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Effective Natural Remedies for GERD Relief - Holistic Approach

| Modified on Jan 31, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common digestive disorder, affects millions worldwide. Characterized by frequent heartburn, acid reflux, and other uncomfortable symptoms, GERD can significantly impact quality of life. While medications are commonly prescribed, many seek natural remedies for GERD relief. This article explores effective, holistic approaches to manage GERD symptoms naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for many health issues, including GERD. The theory is that ACV can help balance stomach acid levels and aid digestion. To use apple cider vinegar for GERD:

  • Mix 1-2 teaspoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with a glass of water.
  • Drink this mixture before meals or when heartburn symptoms occur.

It's important to note that ACV is acidic and, for some individuals, may worsen GERD symptoms. It's recommended to start with a small amount and observe how your body reacts.

Lifestyle Changes for GERD Management

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure, exacerbating GERD symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can provide significant relief.
  2. Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods can trigger GERD symptoms. Common culprits include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is crucial.
  3. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals can overwhelm the digestive system and increase acid reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), decreasing reflux.
  4. Don't Lie Down After Eating: Lying down soon after eating can cause acid to flow back into the esophagus. Wait 2-3 hours after a meal before lying down or going to bed.
  5. Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Elevating the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent acid reflux during sleep.

Dietary Tips for Reducing Acid Reflux

  1. High-Fiber Diet: A fiber-rich diet can improve digestion and reduce GERD symptoms. Include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in your diet.
  2. Alkaline Foods: Alkaline foods, like bananas, melons, and cucumbers, can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce reflux.
  3. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can soothe the digestive tract. Incorporate ginger into your diet or drink ginger tea.
  4. Probiotics: Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods can balance gut flora, improving digestion and reducing GERD symptoms.

Herbal Supplements for GERD

  1. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has natural soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation in the esophagus.
  2. Licorice Root: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) can coat and protect the esophageal lining, relieving heartburn.
  3. Slippery Elm: This herb forms a protective layer on the esophagus lining, reducing irritation from stomach acid.
  4. Marshmallow Root: Like slippery elm, marshmallow root can soothe the esophagus and protect against acid damage.

Conclusion

Natural remedies for GERD, combined with lifestyle and dietary changes, can effectively relieve acid reflux symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Embracing a holistic approach can lead to better management of GERD and improved overall health.

Related Links:

Ease Heartburn Naturally: Top Home Remedies
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Almonds

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
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Posted by Ellen (Tx, US) on 10/30/2014
 ★★★★★

I have been trying different things for acid reflux. Raw almonds worked better than anything else. I didn't even eat very many. I ate about a tablespoon of slivered almonds. Fantastic results! I will be buying more almonds tomorrow! Thank you.

Almonds
Posted by Sharon (Lockport, IL) on 03/19/2008
 ★★★★★

Eating a handful of raw almonds stops GERD dead in its tracks. My daughter ate almonds throughout her pregnancy whenever heartburn hit. It worked for her also.

Replied by Nick
(Johnstown, PA)
10/03/2008
★☆☆☆☆

See i have the opposite reaction, when i eat any kind of nuts, my acid reflux gets hella worse.

Replied by vanya
(Frankfort, IN)
03/13/2009
★★★★★

ALMONDS have to be raw!!! If they are roasted your reflux will get worse! Other nuts will not work for reflux! I eat raw almonds every time when I feel the acid is comming back, and it works... thanks

Aloe

1 User Review
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Posted by Kay (Houston, Tx) on 11/06/2010
 ★★★★★

You can cure your acid reflux by taking 4 oz of Aloe Vera Juice (purchased from any health food store) in the morning and before bed. It will be cured in about a month (or less). I was diagnosed with GERD - Gastroesophageal reflux disease a few years ago, did some research & came across a natural cure "Aloe Vera juice". It heals the esophageal tract. The taste is horrible, but worth it. Mix it with NON-ACIDIC juice, if you can't stand the taste. I would pour the aloe vera juice into a shot glass (lol), hold my breath, "down it" & chase it with water. After a while I got used to it. Try "LILY OF THE DESERT Stomach formula - in mint flavor". This works too! You can buy it at any health food store or order on-line. TRUST ME! It will cure it.

