Table of Contents
CURE ACID REFLUX
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
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 of 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!"
03/22/2009: Kate from Stafford, UK replies: "Hi Mark from Lichfield..
I think your post was fantastic- it's what i suspected myself and i've been looking for some reassurance that my GERD will be cured when i've rid myself of candida.
I've been a victim of daily heartburn for over a year follwing a very long course of antibiotics, and i strongly agree with what you say- i;ve been trying to find this link between candida and GERD for such a long time to put my mind at rest!
I've been on theh candida diet for about two months, and have started to feel better, but not enough yet- i still get heartburn in the evening, and all the info i find tells me this is incurable and i need conventional medicine which i don't want! I'm only 20 years old, and i feel that PPIs could cause me some serious problems - I want to restore my body to the way it was without lifelong drug prescriptions or surgery!
So i'd just like to know, how long did it take you to get better? are you completely free of heartburn? was it a gradual process? can you get away with eating some carbs these days? Is it all back to normal??!!
I'd be most grateful if you could put my mind at rest and tell me this will eventually sort itself out if i maintain my willpower for long enough!
Thank you for your great post :)
Kate"
04/14/2009: Johnny from London, Ontario, Canada replies: "read your comments re: hiatal hernia on another website . .. you were dead on regarding stressed diaphram & psoas & quadratus laborum being stressed . . found a chiro to massage these aeas & all acid indigestiong diappeared . . he was conviced all of this was primarily a back injury causing weakness in diaphram .. . he aleady knew all this but your website put me on the right track! you need a seasoned chiro: mine is 30 years of experience trained in applied kinesology so he found the site of weakness very quickly! thank you so much for this invaluable info."
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11/18/2006: Rosemary from Trenton, NJ writes: "I had acid reflux (see my posted message from March, 2006). I am finally getting back to you with what did finally cure me. The apple cider vinegar I tried did not work. What did work was eating a good quality yogurt several times a day along with two acidophilus/bifodophilus capsules with a high bacterial count. I took the capsules 3 times a day with each meal. I did this for 3 weeks straight. That is how long it took for the symptoms of acid reflux to totally subside. The yogurt was very cooling and it contains a lot of good bacteria. I ate a cup in the morning, then I had a half a cup after lunch and after dinner. During the day, I would take a tablespoon full periodically to help cool the throat. I had good results after one week, but it did not totally subside until the end of the 3 weeks.
I came to the conclusion by putting together these two known facts.
(1) Stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria and many people with stomach ulcers are aspirin users.
(2) Antibiotics cause diarrhea because it destroys the good bacteria in the intestines. All one needs to do is to take acidophilus during and after taking taking antibiotics to avoid diarrhea and loose bowel problems.
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."
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10/05/2006: Anonymous writes: "GERD can be a symptom of hyperparathyroidism. See parathyroid.com for more info."
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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!"
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08/09/2006: Holly from Madison, WI writes: "I wanted to comment on the causes of such a rise in cases of Acid Reflex & GERD in the US. I'm a Massage Therapist and in my training this was discussed. We have become such a fast paced and stressed society it is no wonder we suffer from disorders like these. Here are a few of the possible reasons:
1) Diet & the way we eat: Fast food fits into our fast paced culture. This means we eat lots of fat & sugar. We eat this quite often on the go, in the car, in front of the tv & usually quickly. This affects our digestion & when we eat leaning forward the stomach is pushed up into the top of the diaphragm
2) Drugs: Americans take more medication then ever and this takes a toll. Many medications cause additional stomach acid to be produced.
3) Stress Combine the first two with stress and you have a troubled digestive system and lots of acid. There are always those who suffer from these disorders for other reasons but I believe this is one more symptom of an over-stressed lifestyle."
