/03/2007: Jorge from New York , US writes: "There was time when acid reflux took over my life and literally I end up sitting in the back of an ambulance rushed to a nearest hospital for breathing problems due to acid reflux. One time a friend of mine suggested aloe vera and papaya and thanks to that I in a matter of days all my symptoms entirely disappeared. If you are suffering from acid reflux on a very severe case like I did, you might want to consider this other option. So here is the magic recipe:

1 leaf aloe Vera
1 papaya (ripe)
2 cups Orange Juice
and ice.

So the whole thing is basically prepared as a really healthy smoothie. cut two inches of the aloe vera lea and scoop the gel from inside into the blender (DO NOT USE THE GREEN LEAF ONLY THE GEL) Then cut a slide or two of the beautiful ripe papaya into the blender add orange juice and enough ice so the whole mixture will take the smoothie consistency. Drink two or three times a week and the results can be seen almost immediately. If aloe Vera cures severe second degree burns imagine how great will do inside your stomach. I was reading about the properties of these two amazing "titana" yes that's how I call aloe Vera and Papaya. Papaya has a an enzyme that also helps digestion but combined with aloe vera is like having Superman and Batman at your call. Good luck"

[YEA]  01/17/2007: Ted from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I achieved instant relief from acid reflux and all indigestion in the Philippines. The small papayas, even a small slice, would do it. Some of the small Papayas from Hawaii are good but the Mexican variety we get in L. A. will not work."

PEARS

[YEA]  09/02/2006: Joanne from Littleton, MA writes: "One night after being awaken by a throat full of "acid", I decided to try eating a pear to cool down my burning throat and discovered that eating just a few bits, I know longer felt any burning or pain."

PEPPERMINT

PETAI (STINK BEAN)

PICKLE JUICE

[YEA]  01/30/2010: Janie Y from Mattoon, Illinois writes: "I have been suffering from Gerd for years. There are some foods that really irritate it the most. I find that by leaving the caffeine (anything chocolatey!), and tomatoes(the red ones as the yellow ones seem ok and aren't that bothersome) alone, I am fine for the most part and seem to suffer less. But, oh how I love to eat them both! Thank goodness I have discovered (because of your website) pickles/pickle juice and anything pickled! When I feel the Gerd coming on (because I am only human and vulnerable to these temptations,I have slipped and eaten those things to which I shouldn't have and thus pay the price),and... that is when I will grab a pickle slice or two. I also like pickled asparagus spears/pickled cauliflower, pickled beets, etc.(most of these are found at our local health food store. These things seem to really do the trick and with-in seconds after gobbling a few of these up, wa-la the Gerd has disappeared! I also drink a tab bit of the juice as well. Maybe a couple tablespoons full. Anways, thank you for your website and for everyone who contributes."

[YEA]  12/08/2009: Toni2201 from Detroit, Mi writes: "For the past three nights i have woken up at around 2am on the dot, with a burning sensation in my throat, i know something was up, so i stumbled upon this website, and the pickle juice remedy.

I love pickles and the juice that is left after they are gone, so i easily downed about half a cup, and almost immediately i felt relieved, i feel nothing in my throat right now, and i can go back to sleep now...thanks for the wonderful remedy, now im gonna go give my wife a nice big pickle juice breath remedy kiss..i hope she enjoys..."