Acid Reflux
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

| Modified on Mar 03, 2024
Apple Cider Vinegar

Acid reflux, characterized by discomfort and heartburn, can disrupt daily activities and sleep. Yet, effective natural remedies provide immediate and long-term relief. Discover apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and other solutions for easing your symptoms.

Understanding Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents rise into the esophagus, causing a sour or acidic taste. This happens when food mixes with acidic digestive juices.

Instant Acid Reflux Relief

Your kitchen may already hold these simple remedies, which are the most effective according to Earth Clinic readers:

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Although apple cider vinegar is acidic, it surprisingly helps in digestion and stabilizes stomach pH, quickly easing acid reflux symptoms. Over 300 Earth Clinic readers have successfully treated their acid reflux with apple cider vinegar.
  2. Baking Soda: A half teaspoon in water neutralizes stomach and throat acid.
  3. Pickle Juice: Its vinegar content similarly soothes acid reflux.
  4. Apples: Eating an apple can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Apples are known for their natural antacid properties, making them a soothing choice for those suffering from heartburn or acid indigestion.
  5. Mustard: Mustard is another unexpected remedy for acid reflux. It contains vinegar, which helps neutralize stomach acid, and its alkaline properties can aid in soothing the esophagus. A teaspoon of mustard can provide quick relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Preventing Acid Reflux

Preventive natural remedies can be equally effective:

  1. Probiotics: Foods and supplements with probiotics aid digestion and reduce acid reflux incidents.
  2. Digestive Enzymes: Supplementing with enzymes helps proper food digestion, preventing reflux.
  3. Aloe: Regular consumption of aloe juice or supplements improves digestion.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Acid Reflux

Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce acid reflux:

  1. Weight Loss: Reducing body weight decreases reflux episodes.
  2. Avoid Late Meals: Eating early prevents reflux during sleep.
  3. Increased Hydration: Proper hydration with water mixed with a bit of sea salt helps prevent reflux.

Diet Tips for Managing Acid Reflux

Modify your diet to manage acid reflux better. Limit acidic fruits, fatty foods, and caffeine. Include ginger, oatmeal, and lean meats for a balanced diet that soothes your stomach.

The Role of Stress in Acid Reflux

Stress can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, and regular exercise to maintain digestive health.

Understanding the Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Know the signs: heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Identifying these symptoms early can help in managing your condition more effectively.

When to Consult a Doctor for Acid Reflux

Seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms. Doctors can offer treatment options tailored to your needs.

Medications vs. Natural Remedies

While medications offer quick relief, they may have side effects. Natural remedies provide a safer alternative for long-term health.

Seeking Medical Attention: When Is It Necessary?

In cases of severe symptoms, especially those mimicking heart issues, immediate medical attention is crucial. Regular bouts of acid reflux might indicate a more serious condition.

Share Your Experience

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies worked the best for our readers with acid reflux and let us know which remedies helped you!




Acidophilus

9 User Reviews
5 star (8) 
  89%
1 star (1) 
  11%

Posted by Rachael (Chicago, Il) on 12/23/2016
★☆☆☆☆

I tried an acidophilus supplement for the first time in my life, trying to get rid of really bad acid reflux. I am a supplement freak -- but I didn't want to spend lots of money on good bacteria for my insides, when I could just eat yogurt. I fully expected, based on these reviews and my internet searching, that acidophilus would heal the acid reflux. Here I am a month later, still looking for a cure, because the acidophilus did absolutely nothing for me.

Replied by Hema
(Florida)
12/24/2016

Hi Rachel,

This is what I am doing for my acid reflux. I am drinking fennel seed water and black raisin three times a day. I boil fenned seed powder or seed and black raisin at night for 15min and drinking that jucie in the empty stomach. Make again after one hour of lunch and before bed time. It really works for acidity. If you don't like raisin, you can make only fennel seed water and take with honey. It really works. Hopefully it works for you and everyone who is looking for natural way to reduce or cure acid reflux

Replied by Travelwedge
(New York)
01/06/2017

Hi Rachel

Acidophilus alone will not cure acid reflux. First it will help your stomach have a better healthy balance but for most people its not a cure by itself. Second standard yogurt only has a small amount of acidophilus and only 2 or 3 kinds. To make a difference you want a capsule with 15 billion or more from as many different strains.