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04/02/2006: Mike from Levittown, PA writes: "My comment is a theory for why GERD is so prevalent. GERD is related to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) the symptoms are similar. There has been a lot research showing that fluoride is a major contributing factor to IBS and GERD. If you look at about when people started having problems with GERD and IBS in this country you will find it about 30 years ago when fluoride was introduced into the water supply in many states. It's ubiquitous because we not only get in our water but it is in the air and in the food we eat. Also, it's in the toothpaste that most people use. We are inundated with it and it is VERY toxic! There is a website that has a lot of information about it: http://www.fluoridealert.org/
Good reading! Thanks for listening, Mike."
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03/30/2006: Rosemary from Trenton, NJ writes: "I just started getting acid reflux and have been awakened in my sleep from it (twice so far) and I've never had a digestive problem before. So it was quite baffling. I just started taking ibuprofen regularly to combat the pain in an arthritic knee. Funny that this is the only change in my diet and all of a sudden I have acid reflux. Well, it turns out that ibuprofen will do havoc on your digestive system. So, I will try the apple cider vinegar cure. But, wanted to make sure everyone with this problem is warned that there is a likelihood that their acid reflux problem may be related to taking medications such as ibuprofen. I am hopeful that stopping the pain medication and drinking the ACV will fix the problem."
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11/18/2005: Jeffrey from Leeds, Yorkshire, England writes: "re acv the pharmaceutical companies do not want the public to know what is the main cause of acid reflux ie the low level of acid in the stomach. The annual profits on prescribed/over the counter antacids must run into many millions of pounds for the drug companies. I just hope many more people like me find your fantastic website."
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Norm Robillard from Thousand Oaks CA writes: "Hi, until now, tums, and PPI / H2 blocker meds were the main way to treat heartburn. With all the side effects and health risks (double the chance of pneumonia, for instance) many people are looking for alternatives. The meds reduce acid but don't stop the reflux that contains other stomach and intestinal enzymes that can damage the esophagus. I recently completed a book called "Heartburn Cured The Low Carb Miracle" on the root cause of GERD. My theory (I am a microbiologist) is that reflux is caused by gas pressure in the intestines caused by microbes that produce gas from carbs. The gas creates pressure pushing the LES open thus causing reflux. Consuming excess carbs provides the fuel for your own gut microbes. These same microbes (mostly bacteria) produce little or now gas from fats and proteins. Controlling carbs stops reflux so you are treating the root cause of GERD thus completely stopping reflux and heartburn symptoms. I have found much evidence supporting this theory and talked to many people who found complete relief after trying my approach. Give this approach a try."
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Falcon from Mariposa, CA writes: "Re the Acid reflux problem: I took an Iridologist class with Dr. Bernard Jenson and we learned that the problem is not too much acid but low acid. Which we could verify by reading the fibers of the eyes. So the pharmaceutical co.s making a killing selling the purple pill as a cure are totally misleading the public. The purple pill turns off acid pumps and if anything make it worse. That the purple pill cures the damage done to the esophagus may be partially true in that one does not have any acid in the stomach to break down the proteins. But one wonders what the long term effect of sending partially broken down proteins through ones digestive system. Another cure we recommended after determining the persons problem was truly not high acid but low acid, was to recommend they take plant HCL (hydrocloric acid) and they can test it themselves. With a high protein meal at first take one see how it works for them then 2, and keep upping the amount until they learn what their system needs.
Another easy cure it to avoid eating heavy meals especially high protein meals at end of day when you are tired. It is the tiredness that causes the sphincter muscles to relax conserving energy that is the cause of acid reflux. So when one is tired and lays down to sleep the acid then can slosh out of the stomach into the esophagus, so they end up with what we call heart burn. Not of course tis the burning by ones acid in the stomach of the esophagus.
