The pain and discomfort that come with acid reflux can make it difficult to work, relax and even sleep. Fortunately, there are wonderful natural remedies that can quickly relieve acid reflux. Surprisingly, the top remedy for acid reflux is apple cider vinegar, which may seem counter-intuitive, but works fast because the vinegar alkalizes your pH. However, many more natural cure options are available besides the ACV, like baking soda and pickle juice!
We’ve put together a list of the 10 most effective remedies for acid reflux for short term and long term relief.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when the contents from your stomach come up into your esophagus. Because your food has mixed with the digestive juices in your stomach (which are acidic for the purpose of breaking down your food) the food that comes up is sour or acidic and quite unpleasant.
Natural Remedies for Instant Relief from Acid Reflux
Fortunately, some of the easiest short term solutions for acid reflux are likely in your kitchen right now!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
While it may contradict your intuition to take something as acidic as apple cider vinegar to cure your acid reflux, raw and organic apple cider vinegar works very to bring immediate relief to your acid reflux by facilitating digestion and restoring proper pH to the stomach. When used for medicinal purposes, organic apple cider vinegar is the best.
Read the feedback from hundreds of our readers on this most popular and effective cure for acid reflux here.
2. Sodium Bicarbonate
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has been used for generations to cure digestive problems. ½ teaspoon of baking soda is added to 4-6 ounces of water and taken internally. This not only helps to neutralize the acid in your stomach, it will neutralize the acid in your throat.
3. Pickle Juice
Because pickle juice contains a lot of vinegar, it works similarly to apple cider vinegar. Pickle juice is more palatable than vinegar for many people and just as effective.
Preventing Acid Reflux
If you are prone to acid reflux, natural remedies to prevent reflux will help you to avoid the misery in the first place.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics promote good digestion. Taking a probiotic supplement or regularly consuming probiotic foods like kefir, kombucha or kimchi can help your digestion to work well all of the time, reducing incidents of acid reflux or other digestive problems.
5. Digestive Enzymes
Taking digestive enzymes with your food will help your food to be digested properly, preventing acid reflux attacks. While the body normally produces digestive enzymes on its own, sometimes it needs a little help, especially because aging or hormonal changes can cause a reduction in digestive enzymes.
6. Aloe
Aloe is a gentle remedy that is helpful to a variety of digestive ills. Aloe juice or supplements can be used on a regular basis to improve your digestion.
Lifestyle Changes to Eliminate Acid Reflux
Making some modifications in certain practices can reduce or eliminate acid reflux.
7. Lose Weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce acid reflux attacks. Eating less food at each individual meal will also reduce the risk of an acid attack.
8. Don’t Eat Before Bed
Having a full stomach when you lie down in bed is a recipe for digestive distress! Have you last meal a few hours before bedtime. Resist that bedtime snack. Suck on a mint instead and then brush your teeth. You will be less tempted to eat something else if your mouth feels fresh and clean.
9. Drink More Water
Chronic low grade dehydration can be a cause of acid reflux. Energy drinks, coffee, and soda may be liquids but they are not a good source of proper hydration. Add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to a quart of water and consume this throughout the day. The salt helps your body to use the water effectively in the cells instead of having it just flush through your system. Drinking more water will also help you to eat less, reducing your risk of acid reflux.
Change Your Diet
10. Dietary Changes
Like it or not, some foods may be the root cause of your acid reflux. Pinpointing these foods and avoiding them, or at least consuming them less often or in smaller quantities will be worth it if you feel better.
Alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, fried foods, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices are all common causes of acid reflux. Of course, everyone is different. You will need to pay attention to the foods you eat (keeping a log of what you eat for a week can help you make connections between certain foods and acid reflux) and plan your menus accordingly.
Medications and Acid Reflux
Over the counter medications for acid reflux may provide temporary relief but used on a regular basis can cause other health problems. Calcium carbonate, an inexpensive over the counter remedy for acid reflux, can actually cause your body to make more acid over time as it compensates for the acid reduction. It has also been linked to kidney stones.
Proton pump inhibitors have become quite popular in the treatment of acid reflux. Unfortunately, they have been linked to bone fractures, vitamin deficiency, and even pneumonia when used long term. A safer option would be to improve your health to eliminate your acid reflux. Covering up any problem with medication is not a good long term solution.
While acid reflux medication carry side effects, other medications have acid reflux as a side effect! If you take medications on a regular basis, you may need to investigate and see if one or more of them could be causing your digest problems. Pain medications, medications for anxiety and depression, and antibiotics can all cause acid reflux!
Could My Acid Reflux Be a Sign of Something More Serious?
Absolutely.
If the “instant relief” remedies above do not bring you relief in short order and/or you have pain in your chest that radiates to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or cold sweats, seek immediate medical attention to rule out a heart issue.
If your bouts of acid reflux happen on a regular basis, you may have a chronic digestive disorder like GERD, hiatal hernia or gallbladder disease. It is wise to seek medical counsel to understand what you are dealing so that you can best treat it.
Have you tried a natural remedy for acid reflux? Please send us some feedback! Continue reading to learn which, out of dozen of home remedies, our readers found to be most effective in curing their acid reflux.
Related Pages:
Acid Reflux Remedies for Children
Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux – #1 Most Popular Remedy
Pickle Juice for Acid Reflux – #2 Most Popular Remedy
Baking Soda for Acid Reflux – #3 Most Popular Remedy
KEFIR for acid reflux works for me. I use only the plain Kefir and drink about 1/2 to 1 cup, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It is full of nutrients, probiotics and has antibacterial properties. I wait and do not eat anything for about 1 hour or longer so as to let the probiotics work effectively. I have not had any problems with acid reflux since. I realize everyone has different body chemistry's, but this has sure worked for me.
I used to suffer from acid reflux until someone recommended me to try red apple delicious. It really helped and even my sister and some of my friends tried it too. The ripe ones work better.
I was Rolaids #1 customer from the time I was a teen until I was into my 40s at which point I got a tip from an old geezer – a heavy drinker – which was 2 glasses of water, you're dehydrated.
I haven't had indigestion or acid reflux since, And I don't drink so it's not some weird combination of that and water. I only mention the drinking because the guy was in his 80s and the only heavy drinker I ever met who wasn't averse to drinking plain water. He'd stroll into the tavern where I tended bar, shortly after dark, and drink until 11 o'clock – you could set your watch by him. But come 4:30 am, he'd be eating breakfast at the diner, happy as a clam with his bacon and eggs and a whole pitcher of water then back out in the fields by sunrise.
He was a character. He took in any stray that would happen to come around – always had at the least a half dozen dogs running around – and you always knew when one of the dogs was either new or sick because he'd cover them in clay. He'd loosen up some dirt and dump in the water and just pack the mud on them, no matter what, and they'd roll around in the mud and the other dogs would come and roll around with them until they were all running around muddy – it was awesome.
I am told I have acid reflux and I may end up with Barretts esophagus if I am not careful. One report says cayenne is bad for reflux another says it is ok for a cure of Barretts what is true. I am also Lactose intolerant and have Hypoglycemia. So I am trying to find foods that I can eat without causing problems and lose of energy. I need help. Thanks Nancy
Avocado and acid reflux. I love canned fish in oil – even though I ALWAYS have terrible acid reflux after eating them- always, except last time, a week ago. The only difference was that I ate them with slices of one fresh avocado. No reflux! But I had no idea why… Last night my husband had problems with acid reflux so I came here to find something for him. I was so surprised to read about avocado! So it was what helped me! Problem solved!
Pineapple Juice or Chunks for Acid Reflux
When I know that I may be eating dinner later or having a heavy meal, I drink a 6 oz can of 100% pineapple juice with the meal, or eat a little individual container of pineapple chunks, in juice, right after. I think the Bromelain in pineapple is what stops the Acid Reflux. Works for me!
Actually, I was looking for a natural cure for acid reflux that also happened to address issues with women's infections. I had suspected that chlorine in drinking water was the culprit and went online to find information to support my theory. It seemed I hit the jackpot when I found an article written by Robert Reiling, who's knowledge of chemistry and experience working in the water treatment industry led him to conclude that because it is difficult to extract gaseous chlorine (used in water treatment facilities), even filtered or purified water consumed over long periods can lead to certain health problems. Heeding his advice of drinking only SPRING water (not bottled drinking water or "purified" water) my problem with acid reflux seemed to vanish after just one month. Fast forward a year and I have a new health issue with infection. I tried many of the suggestions here but wanted to tackle the root problem. I realized that while traveling I was drinking filtered water and my troubles started about the same time. So I went back to bottled SPRING water and after about 2 weeks I am happy to report the infection is gone. Sadly I don't live near a spring and I don't feel good about buying plastic bottles, so I make sure to recycle the bottles religiously. I am thrilled that I have found a cure dealing with the root problem and the cost is extremely low compared to the alternatives. One has nothing to lose by trying out bottled SPRING water for a good few months to see how many ailments can miraculously vanish 🙂
FWIW, sea salt, any kind will also give instant relief to acid reflux. I stumbled into a few years ago, and brought a small container to a weekend seminar in Albuquerque in 2012, and folks seen me using it and they wanted to try it too, lol, but it was good for all interested. I carried it in a small 15-ml nalgene bottle on the ready at a moments notice. I no longer need it, cuz I got a hold of some of my dietary issues. Anyways, others had relux and needed the salt and so were grateful, and I was glad to share.
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.
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
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?
I just wrote about my experience with reflux and sea salt, any type, I love himalayan pink. I used to carry around a small 15-ml container so it was ready as I needed it, it worked instantly! I used it for a few years til I just no longer needed it!
Apple Cider Vinegar is good for acid reflux also, get the one with the 'mother' in it.
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!
KennyWally,
Could you elaborate on the Sea Salt? How do you use it, and in what quantities? Thanks for sharing.
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.
Acidic problems are rare for me; however, I did experience reflux after eating a fatty meal. I read these comments and tried teaspoon of mustard, worked like a charm!
Did you use red lentils? Or other
Whiskey cured my husband's acid reflux!
For 2 months now my husband age 71 was suffering from severe Acid re-flux. His condition was so bad that the Acid Re-flux was going up his throat and causing sore throat and even his ears to burn. And eventually was causing severe asthma attacks! This had gotten so bad that he would go into coughing spells and 2 times we had to take him to the ER as he was having trouble breathing!One time his asthma became so bad we had to call 911 on him and an ambulance took him to the ER! He was given an Inhaler to stop the asthma attacks! One doctor told him he would have to learn to live with his asthma.
One day my husband had to go to the store and bought a small bottle of mild and inexpensive whiskey. He doesn't normally drink but thought since Whiskey was once considered "medicinal" he would try it as he was desperate!
He poured himself 2 shots of whiskey in water and drank it down and he said his stomach churned and this stopped his acid re-flux! So far it stopped his asthma from becoming really bad. He has had a couple coughing spells and has used the inhaler about 2 times but he has improved greatly!
This Whiskey treatment also brought out that my husband had a "silent strep throat" he didn't know he had? And he is treating his strep throat with organic vinegar/salt/and water gargle! Another improvement!
We wonder if the mucus from his strep throat was going down his stomach causing all the trouble?
Just letting others know what has worked for him.
I had acid reflux most of my adult life. One day after hearing about what I could do from an elder, I tried it and to this day I no longer suffer from it. It was an old family cure that worked for me and others I passed it on too. Well here it is.
Take 2 tablespoons of pure white Vinegar, heat it up and shoot it down.
Within 3 days the acid reflux was gone forever. All I can say is try it. And by the way don't swallow any water for a few hours. But you can rinse out your mouth.
I sang in church for many years. Slowly began to loose my range and general vocal ability. Also began to have acid reflux. Now after 15 years of issues, I am singing again and also sleeping at night without the reflux. The only thing I am doing is drinking about one-half cup of pure aloe Vera juice before bed and repeat in morning. I can even eat again during the evening hours – even close to bedtime. Several others in our family recommended this to me. They had been cured of reflux and were so excited. This is a godsend.
Blackstrap Molasses works immediately for acid reflux. Now let's see how long it lasts…
Re: Becca, Colorado…..I used to carry a small container of himalayan pink salt, to instantly knock out acid reflux. I was at a transformational workshop and folks seen me taking a pinch and wondered what I was doing, so I shared that with them, of course it worked great. I rarely get the reflux, but am not sure why, I'm just glad it worked, and fast too!
I had acid reflux and came across an article that said taking vitamin C in large amounts up to 10,000 mg a day . I took large amounts up to 5,000 mg a day, (chewable) and that helped a lot. It also help with saliva production if you have dry mouth. Good luck.
Eating raw potato, peeling and all, will cure acid reflux. You can just eat it or put potato in blender and drink it. Works for me everytime.
A dear friend of mine was on Prilosec for 30 years. She got a massive heart attack, nearly died, is on 13 medicines per day, barely alive, and its not clear if she will survive. I read Dr. John Cooke's research about the suppression of 50% of endothelial NO (nitric acid) in your blood vessels that is likely to cause massive adverse coronary events (MACE) aka heart attacks. My friend was a classic case of this. Had she known about and eaten apple cider vinegar 30 years ago, or tried other natural cures, she would be a healthy elder today.
OMG. I am so glad you told us this. I need my endolithelium (sp) to be repaired to keep my blood pressure down. A damaged endo….raises the blood pressure. I am taking L Arginine to repair it. Even my holistic (MD) doctor just today sent me a paper saying how bad the PPI 's are and yet said the "benefits outweigh the risks" and said to take them for awhile. I have debated it all day… I took for 2 days. Went to health store and he gave me slippery elm and said it will heal the esophagus. I am trying not to take the PPI. I have a stricture and have to go for a endoscopy soon.
Also, re: Ginger, I use pickled ginger like they have at sushi restaurants. Works in seconds on the acid! And yummy too. Also candied ginger is yummy and works well. I always have baking soda in the house, 1 tsp to a cup or less of water, bobs your uncle, pain gone! God bless you.
For acid reflux, try boiling 1 ginger and 4 dry loquat leaves, pour in a cup and add 1 tsp of organic raw apple cider vinegar. You can add honey into it for taste. Drink before and after every meal and surely this will balance the acid…
I almost always have a lump in my throat from acid reflux. I even bought special wedge pillows but I couldn't get used to them, they were so uncomfortable. All that really helps is eating three hours before bed and not laying down until the three hours are up.
I have acid reflux and find that taking 4 capsules of slippery elm settles my stomach and makes the acid reflux disappear. I highly recommend it for anyone who suffers from it!
Yes when I had reflux due to lack of acid Apple Cider Vinegar helped but so does changing the diet to more clean foods and not eating close to when you will sleep (elevate your head if you need to).
I was researching Acid Reflux and discovered much concerning H-Plyori. The most effective way to eliminate the cause of the weak spot, which is H-Plyori bacteria, is the nutrient from Brocolli Sprouts commonly called Sulphoraphannne. Look of John Hopkins and search the research of Paul Talalay. He tried to patent brocolli sprouts and make a profit on every one sold in the U.S.A. What a moral creep. But he does good research.
After suffering 2 years with acid reflux I was cured in 3 days drinking water.
Directions:
1) upon waking, drink 44oz glass of water.
2) Required… drink (Only) water with meal.
3) Drink large glass of water before bed.
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.
Hi Pam5083 and thanks for this. we might be twins separated at birth …same genetics as me. I will try your ideas … I'm not much of a drinker, but I do love the occasional whiskey in the evenings … hope I don't need to give that up.
Cheers, Herb
I've been suffering with acid reflux for a long time. I finally realized from research that a zinc deficiency can cause this, so I tried supplementing with zinc and it has helped tremendously even though I still have to be careful with the types of food I eat and not eating before bed time, etc.
I have chronic GERD. I woke up one night with bad acid reflux pain. I tried some plain mustard on a small piece of bread. Then washed it down with water. It fixed it!! I felt a thick mucous in the back or my throat. I think it did something to coat my throat. I slept well that night. I also carry around packets of mustard in case of flair ups. It eat it on more foods now too
Hello Folks… Just finished reading about side effect of using AVC and acid reflux. All of you who complain about acid reflux: always eat at the table, do not go to lay down after meal. More likely acid reflux is caused by wrong position at the meal and after. Food is just pushing up. Eat less and be active after meal. The same applies to the children and infants. What do we do? We feed them before bed time so they will sleep better. Do not do it because it is the beginning of suffering from acid reflux in the near future. Acid reflux is an acquired ailment so do not do things leading to it: bad position at the meal, overeating, taking nap after and eating too much acid forming foods, coffee, alcohol, tobacco. Greetings
Been suffering with acid reflux for several months. Doc gave me sample bottles of nexium. After reading about side effects and the consequences of it’s long term use I researched natural alternatives. I chose to try mustard. Took spoonful before breakfast and symptoms disappeared fast!
Yes; I really agree because I drink water with pure lemon juice inside and also I have acid refluxs (yuk). Lemon is a great med;-)
Acid reflux disease, I'm sure there a lot of great remedies, the absolute, dumbest thing I've heard is disease, only an allopathic doctor would come up with that. Try alkalizing, everywhere in nature pH is important, for some reason, not in our bodies. Try chewing your food, eating a little less, and eating greens with every meal.
Hello: acid reflux or GERD is caused by the bacteria 'heliobacter pylorii"
This is the exact cause of stomach ulcers also. The symptoms of gerd are worsened by eating rich foods, and especially late at night.some thgeories blame the condition on a weak pyloric sphincter valve at the base of the esophagus but the condition is always food intake related.. ie no food eaten no symptoms noted. Taking drugs such as prevacid which reduce syomach acid production are counterproductive in the long haul as they can cause constipation and reduced energy due to lessened base sugar intake into the digestive system ie glucose the primary energy causing sugar.thus the type and time of ingestion of most foods is of great importance. Don't eat late at night!! And only eat unprocessed foods. but why worry about what you eat or when you eat it, when there is a BASIC CURE fore the condition. If you consulted a physician to have a stomache acid culture performed y the results nearly always would point to HELIOBACTER PYLORII as a bacteria that is present in the stomache walls. curing this conditionis VERY EASILY!
The condition can be CURED for literally months by ingesting the following "Food"!! Olive leaf powder (capsules) the prefered method of treatment is to open the capsules into the mouth and swirling them around until they dissolve! Then the user is to SWALLOW tyhe mixture of the olive leaf powder and saliva. the taste is clerly awful but lo and behold the GERD will quickly disappear and not return for weeks or perhaps months! With no side effects. the capsules MUST contain at least
16 % euloropein acid!! And the user should also try to avoid a product that contains fillers such as clover etc as the addons basically waste your $$$ olive leaf powder also treats ALL CLASSES of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungis, and even prions. unfor tunately it does not seem to be a systemic "food" and thus has little use unless it cah physically contact the offending organism . it is also effective against
Gum disease and any other symptom where itr can physiaclly contact the microorganism good luck bigpete2
no it’s not. GERD doesn’t normally have anything to do with bacterial infection.
Taking the chlorine out of your diet can have a drastic effect on your GERD, Acid Reflux and LPR. Chlorine gas in tap and bottled water changes the chemistry of your stomach acid, resulting in HCLO instead of HCL.
Find out more at http://www.gerdrefluxcure.com
What is the name of alkaline water machine that turns regular tap water into alkaline rich water and I can buy in India?
Hi Suntosh,
Respecting the policy of this site I can not write about any company. So, if you like kindly write to me on baldev53 at y a h o o dot c o m.I am using a product and I am happy with that.Good Luck
Baldev
My husband had acid reflux every day for many years. He insisted on taking over the counter antacids for relief. Then he tried a dill pickle. Within a minute, relief!
Over the past several years he’s used only vinegar based foods. One time we were out, so of course didn’t have a pickle. He got a packet of mustard. It worked! He doesn’t hardly ever get acid anymore!
I read everyone’s posts and thought mustard was crazy for acid reflux. I was prescribed Pepcid but after reading the side effects I thought there has to be better alternative. That’s when I came across this site and alternative. I just had 1.5 teaspoons of mustard 6 min ago and I must say it worked immediately. Mustard is not tasty but it sure has helped relieve the burning sensation in my stomach.
I have acid Reflux 30 yrs now. I have used different hospital medication but have not helped so far. I have had about 6 endoscopy in different countries but have found neither ulcer no any other problem. In 2002 I had an acid check a machine was inserted in my stomach through my nostril and was kept for 24 hours and found normal acid that was in St Thomas Hospital London, Then I went to India at Okhla hospital, Delhi and repeated various checking and found no ulcer, no hernia no kidney stone and not even appendicitis and recently I went to Chennai Apollo hospital and had several checkups but yet still no problem was found.
The problem now since I turned 40 yrs now I have developed more complications whenever I have an acid attack my pressure also increases, I have changed my diet but simply it doesn’t help, I tried caustic soda actually it made me worse the pressure had risen and had palpitations as well. Should anybody can advise me what to do please.
Google Proper Food Combining and follow the protocol. Problem should be solved.
My mother-in-law has found that a teaspoon of mustard has helped the symptums for the short turm.
I read in Your body’s many cries for water that excess acid is a reaction to imbalance in electrolytes (water/salt/ calcium/potassium/magnesium). Some people also suffer because of lack of enzymes or acids– like lactaid, hydrochloric acid/ papain/bromelain, probiotics and others. Taking calcium (like tums)can make the imbalance in electrolytes more painful, sometimes an antacid makes the body have to work harder to produce enough acid and it goes into overdrive
Constipation and bloating causes a backup in the esophagus of acid from abdominal pressure (colace or store brand work mild for relief without misery) eating smaller meals , half an hour after the water intake
Please try drinking water a half an hour (30 minutes) before meals for one to two weeks and see if your condition improves dramatically… Check out the watercure.
Iodine deficiency may cause Acid Reflux.
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.
I found that taking a few calcium tablets helps immediately with severe reflux, and I take acidophilus complex, and aloe vera to maintain overall digestive balance
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.
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.
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!
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.
This is going to sound weird, but I tried all of the remedies above and nothing helped me long term except sugar. My grandmother, an 80 year old woman told me to put a table spoon of sugar in a cup of hot hot water and drink it like a tea. The first time I took it I heard a gulp in my stomach. I did it for a few days and no acid reflux. Now, I don’t wake up with acid burning in my throat anymore. If I eat something acidic, I just make sure to drink my sugar tea. I also lost a couple of pounds. But, I try not to do that often. Trust me it works!
I was having a bad heartburn, I have tried everything, I came across this post and tried it. Now I have no pain. Thanks!
Funny I came across this comment. I recently developed acid reflux. This happened after I have stopped taking sugar completely in my morning tea. I used to use refined sugar about more than a year ago. Then I switched over to unrefined sugar. Now, about 10 months since, I do not use any sugar. Now I have GERD!! I shall try my good old sugar again and see what happens.
I’ve been suffering from severe acid reflux for 13 long years now. Doctors did numerous endoscopy and declared that I’ve small hiatus hernia and acid reflux. They put me on PPI medication and I used all sort of PPIs like protonix, omeparzole, esomeprazole etc. Nexium (esomeprazole) worked for me best. With this one I almost did not have any problem. But, I’ve been taking it since 13 long years everyday!! The problem of these medications(chemicals) is it will kill you one day if you keep on taking it for so long. It prevents the body to absorbe the essential nutrients/minerals from the food you take. So, as a result, with prolonged use of these medicines you get other side effects like decreasing bone density and all other form of problems and gradually it will take you towards a silent death. But, no doctors will tell you these facts to you. The pharmacitucal companies warn you to take it not more than 4 months max. You have other options like surgery – but, no guarantee that will work for you and doctors will allow you to do it. In my case the doctors said surgery will not be effective for me. Also, the surgeries need to be repeated after some times if it works.
Then…I started looking for alternative medicines as I was desparate to get rid of Nexium. I searched all the web sites like this one and tried homeopathic medicines, apple cider vinegar, apple etc. But, all these did not work for me. Then in this site I came to know about natural digestive enzymes and probiotics. Medicines like Nexium works by stopping the acid production in stomach – which ultimately harms the body as you need the acid in stomach to digest the food. Digestive enzymes and probiotics works on the root cause of the acid problem of the stomach. They help in digesting the food quickly/properly so the body is not required to produce excess acid thereby reducing the cause of acid reflux. I could not think of a single day without Nexium. But, since I’ve been started using digestive enzymes and probiotics they helped me – I’m not taking the Nexium currently as I’m taking digestive enzymes and probiotics. My symptoms are not fully gone – but, definitely they are less with these. I believe if I do more research with these natural remedies it will help to keep this monster away. But, anyway you need to take them for ever as long as you live. But, it is better and safe to take it like food, as long as you live – and not like Nexium. So, my suggestion to all the trillions of sufferers worldwide to try your best to work out a natural solution which suites your body most and definitely try to get rid of PPI and other form of chemical medications. Try the digestive enzymes and probiotics – available in health food stores and also in pharmacies – in US.
I’ve one question though – does anybody know the side effects, problems (if any) of using digestive enzymes and probiotics for prolonged period or has anyone experienced any problem. Though these are natural products – we all know too much of everything is bad. So, I would be really interested to know this – as, if it works, I need to take it forever.
Gerd Fighter: It is generally considered completely safe on the probiotics and enzymes at recommended doses short and long-term, as these are produced naturally in the body. Too much enzyme in a single dose could cause excess bowel movement, so you could always know when to stop upping the dosage by this symptom.
Do consider addressing common underlying problems of the digestive system like dirty colon, gallstones, and sometimes liver disease. There is lots of info on “cleanses” of these three organs. Also, after completing the cleanses, try an herbal pancreas formula (Nature’s Sunshine used to have one called P14 but I think it’s a different name now). This herbal pancreas formula will give new life to the pancreas (which is what produces all the enzymes you talk of substituting). Chronic parasite infestations as well as chronic pathogens can disrupt digestion (a very common cause of digestive diseases).
Hi Gerd Fighter… I have been particularly interested in GERD problems because GERD and reflux problems occur alot as a co-problem with candida. So I have tried to research this problem in some depth.
In the early 1900s, John Beard was researching protease enzymes and he discovered, quite by accident, that low levels protease enzymes in the blood related directly to cancer formation. These protease enzymes found in the blood are exactly what are used in normal digestion — excess protease enzymes not used during digestion are just absorbed into the blood. William Kelley’s successful Metabolic Protocol against cancer came into being because of John Beard’s research. Kelly and Gonzalez also found that protease enzymes greatly assisted the immune system in removing pathogens and trash from the blood. So I would therefore say that taking protease enzymes over a long period certainly wouldn’t hurt you at all and would probably work to achieve more benefit by helping to protect not only your digestion but also your immune system.