For many people its not just about the acid in their stomach but also about the lower esophageal sphincter. This is what keeps the acid in your stomach. If that is not working correctly you will never solve your problem completely.

Have you tried sleeping with your head raised?

Replied by Prosperous1
(Va)
01/30/2017

Apple Cider Vinegar is good for acid reflux also, get the one with the 'mother' in it.

Replied by Idow
(Jupiter, Fl)
04/15/2017

Hema, thank you so much for posting about fennel and raisin tea. It helped! Have you been able to cure your acid reflux? And if so, what other natural remedies have you used? I can't seem to tolerate any type of processed food, especially breads and cereals with additives. Thank you so much for your help!

Replied by Cecily
(Nc)
08/14/2017

I noticed at 37 years old that if I ate bread products I got tremendous heartburn. It was so bad I had precancerous cells growing in my throat. I went gluten free and in the three years since being GF I have only had two GERD attacks and I believe it was because something I ate was contaminated with gluten. GERD is an inflammatory reaction, something you are eating is having a negative impact on your body and your body is attempting to attack it to reduce its impact on your body. Try eliminating foods in your diet to find what the culprit is. I am keeping activated charcoal on hand for an accidental contamination.

beverly
(Texas)
04/05/2022

Activated charcoal is good but remember it can cause constipation, so compensate for that.

Replied by Carmel
(Essex, England)
05/26/2022

Most yoghurts are heat treated and then the "live" bacteria is added after. Any that was there before was killed in the process.. Same as vitamin d is added to fish oil capsules etc. You need a few biotics to work, and one month is nowhere near enough anyway. It also depends on when you take them and if you use prebiotics before and during taking them.

Replied by Christina
(TN)
04/07/2023

Have you been checked for H. Pylori? It may be that.


Acidophilus
Posted by Pam5083 (Buchanan, Va) on 05/16/2014
★★★★★

I've been suffering with GERD since my gallbladder surgery. It has been pretty painful at times. I was never able to take the meds for it (too many side affects). The Apple cider vinegar tore my stomach up. My routine is papaya enzyme after each meal and acidophilus at bedtime with chamomile tea. You have to make lifestyle changes too. No caffeine, smoking. I eat to live not live to eat. My meals are simple grilled meats and lots of fruits and vegetables. Processed bread seemed to make it worse so I went to gluten free. I've given up all spices and seasonings and no longer miss them. Switched from whole milk to coconut milk. Exercise is just 30 minutes of walking. Losing weight will help.


Acidophilus
Posted by Sugarpuff (Christchurch, Canterbury) on 05/15/2013
★★★★★

Hi had been suffering from terrible acid reflux. So took the advice on here and brought a Probotic from the chemist. After 3 days no reflux so I just take one everyday and its gone away. So thanks for the great advice.


Acidophilus
Posted by Anonymouscat (La, Ca) on 04/14/2013
★★★★★

I took some parasite medication for a few days on an empty stomach soon I had a burning stomach and esphogas and acid reflux... Feeling I was also having shortness of breath and pressure type of feeling on my chest, My ND gave me probiotics and told me to open the capsules dump the content into a 1/2 glass of water and swish the probiotics powder in my mouth then drink it down. And the ND suggested pt drinking lactose free PLAIN KEFIR no sugar in and within 24 hours I felt a dramatic change, within three days I had zero pain and my symptoms all feel away.


Acidophilus
Posted by James (Hartford, Ct) on 04/03/2013
★★★★★

I take acidophilus every night for its beneficial bacteria. I noticed about a week after I started taking it that I no longer get acid reflux. I take 2 refrigerated pills with a glass of water just before going to bed. Highly recommend this.