Sincerely Yours,
Falcon"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/04/2008: Max from Tuxedo Park, NY writes: "a good red wine for acid reflux cure
Ok.....i just spent the last 6 hrs battling a severe case of acid reflux....i might deal with this 2 to 3 times a year, but this was the absolute worst....i actually thought it could be a heart attack so obviously that didn't help matters....i was popping pepsid and tums and downing bottled water to no avail....checked your website but had no applecider vinegar or baking soda. No way did i think red wine would do me any good, but i wanted to calm my mind so i poured two big glasses, drank them rather quickly about an hour ago....and its all gone...back to feeling myself again. Maybe someone could tell me scientifically how this could be?"
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2 YEA
[YEA] 03/29/2007: Franklin from Snead, AL writes: "I had terrible acid reflux and was afraid of getting esophagus cancer. My acid reflux was so bad my throat would swell. Twice daily, drink one fourth cup of redwine vinegar in three fourths glass of water until well and repeat if acid reflux returns. Give God the glory. I'm totally free of acid reflux."
[YEA] 11/19/2009: Jay from Philly, Pa replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar has been my acid reflux/GERD cure of choice recently as it has really seemed to help more than any medicine's I've tried. I ran out of Apple Cider Vinegar and searched to see if Red Wine Vinegar had the same sort of benefits. I saw a few people on here said it worked, so I figured I would give it a try. Sure enough, 2 teaspoons in about 2 cups of water did the trick like magic.
The scientific explanation:
The acid in the vinegar aides the digestive process. Stomachs can sometime produce too much acid. However, more likely someone's stomach with GERD or chronic acid reflux actually produces not enough acid or too much alkaline.
The acid from the vinegar helps digest and process the remnants of food that hasn't been able to be digested naturally.
I like to think of my stomach as a mini-science experiment. Taking extraordinary amounts of TUMS or acid reduction medicine to remedy the solution is usually short term. Although it's sometime painful, in the long run it's better to find something like vinegar or other natural remedy that isn't harmful to your body that you can take on a daily basis."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/19/2008: Gislain from Phoenix, AZ writes: "Stress was cause of my Acid Reflux:
3 weeks ago today after lunch at work, I had experienced some acid reflux pain. It was beyond heartburn and made me concerned. I wasn't sure why I was having this so I researched online. The cause: Not digesting my food properly.
So I spent money on digestive enzymes and stress reduction supplements - $50. Then I returned the next morning buying a Chinese herbal remedy supplement - $30. After not sleeping still from the pain at night, I decided to see the doctor and get a prescription for Prevacid - $25. I tested my ph and it was 5.5 so I bought a body ph reduction supplement - $25. Then another supplement - $20. All of this with no relief.
Finally, I tried Apple Cider Vinegar which helped ($4) and allowed me to sleep at night, but during the day and in the evenings, the suffering continued. I couldn't eat this and can't eat that. I overall dropped 10 pounds in almost 3 weeks. I was convinced I had an ulcer or maybe CANCER!
Finally after consulting with family and self-evaluation and insufficient funds at the bank, I found the root-cause of my Acid Reflux - Stress and Worrying!!! I tried relaxation techniques and positive thinking, and last night at dinner, I ate a veggie burger with a WHEAT bun and salad with RANCH DRESSING and FRIED SHRIMP and HOT SOUP and had almost zero problems afterwards. Today, I have had no Apple Cider Vinegar and the stress is down. My Acid Reflux is so much better and is improving. My esophagus is so imflammed still and will need time to fully heal. But in my case, my Stress and Worry caused my problem. Before you decide that you are stuck with Acid Reflux forever, try relaxing first. That may be your problem - Stress!!
I was having stress at work and tend to be a worry-wart at heart. I am my mother's child. She died of pancreatic cancer at age 51. She was under constant stress all her life. I'll be 25 next month and plan on living a long time. Stress will not kill me!
Also, another important thing too is to be calm when I eat. That makes such a big difference!"