Since the GERD problem can occur due to lack of chlorides — supplementing betaine hydrochloride and supplementing both Magnesium Chloride and Sea Salt would also help to generate hydrochloric acid in the stomach for proper first stage digestion(and to help kill all incoming pathogens with food). But this problem is different. As the affects of supplementing chlorides in the diet takes effect, there will be less and less need to supplement betaine HCL until, eventually, your stomach is back to normal HCL production. In this instance — only Magnesium Chloride and/or Sea Salt need be supplemented(no betaine HCL) to maintain normal HCL levels for digestion.
The other problem, which is not recognized by most people, is that normal duodenal digestion, after stomach digestion, MUST be alkline. So if your pancreas lacks bicarbonates in its juices that should neutralize the stomach acid, then the medium for duodenal digestion will be acid instead of properly alkaline — so the food just sits there, undigested, fast-breeding bacteria — giving you further problems.
Therefore I always advise using Ted’s Sodium Bicarbonate and water remedy in this protocol — just in case the digestion problems are also caused by lack of bicarbonates in the pancreatic juices. This remedy ensures proper main stage digestion in the duodenum. The dose is 1/4 to 1/2 tspn of sodium bicarbonate(Baking Soda) taken 1/2 hr to 1 hour after all meals.
Thanks for the feedback Timh. But daily intake of baking soda will be harmful for the body as well, as it is again a chemical – right?
Hi Gerd Fighter… I would not agree with your opinion on alkalizing with sodium bicarbonate. Read the evidence in these links:
Oral Dosages of Sodium Bicarbonate
Ted’s Alkalizing Remedies
I took Sodium Bicarbonate with water(to alkalize the blood) as well as the lemon/lime sodium bicarbonate remedy(to alkalize inside the cells) as a major part of my own successful protocol to help defeat my own systemic candida problems. I still take these alkalizing remedies today and my candida problems have never returned as a result.
Sodium bicarbonate is also well recognized by the body as a friendly nutrient. Bicarbonates are used throughout the blood and cells for alkalizing and as long as you have a fully functioning kidney to regulate sodium, there should be no real problems taking sodium bicarbonate with water.
Gerd Fighter: Bill is our expert on the Buffer solutions, so do follow his advise, as many folks are getting well as a result. I personally use about half spoon of 50% Sea Salt mixed with 50% Sodium Bicarbonate 3x daily as I have acidosis problems.
Thanks a lot Bill and Timh!! This is a great site.
Bill: I checked the links provided by you – there it is mentioned that “Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks. ” – so, is the oral intake of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) harmful for prolonged use? Can I take baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) orally with water everyday (in prescribed amount) – throughout my rest of life? It looks like even after using the digestive enzymes – I’m having residual acidity – which is not very severe, but not comfortable at all. If I take baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) orally with water it is going away. So, to me it looks like it is working as a antacid. My only concern here, everyday use of it throughout the rest of life. Also, if it (prolonged use) is not harmful then why do everybody talks about reducing the consumption of sodium? Now-a-days probably in every food products it is mentioned that low level of sodium – why is that? Please clarify.
Thanks again for the help!
Hi Gerd Fighter… I usually find that I now alkalize, using both the sodium bicarbonate and water(alkalizes the intestines and blood) and the lime/lemon and water(alkalizes inside the cells) remedies. I may not use these every day but I usually use them several times every week because 80% to 90% of all our processed food is acid forming in the body. So, yes, I use these alkalizing remedies constantly every week.
The dosages referred to in the link I provided were 7 half tspns of baking soda for adults and 3 half tspns for anyone over 60. It’s rare that you will ever have to take 7 half tspns unless your body is extremely acidic.
Most people link high blood pressure to too much sodium intake in the body. But just like Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, sodium is easily regulated by the kidneys. The problems really arise if there is a lack of sodium, calcium, potassium or magnesium in the diet. You cannot regulate minerals that are already at low levels in your body can you?
Calcium is usually always found to be in excess in our processed food diets(everything is fortified with calcium these days!! ) whereas potassium and magnesium are always lacking in our diets. Sodium, as salt intake, is tricky. Alot of people avoid salt and other people just use refined salt(acidic). Our bodies need the Sea Salt form of salt which is more alkaline than refined salt and sea salt also contains many other essential and useful minerals.
The fear with salt is because people believe that sodium will raise their blood pressure. But this is simply not true. It is the excess chloride in refined salt that raises the blood pressure. In his book pH Balanced for Life (which is sold on this site) Ted from Bangkok reveals that he did an experiment on himself to prove this. He took sodium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride at different times and found that the magnesium chloride and potassium chloride always tended to raise his blood pressure whereas sodium bicarbonate did not raise BP. So it isn’t because of the sodium but is because of the chloride content in refined salt that causes a rise in BP. For myself, I am constantly taking the Baking Soda alkalizing remedies and my own blood pressure has never varied in 6 years– it always remains at around 110/70.
Bill: for me, I already have high BP – for me it always remains around 140/90…
Hi Bill. You mentioned taking magnesium chloride and sea salt to replenish Chloride stores and allow the body to produce adequate levels of HCl for digestion. How much Magnesium Cl and sea salt is needed daily?
Another question: is alkalizing with any of Ted's formulas needed when one is already taking betaine HCl supplements for laryngopharyngeal reflux? Lack of acid is condsidered to be the underlying cause after the Betaine HCl and high protein meal test was negative (no abdominal discomfort). I would prefer the Heidelberg test but its not available in the Philippines.
Acid reflux, especially in people over 25 is generally caused by too little acid, rather than too much acid in the stomach. I saw miraculous results with unpasteurized sauerkraut on my friends and family who had GERD.
Sauerkraut is made by mixing shredded cabbage with a tablespoon of sea salt, covering up with a cabbage leaf and leaving on the counter 3-5 days, until the cabbage is soured. Then refrigerate. Eat a tablespoon when you get acid reflux, or related stomach problems. They will disappear instantaneously. Your heartburn will vanish. Your bloating will vanish. Your stomachache will vanish.
The whole proton pump inhibitor industry is a gigantic scam. PPIs are also extremely detrimental to health.
Acid Reflux: Mix 1 teaspoon Basil seeds (Tutmalanga) in a glass of water, let sit for 5 minutes (the seeds will look like it has fuzz on it) than drink it.
I’ve just recently learned that acid reflux can be a symptom of adult-onset soy allergy, or soy intolerance. It is very simple to see if this is all, or part, of the problem. Just eliminate all soy products from the diet for 2 weeks and see if symptoms improve. Please note that soybean oil, soy lecithin, and soy protein isolate are in a wide variety of foods, supplements, and vitamins, so it’s very important to read labels carefully. For example, most brands of mayonaise are made with soybean oil, as are most products that contain vegetable oil or vegetable shortening. Factory-farmed eggs also contain a lot of soy, since soy protein is fed to the chickens; ditto for farmed fish. So many people must avoid these foods as well. After eliminating all soy from the diet for at least 2 weeks, deliberately eat something very high in soy content, preferably unfermented, such as soy milk. If your acid reflux symptoms return, you have your answer.
As a bonus, several other health issues have resolved since eliminating soy, including a decrease in chronic arthritis pain, brain fog/short term memory issues, loose bowels, insomnia, and vitamin B and D deficiencies. After some study, I’ve found that these are all common side effects of adult soy allergies.
Side effect reported
I developed acid reflux after taking ibuprofen. Once I stopped, the acid reflux slowly went away. With so many people suffering from acid reflux and with so many taking these pills, I highly suspect a connection.
I stopped having acid reflux episodes when I stopped consuming non-fat dairy products. Try going to 1%. If that doesn’t work, go to 2%. 2% works fine for me.
I used to think the episodes were a result of eating acidic foods (e. g., tomato sauce, etc. ), but found that consumption of non-fat dairy actually was the underlying cause that made my system intolerant of those foods. I can eat the other foods now with no problem.
Be sure to read labels, because skim milk and skim milk powder can be found where you least expect. I rarely get reflux now, but can trace it back to accidental ingestion of non-fat dairy every time it happens.
Hope this helps someone.
Your adverse reaction to non-fat milk is probably due to the highly heat treated milk protein that is added to replace the solid content lowered by the fat removal.
The best thing I found for Acid reflux and getting off Nexium was powdered glutamine, heaping tsp in water in the AM with heaping tsp of powdered vit c and then a carnotine pill and carnosine and NAG 750 glucosimine…. this healed my gut right away and my esophogus….
Hi Kaizzzma! Was wondering how long it took you to heal your gut and did this heal your reflux for good?? Or do u still have to continue with supplements?
In Africa, Palm oil is used to give relief for most abdominal problems. Just take 2-3 tablespoons at onset of the problem.
I have just started using a herb tincture called Centaurium by ____. I take it 3 times a day before food. It is helping my reflux problems and my digestion feels so much calmer. It really does seem to help. I obtained it from my local health food stores. It is worth giving it a try. Hope this helps.
Forget Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux. Go on to Metamucil. Metamucil is basically Psyllium Fibre with a nice taste to it. I had the worst stomach problems ever, but Metamucil has solved the problem. It is not a cure, but it is a management solution. I take it morning and evening every day. I suffered for several years, but not for the last three years. Give it a go. Best wishes, Tony, Australia.
Hey I am new to this cite.. Ive been having acid reflux and gas for a month.. I started with bloating… And burping.. I am scared to death of dying from this.. My doctor put me on acciphex 20 once a day it helps but still get some reflux.. I drink live yogurt evry morning on an empty stomach.. Then a pill of garlic it has to be natural with the garlic smell.. I eat a small meal… I drink horse tail tea mix ith 8oz of water.. And two pills of dgle licorice extract… And it works.. I am waiting on blood test this sypmtoms may be h. Pylori… But can cause gerd.
I was having stomach pain for 3 months now. At times it would feel like I had a knot under my breast bone. The pain would go from mild to severe and there was one time I almost went to ER. I was treated with previcid for the attacks. After reading on this site, I began to eat raw cabbage leaves on July 5. Just tried to eat 4-5 leaves throughout the day. the first day or 2 I noticed some relief. I did notice more heartburn for the first few days – but I felt that something was improving pain wise. by day 5 I noticed a significant difference. Here I am 10 days later and I have not had pain for over a week. I am amazed. I started adding cabbage to all my sandwiches and salads. In addition my constipation has drastically improved. Cheap and works!! I am sold!! Thanks and good luck
I cured my acid reflux in 5 weeks. I had gone the route of apple cider vinegar (hated the taste and burning in my throat), then Prilosec, and Nexium. Then I met an Herbalist. She had me go to GNC and get the Artichoke Extract. I took two capsules right when I finished breakfast and two capsules right after dinner every day. She also had me get Aloe Vera juice extract (wildberry is my favorite). I would take two shots right when I woke up an two shots right before I went to bed. Sometimes I would take a shot mid afternoon ( not very often).
I quit the Nexium after being on the artichoke and aloe for 24 hours and had no burning I still followed the bland acid reflux diet. But at five weeks I forgot to take the artichoke one morning and had no burning, so I decided to back off the artichoke and aloe Vera in the next couple of days. Then quit it. I slowly started eating spicy foods again and had no issues. It has been a year now. I told one of my husbands customer about it. (she had been on Nexium for around a year). She called me the next morning an said she slept all night for the first time in ages, she stopped the nexium that day and was cured in 5 weeks with no more issues. My daughter told a coworker about it and hers is cured too. The artichoke help control the bile. Please try it. IT WORKS!!
Are you fully cured from gerd?? Are you able to eat anything you want??? Are you still taking artichoke and aloe regular???
hi I also want to cure mine, pls reps, what shot means, quantity?
Most of the time when people don't answer a reply is because they actually did not get better after a while. I did the aloe vera juice and it helps you to feel better, but it does not cure the acid reflux, ulcers, or GERD.
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.
Side effect reported
This will work but if you take this for a long period of time it will deplete or prevent other vitamins from absorbing into your system. I was on this for several months and had really low iron because of it.
Had reflux bad many years ago then lost 40 pounds and went macro, was gone until starting eating wide and getting wide again. Don’t like acid reducers like Prevacid so tried calcium tablets which helped a little. Main thing is no coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, citris and grease. Hard in this culture and I love the first two. So just took the first leaf of aloe and ate the jell like I’ve seen my puppy do and already feel much better. Got a luncheon I need to go to so will try and find something to eat that won’t react but this website and all your comments helped so much. Thanks.
Generally I have used mangosteen juice in the past to relieve occasional acid reflux. This last time I got a very severe run of acid reflux due to a medicine that I was taking. It seemed logical that if aloe helps heal wounds that it might help heal my esophagus and my reflux. After two weeks on aloe vera juice, I feel much better. I was using the Trader Joe’s and took one ounce ( a shot glass ) three or four times a day.
How many minutes you I should wait after I take Aloe Vera Juice before start eating. Sincerely, Peter
Does aloe vera affect the thyroid?
Shouldn't. I'm hypothyroid and the aloe juice (inner leaf) has worked wonders for my GERD. Btwy, my doc also has me supplementing my natural desiccated thyroid meds with a bit of iodine (mixed in water) each day. I've been drinking the juice for a month now and have noticed no impact on my thyroid condition.
Years ago I was having severe acid reflux and would not try over the counter stuff. I went to our local health store and I learned a wonderful lesson that BIG PHARMICA doesn't want you to know. When you have acid reflux it is caused because you don't have enough acid! They want to sell you the band aids, the prescriptions. The clerk told me that as we age or if we have poor diets (not enough fermented foods) our stomach does not have enough acid when we eat. So the food goes in and the body reacts by producing acid to digest the food, after the food is in the belly, so the acid goes on top of the food, causing a reflux of too much acid, too late. What he told me I needed was to increase my acid before I eat so that the acid is there under the food in the belly. This information was contrary to what we learn on TV or magazines. He was so certain, he opened a bottle and gave me a handful of HCL hydrocloric acid capsules for free to try this out. There was enough for about 8 days. He said if it works, which he assured me it would, I could come back and buy the bottle. He said take one or two before each meal. I did, and I did come back and buy the bottle because it worked! I asked him how I know when it is enough. He said you can tell when you have balanced your acid when it starts to burn after the meal. You'll know. After a couple weeks I stopped taking them for a time until I need to do it again, which was quite a while. So, you see, eating a pickle before is increasing the acid in your belly. I also drink the apple cider vinegar daily when I get up in the morning. I have done this for years. It helps with your overall ph balance.
This year I got acid reflux even though I drink the vinegar. When I took the HCL it didn't work. I was burning up! I realized I had become too acidic! I quit taking the apple cider vinegar for a while, drank some club soda. I had to bear thru this for a couple weeks to balance out. I do have the saliva test strips for testing my spit first thing in the morning. I just thought that the vinegar was good. I guess it can become too much of a good thing. Now I don't drink the vinegar as often.
Thanks for the information about the mustard. I’ve been struggling with heartburn just about everyday. But today, I had tried drinkng water after water but it didn’t help. So I read about the mustard and decided to try it and instantly the heartburn was gone. Thanks again. This site is a lifesaver.
When you said mustard is it the one in a bottle or mustard powder or some kind of grain?
I can attest to this. This worked for me. I started making tomato tea (TT) for the colds and I started taking TT last year 2011. I usually take 1-2 tablespoons daily during late fall and early spring as well as when I sense that the weather is abruptly going up and down in the winter and my body is sending early warning signals that I am getting “sniffles” that a cold is coming. The only problem I have with taking TT is that I get very bad heartburns… It feels like I am getting heart attack / pains… At that point, I immediately swallowed small mustard packets every 10 minutes or so (they are free along with ketchup, mayo, salt, pepper, etc. ) that one gets in the fast food restaurants or sandwich shops. The packets are small, do not break and easy to carry). Yesterday I took TT in the morning and late afternoon in anticipation of an oncoming cold (which did not happen). In the early evening I swallowed three packets, 15-30 minutes apart and within or less than taking the first packet my pains went down by 50%. Within 30 minutes, my heart pains totally went away… Can’t live one without the other.. This worked for me..
After alot of different “tricks” for my dog’s discomfort, I finally got her to take a dose of mustard, and she is almost smiling! Finally wagging her tail again. Thank you so much!
Happy to report that home-made Kefir and Kombucha has resolved long standing acid reflux. I now can sleep uninterrupted in the night, and do not suffer from painful acid reflux.
Google to find easy ways to make these at home.
I have been looking into trying a different approach to reflux problems, and wondered if anyone has any expereince with the following supplements. The first one is d-Limonene, which is extracted oil of orange peel. They think it may work by coating the digestive tract which may prevent reflux going up into the oesphagus. It is also anti fungal and bacterial. The second supplement is Melatonin which is found in the gut as well as the pineal gland. It helps monitor sleep cycles. It also helps regulate the digestive system. It is anti inflammatory and helps the immune system. I found this information on the Natural News site. It sound very promising. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried these supplements or has any knowledge of them. Best to all Christine
I have found that reflux and heartburn often have same or similar causes. These problems are often, not always, associated with electrolyte imbalance. It is somewhat difficult to identify which electrolyte is the cause even after taking medical tests. The best solutions I have found are in eating one or more of these vegetables every day.
Broccoli—Asparagus—cabbage–greens
This usually works, but it will not work just eating them twice a week. Again, keep in mind that calcium and magnesium are almost always lacking in people that have frequent heartburn or reflux.
Some people have reflux and heartburn because they have the wrong ratios of acids in their system that the body is using for digestion. If the blood ph begins to drop below 7. 375 the body will rob the stomach of alkaline material to balance the blood. This transfer of alkaline material results in even greater acidity in the stomach; but it is often the wrong kinds of acids that end up in assisting digestion. When the body has to borrow to balance the ph one may end up with too much carbonic acid (could cause seizure or coma) or too much lactic acid (could cause muscle cramps). When these things occur they are often associated with either too much or too little HCL. When this occurs the body will eventually reject these inappropriate acids after it has utilized some of them for digestion; thus the reflux. Many over the counter medications will make the adjustment with aluminum; but this like sodium is a quick fix.
What must be determined is this. Is the reflux the result of too much acid (generally speaking) or is it the result of the wrong kind of acids. And then again, could it all have been initiated by a gradual lowering of blood ph?
Best and simplest way to fix Acid Reflux is with Apple Cider Vinegar. I use the recommended 2 tablesoons in water but I add Lime Juice for taste, I have had just 1 bout of Heartburn since after a really big pasta dinner and it was not nearly as severe or long lasting as in the past.
You just cannot beat ACV.
Hi, Something that works for acid reflux is squeeze out 4 lemons & drink it undiluted & within 15 minutes you have relief.
I have read with interest, the suggestions for help with acid reflux on this site. I have suffered for years with this problem and have now resigned myself to taking proton pump inhibitors to ease it. Digestive disorders are on both sides of my family so I’m thinking it could be partly hereditary. The tablets do make me feel more comfortable, I do watch what I eat as well. I just wish someone could wave a magic wand and make it dissapear altogether.
My boyfriend suffered from acid reflux, and tried so many different prescriptions and otc products to no avail. All of the pills seemed to only mask the pain. We heard using alkaline water may help. We couldn’t find a store that sold alkaline water? We did find a machine that turns regular tap water into alkaline rich water… you can buy one online. It worked 100% Now I drink it too, and I feel so much better overall!!! I believe in it!
I had reflux attacks so bad that I went to the emergency room on several occasions thinking that I was having a heart attact. I was getting most of my calories at the time from whole grains and legumes. I read that concentrated carbohydrates are not a natural food for man, and they can contribute to creating an environment that encourages the growth of bad bacteria that have a hand in reflux. I went low carb-paleo and stopped eating all grains and legumes. The reflux disappeared in TWO DAYS. The arthritis tht I had developed in my neck and shoulders disappeard in TEN DAYS
I really don’t know what I have but it sounds similar to what you guys are talking about. I’m not going to the the doctor cause, first, I don’t have money for that and two, I lost faith in them long ago. Tomorrow I start my war against this stuff. I got a lil overwhelmed at the beginning with all your remedies but I said to myself… Well something has to work. So I’m using them all. I’m getting tomorrow: aloe vera, honey, cabbage, coconout oil, garlic, mastic gum, peroxide, ginger, turmeric, acv, baking soda, cayenne and glutamine. I’ll try to use them separately to see what happens, I’ll let you guys know!! Thanks for the info!! . By the way, I was so stressed out about this pain that I just had a lil baking soda, garlic and maple syrup (I had it abandoned in my cooler and I know it’s good for you) and… I don’t know if its in my head or what but I feel a lil better 🙂 somebody wants to try? maybe it does help a bit! . Love you all!!!!
I have had severe acid reflux and gerd for years. It began progressing to horrible spasms and chest pain. The last three years I figured out a cure. I took the following things:
Quit prevacid
Began taking L-Glutamine to heal my stomach
1000 mg Calcium 1000 mg Magnesium to get those levels back up after depleting them for 10years of prevacid
Probiotics with digestive enzymes
1 glass red wine
After 4 weeks, no burning, no throat clearing, no chest pains, no hard time breathing and I can drink coffee all I want.
HOWEVER, if I get a sinus infection/virus. My doctor puts me on Allegra D and an Antibiotic. And the misery starts again. It takes me 3 weeks or more after the cold is over to calm the acid reflux down and get rid of the wet cough. Why????
Shelley, Please read this….
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/02/14/antibiotics-no-good-for-sinus-infections-study-finds/
Thanks, T
My reflux was very similar to yours. I also got a lot better when I stopped taking ompreazole, and started taking L-Glutamine and probiotics. Betaine HCl stabilized everything for a little while. Ted’s lemon bicarb remedy is my current weapon of choice.
From what I’ve read, the antibiotic use goes something like this:
Antibiotics kill the good gut flora, leaving behind the resilient yeasts and who knows what else. The bad flora now have very little competition and proceed to digest/ferment the food we eat. Pressure from the fermentation pushes stomach acid up the esophagus, and we experience reflux. Cough/throat problems abound.
I’m not sure if that’s true, but it certainly lines up with my experiences — be it antibiotics, acid reflux drugs, or any other source of damage to my digestion.
i have had acid reflux since I was in grade school trying one perscription then the next all working for a while then not at all. my heartburn comes with headache, nausa, and aching in my arms and legs.
i am 32 now and I was walking through the mall in knoxville, tn and ran across a store called vitamin world. this was my lucky day. the person behind the counter suggested papaya enzyme tablets. they taste good, not chalky like tums
and best of all they really work. I suggest you try these.
DOES THIS TAKE THE NASTY TASTE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH?
I have had acid reflux for years now and finally got around to Cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar. I have been doing this for only 3 days and my acid reflux is under control without taking pills. Just a pinch of cayenne to a coffee mug and 2 teaspoons does it for me. I am thankful I found this site.
I have been dealing with acid reflux, acid indigestion and gastritis on and off for years. GI docs put me on Prilosec then Prevacid after scopies where they saw erosion and hiatial hernia. The Prevacid gave me a life threatening intestinal infection of C. Difficile. Mainstream medicine knows little of this and thinks you only get it from antibiotics. After a year of recovery from the c. diff (and loss of 45 lbs in six weeks) my acid reflex and terrible acid burning came back.
H.pylori is a very common intestinal bacterium that most docs overlook as well. The antibiotic treatment is terrible and many do not kick it with this and become sicker. The tests (stool, breath) for h. pylori are unreliable.
I am now treating acid reflux and for h. pylori naturally with Mastic (sometimes called Mastic gum).
Also taking digestive enzymes (Digest by Transformation) before meals and made major nutritional changes to get PH balanced. You can buy the little strips to test urine PH at health food store. This is essential.
Seeing an excellent licensed naturopathic doctor has helped me enormously with this. There is so much more to tell but not enough time or room.
Please do not believe the mainstream line on this and avoid PPI’s, OTC antacids, prescriptions, etc!!!!! These things exacerbate the problem.
Two good websites are: Weston Price foundation and Cure zone for more info.
Be and get well naturally!
Side effect reported
I started to take Mastic Gum after having an episode of vomiting for 3 days straight couldn't even keep down water. After it stopped I developed very bad Panic Attacks. I went to see my natural doctor and she said, “we better give you something to help heal your stomach issues first” I was told to take Mastic Gum.
It affected me badly by raising my blood pressure to 188/113. It wasn't great before that but never that high. I started to take Oregano oil lets see what happens to me next. I will keep you posted thank you. Mary
Okay so since Christmas day I’ve had what is believed to be acid reflux. My mother has it and said it is probably acid reflux, I saw my physician once and he also said it is probably acid refluc. ACV used to work for me great… But now it doesn’t. Nothing helps at all anymore. Apples helped for a week and now they don’t. I was prescribed prilosec and I took it for a full two weeks. That didn’t work. Baking soda also didn’t work. Can anyone help me! ? I got four tubes of blood taken out yesterday to see if I have other things wrong with me. I should get the results back tomorrow. I don’t get heartburn at all, though. I get waves of nausea every day and feeling like something is in my throat. THe bad thing is…. This usually affects me at night. I do get it during the day, but at night it’s horrible. I sleep propped up and I STILL get it. I was up from 11 pm to 400 am because I was so nauseous. I attend highschool and wake up at 5 in the morning, so this really sucks when this happens on a school day, whether it’s night or day.
To restore healthy and balanced intestinal flora, you need to have Sulforaphane (from Broccoli), Vit. A, Ginger, Zinc and Copper to provide essential Vitamin, minerals and phytonutrients to help support gastric health and to minimize oxidation during gastric tissue repair.
I have been taking Cayenne for 4 to 5 months for my stomach and bp. My bp is great, my stomach is not, I eat healthy am seeing a holistic Dr. and have been taking supplements to rid me of anxiety and stomach problems, the cayenne has not healed my stomach.
EAT CELERY! It is like a miracle food for acid reflux!
I use a couple of sticks of raw celery for indigestion. I find it far more effective than commercial antacids. Sodium Bicarbonate works well too.
I do agree with the Ginger Candy for acid reflux. It is very good and I also eat it after my meal. I try to suck on it and it can turn into a very small piece of ginger root and I chew on it for about a half hour or so. If I can't get a piece sucked down I also chew ginger gum for about an hour helps a lot.