Replied by Mckenzie
(Charlotte, NC)
04/06/2013

James, How much acidophilus are you taking per day? How many million or billion CFUs in total?

Is it a single strain or a multi strain probiotic??

Thanks!

Replied by Joy
(La)
11/26/2013

My doctor gave me therelac, and I bought a probiotic that has was in the freezer section that a grocery store it is a organic raw probiotics powder it has 500 billion CfU with 34 strains it has the USDA approval I swear one day they will have gadzillion cfu's My Chinese medicine doctor suggested slippery elm to calm the stomach and fresh ginger in water, body biotics first I had ever heard of it wnt on Amazon and bought the highly rated Broad Spectrum Probioic Prebiotic Powder He told me that our produce is washed and sterilized so many times before it gets to the plate that it is not allowing the body to build the flora it needs. He told me just eat things right out our garden without washing it and allowing the good flora to build up in the system . The oral surgeon, told me he is telling his grandchildren not to use those antibacterial pumps they have in public place, because it disrupts the bodies ability to build up the natural resistance it needs to protect itself. Something to think about it.


Acidophilus
Posted by Ren (New Orleans , La) on 12/25/2008
★★★★★

Probiotics has helped me with my acid reflux tremendously. I take them daily before or after a meal and am very satisfied.


Acidophilus
Posted by Toomba (Kuching, Malaysia) on 05/27/2007
★★★★★

66 percent of cases, a treatment consisting primarily of acidophilus and digestive enzymes will usually do the trick. In Dr. Spreen's words: "Acidophilus supplements (powder form, the liquid tastes awful) protect the oesophagus without killing acid (while killing the pain almost immediately). The hassle is, you have to keep it handy and take it often if you don't solve the whole problem, which involves tightening the gastro oesophageal sphincter. Dr. Spreen describes his treatment as "ridiculously simple and cheap." And while he feels confident that he can stop more than 2/3 of all heartburn and reflux cases.


Acidophilus
Posted by Max (Greene, NY) on 05/20/2007
★★★★★

I have been suffering from acid reflux for many years; I came across your website and tried the pure cherry juice as well as the acidophilus pills. I ran out of the cherry juice and can't comment on how well it worked but I can tell you that the acidophilus has been working; I was taking it at night after my meal and was sleeping without a problem. I'd recently taken a few generic pain relievers and coincidentally or not my acid reflux returned; I'm going to carefully monitor when I take it and how I feel from now on.


Acidophilus
Posted by David (Fort lauderdale, FL) on 05/09/2007
★★★★★

I have only one word.. Probiotics'... After 15 years of taking toxic medications, I found a nutritionist who introduce me to Probiotics... Trust me just find a website that sells this product. I personally take _____. Stop taking those life threntening medication for gastrointestinal problems and try probiotic, you will thank me...I take a few before or after every meal.... You will not be disappointed I promise... Good luck...


Activated Charcoal

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Susanrose (Orange County, Ca) on 06/14/2012
★★★★★

I have tried nearly all of the remedies listed here for Acid Reflux. The only thing that has greatly helped me is a recommendation from a lady at the local vitamin store. I now take Activated Charcoal capsules, 260 mg. I take two at a time, up to 3 times daily. Sometimes 2 capsules per day is enough. It helps tremendously. I was in bad pain nearly all the time, but thank God, now this seems a minor pain.


Acupressure

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Ila (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on 03/14/2009
★★★★★

Hi All, Would like to share a trick I use when I get acid reflux at night and have no ACV or other remedy at hand. Fluff up your pillow, get into bed and roll over onto your LEFT SIDE, make a fist and press into the hollow area at centre of chest just under your rib cage, and above the stomach. If you use enough pressure, you should feel relief within a minute or two, it works almost immediately for me. I hope it may work for others also. Never sleep on your right side, as it tends to make the reflux worse. It is very difficult for me to get ACV down my throat ,as I dislike it so much, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. I managed to get it down mixed with some water a few times so I know it works for acid reflux. Now I just sip a little pickle juice but I don't recommend this for others because of the salt content,Thanks for the great site,cheers to all,Ila