You have to do your part and stay away from acidic foods while you're using this remedy, so that your esophageal tract can heal properly. It's been 4 yrs and I've had no more bouts with acid reflux since. My father was recently hospitalized with GERD. I told him about this remedy, he tried it & sings its praises (this is saying a LOT considering my father is a skeptic & believes in NOTHING! ) The aloe vera cure made him a believer & he told me "I'll try any natural remedy you tell me about, from now on! " Please try this. Good luck!

Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by Marnie (Asheville, Nc) on 10/25/2017
 ★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar helped my GERD pain

I have suffered with GERD most of my adult life. It comes and goes but this time it came and would not go. My DR put me on Prilosec OTC, Zantac, AND Sucralfate. It finally kicked in around 2 weeks in. My Dr tells me to back off the Prilosec because of bone issues. Once I started to feel better I did this. After about a month of feeling "normal" the reflux came back. So I searched the internet and found this site. I gave it a shot. I took 2 TBL of apple cider vinegar, 1 TBL of honey in 8oz of water twice a day. I FEEL GOOD! I eat an apple between meals. I'm eating smaller portions at meal time. I also try to drink plenty of water and stay away from foods that start reflux. I'm hoping this will continue. I hate taking drugs but I hate acid reflux more. Thank you for the welcome information.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Josh (Sheffield, England) on 01/04/2016
 ★★★★★

I'm a 26 year old male and have been suffering from GERD about 6 months now. I have tried all the prescribed medication and none of it worked.

I then came across this website and saw that apple cider vinegar is a good way of helping with the constant heartburn and tightness in my throat.

I have also seen that using DGL licorice can also help.

I am just wondering if you can use both at the same time to try and combat acid reflux? I have been taking 2 tbl of ACV with abit of honey watered down with water and it has eased my symptoms. I am hoping to start using both apple cider vinegar morning and night and HGL with meals, was just seeing if this can be dangerous or have adverse effects? Thanks.

Replied by Sandy
(Vancouver)
04/04/2017

I have been suffering with GERD for many years now, and have been on everything imaginable when it comes to prescription drugs. I've tried all of them - Nexium, Pariet and now Dexilant 60 mg every night. Without the Dexilant, I get severe heartburn that keeps me awake all night, to the point of throwing up. My esophagus tube doesn't close like it should, so I have a swooshing of acid going up and down, all the time. The only way to fix that, according to my doctors, is surgery to repair the tube, but that's something I do not want to go through if I have another choice.

Does anyone out there have the same problem, and does ACV actually work - also, have you been able to come off your prescription medication completely. I imagine stopping your medication cold turkey is not advised, but any information you can provide or suggest at this time would be greatly appreciated. I'm scared to come off the medication because the GERD symptoms are so severe without it.

Replied by Geo Phil
(Uk)
09/21/2017
★☆☆☆☆

In my case AVC did not work. It exacerbated the issue!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Manteno, Il Usa) on 12/14/2015
 ★★★★★

Here's how I cured a LIFETIME of suffering of GERD: I took ~1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to ~12 ounces of water in a glass bottle. Took a sip whenever you feel gerd coming on. Have this bottle by your side at all times. If you don't feel instant relief this process may not work for you. You may need to protect your teeth from the vinegar by drinking through a straw.

Also very important: When starting this process, I weened my self off of prilosec by switching to one pill every other day then after a few weeks 1/2 pill every other day. You can't split a capsule so just open the cap and pour half out. Prilosec (omeprozole) will cause lifetime damage to your body so this is important to get off of it.

Replied by Maryann
(Sacramento)
09/11/2016
★★★★☆

Hi. I have been dealing with gerd for about two months now I have tried ACV for about couple weeks now it seems too help me but I get flare ups every now again I take pepcid ac occasionally I also have seen my dr because I have gurgling and chest congestion as well and she says not too worry about that. I do 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and chase down with water in the am and before I go too bed should drink more of the ACV.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cecilia (Nashua, NH) on 02/03/2015
 ★★★★★