This is my first post on Earth Clinic. I just started using BSM this past week for the first time ever. I had never even tasted it before. I’m trying the Organic Unsulphered Wholesome brand. (I wanted to use the Plantation Organic brand because it’s packaged in glass instead of plastic, but I couldn’t find any. :() So far I’m only using 1 tsp in my coffee once a day. One day I also tried it in tea, and it tastes ok, but I like it better in coffee. Anyway, I only started for the health benefits of getting extra vitamins and minerals, and also as a possible hope of maybe helping my endometriosis. I found it on Earth Clinic while trying to help my mom find a cure for her very large Uterine Fibroid so that she won’t have to have a hysterectomy. So I figured, if people say it can help that then maybe it could help me also.
Well, I would have never guessed that it would help my GERD/Acid Reflux! I had no idea it could be used for that. I’ve mainly heard about ACV. I know it’s got to be the BSM that’s helping. I have had GERD for the past 2-3 years, and it is flairing really badly right now. I have been in extreme pain and discomfort this last week from reflux (dry cough throughout the day, acid belly–which I normally only get during my cycle, burping up food and acid 1-2 hrs after I eat, congestion in the morning). Somehow these symptoms have become considerably less since starting the BSM, and it hasn’t even been a full 7 days. Amazing.
Last night I even ate tacos and didn’t have any reflux issues. That’s a huge breakthrough. I will try using up to the recommended 1 TBSP on the bottle to see if that cures it completely.
RED CABBAGE!!!
Greatest cure for acid and indigestion I have found that really chewing a chunk of raw red(purple) cabbage, quickly balances my system quicker than anything.
It seems to work instantly!! Been a life saver for me.
Acid reflux can be dangerous in my view. Several times after I have gone to sleep, I wake up suddenly, and because of acid reflux, food has come up and is filling my wind pipe. I jump up and have a horrible time getting the food out. You might recall that both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey DIED of this condition. So what I do is keep a cup of soda water by my bedside, and routinely take several swallows before I lie down. By doing this I have no worries.
I just wanted to add something to help with the problem of Acid Reflux.
I had this problem in the past and this might help:
1. Place blocks of wood under the two legs of your bed where you sleep near the headboard side. Not so high that you slide off but raised slightly so that your upper body is slightly raised so that your acid will have to stay down and not come up to where it will give you trouble. When I was suffering from panic attacks years ago the acid reflux would inflame the situation.
Baking soda about 1 tablespoon in a glass of water (I used more) and/or antacids (Tums/Rolaids and even Maalox) will help.
You might even want to go so far as get on a bland diet if the problem is really bad.
I was told that as a last resort some people need surgery for acid reflux. But it would be better to control the problem without surgery.
Side effect reported
Does anyone know if probiotics can make reflux worse? I cannot understand why this would be, however it appears to make my reflux worse. Thanks.
When I had a parasite (and I did not know it) my acid reflux got much worse when I took a probiotic. I think this is because the probiotics were fighting for a place in the intestines and trying to dislodge the parasites.
I had chronic giardia which cause numerous problems in addition to diarrhea and stomach issues. I had constant acid reflux. Once I took medicine (flagyl) to kill the giardia I could take probiotics without flaring up my acid reflux.
Incidentally, it has been 8 months and my acid reflux hardly ever flares up (I follow the paleo diet, eat coconut oil regularly and take probiotics daily).
I believe acid reflux is a symptom of something else. I used to think when I took the probiotics and got horrible acid reflux problems that it was the probiotics but it wasn’t – it was actually a parasite.
Get a stool sample done and find out what is going on in your stomache and intestines. Because of what I went through I still get stool samples taken whenever my stomach does something weird to make sure I dont have giardia or any other parasite or bug.
Thank you for your response Humphry, I had thought about parasites. It is nice to know we are all trying to help each other on this great site. Thanks again.
Hi, I have suffered from sore throat and heartburn and chest pain nearly daily for almost a year now. I have been taking Nexium now for 3 months. After little relief, I am seeing a gastro. Apparently my esophagus appears normal and I am now monitoring my pH levels in my throat with a probe. My readings appear normal (6-8 pH) but I am still experiencing the “typical” GERD symptoms. I am baffled because I thought for sure I had GERD, now I am not so sure. What could this be? I am feeling hopeless because now, it seems, there will be no diagnosis after this testing. =( Thank you so much for your time and what you all do! Aloha, Liz
When I initially found out I had reflux with no reason for getting it, it turned out my gallbladder had “died” and I didn’t know it. I had to get it removed and have been on a low-fat diet ever since. You have to ask to have a scan done because most doctors won’t offer it up. Hope that helps.
Have had acid reflux since I am 12 years old. Tried all kinds of things thoughout the years, I learned that my stomach changes with time. ACV is good and I add it to most meals when possible. Pickle juice is also very good. The one thing that provides me with almost instant relief is avocado. The curious thing is that I didn't see it in the list and makes me wonder why? Hope it can provide some sort of help to some. Best luck!
I added to my alkaline diet and probiotics a few more things that have given me some incremental improvements: I only eat seafood for the “meat portion”, chew baking soda gum and in July 2011 I had my Vit D levels checked. They were low. So I put myself on 6,000 IU Vit d3 drops and the level of searing pain reduced substantially. The reason I tried Vit D is that I read it stregthens muscles. I thought maybe it could improve the contractions of my LES/UES. My Vit D test in Oct 2011 went to 44 so I reduced my Vit d3 drops to 4,000 IU units. My ENT saw me and was surprised that the bottom of my throat was healed but my upper throat still shows acid burn marks up to the molars. I am hoping that with time maybe my throat will heal. I looked at my throat yesterday and it depressed me. I only look at my throat once every 3 months. I can’t bear seeing how bad it looks. But at least the bottom of my throat is not searing.
My Drs have told me there is nothing more they can do for me. I’m pretty down about it but at least I’m better than I was a year ago when I thought I’d be dead by Feb 2011. It’s beginning to sink in that I will have this for the rest of my life. I saw the top GI Dr in the northern part of the state I live in and he advised that I have a vagel nerve problem and that it would take 10 years for science to figure out how to treat it. Very depressing that so little can be done for LPR. There is nothing on the Upper Esphogeal Spinchter (UES) that I can find. No clincal studies.. Nothing. No research being done on it that I can find. My Lower Esphogeal Spinchter shows that I went from a 40 ph to .4. My Drs say it is normal reflux and that the fundo surgery looks like it worked but that there may be a secondary problem that they can’t figure out. They don’t know what is wrong with me. I came out of the fundo surgery 10x worse… Seriously depressing. But I keep a smile on my face for my family and at least my pain is so much better with the Vit D3 drops.
I just eat 1/2 an apple anytime I eat acidic food and acidity is bothering due to overeating or fried food. It has helped me. I don’t take any medicines, always the natural cure. It works. Doctors were writing prescriptions for my acid reflux but thank God I checked home remedies.
Take 6 mg of melatonin every night at bedtime. It strengthens your stomach sphincter making it harder for acid to travel up your throat. I’ve been doing it for 1.5 mos and feel 70% better!
Will try this along with D-limonene. Thanks for posting.
Once I stopped using tums for acid reflux, I was using apples, which work well. But, I don’t always have them on hand especially away from home. So I tried crystallized ginger (ginger soaked in sugar), and it works great. Anytime symptoms come on, I eat several pieces. If the symptoms don’t go away immediately, I eat a few more pieces. Works every time. I keep a few pieces in my purse and a jar at home. You can buy these in any health food store.
Im 18 years old and studying in college, when 3 days ago I justs started feeling this sensation like acid was backing up in my throat. So the first day I ignored it, but it continued to grow worse so on the second day I started popping tums and they didn’t help at all. So on the third day I decided not to eat anything at all in hopes that the sensation would go away. Well haha, halfway through the day it still persisted and I couldn’t take it anymore so I got online, found this website, and out of desperation tried eating apples. To my surprise, within 30 minutes the sensation cleared right up and I feel much better. The weird feeling in my throat is not completly gone, but I feel like if I keep eating the apples and stay away from trigger foods, I will be fine 🙂 thanks for this great tip
Yes apples can help with acid reflux. But acid reflux can cause irritation to the esophagus and lead to Barrett syndrome and precancerous situitions so get a doctor to check you med situation. Just don't rely on home med alone.
Hold the vinegar. I tried it, but couldn’t take the taste. Now I take digestive enzymes with each meal. I couldn’t live without my Prilosec, but since I started the enzymes, no more Prilosec and no more acid reflux. The one that I use is Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes. GNC sells them.
It might not help everyone and it’s not a complete cure but chewing gum after meals helps me a lot. The saliva from chewing the gum helps to wash all the acid down and keep it out of your esophogus.
A warning re chewing gum: All wrigley’s gum, not sure about other brands contain ASPARTAME – a poison – stay away from chewing gum. It will cause seizures sometimes fatal and can even lead to death. Research the dangers of ASPARTAME.
You are better off taking iodine as it regulates stomach acid and cures the problem. Research “iodine stomach acid”.
I have suffered from ocasional acid reflux for years but have never been treated by a physician for this illness. I love all kinds of pickles and sometime about a year ago I just happened to start eating a pickled okra just before bedtime and have noticed that since that time I have never once had acid reflux bother me. Just today I found this website and was happy to find out why the pickled okra seems to work. Thanks. Larry
I have tried ACV and HCL for low stomach acid and have had side effects from both. I heard that gelatin can increase stomach acid and was wondering if anyone knew anything about this? I want to try this but I don’t know how much. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for all info. I also found lot of useful information on:
http://consultpri.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/acid-reflux-cure-natural-way/
Hi Sarvanon, sorry about your suffering. I have the problem my self. I read an article about a condition called NERD. Witch I think is a type of reflux that is not caused by acid. I think this is what I have been suffering from, it is causing many throat problems with excessive mucus and throat clearing. I am trying to be more aware of my diet, thing like excessive suger and wheat, milk make it worse. I take probotics. Glutame, milk thistle, garlic and ginger tea. Progress is slow. I do hope you can find some solutations. It is often trial and error. Good luck Christine
The best and most effective cure for acid reflux, even the most serious case, is to drink one to two tablespoonful of Sesame oil on a empty stomach first thing in the morning. It will be difficult to stomach during the first few days but there after you will acquire a taste for it. Also take the same quantity fifteen minutes after the night meal. Please do not drink any water immediately after drinking the oil it will defeat the purpose.
It has to be taken every day for about ten days for a permanent cure.
The roasted sesame seed oil is more effective than the cold pressed and it has to be 100% pure oil. This oil is available at any Chinese grocery. It is also very necessary that one drinks hot water with one's meals. Drinking cold or iced water or drinks after each meal will only prolong the ailment and inhibit cure. Spicy and/or oily food for the night meal is a no, no. It will only aggravate the stomach acid.
Hi Nylle, I'm interested in the sesame oil. I have some virgin oil that I started using for oil pulling, but I am not sure I understand which oil you are recommending. So in the scheme of Extra Virgin, Virgin, Refined and Pure, you are saying to get Pure is that correct?
Will it specify that the sesame seeds have been roasted on the bottle, or is the name "Pure" simply a way of stating that roasting is a part of the process?Are there any brands you would recommend?
I currently live in Paris, France and the nearest Chinese grocery is not near at all. I did see a Pure sesame oil at my local grocery store but I wasn't sure if it would do.
Also, is this a cure for GERD or only acid reflux? Thanks for your help!
Somewhere on this site I discovered drinking a glass of water a half hour before dinner prevented acid reflux. I would like to post that this is true for me and an older friend who also experienced acid reflux. Thank you.
Try 4 to 5 Almonds. It is a very good tested treatment for ACID REFLUX.
Ted’s Remedies. Please be very careful if you suffer from acid reflux. I suffered for over ten years and used many remedies including conventional medicine only to find out after a routine stress test that I required a triple bypass. During the stress test the reflux became worse and I was pulled off the treadmill and given oxygen and nitrolingual spray which helped to lessen the burning. I was amazed by this as I had no other symptoms other than a little breathlessness which is also common with reflux. It was explained to me that women often have different symptoms than men and it was actually the reflux that made my cardiologist take notice. Just be aware that reflux can be caused by more than one reason. I do not have reflux now since the surgery.
<P>hi Apil glad the aloe is helping your reflux. I have tried most of the remendies on the site and they help a little. Over the last few days I have trying orange peel, Im just using well washed satsuma peel, i wanted to try it first before buying the extract. Its helping and the frothing from the gut seems to be a lot less this morning. Goggle it and see what you think. Hope this helps.
I found kefir works for acid reflux, it takes a few months to cure it but stops the burning in the meen time.
I concur that both kefir and yogurt can cure acid reflux over time. You just take one with each meal. Whenever I go to the doctor and they give me pharmaceutical medications, such as painkillers like paracematol, or antibiotics, as long as you take kefir with the mix at the meal, you can prevent acid reflux. If you do get it (whether or not you are taking it) it will cure it in time.
Also one teaspoon – one tablespoon of ACV and enough sodium bicarbonate it to neutralize it (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon typically) is very good for dealing with that too.
hi guys, I think I have finally found something that could help you. I used to suffer from acid reflux terribly. Whatever I ate caused a reflux so I started looking for cures, I tried the ususal stuff that the doctor’s prescribe but it didn’t help me out much.
THEN I STUMBLED ONTO A TEA BY ______ IT IS GREEN TEA WITH LEMON. It reduced the acid reflux drastically, I have it twice a day, in the morning before going to office and after coming from office. I am using the tea bags.
This tea has really helped me out and I hope that it helps all you people looking for a cure.
I’ve found aloe juice to help with digestive issues and read that it works by lowering the acidity of the gastric juices found in the stomach. Aloe vera is also a powerful anti-inflammatory (think sunburns), offering relief for sore throat symptoms as well. Hope it helps!!
Aloe Vera is also nice, I had had acid reflux for 7 yrs, having been going to hospital taking all antibiotic. It seemed not working. When I saw GNC food supplement in Thailand I went for it. I have been taking aloe vera with fish oil and it seemed working. I suggest people with stomach problem should try this. U can buy this from Top Markets, central and future park at the first floor. If anything I can be of help. God bless ya all.
I'm starting to have symptoms. Can you tell me the name and where I might be able to find this juice. Thanks.
I've had reflux for a few years now and I've been taking 40 mg Protonix mostly to control it, and it did for the most part, but the burning always woke me up in the mornings and my sleep/rest time suffered. I discovered recently that drinking a few ounces of milk before go to sleep helps a great deal, eliminating about 95% of that burning sensation. Now I can sleep in more often than I have for years. I hope this helps you.
I'm thinking about trying to get off the meds altogether by taking the ACV.
Barring there are no underlying conditions & there is ‘typical’ acid reflux then diet is essential. Poor food combining added to diminished enzymes & hydrochloric acid production causes food to rot. Enzymes & digestive acid production decline with age due to the constant eating of lifeless cooked foods. I am not recommending a raw food diet as all foods cannot be eaten raw. 1/4 to 1 tsp of air dried pink salt in a glass of water in the a.m. stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Enzymes may be taken before each major meal, not after, & followed by betaine hydrochloride after the meal. Dr. David Brownstein, M. D. wrote a small book on salt which is helpful for many ailments. Dr. Bob Marshall, PHd, CNC has a site that addresses these issues.
Some older people who have high blood pressure can't take salt. I test it alot and if I eat more than 600mg sodium a day my blood pressure sky rockets. The other day it was 121/77 and that nite I ate two bowls of chinese egg drop soup and today it was 153/95. The other days it's in the 120's/80 except when I eat salt the nite before. So be careful with the salt. One hot dog can contain about 500 mg of sodium. I boil them to get the salt out into the water and I boil smoked sausage the same way and I believe that 90 percent of the salt comes out. I do it with ham too. You can tell cuz there will be no taste., but you can sprinkle a TINY amount of Celtic salt to make up for it and yet it will be way less than before.
I love salt. However I do take 400mg Potassium Citrate twice a day to attenuate the effect of higher sodium intake. I keep packaged and fast food to a minimum. This keeps the BP fluctuations to a minimum for me. Always use Himalayan Pink salt for the spectrum of minor minerals in it.
I had terrible acid reflux a couple years ago. Went to the doctor and she prescribed some medication. When I asked how long I had to be on it, she said she didn’t know. Apparently some people are on for life. I never filled the prescription. Instead I did some research and in addition to dramatically reducing my soda intake I started taking chewable (saliva enhances the effectiveness) DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Research and you will find several articles saying DGL cures ulcers! Take it 20 minutes prior to eating each meal (up to 3 times/day). I went from having acid reflux every day-all day to seldom if ever. I no longer vomit stomach acid in the morning and I am able to eat spicy foods again. I also don’t have to take it before every meal anymore. I only take it before I eat spicy foods.
Two last things, if you don’t like licorice, they do have German Chocolate flavored DGL which helps to disguise the flavor. Secondly, if you have high blood pressure, make sure you buy the kind that has the glycyrrhizin compound (associated with high blood pressure) removed.
Yes, I was using Licorice tea and drinking it with my meals. It did help (Rutin was better though).
One cause of acid reflux is parasites. A liquid combination of black walnut, woodworm and cloves is the remedy and can be bought at a health food store. It taste very bad but is good for you.
I am taking the cayenne pills and so far its has been ok. I take 3 pills a day after each meal. I get a slight burning in the chest for about a minute then it goes away. so maybe instead of taking 2 at a time you should break it down to twice a day.
I’m a singer from Toronto. My reflux problems started in December. Now it’s May and I’m still suffering. Nexium didn’t help. Neither did dexilant. I’ve been to an ENT and have been waiting several months to see a GI specialist. I’ve had several tests. Apparently, hernia has been ruled out. So has an ulcer. The diagnosis after x-rays and an endoscopy was “mild gastritis”. I’m a otherwise healthy person who exercises and eats quite healthily and am average weight. This condition has significantly impacted my career and I’m frustrated by the lack of treatment. I’m determined to become an expert about reflux to (a) get my career and health back (b) help others who are frustrated by doctors who don’t know and medication that doesn’t work.
I’m working on my PhD now and hoping to include this topic in my specialty. I would love to hear from other singers from anywhere. I would also love to hear from singers anywhere from Toronto to Kingston to form a support group of sorts. I’m shocked by how little is known about this. The non-traditional healers seem to have far more knowledge than the allopathic doctors (licensed doctors who prescribed pharmaceuticals). I would love to hear about any doctors you felt were knowledgeable or not helpful and to hear any stories from singers with this condition. This is a life-altering condition about which there should be more knowledge of cures. Please feel free to post, but also email me directly: dearsistermoon(at)gmail.com Thank you. Good luck!
I struggled for years with acid reflux… To the point it was diagnosed as precancerous Barracks-esophagus I now juice fresh aloe vera (scrape the inside of the plant out and mix it with some water using a hand blender. I drink this before I go to bed or on an empty stomach. This is very healing to the GI track. Do not juice the outside of the plant, it will give you the runs!
DGL (deglycerized licorice) coats your throat and GI track. Take about half an hour before eating and at bedtime.
Take digestive enzymes. Much of the time, we just need some extra help to digest our food. This also is great for skin issues and general healing.
baking soda (about a teaspoon to a cup of water) will soothe reflux.
_____s vinegar (about a teaspoon in a cup of water) helps with digestion and helps to alkalize your body.
I am also about to add L-Glutamine to my regimen. It is very healing to intestines.
The last time I went in for an endoscopy/biopsy, my Dr. Said everything looked very good and I did not nee to come back for two year (I usually have to come in once a year for this procedure)
Best of health to you
Kathie
You don’t need a disclaimer here. There are NO ‘professional medical preventions, diagnoses, or treatments’. It simply doesn’t exist. Drs only wait until the esophagus is so badly burned by stomach acid that it turns cancerous, only then will they step in with their chemo and radiation ‘therapies’. It’s frightening and rather Fransteinian.
I have been getting some relief by combing a controlled carbs diet with HCL and other digestive enzymes. I have learned a lot from the following site and would urge all to visit and read the extensive information presented. He does not sell digestive products or aides.
http://thehealthyskeptic.org/heartburn
I appreciate all who have posted their ideas here and I wanted to share this information as it is helping me.
I want to get a digestive enzyme for my silent reflux… Two questions… 1-I read in a natural healing book it is good for reflux but to get one without Hydrocloric acid… The viatamin store said I should get one within particual a Twin Lab product… 2- Any particual brands that any have used or reccommend?
hi, I take 2 TwinLabs Super Enzyme caps and 1 Swanson Acidophilus before each meal. When I first started, now I take it once a day and if I should have a problem I take them as soon as I notice……. and it works for me
I buy my products from http://www.swansonvitamins.com and have useed them for at least 25 years
I have taken Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics for 8 years. My worst symptom was a constant cough for 10 years for which I was prescribed various inhalers for asthma. After a tongue biopsy which diagnosed candidiasis (probably caused by the inhalers), I began doing my own research online and decided to try Probiotics. I wanted the best one I could take and consulted a friend who sold “high quality supplements”. As it turned out, she sent me the above mentioned product and my cough was gone in three days. It was nothing short of miraculous!!! Since then I have learned much and believe what I suffered from was GERD (not asthma), with no “typical” acid reflux symptoms. I had an endoscopy and the DR diagnosed Barrett’s Esophogus (caused by GERD).The enzymes are all plant based, and since it is a powder that you mix with water and drink (with or without a meal), it is 100% bioavailable. Fully absorbed by the body – no waste, and no need to digest a pill in order for it to work. Just be careful if you take a timed release medication as this product contains cellulase, which will break down the cellulose in some timed release medications too quickly. Ask your pharmacist if the medication you are taking is timed release and if it is bound with cellulose, then use accordingly – ie: taken several hours apart. Enzymes and Probiotics are live and should not be heated. Be aware: Ordering them online in the summer is risky since the product could sit in a hot truck or your mailbox for hours on end rendering them ineffective. So order and store them appropriately.
What is the brand of your Digestive Enzymes With Probiotics?
I have a very bad acid reflux. Even with two Nexium 40 mg I have a lot of acid. I just found your site and I bought apple cider vinegar. Today for the first time I had it with honey and warm water. My question is should I only mix ACV with honey and water or for my case which is very bad one. I should take ACV with baking soda. And with 2 tbs ACV how much should I add baking soda? Can I continue taking Nexium and the same time taking ACV? Please help me I am really suffering from it. It is killing me.
Lili, you are getting acid reflux because you probably have too little acid in your stomach not because you have a lack of it. If you add baking soda to the mix you are again making your stomach acid too alkaline so the problem will only improve temporarily. You also would be wise to have digestive enzymes to help digest your food better.
I also read recently that salt “increases” acid in the stomach (of course natural sea salt not processed salt). Another reason to add salt to our diets.
Google dangers of antacids and see the results.
Just a heads up for those of you who have some type of stomach discomfort. About a year ago I had a nagging upset stomach which would go away after using over the counter prilosec. After a month or so the problem would come back. I researched my symptoms on the Earth Clinic and came up with a fairly effective treatment of apple cider vinegar & baking soda, along with mastic gum and a few other stomach healers. I had on and off success but just could’nt get rid of the upset stomach feeling for good. So I contacted a specialist and underwent the ‘endoscopy’ procedure. (which is a minor invasive look into your stomach). I was suprised at what I didn’t have. I had all the symptoms of the H-pylori bacteria, but the results stated I had the beginning of an ulcer, probably due to diet and stress, and eating late at night. (no h-pylori) I have been placed on Nexium which has controlled my discomfort quite well.
My point is make sure you diagnose your malady. Sometimes close, ain’t good enough. I still use Earth Clinic as a valuable help aid and most remedies are organic which makes them relatively safe. I did get some relief for my stomach thanks to Earth Clinic however you can’t cure it if you don’t know what it is…
I have suffered from Acid Reflux for about 5 years. I have enjoyed many of the typical symptoms, Lump in throat sensation, burning behind breast bone, throat palpatations, excessive mucous etc. I have tried every remedy I could find including Ted’s alkalizing forumla’s primarily Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking soda. As with most remedies I have found nothing seems to work for long. I had the best success with ACV and Baking soda but it too stopped being as effective after about a year.
With all the remedies I have tried I think at best I could only describe the results as controlling my symptoms. This no longer seems to be the case, my acid reflux seems to be gone entirely. This is a direct result of taking Garlic supplements daily.
In researching this condition I found a few articles claiming that the active healing ingredient in garlic called Allicin is one of the only natural ways to kill the H pylori bacteria in the stomache. its widely believed that a high percentage of people with reflux have this bacteria.
Over Christmas I was having an exceptionally bad episode and out of desperation ate a couple raw cloves. After my mouth stopped burning I was amazed to note my symptoms had subsided. I have since been taking garlic and over the course of a couple months all of my symtopms have ceased. I quickly switched to galic supplements from Wall Mart as taking raw garlic was too poweful and was causing some social implications.
Garlic is one of the trigger foods we are supposed to avoid, I believed this to be true and would not have tried this if not out of desperation. It may well be responsible for the occaional heart burn I have had since but this has been minor and typically reiieved with a few almonds or some candied ginger. All of my other more concerning symptoms are gone.
reading up on Garlic you will find it has a lot of benefits including fighting some types of cancers. One of the other benefits is bowel regulation. I did not think I had a problem in this area but its now apparent that I did. I think its this issue that led to my acid reflux in the first place.
I hope others will try this and hopefully get the same benefit. Its my hope that if this works for others that we can spread the word and help others. I know this condition can really get you down over time and can seem hopeless but like the X-Files the truth is out there. Good luck to all of you
how much raw garlic did you take a day, and how many times a day? then how many capsules per dose and how many times a day? how many mg per capsule? did they contain pure allicin?
I knew about the ChÃa seed to help with acid reflux through a friend. Immediatly after a reflux attack, you need to take one spoon of dry Chia seed with a little water (the chia seed expanded and will absorb the acids. ) His wife, after ten years using Proton Pump Inhibitors (prilosec, etc. ) have four months without taking these Rx and feeling good. However, the best way is to you prepare the chia in a cup or a jar with water, let grow up, and drink the jelly that is formed. Only use the dry chia seed for a reflux attack. It could dehidrated you. For all other benefits, prepare the jelly. Please check the internet for more information.
after almost two years trying hundreds of remedies I saw improvement after drinking instant decaf coffee. I tried medicines and natural remedies and nothing could stop the acid reflux at night. I would wake up every 2 hours with sweats and discomfort. I do not know how coffee is stopping my acid reflux but it is working for me.