Alkaline Acid Diet

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm) on 04/25/2010
★★★★★

I have read so very much on this site about those of us with Acid Reflux. I have tried everything and nothing seemed to work until I discovered that acid problems are caused by eating too many or too much food that produces acid. Then I discovered the alkaline diet which has wonderful foods on it and it has changed my life. There are still wonderful foods on this diet. I make a green smoothie for breakfast with spinach, a banana, an apple, and a handful of greens such as spring mix or any of the other dark lettuces or kale,collards, etc. I also add a scoop of Whey Protein and 1 T. Chia seeds. Then I add 8 oz. water and a small glass of ice. I blend all of this in my Vitamix and drink this power house of nutrition. I'm not even hungry at noon many times. Then for lunch and dinner I eat from the alkaline side of the alkaline acid chart that you can download after you google acid alkaline food list. When I eat like this I never burn or have acid problems and don't need acid drugs of any kind. It has been wonderful for me. I love snacking on dates, figs, other dried fruits, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, etc. And isn't this the way God intended for us to eat? I also take Michael James minerals and potassium capsules because they also help to keep you alkaline. Chlorella is also alkaline. It helps too. This protocol works for everyone.

God Bless and good luck,
Carolyn


Alkaline Acid Diet
Posted by Vanya (Frankfort, Indiana) on 11/08/2008
★★★★★

I have had Acid Reflux for 6 and 1/2 years. Tried every prescription and non prescription medicine on the market, they all stopped working after while. I am ACID FREE since September 22-08(for good) I stopped my Protonix (despite my doctor opinion)

I read about the alkalizing diet and started on it right away. I start my day with 2oz of Aloe Vera Gel, then I take enzyme pill and eat breakfast. I am taking enzymes right before every meal. Then I drink a cup of chamomile tea with honey or molasses instead of sugar. I eat an apple around 10 am. Sometimes a pear. After lunch I take B complex vitamin, don't forget the enzyme pill too (it helps to digest the food better) Sometimes I feel a little bit discomfort in my stomach and I become afraid of getting the acid back, at those moments I chew raw almonds ( I always have some in my purse) and I feel fine! And , at last but most important I take PROBIOTICS, 5 or 6 per day, just anytime during the day. The more cultures they contain the better you feel, because we all need to replenish the good bacteria in our intestines (we live in a very stressful and poisoned environment)

Thank you all for the valuable information on this website! God Bless You all...


Alkaline Acid Diet
Posted by Cynthia (Bergen County, New Jersey) on 11/23/2007
★★★★★

All these remedies do not address what people are putting initially in their bodies! Everyone is consuming acid causing foods. The basic theory is that acidic foods (ex. orange) cause an alkaline tummy. Alkaline foods cause an acid stomache. If you eat a lot of bread, rice, grains, etc. you will have reflux or an acid stomache. If you balance your diet with fruits and vegetables you will greatly reduce your chance of an acidic stomache. Find an acid alkaline food chart on google. There are quite a few. This explains why some people found relief from apples. It is an alkalizing fruit! So are beets, broccoli, carrots, etc. But be careful! Some fruits and vegees are acidifying like corn, lentils, blueberries, cranberries, canned fruits, plums, prunes, etc. That is why the chart is so important. I was a candidate for nexium and anti-acid pills. However, I changed my life by maintaining the acid alkaline diet. Please consider this. I've changed a lot of people's lives by sharing this information. However, a couple of my friends and family who have NOT taken this advice are now on anti-acid pills. Oh, by the way, fennel seed tea is a miracle worker for after dinner tummy calming. It helps to maintain an alkaline tummy. I need 2 cups to be helpful (I'm 144 lbs). Find the right dose for you. Best of luck!! Here's to your health!


Almonds

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
1 star (1) 
  25%

Posted by Tariq (Abu Dhabi, Uae) on 08/14/2011
★★★★★

Try 4 to 5 Almonds. It is a very good tested treatment for ACID REFLUX.



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