This ACV is like a magic. I've been sick for more than three weeks now & I've been taking Prilosec for ulcer & GERD but I keep on having heartburn continually like 5-6x a day. I thought by looking for alternative end cure as I was waiting to get a CT scan would be worth it so I came to see what earth clinic suggests. So I asked my boyfriend to get me a bottle of ACV from Shaws & he came to me with a bottle of ACV, just a regular ACV. I've poured two tablespoon on a cup of water & drank it. It's been 3 days that I have no heartburn. This is a miracle cure. I still have the muscle aching from the spasms but the heartburn is gone. I am very grateful to the people who vested time & energy to write this gift of love & care on the internet; it is quite a miracle that I responded very well with it. This is why I am adding my testament to it. I will post more in a couple more days & see what the CT scan would show. I have all the symptoms of heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weakness & I know I have hiatal hernia.
My gratitude to all of you. Cecilia

Replied by Bodulica
(Barrie)
03/10/2015
★☆☆☆☆

For me, after 3 days - absolute disaster! I don't know how to repair the damage. It is really bad.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Morgan (Grass Valley, Cal.) on 01/23/2015
 ★★★★★

I was slightly concerned with the ACV and acidity. I have GERD gas trial upper reflux disease and have literally been through every kind of antacid there is including prescription. After I was left with no other option for this, I tried ACV and oh my god I love the stuff!. I have turned into a " spokesman" for it with heartburn. It makes sense, vinegar is a base which neutralizes acid. We all learned this in school or from the movie fight club and on the bottle it says, I think, either 3% or %5 acidity, but I am seeing a never ending list of the benifits that come from it - RAW apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cornelia (New York, New York) on 10/26/2014
 ★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Has anyone had problems with ACV not working anymore? I have been taking it 3 times a day for over 2 months and was reflux free and a few days ago just started to feel some symptoms again. Am I taking too much? Or can it stop working?? Please help. I am so devastated as it seemed a miracle that I was cured.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
10/27/2014

Hey there Cornelia,

About Acid Reflux and how the ACV is not working...well, ACV will work in mild Reflux cases, but you have to do your part as far as making sure the food you eat is within Reflux Control Bounds.

For instance, it is well known that coffee and ice cream, all milk in fact and red meats, chilies, and even too much sugar products at night can all contribute to the problem of reflux. The diet has to be moderated and made as alkaline as possible. If you do that you'll find the ACV will carry you the rest of the way to getting the reflux greatly under control.

This has been my experience at least. Reflux control is dual; right diet and right digestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dropjaw28 (Washington, DC) on 09/02/2014
 ★★★★★

Wow. I have been suffering with GERD for 10 years and like most people, have been using proton pump inhibitors every day. I've also been anemic (iron and B12 deficient) for at least the past few years. I only recently connected the two issues through research on my own after taking iron and B12 supplements didn't help my anemia. Prevacid was preventing my stomach from absorbing needed nutrients - is the theory. I wanted to get off of the Prevacid, but my acid reflux was debilitating.

I've used ACV many times for sinus infections, but taking it every day wasn't something I was sure I could do. After about 4 weeks of taking it 2-3 times per day (2 teaspoons in cold water) my reflux was completely fixed to the point that I'd forget to drink it since I wasn't dying from reflux symptoms. I'm not gonna lie, it was difficult; ACV is acidic itself and can cause temporary worsening of reflux, it also doesn't taste great. While using it for sinus problems I'd always mix it in green tea with raw honey, but honestly the cold water mix was easier to get down.

I've been making an effort to drink it once per day for general health, but I have gone weeks without it with no reflux, even when I sometimes drink coffee or wine. Thank you Earth Clinic!

Replied by Jamesh
(Indonesia)
11/07/2014

Hi there, that Apple Cider Vinegar with or without yeast.

Replied by Dean Nadzri
(Kl, Malaysia)
05/07/2015

Just get the the organic ACV "with the mother".

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Happy2tell (Adelaide, Australia) on 04/07/2013
 ★★★★★

Hi there, three years ago I suffered from whooping cough which made my asthma worse as well. I needed to take prednisolone (steroids), as well as other asthma medication by the bucketload to be able to breathe. I ended up with systemic thrush and GERD (reflux for short) and was put on nilstat and nexium. If I ran out of nexium or ate something fatty, the reflux would almost choke me, to the point where I went to hospital to see if I had cancer of the throat. I had also gone back to study and was really stressed, which made the reflux worse as well. No cancer, but no reason for the the reflux to be so bad.