Great Site with very helpful information. I have referred to it often. I need to ad my experience as far as Acid Reflux.
I was in such discomfort for years, until I found out two things.
First, I do not digest meat without taking digestive enzymes. Two tablets with water when meal is 3/4 finished.
Second, If someone, like myself and others I see from the postings, has continuous discomfort after eating regardless of what they eat and may have trouble taking a deep breath, you probably have a Hiatal Hernia. No surgery is needed. A chiropractor can remedy this in a matter of minutes! You will have immediate relief. Once you learn the procedure your spouce can do the maneuver if it needs done in the future. It has brought relief to both my wife and myself.
I hope this information will help others.
Hi Sheila; Yes, it is an “acid thing” to me too because I’m still trying to give it a figure. Whatever this thing is, It’s been “Born Slippy” to my gripe. (possibility of a joke here). I’m still rummaging through my diet and supplements to find which acids trouble me at this time.
In Truth, these acids have nothing that’s wrong about them, but I am not metabolizing them correctly for now. I cannot take aspirin or even White Willow Bark For now. (high in salicylic acid) Foods high in salicylates don’t seem to be a problem.
Foods high in citric acid are troublesome now. I may have moderate amounts of naturally fermented foods. (lactic acid) Acetic acids are also troublesome now. Even Rose Hips tea caused a disturbance. (ascorbic acid and citric acid) I have trouble metabolizing sulfur. It is acidic, but moreover, the body conducts a very complex process with it in order to use it. (when I try to understand what all the liver does in this, I have to “roll out the fainting couch”). If sulfur isn’t properly methylated, oxidized, etc., its unfinished business will be expressed to and from an unhappy colon.
What brought me to realize that my case was some “gross acidosis”, was (I must admit this), 5 years of Hcl supplementation. I began it after a lifetime of digestive ills that peaked with a 3 month period of upper stomach pain, projectile vomiting, and dry heaves. (liver problems too) Scope showed no ulcer, no H. Pylori, but there was inflammation. After research, I began Hcl with Betaine (sounds like beet uh een). My results were great, and I could eat well. After a couple of years, I began to have negative symptoms that seemed unrelated to the Hcl. (no stomach pain). After 5 yrs., there was pain nearly everywhere but the stomach. I increased Hcl. Pain increased. Kidney pain increased exponentially. Ted’s words, “acid kidney”, came to mind.
I went for a scan. The results were; No stones, no obstructions in kidney, but a small liver lesion and a small hiatal hernia. I stopped Hcl. The pain began to subside. I now have somewhat low stomach acid, but I choose B-complex with an extra pinch of niacin to treat it. These are the acids that I may have.
The rewards for the practice of finding my troublesome acids are: no more kidney pain, minimized liver and stomach pain, much reduced bleeding, (purpura, gums), very few canker sores, (autoimmune), and very few shingles outbreaks, (herpes). I am now able to slowly reduce my meds. I have learned this practice from reading the brilliant posts here, and I am again grateful. Connie
Does anyone have experience with cayenne pepper in aiding ulcers or acid reflux? Will it make worse because spicy foods aren’t recommended?
I started the Apple Cider Vinegar tx yesterday and am hoping for success. I have been dealing with acid reflux for about 6 months and was about at wits end when I happened upon ted’s recipe for tx. I will also follow the suggestion of foods and drinks to avoid and 5 small meals thru the day. Will report back in a week.
I have acid reflux. I’m Catholic and every lent I give up all foods that I know contain processed sugar. Its very difficult and I am convinced that sugar is more addictive than any drug. The great thing is that my reflux is almost eliminated. I also believe that regular exercise, and avoiding trigger foods helps, as well and the occasional bi-carb.
I totally agree! The occurences of acid reflux become a lot less when avoiding sugar. Though, I love sugar, I found something that works as well: Stevia. I think it’s banned in the USA but as I’m living in London it’s no problem. Wikipedia says that the sweet extract of the plant is allowed in the USA.
My daughter Natalie suffered from reflux from day one. She was born slightly premature, and was in the NICU for breathing difficulties, where she was given antibiotics. Along with helping what the doctor thought could be a slight infection, the antibiotics wiped out the good digestive enzymes we need to absorb the nutrition from food. After many nights of screaming and hearing her pained gasps, and refusing to put her on prescription drugs with varying side affects, we were recommended to an aloe juice product. Not only does Natalie love it, but here we are almost 4 months later and all signs of her reflux are gone.
Also, aloe juice helps to strengthen the immune system. She’s had 1 cold, pretty remarkable. (She has 3 young, very curious cousins! ) If you’d like more information on the aloe juice, feel free to get a hold of me. Beware of aloe juices that contain things called “aloins, ” as they are not safe for infants. I’d love to tell you more, because I know what a heartbreak reflux can create for a mother. Good Luck -Kayla
i’d like to know what kind of aloe vera it is and if you know any natural way to cure strictures which is the scar tissue that builds from reflux appreciate it
thanks for the information where can I find this juice?
You can find the Aloe Vera Juice at Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS. I was looking at it yesterday when I was trying to find the cold pressed Castor oil!
I found it and this has been excellent for me. Thanks so much for this information! I havent shown any symptoms and I drink it in the morning before breakfast. I mix it with apple juice and it taste great. Do you know of any other easy products for acid reflux?… And what is that oil good for? Im very curious! Thanks alot!
George’s Aloe vera Juice is the best and does not cause diarrhea like some of the others. It is available at most health food stores.
How many ounces of the aloe Vera juice should I give my preemie boy? Also, can I put it in his bottle or should I put it in a dropper and give it to him as is? Finally, which brand name works best that has no “aloins?”
Hi, I am also interested in finding out how much to give it to 10 months old baby. My daughter is suffering from acid reflux and the prescribed medicine has helped her but not a lot. She is still spitting up after having milk or solid food. Please let me know what brand is safe for 10 months old and how much to give and how many times a day.Thank you very much.
I have acid reflux and I choke in my sleep and I woke up feeling like I was drowning before with a burning feeling in my throat. How often do you have to take these remedies?
I coured my acid reflux with aloe vera many years ago. I have a premature baby that suffers of reflux. We've given her prevacid becuause that's what she got at the NICU. Now, I want to switch but I don't know what brand and amount are safe for her. She is 13 lbs 10 oz. She is almost 6 months old. Thank you!!!
I cured my acid reflux with aloe vera many years ago. I have a premature baby that suffers of reflux. We've given her prevacid becuause that's what she got at the NICU. Now, I want to switch but I don't know what brand and amount are safe for her. She is 13 lbs 10 oz. She is almost 6 months old. Thank you!!!
Lay on your left side and try and put as many pillows as are comfortable under your head. Laying on the left side for some reason causes the stomach contents not to spill back up through the esophagus. And take aloe juice, aloe capsules, any way you can get it.
I have been suffering with a nagging cough on & off for years. Occasionally it bothers me during the day and always at night, sometimes to the point of vomiting. My naturopath thinks I might have acid reflux, which has inflamed my esophagus. He wants me to see a G.I. Doc & get scoped. I don’t have heartburn so I don’t know how I could have acid reflux. I would be SO grateful to know if anyone else has issues with such a horrible, ongoing cough & any suggestions. Thank you SO much.
Sorry to hear of your problem. My aunt also suffers from a continuous cough and throat irritation. She went to a G. I. Doctor and was diagnosed with acid reflux. The doc told her to take a tablespoon of liquid malox twice a day. She says it seemed to help at first but now the cough has returned. I am going to check into getting some of the enzyme tablets at the health food store for her and see it they make a difference. My aunt doesn’t experience any other problems except the cough and throat irritation.
I have had acid reflux for years. I tried OTC stuff for over a year. But I learned there are many long-term side effects with these pills. I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar with water, which helped. But it was so hard to choke down. I wondered if I could get my vinegar elsewhere.
So…. I tried vinegar-based hot sauces like Texas Pete or generic cayenne hot sauce with vinegar, cayenne and salt as the ingredients. There are many hot sauces that are mild too, such as Crystal hot sauce. I don’t go a day without hot sauce. Keep in mind that not all of them help. Some of them contain water and other ingredients. Whenever I get an irritation, I get a couple of crackers and a few drops of hot sauce and wash it down with some water and I feel better. Am I the only one that has tried vinegar-based hot sauce? Because it is a fantastic cure.
Good morning to you all,
I am so pleased to have found this site (out of desperation and ages on the internet)It is self diagnosis that I have acid reflux but have every symptom listed, burning pain, regurgertation, stomach discomfort etc. I have a doctors appointment this week. One of my symptoms has been the tight chest and dry cough and know this is due to acid irritation and possible imflamation.
I started using Ted’s 2 remedy on Friday and already feel better. Can anyone tell me though how long should it take for the tight chest and cough to heal. It is better and only seem to have it morning and evenings rather than all day now. I would just like a rough idea so I can keep an eye on it. Many thanks for any help, Frances
Just thought I ought to add that my acid reflux is most probably due to the drug I am taking for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)and low dosage aspirin. I stopped the aspirin 3 days ago as it isnt really necessary for me as my condition is mild and controlled. I have had acid on and off since being on the medication (4 years) but it went big time almost 24/7 a couple of weeks ago.
Zantac has been my close friend for a long time. Kept clear of most spicy stuff. Two weeks ago I had the desire for some raw onion on my avocado sandwich so, thinly sliced some (a fair bit) over the avo & cheese. I haven’t had reflux since! What’s that about? I’ve had onion (Purple) often since, and I seem to be fixed!
Acid reflux usually is caused by poor diet which is the typical cooked food depleted of enzymes which also means the life is cooked out of the food. Lightly steamed vegies, carbs is better than boiling, overcooking. Meats should be marinated in vinegar to aid digestion & not overcooked which makes it more difficult to digest. Search out macrobiotic food prep & combining for tips & info. We loose our ability to digest the dead foods & also poor food combining such as mixing sugars, carbs with proteins, much like creating a compost pile. The experience of acid reflux & other digestive problems are the result of rotting foodstuffs. Treating the symptoms is a temporary soluton. Eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sauerkraut, kimchee, or other naturally fermented unpasteurized vegies with meals. Also sip 1/2 lemon juice & 1/4 tsp air dried nonprocessed sea salt in 6ozs water before, during, & after meals. Betaine hydrochloride will help after meals.
If you take digestive enzymes, they will be cancelled out if taken with the betaine HCL. Avoid sugars after meals as the simple sugars want to be digested more quickly than proteins causing a backup. The body needs to spend more time digesting more complex foods especially proteins & adding sugars ‘stalls’ the process. Robert
Robert, I notice many enzymes include betaine HCL together. Ie Now Super Enzymes. Are you saying this will cancel out the effectiveness of the digestive enzymes ? Please explain. “If you take digestive enzymes, they will be cancelled out if taken with the betaine HCL”
To: Robert from Martinez, Ca
How did you come to the conclusion that HCL will cancel out Digestive Enzymes when taken together?
I was checked for celiac disease about three years ago and my Dr. Said I showed no signs of it. This is when you are sensitive to wheat. About a month ago I decided to cut out wheat products and sugar. I haven’t lost any weight, but I have noticed my acid reflux is much better.
All PPI’s work fine for me, but they are causing extreme muscle leg pain. When I stop taking Prylosec or prevecid, the pain stops next day, but of course the acid starts up again and I so does the leg pain. Two of my MDs think I’m making this up, they have never heard of this. Have you ever heard of this? I have reflux from everything, even water. When I lay down flat, my reflux stops within minutes. Do you have any ideas?
To Ted from Pismo Beach
First of all PPI’s cause magnesium deficiency which will cause leg cramps, etc. You need a magnesium supplement and in my opinion, to wean yourself off the ppis.
Here’s what worked for me. Went to a health food store and bought a bottle of ‘cell salts’ a little different than the homeopathic pills. Got the ‘nat phos’ #10 in the 6X. Took two or three pills after my main two meals each day. Started working amazingly well by the third day. First two days may be iffy but by the third day I got great results. Has worked great for two acquaintances also. The nat phos will balance out your pH.
Once it starts working, wean yourself off those also.
I take 500mg of Coral Calcium (magnesium and D are in the capsules) every night at bed time. I no longer have acid reflux. My husband always had acid reflux, nearly every day. Now he doesn’t. He takes Calcium every night.
I do get acid reflux when I have gluten in my diet. I’m allergic to wheat/flour, and so many other gluten containing foods. My doctor put me on Prilosec or a generic form of it. But I didn’t take it, since it has side effects I wasn’t about to risk. Anyway, I kept looking for a natural way of “curing” acid reflux not a therapy for it, since that was easy; there are all kinds of natural ways to subside acid reflux. I found an article on celiac disease and tested myself for it and found that my “acid reflux” went away. My doctor asked me why I hadn’t come back to see him for an evaluation on Prilosec. I told him I had celiac disease and have been avoiding gluten. He then asked how is that going? I told him I’ve hadn’t had a recurrence since we last spoke. I have this theory about it. Here goes, if I haven’t already put your mind to think of me as a quack. I somewhat believe that the sinus leakage gets swallowed containing bad bacteria, causing an imbalance in the stomach, which may cause damage to the intestinal floral. Once this happens the stomach is unable to digest certain foods, so the body in response to protect itself from an overwhelming amount of bad bacteria releases acid to dissolve it. I don’t believe I’m really allergic to gluten only that I probably have damaged my floral. It can take years to become whole again. In our Western culture we treat diseases and rarely seek the problem. So we are treated for symptoms not a cause. Anyway for me addressing multiple problems have had tremendous positive impact for me. Using the salt rinse has been a huge relief for me since I can breathe at night and not get disrupted sleep. Taking care of the “acid reflux” has also helped me in my disrupted sleep as well. The digestive system is super important to our overall health. I don’t have the discomfort I used to have with stomach pains, but still have mild symptoms of that every once in a while. It has definitely subsided since I’ve been gluten free and been using aloe vera juice, gluten free being a bigger key.
query: I suffer from acid reflux. Drinking lemon juice makes it worse, however apple cider vinegar works wonders. Why-the difference as both have alkalizing properties.
Also, would the acid effect of lemon be reduced if mixed with sugar/baking soda/salt? thanks
sugar is very acid forming: avoid as much as possible!
for a quick relief try munching on cucumber. it works against hot spicy food too.
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
Thanks for the alkaline food information. I had wondered why bananas and apples always made me feel better even though I was adding food to an upset stomach, and now I know: these foods are reducing the acid in my stomach. I looked up the food lists, though, and it seems like a few foods are in contention, like oatmeal. Some lists say it’s alkaline, some say it’s acid, and there are a few other items that cross lists as well. Could these actually be balanced foods rather than one or the other? Is there a place for acid foods in the diet, so long as you’re getting enough alkaline? Thanks for sharing about alkaline foods.
Hello, In my 20’s I had a constant case of Acid Reflux. I never had this problem anymore since I gave up
beef steaks. The only beef I can eat without problem is ground beef. This works for me.
Thanks DianeC
I’ve got to agree with this, to an extent. Every time I eat something with fried beef in it, I get terrible gas, the shooting pains kind, even if the beef is extra lean browned in olive oil. OTH, I can tolerate a small lean steak cooked on the grill, so long as the rest of the meal is nonfat. I’m wondering if it has something to do with the way the fat in the red meat reacts to certain cooking methods.
Funny you should say this since hamburger is on the list of foods to avoid!
Acid Reflux
Can balsamic vinegar be a substitute for the apple cider vinegar? If not, why?
Milk cures reflux for me. If you get more heartburn, drink more milk!
My wife also uses milk to relieve her heartburn. Works everytime for her. So I’ll give milk a second YEA for heartburn!
Art: Are you drinking raw milk? Mary
Hi, Just want to let you know that peppermint does give temporary relief BUT is a DEFINITE NO NO in the long run for all people who have reflux…it will surely make things worse after few months. It over-relaxes ur muscles and gives a temp. relief…but make things much worse. So do not consume on regular basis.
Hi, i am 17 years old. ive had acid reflux for a couple or few years now. i started smoking cigs just about over a yearbefor this all happened. my acid reflux gradually increased in presence, amount, and pain over a few short months. so i talked to my doc and they just suggested or prescribed prylosect for about 2 months. and named off only a couple things that cause it and prevent it. i was told to get between 40 and 80, im not too sure sure, mg but the product for those conditions was like 200 bucks. so i just got 2 boxes both 15, or 20 mg’s per box, maybe even 30, which together the boxes equaled my proposed dosage for about 40 bucks. so i got what i was supposed to just under half the price and in 2 packages. i took it, morning and befor bed and it worked, it all slowly but quickly disappeared. after the about 2 months on them i thought i felt it was better and i was just about out of the meds so i decided to go off feeling pretty confident, and to save the remainder of the pills for future use. i didnt ask anyone if i should or not though. its been 2 or 3 years since ive taken any and it gradualy has worsened like when it first showed up except quite slower sorta. thats about the only thing ive tried or heard of trying for a cure, besides like milk and pickle juice. keeping in mind that i am kinda realy poor. can anyone tell me what i could buy for present symptoms, and to remove this curse for good? and what kinds of food concoctions, or food groups, or food all on its own could be taken for both presently occurring and future preventing symptoms? THANKS ALOT for the help, or for trying to help!
you should avoid fry food alchol.. Tomatoes citrus.. Eat small amont of food. when u get the money do a barium meal test you could be developing a hiatus hernia.
I have been suffering with terrible pain in my chest that I didn’t associate with the acid at 1st. After my doctor did an EKG and Chest xray and they were fine, he told me it was likely just from stress. Then the reflux starting getting really bad and I realized the pain in my chest and back is from my esophogus.
Now I just started the purple pill today because my doc gave me samples to last 2 weeks. I found this site and I want to try all of the remedies at once.
I just took a tablespoon of mustard and it helped. I am occasionally burping and at least the mustard taste is better than the acid taste 🙂
I had a shot of ACV two days ago and it also gave me some relief. I was looking in the cupboard for baking soda and wishing I had some green apples.
I am guessing it might not be a good idea to try 4 or 5 of these remedies at the same time. If I feel better, I won’t know which one really helped…or does it matter as long as I feel better. But maybe too many remedies will have a negative affect. All I want is to feel better. I think it won’t be better until my sore esophogus heals. I am also taking a chug of milanta a few times a day. Thank you for all the suggestions.
Keeping this short so as not to repeat information — I stopped taking my meds for a couple days till symptoms appeared. Tried the ACV, and it didn’t really work (for the reflux). Tried the almonds, worked slightly. Ate the apple…worked almost immediately!!! I was amazed. Since then I have been eating on average 2 apples a day, drinking apple juice with my meals (which seems to work also). I still am experimenting with the ACV though…but for my sinus clogs and allergies…too early to tell but that seems to be working slowly as well.
Thanks to all who post here and to the site owners for helping people try to find more healthy ways to live. The part that really chaps my hide though is that doctors HAVE TO KNOW that these remedies exist and work and yet they still try and sell us on those prescription meds.
I found this site doing a google search for natural acid reflux remedies. I suffered a C. Diff infection last spring, and the first thing the gastroenterologist told me was to stop taking Nexium. I had no idea that proton pump inhibitors could contribute to such infections. I had to start taking it again because the reflux was getting to be too bad, but I’m going to give the apples a try! If it works, hooray!
I have had acid reflux for years and I hardly ever feel the symptoms of heartburn, I only have that irritating tickling on the left side of my throat, followed by lots of coughing and then mucus that I’m clearing my throat for minutes afterwards, it is very troublesome. I can only lay on a certain side at night and cough all of the time. I have a book that lists some common alkaline ash foods and some common acid ash foods. Eating the foods on the alkaline food list help control the acid while the acid ash food list leave strong acid in your body, so by eating the alkaline foods such as apples, almonds, apricots, bananas just to name a few, versus bacon, beef, bran, wheat, cheese, chicken, crackers, these foods are on the acid list. Just an example of how we really have to watch our diets if we want to help control our acid reflux. I am going to try the ACV (apple cider vinegar) tonight, wish me luck, because I have been suffering with this annoying cough for years!!!
This is interesting because the alkaline diet is also key to preventing cancer. The mutated cells thrive in an environment high in acid.
I found the best cure for reflux is to stay off the piss!! Probably the most unrealistic remedy, considering I play in a band but it does help. Consequently I still get it real bad thats why Im on the net trying to find an alternative to my favourite past time!
I wake up almost daily with acid indigestion and I don’t drink alcohol.
I have suffered from Acid Reflux for over 10 years and have been on a precribstion for at least 7 years. I still have problems from time to time and noticed that eating an apple helped me. I think I just lucked up with that, I tried it only a few times and it seemed to work, so I deciced to google apples helping with reflux and found this site! It is good to know it is not just me, it really works! One apple (I have used Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delishious and all worked fine)
Thank you for the Apple advice. I am going through a rough spell with acid reflux my doctor placed me om omeprazole last year and now I am fighting this stuff the best I can fighting it with apples, coconut water and a healthy green diet. I pray I get through this, so much pain.
Acid Reflux Can IMO be caused by too little hydrocloric acid as well as two much. Years ago I had very bad acid reflux a friend told me to take HCl capsules, I thought he was nuts telling me to take acid on what I thought was already too much acid in my stomach. But I worked, Years later it came back again I tried tums, milk, water etc, it was like pouring gasolene on fire. Then I remembered the HCl and it went right away. So in my opinion it is difficult to tell if your to acid or too alkaline, Same symptoms.
This works great… And so does eating fresh Grapefruits. Grapefruit juice helps, but is not as fresh…. it is not as strong then. The best was D-Limonene… A Citrus Peel Extract.
About 10 years ago, I went to my doctor with complaints of heartburn. Refered to specialist. Scoped and diagnosed acid reflux. Presciption. I asked the doctor if I would be taking this the rest of my life, he said yes. I determined that I would not. After 3 months and 3 different precriptions that made me feel worse I quit taking them. Felt better right away, but still had heartburn sometimes. I now know in my case it is chocolate. Just a small amount can make me feel like i’m having a heart attack hours later. Experiment, don’t let them put you on a lifetime of prescriptions that will make you sicker.
At 40 I developed acid reflux and tried traditional medicines off and on, but found 10 years relief from not drinking beer. Oddly, wine and coffee didn’t bother me. After reading from others, I see it’s the grain connection. Unfortunity, at 52 my acid reflux has resurfaced and is miserable. I’m not sure what to do, but I’m going to reduce eating all grains and see what happens.
Lisa,
I am 50 years old and have had difficulty with acid reflux for over a year. I, too, have noticed that beer is a big aggravator for me. There have been numerous things that help temporarily, but I have finally figured out that the acid/alkaline foods and beverages I drink seem to determine my level of reflux.
I am using 1/2 tsp baking soda with lime in the morning and at bedtime. I use more during the day if I am having heartburn or know I am going to eat acidic food. I also try to eat more alkaline foods than acidic. You can google and find a list of foods and where they fall on the list. Beer is very acidic, as is sugar, which may be why so many people find relief by eating low carb. Baking soda is very alkaline. I am also eating a grapefruit for breakfast and an apple for snack on a daily basis. Hope this helps. It is a miserable feeling to have reflux, but even worse is not knowing how to help yourself. Using the acid/alkaline food chart has helped me manage myself very well.
My acid reflux started about 1 year ago. I wasn’t sure at the beginning why I was so sick, had a nausea, was dizzy sometimes, tired.. Then I found out it is acid reflux. I was trying to heal it with Aloe, Apple cider vinegar and baking soda.. It did help for awhile but definately didn’t heal it. Then I said to myself STOP. If I wont heal it, I can develope a cancer of aesophagus. I stopped to drink coffee, stopped to eat chocolate, began a vegan, started to make vegetable and fruit juices everyday and I feel 100% better! When I eat chocolate, I start to feel sick again. So I am better off from all these things.
I definately recomment lifestyle changes, because your body is trying to say: ‘Stop to put all this rubbish to me! I need much more nutrition to keep you healthy and happy! ‘ I am quite glad now, that I started to have a GERD, because that made me think about my lifestyle and now I started to live healthy again with right choices of food as I used to do years ago. I make vegetable and fruit juices for my wee son as well, buy lots of vegetables and fruits everyday, try to make some new healthy vegan food nearly everyday. And I am very happy when my son eat it and like it, because I know, that I am giving him the best nutrition. So people. Don’t be afraid to change your diet. It is the best think you can do for yourself in long term. I didnt want to take medicines for this, because I knew, it will only make my problem worst and then I will really get sick. I don’t even need any medication anymore. Food is my medication. And avoiding coffee, chocolate and meat was the most important thing for me.
I am 32 years old. I tried the pickle juice remedy that I read about on this site. Being a pickle lover, I was open to trying it! I drank some of the juice from a jar of kosher dills. I felt some relief a few minutes later. The pain from the acid burning diminished, but did not go away. I also read that apples do the trick, but not having any apples on hand, I turned to my jar of organic apple sauce. It is helping also. I think more so than the pickle juice did. Cold applesauce had a cooling effect to help ease the burn of the acid. If you have a very sensitive stomach, I recommend trying the apples or applesauce first, before the pickle juice. Good luck!
Acid Reflux – I have put on a considerable amount of weight since I turned 40 (I am not 45). I have found it hard to lose the weight and have excrutiating acid reflux, flatulence, strong urine and constant bouts of low blood pressure. I decided that I was not well and needed to do something and researched the internet and found the Hallejah diet. However, I just wanted to detox as a starting point and wasn’t completely happy with the diet as I understood from reputable sources that a vegetarian diet only is not healthy. However, the detoxing itself .. eating only veggies and fruit for at least 5 days resulted in all of my problems disappearing.. and this was because my PH balance was too acidic. So my advice is DETOX to achieve at least a 7.0 PH balance.
Am 70 and have acid reflux for years. Got herbs from the Chinese doc and things are better. If you think that you might have ulcers, cranberry juice is great. I drink it with soda water to make it more palatable – no sugar. Find that sugar really starts the acid reflux. As long as I avoid it, I’m good. Also Health food stores have some good digestion teas that help.
Hi – I had to post about this remedy that I discovered – Magnesium Chloride (in liquid form) 2 teaspoons 3 times a day completely gets rid of all my acid reflux symptoms. It’s amazing! I actually started taking magnesium chloride at my naturopath’s recommendation for sleep (and it does help me to have a good night’s sleep and makes me feel more relaxed as well).