11/01/2008: Ali from Portland, OR USA replies: "Ref: Posting of 05/19/2008: Gislain from Phoenix, AZ
You are absolutely correct. Stress can certainly cause acid reflux. Then the person is told to take PPI's or H2 Blockers. The next thing they know they're on med's for life. Avoid worry and stress. Don't get over weight (if you are lose weight), eat right (smaller portions and healthy). Avoid all medications that can cause reflux (and there is a lot of them out there, prescription and OTC). Lastly, practice relaxful breathing, close your eyes and envision a calm place."
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1 QUESTION
10/18/2009: Rchard North from Hanover, Pa writes: "I could use some additional information on the subject of LERD if anyone would be kind enough to respond. I have the "global sensation" thing going on in the back of my throat and can't get rid of it. The ENT says I have a benign lesion on my left aretynoid. I was operated on once to have it removed and it came back within 4 months. I have done ACV, royal jelly, raw honey, pottasium citrate, and modified my diet to remove coffee, soda, and any other acidic thing that would aggravate any condition. I have no symptoms of acid whatsoever and never have. I can eat red peppers before bedtime and sleep great. I don't do that though. I elevated the bed 6 inches also in an effort to alleviate nightime acid possibilities. The ENT seems dumb as a stone with this. He has no cause or definitive diagnosis. He has the attitude of "let's cut this out, here, take this". Maybe I will try Aloe? Maybe probiotics? Maybe betaine HCL? I don't know at this point. What I do know is I would like to avoid the scalpel again. ANY SUGGESTIONS PEOPLE? HELP ME OUT HERE. THANKS."
EC: LERD = Laryngopharangeal reflux disease
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[QUESTION] 08/04/2009: Do Dah from Des Moines, Iowa writes: "2 years ago I had a medical emergency that required me to have a breathing tube down my throat. I have had what I thought was heart burn for several years and have taken antacids to calm it. When the breathing tube was removed, I felt my esophogas was irritated. Even natural breathing would make my throat burn. After that incident, my heartburn was more severe and I seem to have more reflux. I also have more issues with phlegm. My doctor has dismissed it as gerd and prescribed a prescription antacid. I feel like there needs to be some healing that needs to happen and this prescription doesn't do it. I have added cabbage to my diet and am going to try and juice some. I get very frightened when I wake up at night with that breathtaking gerd in my throat. Help?"
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1 YEA
03/12/2009: Brian from Campbellsvile, KY writes: "Salt & Vinegar potato chips? I don't have acid reflux but I've noticed testimonials about ACV or Vinegar + Baking Soda. ACV or Vinegar are both forms of acetic acid. Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate, I don't want to bore everyone with a lot of chemistry mumbo jumbo so I'll get to the point. When you mix the two (acetic acid + sodium bicarbonate) you get sodium acetate which is the same thing used to flavor Salt & Vinegar potato chips. I thought someone might be interested in trying the chips as a junkfood junkie cure."
[YEA] 11/12/2009: Lukki7 from Ajax, Ontario replies: "Yep I have tried salt and vinegar potato chips and they worked quite nicely"
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2 YEA
[YEA] 11/17/2008: Linda from Dayton, Ohio writes: "I noticed that saurkraut had not been mentioned for relief of acid reflux. I know that lots of german delis serve this with their meals....The fermentation of the kraut is really good for the digestive system...really helpful to decrease acid reflux."
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[YEA] 09/01/2008: Anne from Detroit, MI, USA writes: "I was reading over natural cures for Acid Reflux, or GERD, and noticed no one mentioned sauerkraut. I have been using this and it does work wonders. I used to get pains like aliens eating through my body from the GERD, and the sauerkraut has helped immensely. I don't like the taste of it, so I'm going to try a few things mentioned on this site. 2 tblsp sauerkraut 2x daily helps clear the nausea and pain for me."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/24/2007: Bob from Moscow, PA writes: "The water cure has helped countless people quickly get rid of acid reflux and without cost. The full info is on www.watercure2. org. Read the complete recipe. All that is required is to quit caffeine & alcohol while drinking half your body weight in ounces of water along with 1/4 tsp. of salt, preferably unprocessed sea salt per day and the acid problem should be gone in a few days. 2 glasses of water with a pinch of salt in most cases will quickly stop acid reflux discomfort. Anyone not quickly cured, just email me. All we ask is that you in turn pass it on to others. Bob"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/27/2008: Gene from Fort Worth, TX writes: "I have always slept on my right side and the other night I read on the internet that acid reflux sufferers should sleep on their left side. I was looking for relief as I hadn't slept through the night in a long time so I gave it a try. It helped!. I've slept on my left side for two nights now and actually slept through the entire night both times. Second day, I also had less trouble during the day with the acid reflux."