After a bit of research, I started to take apple cider vinegar with honey as I was desperate. The reflux disappeared almost immediately. Goodbye nexium. It has been over 4 months now and I have had no problems with reflux whatsoever. If I have had a spicy or fatty meal, I chase it with Apple Cider Vinegar and honey and I have no problems. I now have a cold and am sipping on Apple Cider Vinegar and honey.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beryl (London) on 06/26/2012

Hi - I've been suffering with digestive problems for some time now, belching, pain, and the doctor two months ago prescribed Lansoprozale, which for the first two weeks was very successful in relieving the symptoms and also vertigo which I'd had for three years, but then I started with dull pains in my back and arms, which I attributed to the Lansoprozale. So I had a two week break from it and, of course, the pains in my stomach and the vertigo returned. I tried again with the Lansoprozale and started with a nasty cough which disappeared after I stopped taking it. The doctor then put me on Omeprazole, and after just two capsules my throat felt as though it was swollen and my chest hurt.

I'm now wondering whether I have low stomach acid, though when I mentioned it to the doctor she dismissed the idea. However, today after experiencing stomach pain I took apple cider vinegar and got almost instant relief.

I've also been taking bentonite clay this last week, but I am wondering if I have low stomach acid whether taking the clay would make things worse, by removing what little acid I had from my stomach. Goji

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
06/28/2012

Hi Beryl, If you feel you have low stomach acid, add betaine hcl. You can take tablets when you eat. I read about it here on EC about a year ago and added it in because it just felt like my food would sit in my stomach for such a long time! That alone creates so many problems and according to my Traditional Chinese medicine doctor, is a root cause of many disorders that most people don't even associate with their digestion or lack of, I should say.

I don't think the bentonite clay would add to the low stomach acid. As a matter of fact, the benefits of bentonite clay are amazing! It always needs to be taken on an empty stomach and will help regulate your intestines, whether it is constipation, diarrhea, indigestion or even ulcers. Clay works to help heal the whole body so its benefits I think outweigh your fear of it causing low stomach acid. One thing you must be aware of though is that because it has such powerful binding abilities, you must separate any medication use from clay use by 3-4 hours.

Hope this information helps you make an educated decision. Take care, Lisa

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Philippines)
06/29/2012

Hi Beryl... There is a very simple way to improve digestive problems. First, take both betaine HCL and pancreatin enzymes at mealtimes.

If you are low in stomach acid then keep increasing your bretaine hydrochloride tablets until you feel your stomach is too acid. Then cut back by one tablet and stay at this dosage until you again feel an acid feeling in the stomach. Keep cutting back like this until you no longer have to take the betaine.

Secondly, taking half a teaspoon of Sea Salt twice a day with water outside mealtimes will help to supply the the necessary chloride to help regenerate your stomach acid to proper levels again.

Bentonite clay should normally be taken outside mealtimes. It has a gentle action (I've used it) which helps to remove pathogens, heavy metals and toxins electrically from the intestines. The Bentonite clay particles have a negative charge which attracts positively charged heavy metals, pathogens etc which are thereafter safely excreted later.

Replied by Green Augustine
(Mold, Denbighshire)
05/16/2015
41 posts

Hello Biil, In one of your posts you suggested that a reader use Colostrum for healing Leaky Gut and Betaine for Gerd etc. According to another site I've looked at, it says that using Colostrum for any length of time causes over growth of cells because IGF-1 being pro growth can cause rapid cell division and thus cause cancer.Bengreenfieldfitness says that goat colostrum is better than taurine? But then he sells it on the web...... so how long would I need to take it safely for it to heal the gut and not cause cancer? At the moment I'm using Ted's formula of ginger, turmeric and cumin with each meal followed by bicarbonate of soda/baking soda about an hour after each meal and have done this for nearly 3 weeks and seem to have very few strong symptoms. Just a bit of palpitation sometimes in the morning and the occasional burp. But nothing compared to how it was before. I've tried slippery elm, cayenne pepper etc but they don't seem to help. I'd really appreciate your feedback on this as you seem to be very well informed. And thank you in advance for your valuable time. Earth blessings on you.