Please try the Magnesium Chloride! It works wonders!!
I would like to add Yes for GINGER.
I suffered from Acid reflux for nine months, tried almost everything, was on NEXIUM too, I did not have chest pain but throat pain, and ginger tea was the most spectacular discovery! Now I drink several glasses of ginger tea daily and the pain is now much much weaker. Nothing I tried before ever made so much difference.
Therefore, strongly recommend ginger.
I buy a fresh one, peel it off, cut it in small pieces and just spill hot water over it, just like I would do with any other tea.
Anyway, that worked out for me. Pain is not completely gone yet (I drink it for three days only) but life became much more bearable since I started.
Good luck to all of you!
I read of a test. After a meal when you are experiencing reflux to sip apple cider vinegar. If you feel better you have low acid stomach if you feel worse you have high acid stomach.
Also I take papaya enzymes chewable after eating carbohydrates and Bromelain digestive after I eat proteins.
Also if you have type A Blood you tend to have low stomach acid production and pineapple enzymes are best and papaya is not as good. Reading the ___ ___ __ ___ __book will help you discover which foods you can digest better than others. I found this book most helpful for my digestion as well as other bodily symptoms. I use to get cold sores on my lips all the time, headaches and hemmeroids and when I ate the diet for Type A Blood all of the symptoms have gone away and not come back for 4 years now!!! This book is really right on for my friends too with different blood types.
Hope you feel better! Good luck.
And if you have type O blood then you have TOO much acid as O people have too much and are more prone to getting ulcers. Good book Eat Right For Your Blood Type. I think that is the correct title. Great book.
For laryngopharyngeal acid reflux, I must stick to small meals, stop eating 3 1/2 hours before lying down and avoid all fats. How then can I maintain my weight? Is the fat in nuts or avocadoes OK? I have been eating sunflower seeds and cashews because I have them around the house and they are fattening. What are good fattening foods, and how far apart should meals be taken?
Small meals every 2 to 3 hours works well for acid reflux and sugar problems. I mean small, 1 small to medium sandwich/ no fries or soda. Or a banana or apple. Common foods that can cause acid reflux : coffee, chocolate, peanuts, soda pop, spicy foods and for me banana right before bedtime. Try to eat mostly fruits and veggies, preferred raw but cooked is better than eating alot of red meat. Drink plenty of filtered or sping water.
When my acid reflux got so bad that it came back every morning even without eating any trigger foods, I decided I couldn’t keep taking antacids every day. I tried ACV first, but it upset my stomach and gave me gas. So next I tried eating an apple when the acid reflux came on. It worked immediately and has worked every single time since then, over several months. Plus, the acid reflux doesn’t come back later in the day or the next day either!
My wife read about the Apple Cure for Reflux. I gave it a try. Its now 1 week since taking a Purple Pill and substituting it with a Green Apple in the evening. At this stage I would normally expect to be in agony. Good news, total relief. So, I am now baffled, I have been taking the PP for 7 years and warned of the long term oncsequences if I stopped. But if after 1 week I feel this good, then I am pushing on! Ill keep you posted….
Do you mean green apples such as Granny Smith apples, or green apples as in unripe apples?
What type of green apple did you use. For eg.Granny smith apple or (green not ripe)
Dm..how has that been working for you?
I have had an acid reflux problem for several months. I posted a couple of months ago about my success with the water cure. I started slacking off on this because (a) it really worked, so I kept forgetting to do it; and (b) I had to take it at least 4 times per day, so sometimes that was inconvenient.
A couple of weeks ago I started taking 1 tsp of turmeric (just the powdered spice) in a small glass of water twice a day (for liver function), and without taking the water cure, my acid reflux seems to have subsided. I now just take the turmeric once a day, because taking it late in the evening seemed to be keeping me up at night.
Yesterday I didn’t take the turmeric, and by evening I had severe reflux. Too late to take turmeric so I took 1/2 teaspoon of unrefined sea salt and a large glass of water, and that gave me relief almost instantly.
Although the spice is a little bitter, there is no aftertaste or repeating (burping). So it may sound unpleasant, but it’s really not bad. I take a small spoonful of honey afterward, or a sip of tea.
I have read that turmeric is more effective when taken with black pepper, so I try to shake a bit into my drink. I also just read that it’s much more effective when warmed up in something containing fat–like food! or even milk or coconut milk. Apparently in India it is taken as a tea with milk. You can find many recipes online.
I tried the baking soda with ACV with little or no success.
Then I remembered a little Chinese waitress who told me, if you want to have great sex eat no meat or after dinner drink several cups of green tea it neutralizes stomach acid.
After every meal I have had at least 3 cups of green tea as dark as possible.
I have also programmed my body for acid to be where God intended it to be. Told my acid: “You must stay where you should and no where else”
I sleep nicely and acid is no longer a problem. I keep a bottle with strong green tea on my night table.
After being diagnosed with acid reflux I used digestive enzymes for several months with limited success. I added acv (2T in a glass of water 3 times a day) which seemed to totally relieve the symptoms of coughing and excess acid for several months. I never get heartburn, rather I get a raspy cough and a croaky voice and acid in the back of my throat. From one day to the next, the acv stopped working and I increased the dosage (while still taking digestive enzymes) to no avail. I was recently diagnosed with bronchitis and was given anti biotics and am currently taking 150mg of ranitidine twice daily and 40 mg of omeprazole once a day which is slowly reversing the cough and excess acid and calming my system. in all of the acv cures I’ve encountered no one seems to differentiate between a person who produces too much acid and a person who produces too little and isn’t that an important distinction? Also, can’t too much acv produce its opposite effect? Most sufferers seem to produce too little acid and I believe I ended up created an internal environment that produced way too much acid and led to bronchitis. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, particularly because I would like to wean myself off the drugs I’m taking. Thanks
Taking the prescription or even OTC “drugs” will never give you relief in the long run and will only cause other problems with all the side effects…. Such as brittle bones and depleting your body of much needed nutrients, thus “rebound”. I hope you will give all the remedies another try and try them in different combinations until you get the right combo, rather than staying on the “drugs”. Your problem doesn’t sound like ” too little acid”, but rather what is called “silent reflux” that IS actually too much acid, but it does it at night after laying down. I have been battling this disease all my life and I am 62 yrs old, but am embarking on a new chapter in my life and I plan to totally get rid of this problem through a combination of these ingredients for a better life. I have tried some of them before with good results, but due to a very hectic and hurried lifestyle and much stress I couldn’t stick with it. NO MORE “DRUGS” for me!!!!
I started taking bottled Kombucha tea (not the teabag stuff) as an alternative to drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for acid reflux. The Kombucha brewing process is very similar (in fact, you can brew vinegar from it) and it has a similar concentration of acetic acids and probiotic organisms. I have found that, since I started drinking it regularly, my acid reflux has all but disappeared!
I find that I must drink at least 8 oz (1 cup) of Kombucha, twice a week, preferable on an mostly empty stomach. Depending on the severity of acid reflux, results may be noticeable immediately or within a few days.
Ok, I had suffered from acid reflux and heart burn for years all due to what I was eating and drinking ie: white flour,alcohol and many other bad things. I was taking otc antacids daily and was still waking up in the middle of the night with acid coming up and out of my mouth and nose ick not fun at all,.. well I stopped eating all the white flour and cut way back on drinking but the one thing that really helped the most was my little mix of 2oz ACV 4 oz low sodium ______ [tomato juice] and 1tsp cayenne has cleared up all the acid reflux and heart burn. Just mix shake and drink it down it’s actually not that bad. Just one hint make sure you inhale before you drink it down because you really don’t want your first breath after drinking that to be inward.
WATER AND SEA SALT (WATER CURE)
has worked wonders for my acid reflux.
I had been coughing for weeks, then the burning started…No matter what I ate, even just water and raw fruit all day, the reflux would start about 1/2 hour after I ate. I’ve also been taking probiotics every day for years. Within 3 days of starting the water cure, my coughing was gone and my reflux started getting better.
I take 1/4 teaspoon of UNREFINED SEA SALT with 1 quart of water at least 4 times per day (I just keep a bowl of salt in the kitchen with a measuring spoon in it, and whenever I think about it, I just chuck the salt in my mouth then wash it down with a bottle of water, rather than drinking salty water). Although for my weight, I should be taking 8 doses, I usually only manage 4. If I skip it due to running around & not being home, I might be all right that day but will suffer the next, and it takes about a day to re-normalize.
Other benefits that I have noticed: I don’t have to urinate as often–I can hold it like a “normal” person! This may also be due to not coughing as much, which was causing some incontinence.
It has also helped with insomnia. I was taking several natural remedies to help me fall asleep, and would have vivid, disturbing nightmares if I skipped these (especially a powdered magnesium drink). Within a week on the watercure, I started falling asleep more easily and while I still have weird dreams, they aren’t as vivid & I barely remember them in the morning.
I have difficulty taking ACV because of the flavor, and while taking baking soda helps I am reluctant to do so because you NEED acid to digest certain foods. It’s also easier & cheaper than many of the other supplements I was taking! I’ve read some success stories about weight loss… haven’t had any luck in that department yet (started June 11th, today is July 12th), but am still hoping it will help!
Remedy for Acid Reflux and Constipation is the raw potato juice. I juice 2 potatoes and one lemon in the morning and drink it at once. It instantly diminishes acids and hunger also. I suffered from acid reflux for a long time, nothing worked permanently. Potato juice did, and now I take it for it’s great inner cleansing and healing properties.
Potato juice is also a great refresher of tired skin.
For a toxin-purging, sugar free tea, I simply blend a big piece of raw ginger in a bit of water, pour it into a big pitcher of hot water with lemon juice. It tastes like ginger tea, but it works like a miracle infusion. It instantly energizes and purges the body.
When I have stiffness in my bowels before going to bed, I do a iodine enema. I use two ___ bottles, one with a squirt of iodine in it, the other with a squirt of coconut oil with some essential oils. The coconut oil protects the the bowels, by conditioning. Does wonders.
The olive oil, lemon or grapefruit stone cleanse was also life changing to me. After pregnancy my body went down…thyroid, varicose veins… stones, pain and toxicity… inability to lose weight…. even though I was always athletic.
I had to go on a low sugar diet, with parasite and stone cleansings, doing yoga-like workouts instead of the fast paced ones and praying whenever fear is trying to get me. We can find ourselves restless for no appearant reasons, and fear always drives to the wrong direction, like overeating and organ dysfunctions.
There is alot of mis-information regarding reflux. Most non-thinking MDs believe that it’s because we are producing too much acid. That’s ridiculous. Nothing starts to make MORE of what it’s supposed to make the older we get. Instead, as we age, along with poor diet, alcohol, prescription drug use, etc., we begin to produce LESS acid and enzymes. As a result, the food that we used to process in a timely fashion now takes longer. The process slows, and as the food sits, it begins to ferment, giving off gas, which will bubble-up the acid that is still present. This gives the symptoms of reflux. The LAST thing one should do is take nexium/prilosec, or any other acid blocker. The answer is to add acid/enzymes to the mix, thereby bring the processing back up to speed. That’s why you see suck great success with the vinegars, enzymes, pickle juice, et.al. If you continue down the wrong path (that which is prescribed by the idiots), you completely disrupt the lower bowel, leading to malabsorption syndromes, decreased immune function, dysbiosis, gas/bloat/irritable bowel, etc. Make sense to anyone else???
There is a case where the Acid reflux remedy DOES NOT work using the baking soda remedy or any alkaline remedy, regardless of whether it is baking soda, sodium citrate, or potassium citrate. The remedy that works the best is simply the magnesium chloride. The dose I have found to be about 250-500 mg taken three times a day in one warm cup of water. The magnesium was designed to protect against the toxicity of the excitotoxins, which occur from monosodium glutamate, aspartame, aspartic acid, for example. It’s effect in relieving the acid reflux is almost instant upon taking the first dose, but almost a complete stoppage of acid reflux may occur after three days to seven days. In event there is a vitamin B deficiency some additional stopping of acid reflux may occur with just once a week of B50 taken only a couple of times. This is one of the fastes acid reflux remedy I have found. An addition of clove oil one drop stirred in a 1/2 glass of water will also help in a few cases.
Ted
I can not believe this!!! It is 6 in the morning and I have been up and down all night with acid issues. I did the right things. No eating after 7…waited 3 hours before going to bed…propped up…ate non-acid foods…but still all night. So…at 5:30 I finally gave up popping the Tums and drinking the milk(my son tells me Milk is an acid so it does not work. Drink Tea!!! he says). I decide to check out the internet…why not? Up anyways. This website is a life saver. Mustard. Who knew? Vinegar? Made no sense to me, but I figued why not? I ate my spoon full of Mustard…and can tell the difference. It is still hovering around, but now I know I have won the fight tonight. Mustard. I am a believer!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Mustard contains vinegar and turmeric, both help with digestion.
I have learned a lot after reading all of your comments. This is the first time I have seen this web site and reading it mentioned in passing on Dr. Mercola’s web site. My husband used to get acid reflux painfully bad, but after he gave up drinking quarts of tea a day (hey, he’s a southern boy!), he very rarely gets it. He avoids bad eating, but sometimes (and it’s usually some kind of fast food) he weakens and pays for it. He used to use baking soda, but found it was slow to work and sometimes didn’t. Our son-in-law has BAD problems with it and found only eating celery (don’t know if he knows about the other recommendations) could fix it. Hubby tried celery and has stuck with it as it works on the rare occasions now when he’s affected. I can’t get him to try the ACV. He thinks my son and I are crazy using it. Thanks for this site and all the fine input.
Dear Sammi, I have been eating almonds with every meal, before, after, or during the meal, for the last six months, and they have completely taken my acid reflux away. I think they work because they are alkaline.( I found this advice on this site )
I took 5 per meal to start with, then dropped to 2 after the meal, but at night I tend to eat a bit more, so sometimes need none if my meal is very alkaline, ( ie. lettuce , avocado and lemon juice ) or 15-20 if I eat late and heavily ! They ALWAYS WORK !
Hey, I tried everyting from this site. I was on Aciphex and Malox. This helped but did not cure anything. Then I saw these emails about apples and apple cider viniger. I have been taking apples for months before I read this. It did not help. Applecider vineger did not help. Probiotics did not help.
So what did? One guy posted here saying that Acid Reflux is a B12 deficiency. I had liquid B12 and put it under my tongue. Within 30 minutes I felt relief when I was previously having a bad reaction. I also had a nuropethy thing going on in my scalp that started after I got on blood pressure meds. My head tingled as my sinuses got bad. Even this partially but significantly went away. Not completely but a significant change. Much relief. 5 days later, I am feeling even better. I have to take B12 daily under my tongue but major results. Better than when I was on Aciphex. I feel that I will be cured in a few weeks as long as I stay on B12. I hope this helps some of you.
I am vegetarian so I take high doses of B12 but I find that I still be get heartburn or reflux after using this. I am going to try again and see what happens. I know that baking soda works wonders in soothing the stomach and preventing acid reflux.
Slippery elm bark cured my acid refux.You can buy slippery elm bark powder in most health food stores. I found out about it while researching for a cure for acid reflux, made the tea by adding 1 heaping tablespoon to one pint of boiling water- let steep one hour then simmer a few minutes – strain( or not) and drink. Prior to this I took tums, prisolec and other otc and prescription meds to no avail. After using this remedy I have no more trouble, I was also informed that tums and other drugs taken over the long haul begin to cause the problem they were originally meant to cure. I had acid refux so bad it burnt my throat and I had to try to sleep while sitting up. Amazingly I only had to take it 2x in a whole year and otherwise have not even modified my diet at all. Slippery elm bark is also very nourishing and is said to heal anything it comes into contact with.
Hello! I have acid reflux and I found that eating one half potato relieves the symptoms quickly. Probably because potatos are high in natural starches, overall, raw potatos have helped me more than prescribed medicine!
After suffering from symptoms of “Acid Reflux Disease” for about three and 1/2 years and feeling very frustrated with (expensive)pharmceutical treatments and not getting any results, I decided to try both apple slices and apple juice before going to bed or when symptoms appeared (not at the same time). The results, I am THRILLED to say were IMMEDIATE!!! I tried them the same night that I read the testimonials from others on this site and I slept the best I have in those 3 1/2 years! No more sleeping sitting up or on my left side only. I had sloppy joes this afternoon, felt the symptoms coming back, ate apple slices (red delicious) and the symptoms went away. I am still trying to figure out what all of my trigger foods are. THANK YOU for this site and the information!
Was just reading Ted from Bangkok, Thailand post 12/04/2006 on acid reflux and wanted to pass my findings along. Back in the early 70’s I had acid so bad that I would swallow antacids whole, by the handfulls. While shopping the, (then, very new concept in my area), herb store, I found aloe vera “gel” which used Irish moss as the gelling agent and ascorbic acid as the preservative, it cured my “AR” with the first swallow! Later I determined it was actually the Irish moss that stopped my acid! However, I can’t find the combination anywhere any more.
I would recommend to anyone that has acid reflux to use aloe vera. There are differents forms to take. My daughter takes the gel capsules because she doesnt like the taste. And alot of it has to do with stress. So depending on your life style you need to make a change in your life. I have learned that I can not control eveything, so I have learned to control myself and not let the actions of others affect me. Its the best way to deal with things.
Try Aloe vera liquid. So purified it taste like drinking water, does not have to be refrigerated. I even put it in my cats water and it's amazing what it does for their elimination as well. It makes your body more alkaline, help your skin and hair- about 2 ounces at least once a day for an adult.
Almonds doesn’t work for me. It seems to make the acid reflux worse. ACV is the way to go!!
Try peppermint tea after meals. It does help reduce acid reflux, I tried and it worked.
Alex, peppermint is a trigger for most people suffering from GERD. You must make sure it’s not one of your triggers before you try it!!!
Peppermint is a trigger but combined with a few drops of honey it works well for acid reflux. Personally for me I swear by apple cider vinegar.
Acid reflux symptoms are same for too much acid & too little acid. Most treatments are for too much. Most treatments will take care of the symptoms either way. Test for too little acid is if vinegar helps as it is acid. From my research, I don’t think vinegar will cure too little acid, just the symptoms. Taking betaine HCL is supposed to cure it by teaching your system to produce more acid.
Too little acid causes nutrients to not be absorbed. You may become anemic, etc. I think this is why they say that older folks do not absorb nutrients as well ei. calcium.
So while the stuff you get at the drugstore will cure the symptoms, if you have too little acid, it will actually make the problem worse.
If you search online for Betaine HCL and acid reflux, it will tell you how to do it. Basically take the HCL with meals that include protein. Take enough to make you feel better. After a while you should be able to reduce amount of HCL taken, stopping completely at some point. If you use acid blockers, etc. it reverses the good results.
Get Betaine HCL at health food stores. Pharmacists go into shock if you tell them that you want to take Hydrochloric acid.
well it’s almost 3a.m. but I had to post this remedy in case someone else is suffering. SEVERE acid reflux is much worse, it feels like I just trisd to drink battery acid. It’s very painful and is sometimes accompanied with spitting up blood. I’ve had this happen before only to suffer with it for hours and wondering if it was going to kill me. This time I took the spray bottle I keep in my bathroom loaded with 4oz. of hydrogen peroxide (drugstore brand ok) per 24oz. of purified water to brush my teeth with and sprayed enough to gargle (the same could be done with a cup of purified water and a tblsp of peroxide-don’t swallow) and the relief was instant. Keep brushing, gargling, andspitting out into the sink until pain subsides you will cough up the acid-good-get rid of it. Then take a cup of purified water, mix 1 tbsp acv + one fourth/one half tsp. ORGANIC baking soda (I have to watch my budget too but using small amnts. for internal help is still cost effective), I keep it in an air tight jar on the counter, and sip. The bs will make you burp alot but you’ll feel much better. Well, it’s almost 3:30 am so I’m going back to sleep now. GOD BLESS
I want to share my recent experiance after useing prilosec OTC prescribed for acid reflux by my Dr. I recently had an endo scope and the Dr removed several polips from my stomach that he said was caused by long term use of prilosec OTC. I just went back for a follow up visit and he wants me to have another endo scope in six months because he is concerned about two of the polips he removed. He informed me that in order to get an accurate test for h pylori which can cause acid reflux a person must be off of any type of meds such as prilosec OTC for 6 weeks prior to the test. He said all of the meds for reflux treatment cause polips. With this being said I received some information in the mail from a farmer that said people must have the high acid content in the stomach and when we do not produce enough stomach acid the food in our stomach does not digest completely but it ferments and then backs up as reflux. This can cause malnutrition also. The farmer suggested eating fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, I bought Bubbies old world receipe from the health food store because it has no sugar vinegar or preservatives in it. I also bought a cow share so I can start drinking organic Raw Milk which contains enzymes and has cancer fighting abilities in it. I will get my first gallon of raw milk tomorrow. Because of processed foods and chemicals in our food it has harmed our stomachs and over all health. I am working on going on an all raw diet and juicing. A good juice for acid reflux is orgainc carrots, apples, potatoes. Also the keefer grain is something that is better than even yogurt. I will be making this with my raw milk. The butter fat in raw milk is very healthy, the body knows how to use it and benefit from it and one can actually loose weight from it, I know this goes contrary to what we are taught! I have been off of prilosec OTC for a few days and am doing well! I use a little malt vinager which helps when needed. Malt vinegar seems to work better for me than Heinz apple cider vinegar perhaps cider vinegar is best if it still has the mother in it. Eating light meals also helps. I hope my story helps someone else. God bless.
I didn't know about the polyps, but now that you mention it I remember reading years ago in the Merc Manual that PPI cause "tumors in the stomach". You just made me remember that. Wow.
I think that I have night reflux, as I get up with a coating on my tongue and a sore throat on my right side. Have tried ACV, baking soda, apples and nothing has helped so far. After eating, my stomach feels full and heavy, like its weighted down, and the feeling takes a long while to settle. Is this due to excess acidity or lack of acid for digestion? Could anyone help me? Thank you for letting me share my problem.
Hi Shobha, I work in the field of sleep disorders medicine and I have many patient that suffer from nighttime (only) reflux and many of them suffer from snoring and or Sleep Apnea (pauses in breathing or shallow breathing). The snoring/Apnea is an obstruction in the airway makes the person’s breathing effort increase, however since the airway is compromised and narrowed it causes a “sucking-up” of the acid from the stomach into the throat when the person tries to breathe… Allot of these patients sleep at an incline with several pillows or a wedge. If you snore or have been told that you make breathing sounds or pauses in breathing while sleeping you should have it evaluated. Good luck.
Hi, My response if for Shobha from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and any other acid reflux sufferers. Before we married, my husband suffered from a severe case of acid reflux. He had to sleep on his right side propped up on pillows. He took “the purple pill” religiously after going through several other well-known “acid-reducing” meds, that one by one became ineffective as he graduated to a stronger medicine. I have always been opposed to these meds because most people suffer from too little acid and not too much acid, so taking medicines to further lower their stomach acids sounded quite “stupid” and dangerous. If you reduce your stomach acid, then your body can not break down your food for energy and nutrition. Then slowly you begin to get all kinds of health problems bascially due to “malnutrtion” and deficiencies. Kind of like starving yourself to death but with lots of bloat, constipation, and allergies and without the weight loss. Oh you’ll still have all the fat broken down and stored on your hips and gut, but you won’t be able to break down protein into amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of life. Without them your body cannot reproduce new blood cells, muscle tissue, etc. Anyway, back to my husband. Whenever I would try to convince him of the harm he was doing to himself, we would always end up in an argument over it. Finally, Thank God, he started his own company and lost his “company provided health insurance” that paid for a majority of his meds. When he went to refill his prescripton and they told him it was $80 for a month’s supply, he turned finally turned to me to help “fix” him the natural way. I put him on a yeast-free-diet and oregano oil capsules. Basically he avoided all simple carbs (white rice, white flour products, all fermented foods and beverages, fungus foods like mushrooms, etc.) He followed the diet Mon-Fri about 95% but on the weekends he cheated alot. In less than 2 months he lost around 15 lbs and his acid reflux. No more meds needed. No more propping on pillows at night while laying on his right side. He could even bend over to wash the bottom of his car without acid coming up in his throat. That was 6 years ago. He rarely gets heartburn now unless he has been over-indulging in beer or refined carbs. And when he does get it, he uses about 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water to relieve it. No more “magic pills” for him. I suggest everyone using this stuff to do some research on the side-effects of it. You are slowly killing yourself. Proton pump inhibitors inhibit a lot more than acid production.
Why should we not eat fermented foods? I had heard that if they are the right kind of fermented foods, they are good for us?
Why drink an acid to cure a stomach acid problem? I have severe Grastric Reflux and have suffered for the last three years. I have tried everything, believe me. I am currently taking medication, which helps, but I still can’t walk a hundred yards without thinking I am about to have a heart attack. I have been known to throw up becuase the acid gets so bad. Laying down is a nightmare. My Doctor even sent me for an Angiogram just to makesure I didn’t have angina, guess what, my hearts fine, but my stomach isn’t. I try to avoid any foods that I know cause my acid to flare-up, I eat healthy, I even gave up smoking, which help a great deal. I have shares in a well known ant-acid company from the amount I have to buy, not that they really do any good when it is this severe. But nothing has been able to stop the pain I feel every single day. However, that changed. What I have found that helps is liquorice root which you can buy from any herbalist. I have been using it for the last few days and I feel so much better. Last night I went to bed and got to sleep straight away and didn’t wake up with a sore throat. I have been able to eat without the desire to be sick afterwards. My walking has improved too. I can’t wait to tell my doctor next week. Next I am going to add natural silicon to my diet, which I have been told will help repair the damage that is being caused by the acid.
I did further readings about Liquorice and I find something significant on its toxicity. I hope this helps, so be extra careful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice
Toxicity –
Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension and oedema. There have been occasional cases where blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn. Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy. Doses as low as 50g daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.
To Denise in Huddersfield, UK. I’m glad to hear that licorice extract has helped your acid reflux symptoms. However, I believe that eliminating any “disease” condition is best done by changing and optimizing your diet with eating foods that help you and don’t hurt you. Taking herbal remedies or prescription drugs treat only the symptoms and do not affect the underlying cause(s) of your problem(s).