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4 YEA
[YEA] 04/01/2009: Lenore from Chicago, Illinois writes: "My husband had a bad case of acid reflux for years and I found out about Slippery Elm Bark tea. I made him a cup of it and he drank it down and has not been bothered with it for months.Slippery elm bark tea is said to soothe and heal anything it comes in contact with and is very nourishing. The tea is reputed to stay in a sore and ulcerated stomach where nothing else can and can be purchased in powdered for at any health food store. By the way I love your website and told a friend about using ginger while undergoing chemo. He now thinks I am a genius and said it works so well that he can eat again and is gaining weight."
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[YEA] 04/09/2008: Cris from Sydney, Australia writes: "Hi! I have tried different remedies to help me with my acid reflux due to my hiatus hernia and 1 tsp. of slippery elm powder mixed with water works for me. It coats the esophagus and helps with the burning behind the throat and acid tongue feeling. I can pretty much eat anything but when I take slippery elm but of course, I try to eat healthier foods most of the time."
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[YEA] 09/04/2007: Kathleen from New York, NY writes: "Acid Reflux - Slippery Elm -- Cured my acid reflux after trying everything for a year. A herbalist in my neighborhood said get a bottle of water and put 2 Tablespoons of powered slippery elm in it and sip it all day long. Also, the Thayer's Slippery-Elm lozenges -- you can let one after the other dissolve and always at night when I go to bed (and during the night). Put more slippery elm powder in a little water and drink it straight, after meals -- it will be a little thick, but it absolutely works."
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[YEA] 02/06/2007: Diane from Minster nr Ramsgate, UK writes: "I would like to recommend pure slippery elm powder (not slippery elm food which has flour in it) to help with acid reflux. Slippery elm when made up into a milkshake type drink (see tip at end of this for making it up without lumps!) has soothing properties, lines as it goes down, and is also nutritional. My children used to have slippery elm mixed with fruit such as stewed apple or apricots or banana as a cereal when they were bubbies. They loved it. Anyway, re: acid reflux - it will not instantly make it go away but will help soothe some of the symptoms and calm the volcanic eruptions a bit if drunk fairly frequently, especially when one has the symptoms of heartburn or sore throat etc. I think used in conjunction with yoghurt (or even better pre and pro biotic capsules) and the apple cider remedy, as well as of course changes to ways of living, it would be very good. I cannot say it will be as I have not tried the ACV remedy yet - but I intend to! My husband has ulcerative colitis and drinking slippery elm has really helped him as well as natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric, taking pre and pro biotics, and taking flaxseed oil. Has anyone tried ACV for ulcerative colitis btw? Oh before I forget...I said I would give a tip for making up slippery elm without the lumps. This is how my hubby and I do it: Put two heaped teaspoonfuls of slippery elm in a mug. Bring kettle to boil but before pouring into mug, put a covering of cold water over the powder in the mug. DO NOT STIR yet though but stir as you are pouring in the hot water. Leave some room at the top for adding milk (we use soya milk btw as this suits my husband's UC more, but other types of milk are ok if you can drink them). Diane :-)"
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1 YEA
[YEA] Belinda from Chico, CA writes: "I started drinking soy milk and it helps with my Acid Reflex and heartburn. I will try the vinegar."
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