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Philippines)
05/16/2015

Hi Green Augustine...If you're low on stomach acid or have GERD then you're body is probably low on chlorides. Your body needs chlorides(different to chlorine) in order to produce or manufacture sufficient amounts of stomach acid or hydrochloric acid. That's why taking Betaine HCL with protease enzymes should help you. The full protocol that I recommend for GERD/Low Stomach Acid problems is shown here. But if you have other digestive or intestinal issues as well then I would recommend that you take all the vitamins and minerals that are recommended in the above link. I also recommend Ted's method of taking bicarb + water an hour after meals. And if you also have palpitations then both the iodine and the magnesium recommended in the protocol should also help this problem.

Colostrum is well-known for healing a damaged or over-permeable intestinal wall. This is how it can heal Leaky Gut and cure allergies -- because it helps to heal the intestines. See the research on colostrum here.

A while ago I wanted to know exactly how well nutriceutical companies processed their colostrum products and which ones were the best because if their colostrum processing includes high heat and frequent use of chemicals then it will be an inferior product. The only company I found that actually published details about its colostrum processing method was Sovereign Labs brand(bovine colostrum) who appear to use minimal chemicals and low heat only in their processing. Here is their process details page. I have also looked up the Mt Capra brand of goats colostrum -- I couldn't find anything about how they(and many other brands) process their goat colostrum so that's why I do not recommend it.

Replied by Green Augustine
(Mold, Denbighshire)
05/23/2015
41 posts

Hi Bill,

Thank you so much for explaining all about Colostrum and why you recommend Sovereign. Living in the UK and seeing the postage charges from The U.S, I did a bit of research using your guide lines and have had some great information from Neovite about their manufacturing processes which are well within your recommendation. I note that Sovereign also refers to Professor Playford's research in their reference section. He was commissioned by Neovite to do research on the product. The cows they use are free for heavy metals, chemicals and other nasties and the colostrum is processed at below 40 degrees And freeze dried so I hope it will be good. So thank you again for your time and patience in answering my queries. I also tested positive for colostrum and Betaine when my kinesiologist tested me though not for slippery elm, ACV or Kefir! Just goes to show one size doesn't always fit all.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wplush (Honolulu, Hi, United States) on 05/25/2012

For the past year, I've been suffering from what I believe is acidosis. My medical doctors initially thought it was GERD, but couldn't find any significant evidence of GERD. I tried all medicines for GERD and even went through surgery to fix it with no avail. In the past year, I began breaking out in Eczema for the first time in my life. My current symptoms are a dull/burning pain in my stomach, throat, mouth, tongue, and lips. It's pretty constant throughout the day. I've read so many good things about ACV so I decided to try it. I've been using 2tps in water 3-4 a day for the past 10 days. My skin is slowling improving amazingly as my dermatologist just gave me a steriod cream which barely helped. The dull/burning pains in my stomach, throat, and mouth still remain but I believe it is linked. It could be inflammation or something similar. But the skin changes and digestive issues happened around the same time so that's why I think they are linked.

People of Earth Clinic, what do you think? Do you think my issues with my skin and the burning pains are related? How long do you think it will take for my body to get the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar? Thank you.

Replied by Dud
(Up The Creek In, Wv, USA)
05/27/2012

Wild guess:

1] you are addicted to milk and drink it every day.

2] your body is in-tolerant of milk, and gives you a burning gut syndrome. [= inflamed intestines]

Replied by Lori
(Marco Island, Fl)
04/23/2015

Acidosis can be a pretty serious diagnosis. Why would you think you have acidosis (metabolic acidosis I presume)? The symptoms you describe could be many, many things, but do not seem to relate to the symptoms of acidosis. I think you should ask your physician to rule this out with blood work.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lana (Burnaby, Bc) on 12/09/2011
 ★★★★★

I tried and can't believe that all these years I had been suffering with such horrible heartburn. I was seeing a therapist for depression from being in constant pain from gerd. Nothing helped. I mean I tried everything.

This is my first week on Apple Cider Vinegar today was the first day I haven't had pain from heartburn in 10 years!!!! So grateful that I tried this. just a couple teaspoons in the morning and a couple in the afternoon first time in so long I have NOO pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jimmy (Janesville, Wisconsin) on 07/29/2011
 ★★★★★

So, I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar for my gerd and in 4 days it seems to working well areadly I take 2 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tbs of honey in 160oz mountain water an sip it all day. My only problem is that tounge feels a lttle burnt and looks teared up and white is this normal?


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