I have written several posts today as responses to others’ posts about acid reflux, so I won’t repeat myself again. Please think seriously about trying a gluten-free diet for at least six weeks. I know that most people don’t want to take on such a drastic step, but when you’re sick enough of the acid reflux and of the side effects of prescription drugs, you should then be open to seriously addressing the actual cause of the “disease” condition.
One last thought, most NHS doctors in the UK are the same as the ones in the USA–they are focused entirely on eliminating symptoms with drugs. So, don’t expect your doctor to be thrilled with any improvements that you will gain with drug-free options! (The doctor will be just as happy to see your back-side going out the door because there are many more patients in the waiting room to get their own 5 to 10 minutes with the pill-pushing doctor.)
To Denise from Huddersfield, UK:
Hello Denise, to answer your question “why drink acid to relieve an acid stomach problem” I will borrow some information gleaned from an alternative MD named Jonathan Wright. According to Dr. Wright the problem is not too much but too little hydrochloric acid, and if this is true then drinking an acid should relieve it and from most of the correspondence from those who have tried it, I have to side with Dr. Wright as to the cause.
However I got rid of the acid, along with the bloat, constipation, flatulence, and outright peptic ulcer flare ups 4 or 5 times per year, when I stumbled on the fact that spicy foods were not the problem, but anything made with bleached flour always brought on the misery. At first I wondered about the gluten in wheat causing it, but when I started eating bread again I found that whole grain products caused no problems, but bleached flour did, a few other things like any acid foods (tomatoes, citrus juices, etc) from a memtal can brings on the acid regurg misery. As long as I stay away from the above, life is a whole lot more enjoyable and has worked for me for the last 40 years or so. I don’t know what they use in the bleaching process that causes the problem, but I do know that eliminating bleached flour eliminates the problem, and without ever being treated for the bug that modern day orthodox medicine says causes peptic ulcer disease.
By the way, don’t expect your doctor to be overjoyed to hear that a patient has found a way to relieve the problem without his help, because doctors don’t like patients who think they are smarter than he/she is and also don’t like the prospects of his income decreasing because you no longer will be visiting for your former chronic complaint.
Another thing to think about, do check your blood pressure periodically because licorice candy is said to elevate blood pressure in those who eat a lot of it, and if it does then licorice root might do the same.
I have tried many remedies for GERD and have researched licorice root as a cure. The catch is that normal licorice or candies also contain high levels of glycerin and sodium which will most certainly also cause or risk a higher incidence of blood pressure issues.
HOWEVER, GNC sells an extract pill form of licorice without these ingredients, it is called “De-Glycerinated Licorice” or “DGL”, food supplement. IT WORKS! It will repair the esophagus and correct the GERD in a few days. It can be taken in small doses pretty much forever with no side effects. If you are so inclined, licorice flavored liquors (Anisette, Ouzo) also work in a similar way as a digestive aid after a meal, but take in small doses for obvious reasons!
This can be combined with any other methods, but as always, best to avoid or limit the spicy, fatty foods. I have also found that a high protien diet and low carbs works for me in the same way. Best of luck!
I simply would like to mention ginger tea made from raw shaved ginger root boiled in two cups of water then strained and perhaps with a little honey to enhance the flavor, to be drank as a wonderful cure for acid reflux.
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.
I’m new to this site, it’s awesome… I have been suffering from what the M.D. calls acid reflux and given the prilosec routine, however I was just given info from my acupuncturist that LACK OF ACID in the stomach doesn’t allow the stomache valve to dump the acid, therefore whatever acid you have have ingested just comes right up….so the prilosec makes it even worse….her suggestions-massive doses of probiotics along with increasing my acid with HCL with pepsin. So far it’s helping. I am going to start the ACV tonight.
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
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.
Yep I have tried salt and vinegar potato chips and they worked quite nicely
About acid reflux, I didn’t see this cure anywhere: chewing food thoroughly before swallowing, and stopping when just barely full (not stuffed)
I used to have heartburn every night, even with drinking just water (my system is already acid, and ACV made it worse when I tried it)…well I adopted a way of eating where every bite is chewed at least 30 times…haven’t had heartburn since, even when I haven’t had the time to chew that slowly.
Yeah me too. I get heartburn so bad that even water gave me heartburn/reflux! And even oatmeal.
I went off the “purple pill” after being on it for 12 years for severe acid reflux. The reason I went off it was because I had developed a lower eye lid twitch. When I stopped the “purple pill”, the twitching stopped. So I had to find an alternative way to deal with my reflux problem and stumbled upon this website. The ACV and baking soda mixture w/8 oz. water helped but only lasted a couple of hours and then I would have to drink it again. I heard about Orange Peel Extract (1000mg. every other day) and purchased it recently. Let me tell you I took it for the first time yesterday and I feel great! I was nervous about today being that you only take it every other day but so far I feel good – no reflux. I did have to cut out my cup of coffee in the morning because it seems to aggrevate the situation but other than that no issues.
I took prescription medication for eleven years for acid reflux. I started to develop a twitch in my eye and noticed that it went away when I stopped taking the prescription. So I decided I had to find an alternative and I stumbled upon this website. It is the best thing that ever happened to me! After reading a ton of suggestions on how to get rid of my reflux problems, here’s what I did to alleviate my acid reflux issues. At first my symptoms were horrible but hang in there it will get better. First I tried the ACV and baking soda and it helped a little bit but not enough. I then switched to 1,000mg. of orange peel extract and took it every other day for 20 days (I have some on hand in case it flares up). I noticed it is best to take the orange peel extract in the evening, otherwise you may find yourself burping alot throughout the day and it can be unpleasant. I noticed a big improvement but it still wasn’t completely gone. I bought organic liquid aloe vera. I take it as directed everyday and things are going great! My reflux issues are minimal now.
Acid reflux is sometimes a symptom of dehydration. The body turns on histamines in order to protect the BRAIN from dehydration; according to Dr. Batmanjelidh, “Dr. Batman” “The Water Cure”, the histamine closes off water and function from different body parts in order to preserve all the available water for the protection and use of the brain.
In the stomach this can lead to sensations of burning – see http://www.watercure2.com. the actual explanation of the mechanism is found in the book – I don’t remember exactly how it works.
I have avoided salt most of my adult life, thinking it was bad for you; I found it difficult to even swallow water except for when I used to jog when I was young.
After reading “The water cure”I forced myself to drink water with a little salt in it – no more fatigue, no more constipation, tons of energy. When I get a little heart burn I just drink water – 2 to 3 glasses and it’s gone.
For some acid reflux could be cured by chewing and eating raw “Petai” a foul smellingseed – see Net search. I chewed and eat petai for one month as advised. Now my stomach could take alcohol and hot peppers without giving me burns.
Acid reflux is not something that is common to me. However, lately, if I eat a lot of chocolate, I get terrible reflux. Tonight, I was desperate and ate some low cal. blueberry Yoplait yogurt. Withing 5 minutes, I felt better. Then I read your web site cures but I didn’t have any apple cider vinegar, but I do have apples. So I ate a small Fugi apple and felt even better. Thanks for all your suggestions in an emergency situation!!! Guess I’d better take it easy on the chocolate!!
Stay away from anything that has caffeine. Caffeine is a well documented LES relaxer. There is a lot of hard research on this. I only use decaffeinated products. I was told by a functional doctor ($) to use fish oil pills. I told her I had tried but could not tolerate them (severe indigestion). She stated I might have a leaky gut. Fish oil is a very good anti-inflammatory. She also stated they have them in enteric coated pills. These are what I now take. They are very helpful. Water is very helpful also. The trick to many things natural is getting good quality and timing of them. Never take large amounts of water right after a meal or during the meal. There is a large amount of poor quality herbs and supplements out there. You will have to try several brands before dismissing something. I have yet to find a cure for mine. My definition of that is when you have no problems after the cure and can dispense with the remedy.
Take Care!
An apple will stop acid reflux, not cure it but it really works to stop the gerd for the time being. Try it, it really, really works.. Store bought yogurt makes mine worse….
hi I have bad acid reflux, sitting up straight helps, also every morning I drink a alkilizer, going to try turmeric, also had to cut my alcohol down to 2 drinks a week which helped a lot
Chiropractic cured my indigestion: I had a hiatal hernia and acid reflux. The chiropractor cured my hiatal hernia with 2 visits and showed me how to treat my acid reflux with a simple technique. In my case, acid reflux was caused by the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus not closing properly. At times poor digestion or sour stomach may also be caused by a spasm in the diaghragm due to misalignment of the rib cage. I recommend that you try a chiropractor skilled in applied kinesiology treatments as not all chiropractors have the same training. I think it is also important to limit alcohol, chocolate and acid forming foods, too.
My husband and his family have used raw potato juice for acid reflux and gastritis for years. And it has worked for everyone we've recommended it to. It is not an everyday kind of treatment, they only use it when they finally abuse their tummies too much with spicy or greasy diets on a long term. Then they use it for a week or so and they go back to normal. It consists of throwing a small raw potato in the juicer along with some carrots, for taste. Drink it right away or it will darken and not taste as good (I guess it also loses some properties with oxidation). One of these juices every morning for a week seems to do the trick.
BTW, My 83 yr old mother-in-law can eat ANYTHING (and I'm talking greasy, spicy mexican food here) and be fine. Thank you for this site, I plan to contribute feedback for many of your wonderful remedies.
I used to get regular heartburn. I was young, only 23 years old, and healthy. I got to the point where i was eating TUMS regularly, and using over he counter meds. I went to my doctor, and he prescribed Prevacid. I think i may have had the beginning of an ulcer. Anyways, i had mixed results with the Prevacid, and was uncomfortable taking a pill every day (forever?). I started to change my diet, more healthy, more fruits and vegetabless, and accidentally found that carrot juice will knock out the burn immediately. And plus when you do that you are drinking vegetables too with vitamins, fiber, etc. Nowadays, I have no heartburn meds in my house, and when my stomach burns, which is very rare, a cup of carrot juice just kills it. Forget the pills, work on changing your diet, and keep some carrot juice around. You cant overdose on it, the more you drink, the better for your body.
acid reflux: 9.99 for one hundred. It’s a Herbal supplement called DGL LICORICE. 1 in the morning and one in the evening. Take the whole bottle. after that I take one pill about 4 or 5 times a wk. End of problem.
hi, i have acid reflux for 4 years, and what help me is eating a mango a day or when i feel the acid reflux active. I do not take any medication for acid reflux at this time i use to take nexium, but the mango does just as good without the side effect.
spitting& mucus problems due to acid reflux:
My problems started when I got pregant. My daughter is now 2 years old. I’m suffering from acid reflux. I’m spitting excessivly with a lot of mucus. I spit every 10 seconds of the day, even at night through the night. I cant sleep cause i have to spit. I need some help. Is there anyone else going through the spiiting like me. please help, please. It’s destroying my life. I used previcid, zantact, regland, pepcid.
Hi, I’m a Chiropractor of over 22 years. I want to add a cure that I got from reading Dr. Donsbach, D.C.
My wife and I found as we got older that we were both starting to have digestive problems and really bad acid reflux at nite. The wholist concept is acid reflux is due to NOT ENOUGH acid! You can confirm if this is the case by taking a tablespoon of ACV when you are getting it, if it stops it, then you are LOW in acid.
The next step in the wholistic approach is to take digestive enzymes and HCl to substitute for the low acid. I always thought this isn’t getting to the root problem of WHY isn’t the body producing enough acid anymore. This is where Dr Donsbach came in.
He discussed that the body needs IODINE to produce the stomach acid. That made sense in that since becoming a Vegetarian, I don’t get much seafood and I keep my salt intake down.
So I ordered Lugol’s Solution;
http://www.amazon.com/Breath-Life-Lugols-Iodine-Solution/dp/B001AEFM9Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1231093911&sr=8-1
and began taking 2 drops a day in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, monday through friday with the weekend off. My wife did the same. Sure enough within a few weeks my digestion is back to where it was as a teenager, and acid reflux is gone! My wife had the same results as well as a friend that tried it.
If you go to take the iodine, first make sure you aren’t allergic. I think a drop on the inside of the wrist or arm and see if it gets swollen or itchy, is a good test. After that, if no reaction, then you can start with one drop in water and see how that effects you. If you have no problems then you can proceed to the 2 drops.
I’ve been trying to get this information out there, because when people take antacids and medicines that decrease acid production in the stomach, it greatly limits the bodies ability to digest the food,and starts a process that ends up greatly harming your health.
If the word can get out about this cure, it will help millions to improve their health for less than a penny a day and prevent them from ruining their health as they are trying to help it.
Good luck and please write your feedback here so others can see.
Best wishes for health and happiness,
David from H.B.
This last week I started having this acid reflux happen to me really bad. I went online and saw that apple cider vinegar and some type of apples were mentioned to help it. So, I bought some medicine at the store, but I haven’t taken them. The apple cider vinegar and eating apples seem to work. It hasn’t been bothering me much now and when it does, I eat an apple or drink apple cider or a shot glass full of straight apple vinegar. That’s a bit of a “face-twister”, but just drink some water after it and it’s not too bad. Seems to work. I haven’t opened the meds yet.
Probiotics has helped me with my acid reflux tremendously. I take them daily before or after a meal and am very satisfied.
is this safe for pregnant women? i am pregnant with high blood pressure. can i still take this to control my hypertension?
Hello Erikacassandra from Cavite,
If I were pregnant with hypertension, I would discontinue all carbonated beverages (damage the kidneys) and would start taking a good magnesium supplement or using the magnesium oil to bring the levels up to normal without getting the laxative effect. As said before, look up Deirdre’s praise for it on EC. Remember that magnesium does many things in our body, including relaxing muscles. It is a required mineral for proper functioning, not a foreign drug that will probably create other problems for you to deal with.
PS for Erickcassandra from Cavite,
I should have also mentioned that the wonder IV medication that they give the eclamptic pregnant woman when in distress is nothing more than magnesium sulphate commonly known as Epsom Salts. This should tell you that it should be safe during pregnancy.
My father is suffering from heartburn after almost every meal. Our family doctor has told us that he is suffering from acid reflux disease. He has prescribed him to take Prevacid. Could any one tell me what are the other symptoms of acid reflux disease. Although doctor has provide me some information regarding this but I want to know some more information about acid reflux disease. I will appreciate any information regarding this.
If the acid reflux isnt dealt to the chances of getting Osophageal cancer goes up quite considerably. Again the best treatment is Apple Cider venegar and honey. It should stop it instantly.
I agree with this, after trying a lot of things including aloe vera (helpful), apple vinegar (not so helpful)… The probiotics definitely are a great supplement. They basically help curb your acid reflux by fixing and strenghtening the digestive tract.
After a couple weeks of taking them, the stomach should function well on its own, but from my own experience its best to do a round every two or three months as a maintance tool.
Is it ok to use the acidophilus along with the Prevacid? so afraid to go off it, cuz it takes so long to kick back in… I really think my problem is silent reflux, (have no heartburn) mostly discomfort in throat.
I too hardly ever feel the pain associated with acid reflux and was very very upset to learn I had this condition along with scaring of my stomach. Where do you buy aloe vera? I'm willing to try anything. I've been taking Pepcid but it didn't help and now I'm also on Nexium for the stomach issues. Very upsetting when all I have as a symptom is some hoarseness a few days a week.
All those prescriptions that most (not all) Dr's LOVE to give like nexium and prilosec are linked to kidney damage. Highly recommend you find a natural alternative asap. google it and you'll see lawsuits pending.
PPI long term has been shown to cause Kidney disease. A long term study completed at the VA has shown. (nexium, prevacid, etc…) CBS news had a story on it and now the law firms are running commercials looking for vics.
IMO, I try to control GERD Without the PPI's.
PPI long term has been shown to cause Kidney disease. A long term study completed at the VA has shown. (nexium, prevacid, etc…) CBS news had a story on it and now the law firms are running commercials looking for vics.
IMO, I try to control GERD without the PPI's.
Sounds as if you have "Silent Reflux". I had it for YEARS … until it turned into (daily acid reflux) GERD. I was told I had reflux years ago, but didn't believe it because I had no symptoms (except the hoarseness, etc.). NOW it all makes sense. You may be able to avoid all this by doing everything you can — now — to increase your stomach acid. I am currently doing 16oz. fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. Google ways to increase stomach acid naturally.
@Evalynne from Mexico:
i just wanted to say that I had read about fresh made organic celery juice 16 oz every day on empty stomach, for better digestion and correction of methylation issues, I bought a $300 masticating juicer so it would have all the enzymes and very little oxidation, and did it for months along with other juicing, imabit of a health nut…but here's the weird thing, never had any symptoms of acid reflux except it took long time for food to digest sometimes, but after few days doing the juice, nothing else different, had acid reflux burning up my throat 2 nights in a row…thought maybe my body was just adjusting, but now I actually have all the full blown symptoms of the very worst acid reflux disease including even the shortness of breath bending over, w a lot phy activity, or laying down…possibly even hiatal hernia (chicken or the egg)its ruining my life, I'm exhausted from no sleep or air…don't really want to get scoped bc I know what it is, but if lifting head bed plus refrigerated probiotics, aloe from leaves I cut myself, and ACV w dash baking soda followed by raw honey doesn't work, I will…wonder if anyone has any idea what happened w the celery juice??…i also had been eating sprouts I grown myself for the high potency probiotics, one of the last posters ND doctor was right about them ruining the probiotics benefits of our fruits/veggies, even organic by washing them too much, and homemade kefir for years before…what a bummer…could I have had the silent kind, then the celery juice caused the symptoms to become noticeable?
Dear Carrie
How disappointing that something that was supposed to help with your digestion issues caused further discomfort. I have looked into it and the reasonings may be, reaction to nitrates, overload of pesticides, as celery are one of the most sprayed veggies (tip if unable to buy organic, university study showed baking soda/sidium bicarbonate wash was the best to remove pesticides) I wash mine with bs and borax. Or you simply did too much too fast, which is easy to do when you just want relief, and I entirely sympathise. A spoon of honey, on its own, sticky and clumpy, should leave a layer of healing, warning, expose in Australia on how most US honey is only HFCS and water, to be safe get it from your local beekeeper. My other suggestion is cold mallow tea, has protective and mucilaginous properties for any lining, these come out far better in cold infusion than hot. See article attached but also see comments, I trust comments far more than articles, although mallow has been used since ancient times internally and externally, and grows like a weed.
https://bit.ly/2RlFHx1
i cant believe that it actually works!!! but it freakin did 1 tablespoon, and its gone — i cant believe it works.
I am writing to tell you of a discovery I made when I stopped eating carbs for weight loss. As long as I kept off carbs, I had no, zero, nada acid reflux! So, I have come to the conclusion that for myself, carbs are the cause of my acid reflux. It is hard to avoid carbs without planning and it takes a week to clear the sugars from your muscles and liver…but soon you will not have cravings for carbs and I hope, no more acid reflux. Good luck!
I went on the Atkins diet twice in my life and both times, my GERD disappeared. I have mentioned that to all the Drs I have ever seen and they all just shook their heads and blew it off as an anomaly. I am happy to hear of someone else having that same experience. I won’t go back on Atkins, but now I am motivated to once again cut most of the bad carbs out and see if it helps.
I’m not an expert on this matter, but it may be that carbs aren’t the issue. It could be what is in most carb foods, and that is gluten. An amazing amount of people have some sort of intolerance to the gluten protein. The good news is there are several foods that are gluten free or low in gluten. I had severe GI problems (including awful reflux) and found out that I’m intolerant to gluten. Once I removed it from my diet I felt great! Good luck.
I have done low carb and I have also done plant-based nearly vegan diet for over 2 years. I found that either of these diets works to eleiminate both acid reflux [GERD].
I think the main thing is to avoid all processed foods. No processed sugar or flour. [I don’t like to call them “refined” cause there is nothing fine about them.]
I took prevacid for a year and would wake up in the middle of the night choking on the taste of stomach acid in my mouth. Then, because I also had diverticulosis, I started eating oatmeal 5 days a week for the fiber. For the longest time I became convinced that animal foods were one of the bad things that contrubuted to disease but now I am not so sure.
Eventually I went vegetarian and from that I went nutritarian based on a book by Joel Fuhrman, MD called Eat To Live. I stayed on that diet for over 2 years up until 2 months ago when I went low-carb high-fat. Low-carb high-fat is really what all the low-carb high-protein diets are about. They don’t want to emphasize the high fat part cause it would scare folks off. Reading Gary Taubes Good Calorie, Bad Calories is what got me interested and turned me around into accepting that animal foods may not be all that bad as long as you avoid processed animal foods and those with hormones and antibiotics.
Anyway it has now been about 5 years since I have had any symptoms of GERD or diverticulosis. Plus after going on the vegetarian diet followed by the nutritarian diet I lost 40 pounds and since going low carb and eating much more meat & fat but no potatoes, bread and the like I have not gained back a single pound but in fact have lost a few and my lipids have gotten even better as well as my blood sugar which went from 99 to 89. I also supplement with DHA, vitamin D and magnesium taurate.
I will be 65 years old in another month. Wish I ate better when I was younger.
You are so right about the carbs, becuz I remember 12 yrs ago when I went on the Atkins diet for 4 months my heartburn went completly away!! I think I will try the paleo diet.
Peppermint! I have had Acid Reflux now for 6 years and tried medicine, which doesnt work, apple cider vinegar, which made me vomit, and all sorts of remedies. I tried a lifesaver peppermint and it temporarilly helps me stomach settle! Not a cure, and not sure if it will help you, but why not give it a try?
Directions: Simply eat one or two peppermints
Peppermint cured my burning throat pain for the night, however it doesn’t end acid reflux either. I carry a bag of peppermints in my room when I get attacks.
Hi, Just want to let you know that peppermint does give temporary relief BUT is a DEFINITE NO NO in the long run for all people who have reflux…it will surely make things worse after few months. It over-relaxes ur muscles and gives a temp. relief…but make things much worse. So do not consume on regular basis…
I found that adding 3 heaping tablespoons of Quaker Unprocessed Bran to yogurt in the morning or at night produces great regularity. The regularity relieved my acid reflux. I also an prescribed and take Prilosec 40mg daily at night. However, If I don’t stick with the daily unprocessed bran, the reflux returns as well as anxiety. I try to remember to take an enema once a month just for extra cleansing but believe me if you make a habit of taking the unprocessed bran you will feel it literally scraping your insides as you eliminate and it improves your cholesterol profile while helping with reflux as well.
I have suffered heartburn for the last week really bad and off and on throughout my life. While researching home remedies I came across your site on the issue.
I am so glad I did…I was not brave enough to drink the apple cider vinegar, but I had apples. So I ate a whole red delicious apples and had a full glass of water with it. Within a half hour I had great relief and I can say that after a few hours now the reflux is gone.
I am going to eat an apple after every meal and see how it goes. I am so happy and I can’t thank you enough for this information as I have been so miserable. I tried baking soda, basil tea, sucking on peppermint…and nothing compared to the Apple.
I guess an Apple a day does keep the doc away.LOL I am really amazed!!!
Thanks again, Jenny in Tucson, Arizona
I spent most of my 70 years suffering with an acid stomach. Tried everything. I couldn’t even drink a glass of water without my stomach burning. One day I read an article in Reader’s Digest about an Australian Doctor who discovered the Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria in the stomach. After reading his story I went to my doctor. They did an Endoscopy on my stomach and the biopsy proved I had the H. Pylori Bacteria. Took antibiotics for two weeks and since that time I have had NO stomach burning sensation except for when I eat flaming chili!!
They now have a test for this bacteria using your breath in a balloon an analyzing the breath. My stomach is GREAT and I’m so glad I read that article!! I hope your stomachs get cured so you can truly enjoy life.
This is in comment to Bill from the Philipines…
My late husband developed stomach cancer as the result of the pylori ulcer. He had indigestion and heartburn for almost a year, being given all kinds of anti-acids products to no avail…no antibiotics were given, however. After he demanded that they put a tube down in his stomach and see what was going on, did he get an answer. And of course it wasnt a good one……cancer. He was gone within 5 months! My advice… if you have heartburn or any kind of continuing indigestion, get on it [email protected]!! (his general practioner apologized to me later for letting him slip through his fingers).
I hear sangre de drago is known to kill H pylori.
I was on Nexium for over 3 yrs and after loosing my insurance I cant afford that little purple pill anymore. I had heartburn so bad I felt like Puff The Magic Dragon. I came to this website looking for any relief considering that I have been trying to go to sleep for the past 5 hours, and couldnt due to the severe heartburn. I read about OLIVES….So I ate 10 of them, WOW, in less than a minute I can breath without melting my tounge off…Thank You, Thank You, I will be eating OLIVES everyday, and I am gonna consider the mustard. Great Website. GOOD NIGHT.
I had severe acid reflux after taking a very popular blood pressure and cholesterol medication combination. I had to stop taking those medications but the acid reflux remained. I would wake in the middle of the night from a dead sleep about to vomit, this was a very bad and a very scary occurrance. But, to get to the point, I discovered that a combination of Calcium and Magnesium (1200mg) each would not only provide me with immediate relief but I believe that it is curing me of the problem altogether. To verify my theory I introduced it to one of my employees who suffered from severe reflux as well and she is over joyed at being able to enjoy the foods that she thought she would never be able to enjoy again.
Thanks Earth Clinic I hope that it helps everyone who tries it!! Stay healthy and stay free to enjoy life.
Side effect reported
I used a calcium/magnesium supplement initially to help with the stomach pains I got from diabetes medication. It helped tremendously. But then I also noticed an increase in reflux episodes when I was able to get off the metformin (coconut oil and getting rid of all phthalates in my products & house cured my type II) and stopped taking the cal/mag. Back on the cal/mag and its much better. Taking probiotics and digestive enzymes along with that seems to be the best combination.
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.
I have always loved hot, spicy foods, especially when I feel “under the weather”. I have instinctively eaten foods containing capsaicin (often raw or pickled chili peppers) when I have a sore throat and it always seems to help. Now that I am middle aged, though, I am plagued with acid reflux and spicy foods make it MUCH worse. If I’ve eaten hot peppers, antacids don’t even help much because the “chili reflux” is painful even without stomach acid.
I can’t help but think that the REAL problem is not so much the acid, but my weakened or dysfunctional esophageal sphincter allowing stomach contents to come up into the throat, where their acid or spicy nature causes irritation and pain. I will try the ACV cure, but I think what would really help is an excercise to tone that particular muscle. Any suggestions?
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?
The FDA and Food Industry have played a deceptive, sinister and cruel trick on acid reflux sufferers. They have disguised the cause of this “disease” in an unethical (albeit brilliant) web of lies and deception. They have capitalized upon one of those situations in life where the logical answer is wrong, and the answer that doesn’t seem to make a lick of sense on the surface is right by advocating to the population that the logical answer is in fact, correct, and the solution is “X” when they know it is dead wrong but don’t care, because it creates an entire industry, which yields profit.
We are led to believe that our Acid Reflux is the result of too much acid in the stomach that then “spills” into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation. However, the reality is just the opposite. There is no such thing as “Acid Reflux disease or GERD. ” You experience the symptoms associated with acid reflux because your stomach is not producing enough acid and stomach gases force food and acid upwards into the esophagus. The technical diagnoses is “Hypochlorhydria, ” which means “too little stomach acid” (Hydrochloric acid) and the FDA doesn’t want you to figure that out, because the cure is not pharmaceutical drugs, which means you won’t be giving them money to keep you on life-long chemicals that address symptoms rather than causes, until you develop side effects to medicine “X” and have to take medicine “Y” to suppress them, all resulting in more money in their pockets for essentially killing you over time.
The reason red wine helps your acid reflux is because red wine appears to help with digestion. Red wine helps with digestion because it has acidic value, just like Apple Cider. Put simply, you are adding acid to your stomach. This is why you feel more severe heartburn for the first 20 seconds when you take a sip as it travels down your throat to your stomach, followed by relief once it arrives and settles. You are effectively repopulating your stomach with the acidic value it needs to execute digestion, thus preventing gases from forcing anything into your esophagus. However, since you are led to believe your symptoms are due to too much acid in the stomach, the logical reaction is to classify red wine as a GERD/Reflux catalyst or agitator, which is why most “no-no foods lists” for Acid Reflux sufferers will include red wine.
Pharmaceutical medications essentially do the same thing, but they do it in an unhealthy, dangerous & expensive way. What they do is eliminate ALL acid in the body. When this happens, the body panics and works extremely hard to reproduce sufficient acid. Once this process completes, your symptoms go away, because your stomach now has an appropriate level of acid in it. The FDA, however, wants you to keep giving them more money, so they hope you continue to believe you have too much acid and you need these drugs to keep your acid levels under control.
Nothing seems to cure Hypochlorhydria except for lifestyle change and time. You must treat the source of the problem, which is faulty digestion. If you had proper digestion, your body wouldn’t lack the acid levels required to digest nourishment in the stomach.
I personally have been on multiple prescription medications for chronic Acid Reflux before learning the truth for the past 8 years. The only medication that worked for me alleviated my symptoms momentarily at the expense of injecting 1,680 mg of sodium into my system everyday. Combine that with my daily salt intake and I’d be dead by 40, like our forefathers who used salt to preserve their foods. That being said, I have always been skeptical about holistic remedies, and given my general luck, most things don’t end up working for me. That being said, I would like to share what has worked for me, so that in the event you are skeptical, have bad luck or nothing ever works for you, you can know that someone with the same problem found the following solutions:
I recommend a full spectrum digestive enzyme before or after every meal, as well as a probiotic from your local vitamin store. Certified Inner Fillet Aloe Vera Juice helps as well, but I wouldn’t take it everyday because it has claims to be hard on the kidneys over a long period of time/usage. Absolutely positively stay away from anything spicy. Spicy food is the only thing that will render every trick in my bag useless and keep me up all night burning, regardless what time I ate it. There’s also nothing on the planet I love more, but you have to do what you have to do. On that topic, never overeat, never eat past 7pm, and although it is very hard to follow (I am guilty of not following this often), try to limit your intake of liquid with your meals to 5-6 ounces preferably a good red wine or water. The reason for this is to not dilute your stomach acid to ensure it remains effective in digestion. Drink water at least 30 minutes after your meal. Lastly on the topic of digestion, and even harder to follow than limiting liquid intake is to not mix your food groups. The human digestive system is not well equipped to fully digest multiple food groups simultaneously. In other words, do not eat your roughage, meets & starches together. When one does this, the digestive system kicks into overdrive from being overwhelmed, and there is no way it is able to fully digest all food from all food groups when ingested simultaneously. The end result is poor digestion and putrefying food in the stomach, producing that “full for 12 hours” feeling, indigestion, heartburn, etc.
Following these guidelines will not alleviate your symptoms, however. These recommendations may heal and correct your body over time with consistent use, which is needed. While your body does this though, let’s talk about the things that can manage the symptoms.
The absolute first thing you I recommend to do after reading this is buy a large bottle of Papaya Enzyme chewable tablets these guys are your best friends, and without them you are severely disadvantaged in managing your symptoms. They have a similar effect to over the counter antacid chewables, but they are enzymes, so rather than spin the acid depletion / replenish cycle, it aids your digestive system while controlling and preventing further symptoms. Most instructions say to take 3 with meals and two when needed. I often take ~25 a day.
Try to find a health foods store that carries Slippery Elm Powder. This is tree bark dust, and it coats & soothes your stomach. Mix 1-2 teaspoons into a mug of hot water & be prepared because it is ungodly nasty and the texture is like drinking mucus. That being said, provided it doesn’t cause you to wake up congested and you aren’t allergic to it, it is excellent in relieving symptoms.
Purchase organic roasted almonds and consume. For some reason, roasted almonds appear to alleviate symptoms. Almond milk is a good choice as well, but doesn’t appear to work nearly as well as almonds in my experience.
Now the stomach needs to be trained to produce sufficient acid. This can be done by buying a bottle of raw Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother and drinking 3 tablespoons in 8oz of water 3 times a day. Drinking ACV has other health benefits as well, but it can be rough on the stomach for some (myself included). Apple Cider Vinegar is also quite nasty, but it replenishes acid and alleviates symptoms. Avoid ACV capsules, as they do not appear to work. Proven Old Amish Formula “Stops Acid Reflux” formula produces a similar effect to ACV, can be taken straight, and is a bit more bearable. It also contains ginger and garlic juices. However, in my case of sensitive stomach, both cause me stomach discomfort (ACV stomachache, Amish Formula bloating) so I opt to not take them. In their absence, I have found that good red wine (preferably Cabernet Sauvignon) alleviates symptoms, and appears to replenish acid levels. Another method is to purchase Hydrochloric Acid in pill form (5-HCL) and take before and/or after meals to add acid to the stomach. This is the only approach I have no experience with as of yet.
I recommend purchasing a crushed ice maker and chewing crushed ice. The ice will soothe your throat and remove all symptoms while actively consuming, but symptoms will often re-emerge shortly after you have stopped eating ice. Drinking water helps momentarily. Chewing gum also seems to remove symptoms by increasing saliva production which improves digestion, and masks the feeling of heartburn with the flavor of the gum instead. Ensure your head and upper chest is elevated when you sleep to assist gravity in keeping the acid splash from the gases where it belongs. This can be accomplished with a wedge pillow or 6-8 inches of bricks under the bed.
As a last resort, keep a box of baking soda on hand; dissolve 1/4 tsp of baking soda in 4-5 ounces of water and drink. Most recommend 8 ounces. In my experience, less water works better. This will neutralize acid so that if gases are causing splashing on the esophagus, it will be neutral & (relatively) symptom free. I often need to consume 1/4 tsp baking soda to sleep comfortably. Just be aware that 1/4 tsp of baking soda is somewhere around 300mg of sodium. That being said, it is loads better than the 1, 680mg I was consuming every night.
This is every tool in my toolbox that has had any sort of positive effect on controlling and moving towards curing my Hypochlorhydria. I recommend equipping yourself with all of these tools, but if I could only choose three I’d take the Papaya Enzymes and an Acid Producer (Red Wine, ACV, etc.) daily, while keeping the baking soda on hand for emergencies. Remember, consuming spicy foods will render every single tool ineffective. However, following these guidelines has allowed me to manage this condition, but I can’t guarantee the same for everyone.
Very helpful. I’ve been working on this two months, am much better, trying to fine tune the “in between meals” problems. Tried red wine this evening, and was so pleased I went to the net. Please look up and consider the 6 mg. Melatonin per night approach, which has nearly taken away my symptoms, and the low carbohydrate diet approach. Melatonin reasons are beyond me. For low carb, many people have an imbalance between fungus and good biotics, and need to rebalance. The fungal contingent is happy eating carbs/sugar/fast burn refined anything. If that is your problem, a proprietary product called Candex is the best I’ve found (although there are many other herbal approaches). It takes months, but you will automatically lose weight (be prepared if you are thin), and it will balance out. Good luck to all, and thanks for the confirmation on red wine.
Here’s a link to some very important helpful information regarding a cause of acid reflux, especially sudden onset of hyper acid reflux. If you have ever had an ulcer in your life this especially pertains to you.
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/514933?cookieSet=1
I had serious acid reflux and went the whole whack endoscopy, colonoscopy, etc also had gastrointestinal bleeding. Hpylori was the culprit so I was put on the antibiotic treatment and nexium for a month after wards. I got a little better then lapsed again into same condition. I discovered apple cider vinegar and was pleasantly suprised to see it worked for others for the acid reflux. I also discovered soda water, simple and effective for the reflux as well as green apples, eaten as needed when acid build up began………….use soda water or green apples.
I’m intolerant to berries, any berries fresh and even in jams, chocolate, coffee, tea etc
Now tryin hydrogen peroxide, 20 drops in half a glass of water on an empty stomach in the morning and before I slepp. It seems to work. No acid reflux. Excersise helps alot too. I run and swim. 5 minutes into running and no more acid reflux.
I’m still experimenting. Deep breathing and relaxing also help……….I feel when I am stressed I crunch my torso and disrupt the normal space of my stomach as well as tense my jaw and neck. I;m not fat, slimmish . I used to be on my feet most of the day, my problems started when my job entailed I spent alot of time sitting behind a desk and driving…………..I blame the change in posture and pressure on my stomach when sitting alot. I also tend to forget to eat and only notice when the acid builds up………..am trying now to listen to my do body more and eat drink and excersise before the acid reflux symptoms………Sometimes I win and have no problems for days , then I forget and slip back into the vicious cycle again. Anyone know if the hydrogen peoxide is dangerous long term?
My 81 yr old husband has suffered Acid Reflux for probably 50 years. He has used over the counter antacid tablets like candy for years and years, and for the last 3 years his doctor has also had him on Omeprazole 1/2 hour before breakfast & dinner, Famotidine 2/day WITH breakfast and dinner, AND Metoclopramide at bedtime if the reflux is bothering him. But he still has had trouble sleeping due to heartburn and reflux while lying flat in bed, and has had to sleep with he head raised (in his recliner) 2-3 times a week. But a week ago I found the entries on EarthClinic about apples for reflux. He likes apples OK–we usually share an apple at lunch, so I asked him to eat the lunch-time apple as “dessert” instead of “appetizer”, and to also eat 1/4 apple after breakfast and after dinner. He had an IMMEDIATE positive lessening of reflux, and after 3 days he eliminated the Omeprazole from his daily regimen. By adding 1/4 apple in the later evening as well, he has not needed Metoclopramide even once in the past week. APPLES FOR REFLUX WORK LIKE A MIRACLE!!
I cured myself after suffering nightly with acid reflux i took vitamin B6 from 10-100mg until symptoms went and it works very rapidly, after spending countless pounds on over the counter medicates& Also good for hangovers, alcohol consumption, depression. If you’re an alcoholic, it will seriously reduce your imbibing as B6 is present in alcoholic drinks.
Comment is regarding acid reflux. I have horrible daily heartburn at least two times per day. It has become progressively worse since 2000. During that year I was consuming almost 10 TUMS per day if not more. An old Civil Engineer (Russell Taylor) told me that TUMS cause Alheimers Disease because it contains Aluminum. So immediately, I decided to try papaya pills that he hightly reccomended. They work but only last a few minutes to a couple of hours. Reading about ACV has inspired me to give ACV a try. Hopefully it will make a difference. I’ll keep you informed of my progress.
I have suffered Gastric Reflux for about 6 years, tried eveything including Tagamet, Zoton and all the beta blockers and Proton pump inhibitors but nothing worked. One day I tried Betaine, one tablet at breakfast and 6 years of grief have been replaced with zero reflux. This has been good for 3 months now with no problems at all. What causes Acid reflux is slow digestion, the added Acid from Betaine speeds up digestion. And the food goes down.
I have suffered from acid reflux for over 12 years, and over this period I tried several remedies (Prevacid, Zantac, Prilosec, Nexium, etc.) As long as I continued to take the medication, the acid reflux was contained, but would come back if I stopped taking the medication. I have also tried slippery elm, aloe vera juice, and apple cider vinegar. None proved to be effective. So about a 10days ago,on a friend’s advise, I started eating two cups of RAW sprouted Moong lentil with every meal – lo and behold!! – the acid reflux has almost disappeared!!!!! Moong lentil is one of the very popular lentils in India and cna be found very easily in Indian grocery stores and health food stores. Moong sprouts have high concentration of enzymes, which greatly help in digestion of the food. Hence the stoamch does not have to produce as much acid as it did earlier. In addition, sprouts are classified as ‘live’ food with a bunch of other benefits like very high levels of vitamins and easy to digest proteins. I hope other people try this this natural remedy for acid reflux and I sure hope it works for them!!
Please make sure that you eat them RAW (enzymes get easily destroyed during the cooking process)
What I have is like acid reflux but ten times worse… Didn’t have apple cider vinegar available so I tried green olives. Ate 6-10. Also took 2 baby Aspirin. Hope it isn’t the start of something worse. Thanks for your ideas, they are so helpful tonight. I couldn’t swallow, and it burned like fire in my throat. Think I will try the ice now. Am feeling nausea but so much better. Thank You, this site is so very helpful. Shirl
For indigestion, drink 2 glasses of water. Not sipping, drinking. The last time I had indigestion – almost 4 years ago now – I did this. The first glass went down hard – it was literally painful. But I haven’t had indigestion, acid reflux or suffered from hiatel (sp) hernia since. And I suffered indigestion since I was a child. I’m now 50. I’ve been following the watercure since then and use ice water for headaches as well. NOTE: You can’t merely sip it. You must drink it down, a glass at a time. I have a whole big story about the watercure, ovarian tumor, cancer etc…but it’s very long. EC is very cool! I’m preparing to use the banana peel remedy on one of the few problems the watercure didn’t help – a 30 year old plantars wart! Yeah!!
Cindy, you said “I have a whole big story about the watercure, ovarian tumor, cancer etc”
Would love to hear about your story. I have started drinking about two glasses of water in the morning recently, and am interested to learn how true all those stories about “watercure” are.
Many thx,
AKR
I tried banana and it just gave me more gas and acid – very unpleasant – I cant eat them if my stomach is acid. I don’t eat bleached flours etc.
Apple cider vinegar made me vomit. Was just reading about apples, will try that and see how that works.
I’ve been on just about every prescription and overthecounter med for GERD, and they work for a little while and then stop working. I’m now taking Nexium, but using Tums and other acid stoppers OTC in addition. I’m very concerned about the long-term effect of using these medicines, but I was miserable without them – now I’m miserable even with them. I’m going to try all the remedies on this site, one by one, but I already eat bananas in the winter every morning in my cereal and while they don’t seem to aggravate my acid problem, they don’t act as a blocker or cure. I use only no-fat organic dairy, have a high veg-fruit, whole grain diet, have a proper weight and sleep almost sitting up. I rarely drink alcohol, don’t smoke, but because I have SLE (lupus), I take a lot of medication, many of which could be the root cause of the problem. I’m excited about the possibility of trying out the cider vinegar and apples cures that seem to have worked for many people.
Apple Cider Vinegar cured my acid reflux. I have had this for 5 years and was told that I had to “live with it” by my Doctor so have been taking Losec for years. Went to see a naturapath speak live last week and at his suggestion started with the vinegar. 2 tsp per 750ml bottle of water 3 x a day and I haven’t had reflux since – not one and I suffered this every single day.
Banana’s unfortunately make it 100 x worse – not a cure for me
When I got the prescription today for the PPI, the paper I got said one of the side effects of the drug is Lupus!
Ha, I actually thought I was a genius because I discovered that apples subdued my acid reflux but I see that people discovered this before me.
Apples only subdue the acid for a short while for me… don’t get me wrong, they are better than any acid medication I have tried. I think I actually just have something wrong with my esophagus (however it’s spelt). I normally try to eat an apple in anticipation of my acid reflux and I always eat one when I feel the pangs of acid at my throat. However, after a month of doing this I’m still suffering. I have cut down my diet to the point where I’ve cut out all caffein, all alcohol, all flour based foods, all dairy based foods, red meat (I read somewhere that that was bad) and I’m basically juest eating fresh fruit and vegetables (no citric acids).
I only eat small meals frequently and never before I go to bed. I even angled my bed so that I sleep in a slightly up right position and when I do sleep I sleep on my left (I also read that somewhere, something to do with the position of the stomach). I think I’ve tried everything unless anyone has some amazing miracle cure that they’re not sharing with the world.
Regards, Robbie.
im in the EXACT same situation, trying the alkalizing diet, elevated bed, cut out all the alcohol, coffee.. i cant figure out what to do anymore… its really depressing… i eat the apples, apple cidar vinegar… drink aloe… still get the reflux ALL THE TIME!!! if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free!!!
I too have suffered for about 20 years with acid reflux. I have been using medication now for at least 6 years – Aciphex (one 1/2 hr. before breakfast.) After a while that didn’t help at night, so I have been taking a generic one 1/2 hr. before my evening meal. Be sure it contains Ranitidine. At least 1/2 hr. before going to bed I eat a Gala apple. That normally helps stop the reflux. All these things need to be taken early to stop the pumps in the stomach that produce the acid. If you can find Ice Breakers chewing gum – the stick kind- sometimes when I’m out or even at night I will chew that. That helps some. Have you ever been checked to see if there is a serious problem?
Mine started about a year ago and before I figured out what was wrong with me, I would wake up in agonizing pain most nights with terrible stomach aches and on occasion I would cough up bile (GROSSEST EXPERIENCE EVER)… While these things still occasionally happen, I’m managed to minimize the occurences to where they don’t interrupt my life as much.
I take a probiotic (10 billion cpu lactobacillius acidophilus) and an acid reducer (ranitidine) every evening about an hour or so before bed. It seems to work for the most part.
I’ve also taken to drinking aloe vera juice mixed with guava juice and if you’re having a tummy episode, it calms down the pain fairly quick.
Hope I’ve helped.
I haven’t managed to find a permanant solution, but this should keep the disease in check.
Also, antibiotics can be harmful because they destroy all bacteria, even the good kind that helps aid digestion.
Hey guys, I know how you feel. Chocolate and Sugar Substitutes are also VERY bad for acid reflux, but I’ve found that coffee helps my stomach for some reason. I don’t know if that works for everyone.
In addition to the GERD I am lactose intolerant too. So maybe that has something to do with it?
I had a friend tell me just this evening to take cayenne pepper capsules to cure acid reflux. She told me her dad suffered with it for years and since taking the cayenne pepper he no longer suffers with it at all. I am going to give it a try.
Hi!!! Robby
I also had thought the same way as you did. Yes Apple is a magical fruit..
Ya know what gives me heartburn more than anything else? Sugar and carb food even a banana, cookie, and even oatmeal. Fried foods and grease don't give me heartburn.
Aloe Vera: Get some aloe vera peel the skin off of it and you add water to the goo and throw it in the blender you will feel more energized and it will help reduce acid reflux.
I have found that Aloe Vera is the most helpful. Didn’t have much relief, if any, with ACV. Also, one needs to alter one’s diet — take out coffee (decaf is just as bad), teas, milk, chocolate, and especially alcohol. No food after 7 p.m. I think, however, I am unusual from most in the fact that when I lie down, the problem lessens. I don’t have problems with sleeping, and if I am having a bad attack, I try to lie down somewhere until it passes. Of course when I arise, there is quite a bit of belching, from all that gas sitting in there all night, but usually I don’t have heartburn. Just a lot of gas and belching and swallowing problems.
I have had the added displeasure of a Zenker’s Diverticulum in my throat, and when food gets stuck in there, the acid reflux goes into overdrive trying to dislodge the food.
Between Prevacid, daily aloe vera doses, diet alteration, and getting a fair amount of exercise (relieves stress), I am slowly getting a handle on it all. Stressing out about the reflux doesn’t help matters.
As for the Aloe Vera, I use both George’s – which has no flavor, and the Stomach Formula, which is gaggy but helpful. I also have a Hiatal Hernia. My doc has said that if things worsen, there is a surgical procedure that he can do that involves inserting botox in the lower sphincter to narrow it. I would be interested to find out if anyone else has had this procedure done.
Some comments on Aloe Vera. As the first poster suggested using the fresh aloe leaf is best. Most all bottled aloe vera juices use Citric Acid to preserve it. This is acidic and could be counter productive to the aloe juice. To get away from this use fresh aloe leaf blended with water. I tried the bottled aloe for my stomach Gerd and reflux and it upset my stomach but the fresh aloe did not.
For women using aloe vera juice, I was told by Dr. Deepak Chopra in a consultation to not drink aloe during a women’s menses or period. It can stop your cycle.
Aloe is best drunk after meals or on an empty stomach between meals or a quarter cup before bed.
In my country most of the aloe Vera juice is not available. There is aloe Vera berry juice does anyone know if this will help a Gerd sufferer?
Hi just been reading your blogs and have the same symptoms – barretts, lupus etc etc….. What about aloe vera capsules??? they would be pure?
After more than 30 years of indigestion and 10 years of acid reflux the very last time I experienced either was about 2 minutes prior to drinking my first 2 glasses of water. I’ve been drinking water and eating sea salt ever since and have not had indigestion or acid reflux once, in over 2 years. Yes, I had a myriad of other life-threatening problems that the water and salt have fixed since I was sent home from the hospital to “put my affairs in order”, but the constant acid was the worst of all and the one I’m most glad to be rid of. I can eat and sleep like a human being again.
I have suffered from reflux for four years after getting an ulcer following ibuprofen and antibiotics for a recurrent pneumonia. Originally took Protonix [this is fluoridated and is very harmful]. Eventually replaced that with Therazyme STM enzymes. Didn’t notice any difference with apple cider vinegar with baking soda. Now I am just eating an apple after supper and taking raw honey to coat my throat before bed. This works as well or better than anything else. Camomile tea is helpful and I take some baking soda and water if I notice any heartburn which is seldom.
Recently I tried Chlorella for my acid reflux. I was amazed when the pain stopped within a short time. This is truly the best remedy I have found for acid reflux. I bought the powder and take about two thirds of a teaspoon to cure acid reflux. Safe and effective.
To Rosetta from Rogers, Ark.
Hi Rosetta, If you diligently work at eliminating all bleached flour from your husband’s diet, you might find that you also eliminate his acid reflux problem that nothing helps. It works for me and I can tell you that unless breads and cereals state l00% whole grain, they aren’t, and probably contain some bleached flour. You will also find that many products contain both bleached and unbleached flour. The above has been working for me for over 30 years now. I don’t know what it is in the bleaching process that creates the problem, but since I can eat whole grains or unbleached products without getting the problem, I know that is where the problem is.
You are right too. I think it is the "bromides" in the flour that is upsetting the stomach. They used to use iodine, but not anymore. And the bromide blocks any iodine from getting to the body and the thyroid and therefore more people are getting thyroid nodules and goiter.
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.
I am age 83. I suffered from canker sores continuously my whole life until 2 years ago when by accident I discovered that I had celiac disease, that is gluten intolerance. Since going on a gluten-free diet I have not had even one canker sore. NADA! Also the acid reflux that I had all my adult life has also almost completely gone away.
I have taken Prilosec or Nexium for 45 years straight, and have recently detoxed as part of a program to help my thyroid and adrenal fatigue. Long story short, I simultaneously stopped taking my Prilosec, and I was fine. My detox consisted of raw veggies, fruit, fish and chicken. When I went off detox, reflux returned with a vengeance. My Naturopath suggested that I remove gluten from my diet, and I have been completely acid free for 2 weeks without any medicines. This is unheard of for me. I strongly believe that for some people reflux is a sign of gluten intolerance or worse. By removing Gluten, everything improves…skin, brain, energy, etc.
Hi again everyone, I have had gastric reflux for six years for two of those years I lived on salmon and cous cous, that was all I could eat. Recently though my life has turned around, I realised through this website that I had low acid. The ACV worked but not enough to make a huge difference. I have also had accupuncture which I think has helped.
But one day I had indigestion as usual and I tried a clementine, within a few minutes I started to feel better. I started to eat them after main meals which prevented any symptoms from coming on. I would also take them to work and have one if any symptoms came on. Then I tried Betaine Hydrochloride which has made such a difference to what I can eat. You can only use Betaine Hydrochloride if you know for definate that its low acid and you shouldn’t try if you think you may have an ulcer. If fruits like oranges or lemon alleviate your symptoms then it might help you.
I hope so. Dee
Yellow mustard cures acid reflux. measurements: 2 teaspoons and lady gave me this remedy 2 ago for acid reflux, i tried it and it works, besides it does contains vinegar as a ingredients so give a try.
Fresh Ginger Root also helps Acid reflux and IBS. peel off a small teaspoon size chunk of the root (after peeling and rinsing) chew it well
NOTE: the root is very spicy (hot) but not too bad.
A week after a flu shot, I developed a virus, including a fever of 100 degrees(F) and extreme fatigue. Then, I started to experience a funny feeling in my chest when swallowing. This developed into intense pain to the point that I could only get down room temperature water.
Went to a walk-in clinic on the weekend (own MD not available) and told to take Prilosec OTC. Didn’t do any good. Saw my MD who put me on Prevacid and sent me for a Barium swallow test and, later, an upper endoscopy. Acid Reflux was the diagnosis….first time ever. Two months of Prevacid (which did work but was costing $156/month) and my esophogus healed. I tried to wean myself off but started feeling the familiar pain so I kept on the Prevacid.
While researching natural cures I came across this web site and decided to try Aloe Vera Juice. The local Vitamin Shoppe carries several brands. I tried ____ brand of its digestive formula of Aloe Vera (bunch of other herbs etc). It’s been two months and I have been pain free although I have to watch what and when I eat as well as chew my food completely instead of swallowing in a hurry..I eat way too fast. A quart of the Aloe Vera juice lasts one week and costs $10.95. I also tried the apple cider vinegar but it did not work for me.
Well, another two months have passed and I continue to improve. I now take the aloe vera on rare occasions…maybe once every two weeks. Considering I had to take the Prevacid and, later, Prilosec every day, the aloe vera juice has really turned things around for me.
Harley:
I just saw your posting on Aloe Vera juice and gerd. Are you still doing well with the Aloe Vera? Is there a special brand that you bought that works best? I’m from South Windsor also (Old Farm Road), and I can go to the same store.
thanks very much,
Steve
I’m replying to Steve (12/7/09) on aloe vera juice. I have been using ___ brand. It seems to help. I forget to take it regularly but when I do I believe it helps. I have found that diet helps a lot (reduce caffeine, fats, spicy foods). My relux is better for a while then bad for a while. My stressing over it probably makes it worse. I’m trying to use my aloe more and not to be anxious over it. I’m going to order some more ____. You take about 1/3 c twice a day. It does have citric acid in it but I don’t believe that hinders it’s effectiveness, it is still thick and it is also flavored, you can get grape and another flavor. I like the grape. I can’t imagine using raw (your own) aloe. It stinks when yu cut a piece for a burn, I would imagine that it would taste terrible.
Holly
Banana is the only thing besides Pepcid AC that has cured my acid reflux. I always eat one or two before I drink any alchohol and it works great every time.
Hi Mike from Chicago, Why don’t you try eliminating bleached flour from your foods eaten and see if you get rid of acid reflux instead of needing a cure for it. It worked for me and a few others I know who tried it. Life is much more fun getting rid of a problem instead of searching for a cure.
Mike from Chicago, You go for it!! If Bananas work for you what does it matter what others think. Bananas are great for our bodies and if you get relief thats great! That is what I thought this website was all about. Sharing ideas and results not bashing. Take care.
ive heard that an apple, or even just one slice will take care of acid reflux! you can eat them through out the day. the more the better. i tried it and it worked, although i dont know if it is a cure, i know i can help right away. so for those of you who have to wait to get something to cure it, why not munch on an apple in the time being.
my grandson is 10 yrs. old, he has had heartburn for several yrs. couple of yrs.ago Dr. put him on meds. worked a little. He quit taking the meds, we were uncomfortable with him taking them because he was so young. He loves red delicious apples. Haven’t tried them yet. Do you think they will work for him?
I used Ibuprofin for at least 20 years ( Ate them like candy.Thought they were like crack for pain) Then I developed Reflux. Tried everything. Until I stopped taking any NSAIDS there was no respite. What has worked for me is boiled ginger root tea, strained and kept cool, after a meal.(3oz). This has really helped me and the reflux is now barely noticable. I now use tramadol and Tylenol for pain. ( I have diabetic neropathy (sp?) so I need some relief for that). No connection with those painkillers, but definitely with Ibuprofin.
Oh PLEASE get off of the Tramadol!!!! Though no one will tell you, It is a highly addictive pain killer! Research before its too late!
Actually toradol is also very hard on your stomach and my doctor would rather give me a slight narcotic than toradol. So, anyone with acid reflux should stay away from it.
When I use to party into the wee hours in my youth,the only stores open back then were 7-11s and Taco Bells. So,2am quick food choices were limited, and I always ate the dreaded Chili Dog with the works; knowing in the morn I was going to regret the choice once again. But, this one time I drank apple juice with my chili dog because the slurpy machine was broken: to my surprise I awoke w/o any acid reflux or indigestion. I didnt understand why until I tried it again, after another night of partying. I was onto a cure, apple juice has worked for me ever since, for over the last fifteteen years.
Just a note on what has helped me with acid reflux. I was really suffering badly from this for several months, I tried a lot of different diets, and also ACV baking soda and bentonite clay. None of these helped me significantly. I came across an article from a natural health practitioner who stated that he was able to cure many of his clients from acid reflux by giving them a strict low carbohydrate diet to follow. I immediately went out and bought a couple of the low carb books and read them as fast as possible to learn how to do this type of diet. I started the next day, and I have not had any major problem since (3 years) — I do occasionally still get some acid reflux if I eat too many starchy foods. If I follow a low carb diet reasonably strictly, I have minimal problems. Once you learn how, it is easy, and also keeping your insulin levels low helps with many other health conditions.
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.
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!
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.
Acid Reflux Remedy: Golden delicious apples works well i find along wth aloe vera. I have had this acid reflux going on eight years besides meds have tried everything and so far (under one week..) this by far has worked!
Just a note about Aloe juice. The best brand, in my experience, is George’s as it has no taste. The only warning I would have about aloe for acid reflux, is that it can, as it did in my case, act as a pretty potent laxative so just be aware of that if you are planning to try it. Thanks for all the helpful ideas.
I have tried many types of aloe vera juice and never liked the taste of any until I tried GNC’s Wild Berry Flavored Aloe Vera Juice. It tastes great chilled and feels as good as it tastes.
Take plain aloe vera, that will help you.
Acid Reflux Remedies: Eating pears have helped my ulcer pain. also using fiber supplements before eating a meal has helped alot.
Acid Reflux: I was given a prescription for antacids from my doctor to deal with acid reflux. I was suffering from a persistnet cough, mainly in the morning and often throughout the day. I could tell it was not a flu-related cough. My naturopath friend advised me to stop drinking and eating at the same time. I tried it for a week and my cough stopped. I drink at least a half hour or more before or after a meal or even after something as small as a donut. I am very concious about separating the two processes. Try it, it works! It is all to do with the fact that the stomach can not digest food properly with liquid in it. As a result the acid builds up and causes reflux. Simple.
For Acid Reflux: Bananas, folks. Eat them for breakfast and before bedtime. Works better than anything else I’ve tried and they’re good for you, too.
re: Untested Claims. Please take into account the claims that you are making have not been tested via prospective randomized controlled trials versus placebo and would not stand in court. If some one were to use your website and take its advice then have a true medical problem such as acid reflux which led to a GI bleed, then inplicated you for giving treatment advice without a medical practicioner’s license you could woefully liable. Anectdotal evidence does not equal effective.
Hello Erik from Pittsburgh,
Hopefully anyone intelligent enough to use the internet has enough intelligence to reject the idea if someone should be idiotic enough to recommend that they take strychnine or cyanide or some other poison! First off, I seriously doubt that anyone has written in recommending something that they haven’t tried themselves.
I fully agree that these claims have not been evaluated by orthodox medicine studies or the FDA, but God forbid that I ever have to rely solely on the FDA’s “GRAS” ratings or take every word spoken by a doctor as the gospel truth. But let’s take a look at some of those that were. Remember the thalidomide that orthodox medical doctors prescribed for the normal nausea of pregnancy? How would you like to have been one of those infants born with severe deformities (the pictures of these babies, some with hands attached to shoulders instead of wrists because they had no arms or missing both arms and legs and worse) were heart breaking. I believe the FDA approved of this medication or at least passed it after taking the word of some doctor or doctors who performed a study paid for by the pharmaceutical company that produced it.
Or take a look at a more recent one called Viox. One of my aunts is one of those unlucky ones prescribed the latest thing for her arthritis pain – she has had a stroke, myocardial infarct, and a pacemaker implanted, thanks to this wonder drug that was supposedly FDA rated safe after the proper studies were done. This aunt had a lovely garden (vegetables) prior to this fiasco – I don’t think she will ever be able to tend her garden again. I was raised to believe that pokeweed berries were poisonous, but after a very good friend and neighbor told me to take them for severe arthritis and she didn’t back down when threatened with having to finish raising my 4 children if it killed me, I started taking them and am still taking them 40+ years later. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that Viox was some substance isolated from pokeberries, and a synthetic version produced so it could be patented and make a fortune for the pharmaceutical company. I have come to the conclusion that one should never try to improve on God’s product. I kept the “fail safe” by taking the pokeberries instead of a depleted synthetic version of what was found to be detrimental to the arthritis. Of course I had to work out how much and how often to take them myself, since she didn’t know how her aunt took them. I do know that orthodox medicine was performing studies on pokeberries (as well as many other herbs/plants) since the 60’s and 70’s. We were told in a physiology lecture in l977 (at a prestigious southern medical school) “that we don’t know why, but from a study we have going here, we know that pokeberries throws the immune system into gear to fight”. I had already been taking them about l0 years at the time, so I just sat there & grinned. If you have a problem with herbs & plants, which I call “God’s medicine”, there is a wealth of information in the federal government’s botanical data base, if you can find your way into it. If you can’t find your way into it, James (Jim) Duke, retired PHD botanist, who amassed much of this information, has written a book titled “The Green Pharmacy” which is very informative. I own a couple of copies of it myself and have given some to my children.
Or how about the one (I forget the name) that was finally outlawed in this country after several years because too many of the ones taking it were developing irreversible blindness? The pharmaceutical company just continued selling it in other countries. This is not malpractice or neglect – it is criminal behavior secondary to greed!
I also find it amusing that many doctors are getting smart and passing up chemotherapy themselves when they develop cancer. Google Lorraine Day for a great & successful example of this.
If you are in the medical field, I am sorry if the job security is getting shaky, but I will have to “fess up” that I started taking vitamins, minerals, and supplements because I knew they worked. If I hadn’t already been convinced of their effectiveness before, I would have been positive after seeing the AMA try to gain control of them by striving to make them available by “prescription” only and that prescription would have to be written by a doctor. Unfortunately Big Pharms and AMA haven’t given up on this yet. Frankly, The FDA has been almost worthless and hasn’t been earning the salaries that the taxpayer’s money goes to pay over the past few decades. Apparently they find bigger money from lobbyists for the AMA and Big Pharm and court battles easier to win against the little guys who are selling us the vitaminsm, minerals & supplements.
It is way past time that the FDA admits that they goofed when they rated monosodium glutamate and aspartame “GRAS” but it may be too late to avoid many of us from developing Diabetes Mellitus, type 2, Parkinsons’ disease, alzheimers and many other problems. I urge everyone to research these two toxins that permeate our foods and start fighting these in our foods, because the FDA is not going to do it. The latest thing I read on alzheimer’s disease is that it is much more prevalent, striking at a younger age and in those without a genetic predisposition, than previously thought. That tells me that it is what they are putting in our food.
I recently went to live for three weeks at very high altitude, in Ecuador. During my stay my reflux went completely. I found I could even drink alcohol and wonderful local coffee. My symptoms gradually returned about eight weeks after my return. My work involves a certain amount of forward bending so I could be aggravating my symptoms and causing acid reflux with bending. However I do also wonder if the altitude, 8,500 feet to 12,000 feet, contributed to my temporary recovery. Higher altitudes have totally different bacterial fauna and lower oxygen levels. My bodies’ physiology had to adapt; with a faster heart rate and thus altered vagal nerve activity for example. Perhaps some of the readers would like to comment.
I live at about 8,000ft and I still have quite a bit of heartburn. Maybe you were wearing yourself out more working at a high altitude and that helped somehow?
After a long battle, first with prescriptions, then with nearly every suggestion made here on Earth Clinic, I have finally defeated Acid Reflux by juicing. (I love Earth Clinic, & many of the suggestions here helped, but juicing seemed to resolve my problem.) I improved after juicing for the first time and now, after several months, I can eat anything (except I still avoid chocolate, coffee, & excessive sugar). At my worst, even a single mouthful of any food would set off symptoms. I couldn’t lie flat for almost a year. I was up all night many times. I had symptoms of a hiatal hernia as well as reflux. Before I started trying natural remedies, I was on 80 mg/day of Nexium with little relief and discontinued when I started seeing blood in my stools.
A typical juice may have kale, carrots, ginger, cucumber, celery, zucchini (+ maybe 1/2 beet or apple). Be creative but don’t overdo it with fruits or sugary veggies.
I also eat oatmeal (soluble fiber acts as prebiotic) w/ cayenne, virgin coconut oil. I eat papayas too. I found baking soda in water at bedtime controlled symptoms when I still had them. These things helped but juicing was the key to conquering. Make small quantities (1 glass or less) and sip. If you are prone to constipation, don’t drink too much and take a fiber supplement. If you don’t have a juicer, some healthfood stores make fresh juice blends by the glass (again, avoid the sugary blends). My juicer cost about $75 and has been well worth it. One more thing- in my experience, there is no substitute for the nutrition of real, whole food. I have had a pretty healthy diet for a couple of years but never was able to consume the quantity & variety of raw veggies I get w/ juicing.
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
Wow! Have been on Pantoloc for over a year for acid reflux that was caused by SSRI anitdepressants – even on the Pantoloc I have pain. Didn’t realize the sore throat was related until I checked in on your site – thought I had throat cancer!! So thanks for that! Am going to try the ACV. And yes, as many of you have said there are two causes of this disease too much vs not enough stomach acid. Have done a lot of research on the acid/alkaline aspect once I discovered that prolonged use of antacids can actually cause stomach or pancreatic cancer – the reason being that for those with too little acid, taking antacids to neutralize the stomach causes your body to keep producing more acid to try to make up the difference. Cancer thrives in acidic conditions. Thanks for the info – will report back with results!
One year ago, I had a dentist appointment-Infected tooth. I was prescribed an antibiotic. About a year previously, on the news, was a story about a researcher discovering that some bacteria in your stomach could not be killed by antiboitics alone. Antibiotics and the metal barium combined could kill those bacterica.That story, for some”strange reason”, did not become part of the medical lore surrounding the agony of common people involved in the extremely expensive fight with ACID REFLUX. One year later, ten days of antibiotics, one and one half ounce of Pepto Bismol each of seven of those days–I am free of agonizing sleepless hours. I’m 67 Years old- probably 10 of which I have suffered with acid reflux. Try it. It cost Me about 15 bucks. It could cost those who profit from “acid reflux” billions – Think for yourself! Good Luck. JDX
PS-Eat quality yogert for a few days afterward to re-establish friendly bacteria in your stomach.
Just to clarify for the above anecdote: Pepto Bismol contains BISMUTH, not BARIUM. On occasion, antibiotics may temporarily eradicate acid causing bacteria if they are present. Barium and Bismuth are relatively inert elements. (unless they are of the radioactive kind)
Yes it is true that Bismuth will kill the h pylori bacteria. I have read about it. It works.
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.
I developed acid reflux and ulcers due to stress in my job. I did not read anyone having stress induced acid reflux. This developed in 1986 and I still have it.
I have taken tagament to Prilosec with varying degrees of result. When I took Prilosec I was told it was only for 30 days and then never again. That was in 1997 and of course that was not true.
The worse thing is when contents of my stomach decide to go up my throat and into my lungs when I am sleeping. It does not matter what I eat, how much, or when I still get these scary episodes.
I have not tried vinegar for this but use it for hiccups. I figure it shocks the system. When I know my stomach is going to be a problem I eat saltine crackers (baking sode is in them), eat yogurt, and drink lots of water. Sometimes it really helps, sometimes it only minimizes the discomfort, or I wait until my digestive system has moved along any food.
One thing I have learned is to try avoiding drugs if you can and that each person really is an individual which inclues our bological systems.
Having lived in Europe a lot of my life I found black licorice made in Germany helps my acid reflux too. It is not like what is found in the United States. Moms often give it to kids with stomach aches. I happen to like and have my German friends mail it to me.
Has anyone else ever used black licorice for acid reflux? It is a natural drug free treatment.
I wish good health to everyone.
Love this site! Thanks to Frank R. for the tip about black licorice – have a German Deli that sells it – assume you mean unsalted? Have a friend just moved here from Australia who told me that they commonly recommend sucking on “natural glucose” lolli-pops for reflux.
for acid reflux and heartburn, try eating a teaspoonful of plain yellow mustard by its self.
Okay, I thought WTH? I been suffering for days and can’t get to the store to buy anything. I have tried Milk of Mag, and Tums. Although a couple of months ago I was taking Prevacid every day for about 30 days and had not problems for about a month after I stopped taking it. I decided to give vinegar a try because I had it on hand and it made it worse for me. I just tried the mustard about a minute before I started typing this email, and I pray it is not just my mind playing tricks on me, but I feel the difference… As of now, I would say IT WORKS!
I just tried it this morning, 2 teaspoons mustard after many days of heart burn, nausea, etc. It has been about 15 minutes and I’m feeling relief already, I hope it will last!
Acid reflux is often caused by a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Since you need B12 to make enough intrisic factor and enzymes to absorb it, perhaps just taking ACV will help you absorb Vitamin B12 better.
Nevertheless, I have found that as long as I take 4 B12 dots (500 mcg) under the tongue once a day, I am fine. When I don’t, the reflux comes right back.
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.
If you have reflux, get tested for celiac disease.
Meats stay in the digestive system for many days.To increase digestive acid take 1/4-1/2 tsp. “pink salt” with meals per day.Stay away from pasteurized dairy, & sugar.Eat more raw greens than cooked.Baking soda will work in emergency however the salt content is too much for frequent use. Try “Raw” unheated honey,2 tbsp.in 1 cup Perrier or other naturally carbonated water. Penta water is alkaline.Take “Megazymes” after meals for routine maint.Turmeric is very good for digestion,1/2-1 tsp.& promotes healthy flora.Great herbs are thistle leaves as a tea or calamus root, a small 1/4-1/2 dried root tucked between lip & gum works very well & is great for bad food from restaurants.Allow to disolve in mouth.
Doctor said I probably had acid reflux and prescribed the “purple pill”. It made me sick and I never used it again. My husband suggested that I check my Ph balance. Low and behold I was on the acidic side. I then researched the internet and found foods that are acidic and avoided them. I also found out that we lose our good bacteria in our stomach due to the antibiotics we have taken over the years. To solve this problem I take acidophillis each day. I also take a few “Chorella” pills daily.(the green pills) As long as I avoid the “acid” foods, my body does well. There has to be a balance of acid/alkaline foods eaten daily. I am 65 years young and have advised my children that they had better watch their diets. I find that the majority of folks can’t seem to part with their “SODA” or “COLA”(caffeine) each day. Beware, this is one of the major culprits of acid reflux. When you go into a restaurant always order water with lemon. This will help your stomach before you indulge.
I’ll try to keep the history of my acid reflux short, as it pretty much reiterates many other people’s experiences. Over the past 10 years I have figured out that my triggers are: 1st and foremost painkillers, particularly Ibuprofen, but the only thing I can take (IF I drink plenty of water or eat with it), is Tylenol. I can’t do Sudafed either, and I try to stay away from meds as much as possible. 2nd trigger: dairy, plain and simple, it is very predictable. If I have too much dairy I can count on the fact that I’ll be up that night. It’s funny, there have been times I’m up struggling with this, and my husband will say “well, you had that ice cream (or whatever) earlier didn’t you?”, and then I remember, and know that it isn’t all in my head, dairy does in fact aggravate it too. However, goats milk is much more tolerable in moderation, than cow products, I know that the proteins are different between the two, but other than that I don’t know why it isn’t so aggravating. I did Prevacid for a while initially, which controlled it slightly, but not enough. The turning point for me when I started being able to finally gain some control over this, was with an herbal product by “HERB PHARM” called “Neutralizing Cordial”. Also, carbo veg homeopathic remedy has helped a lot, so lately I have been able to control it with that and/or Rolaids, (which I would prefer to get away from as well). By learning my triggers over the years and adding these natural remedies into my repertoire, I have been able to manage this and have found that when I’m doing ok I can eat anything, and that when I’m prone to this, anything will aggravate it. All that was prior to last week; THEN, the other day I followed a pop-up ad from recipezaar.com (great web-site by the way) where a guy is selling some booklet about his acid reflux discovery (didn’t by his book yet, where he claims to have a cure for it). But, he did vaguely mention his initial apple discovery helping acid reflux. I tried it that night, thinking “it can’t really be this simple can it”, and low and behold, it was. I kept expecting to wake up choking with acid, and it never happened. Every night (but 1) I have been eating an apple (or a few slices) after dinner/before bed and it is the first time anything has helped so completely!! The night I forgot, I had to take 2 Rolaids, which I realized had been helping me only minimally compared to the apple. What else is there to say, it certainly can’t hurt! I fully expect that this will continue to help, as it’s already proven to be far more effective than anything I’ve tried thus far. It just reminds me that in life, sometimes the best things don’t have to be complicated or expensive to be valuable, we get so busy trying to “over-think” things sometimes, that we overlook the simple, basic things that are right in front of us. I wish you luck on your own journey of discovery.
After being overseas for awhile, I returned back to Yuma, AZ and seen a doctor about my sinus. Well, he made his diagnosis from my charts dated one year ago. I didn’t take any free drugs that he had given to me and surfed the internet for cures. I tried the vinegar and it really helped my clogged sinus. The cayenne pepper in water also took out the soreness in my throat. The slice of apple really helped the acid reflux (loose water pipe that I hear at nights.) Many thanks. I hope that you will continue because there are MANY medical care people nowadays only looking to obtain more money instead of really caring for their patients. Very superficial care.
i am a 22 year old male and i have being struggling with acide reflux with sometime now. i have found that the cure for this disease is very simple. all you need is two eggs, two slices of bread and a long glass of milk. thats right just scramble some eggs with just a touch of salt and stick it between two slices of bread and wash it down with a large glass of cold milk and your cured, you will sleep like a baby.
I have acid reflux only at night. I wake up with a sore throat in the morning. I put bricks under my bed making the head of the bed higher than the foot. (Actually I used one brick and one piece of plywood cut the shape of the brick. However the floor sloped from the foot of the bed down to the head. Thus the net effect was one brick. It was the sloped floor that gave me this idea.) My acid reflux went away. I no longer woke up with a sore throat. This worked for over five years. Then I slept without the bricks for a week. My acid reflux came back. I replaced the bricks. However, my acid reflux had grown worse. I now need two bricks, instead of one.
This might work only for mild cases. I tried it right away as soon as I got acid reflux.
Sleeping position might matter as to whether this cure works. I sleep on my back. I did not adopt sleeping on my back because of the acid reflux. I had slept that way most of my life.
Does anyone know whether some sleeping positions are better than others for acid reflux, i.e. back, left side, or right side? Which way does the connection between the stomach and the esophagus point? Is it the same for all people, or does it vary?
Acid Reflux Remedies: Hi, In answer to Frank’s question about sleeping positions, it is thought, though doctors aren’t sure why, that sleeping on the left side is best for acid reflux. Re the bricks under the bed. As someone else on the site pointed out, it is imperative to raise the head of the bed, either by using bricks, or by purchasing a foam pillow that is raised at the head. The recommended height is from 6″ to 8″, depending on tolerance. My husband just put the bricks under the front legs of my bed, as I found the foam pillow to be uncomfortable, and I finally did not wake up with acid in my mouth, and a sore throat. I have not tried the natural remedies listed on your site, but I plan to! I HAVE used a drug called Zegrid, which is Omeprozole and baking soda in a long-acting capsule, but I think I might prefer to just try the baking soda and see how that does. Thanks for all the ideas.
I have put (2) 2X6 blocks under my bed for years and it really helps. Take a jar lid, turn it upside down and nail it to one of the blocks, then place the blocks/lid under the wheels of your bed frame. The cats slide down the bed, but they’re used to it…besides, one of them has gerd too!!
I’m a side sleeper, suffering from Gerd and find that sleeping on my right side always makes the reflux worse.
I’m in my sixties and I started getting awful acid reflux a couple of weeks ago, along with belching which I had never had before. Sunday, 2/3/08, I decided to try a few things, not the least of which was to eliminate the 12oz. bottle of beer I was having every day. I also started eating smaller meals and including apple sauce and yogurt daily as my desserts. And also started concentrating on alkaline-producing foods. I’ll never know what did it, altho I think it was eliminating the alcohol, but it is 4 days out (2/7) and I have had no acid reflex or belching since Sunday when I went ‘clean. I am so very happy there is this internet with such a wealth of information which helped me Sunday morning to get a grip on this condition.
Hi there, Wanted to thank you TREMENDOUSLY for this wonderful website! I’ve been a purple pill victim for about a year now. Until this past year, I used to get reflux on occasion, then I moved to Chicago last January and ever since, I’ve suffered from terrible reflux. Last November, I couldn’t even enjoy Thanksgiving because the reflux was so bad. I would only consume water, soups and yogurt. After months of my own research and the pathetic research of quite a few western physicians, my problem seems to be going away. Granted, I’m still supposed to take 2 purple pills/day, but I only take 1 as of last week when I first encountered your site. After reading articles on your website last week, I decided to change 2 things:
—I stopped drinking the chlorinated tap water from the City of Chicago (which some claim is the cleanest/healthiest water in the US. Well, I can almost guarantee this water has been the main culprit of my reflux. I remember purchasing a water purifier that removes chlorine around March of last year. Then I used the water filter until about August, when it needed a new filter. During this time, my reflux was not too bad (but it was still present) and I was only taking 1 purple pill per day. Then after needing a new filter, time lapsed and I just went back to drinking city water. What do you know, I started suffering really bad around the end of October. At this time I went back to the doctor and they upped my purple pills to 2/day. I started to feel better, but never really recovered. After reading your articles, I bought a new water filter and a week’s worth of spring water. All of a sudden, I’m feeling really really good — Hmmmmm??
–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!”
I’ve read many of your questions on Acid Reflux. I was diagnosed with Bleeding Stomach ulcers, and was on many Antibiotics and Prevacid, acidix,to my surprise helped towards my osterprosis. I was on this for several years. There is really something that works better then anything I have read. It is 99.9% Aloe Juice. Take a little before each meal and it helps the stomach and digestive tract. After using it for several weeks then u only need it for morning and evening. I just read all the things like mentioned in your blogs here,but thought I should pass along about Aloe Juice. Thank you Peggy
I take a lot of pain meds for my Lupus. I take Xanax and a logt of other medications. My throat and stomach feel on fire all the time and I cannot sleep, I find sucking on sweet hard candy will sometimes help.
I have lupus, too – same things apply; I get migraines so I can’t have chocolate. If I’m going to give in to my sweet tooth, I’ll have a Payday, which is caramel and peanuts. I’ve noticed that not only does this not cause heartburn, it will actually make it go away – no idea why, because other nut concoctions, like almond brittle, will give me heartburn sometimes.
I have had stomach acid problems from the day I was born. I reliezed that for me it was completely dependent on my diet. If I ate pizza, bacon, french fries, almost anything fried, pasta, bread and other hearty and greasy foods, I would have really bad acid. In college away from home I expirienced very bad acid and examined my diet. I found that I was eating very acidic foods. I found some websites that actually rate the Ph of food after it goes through the digestive tract and low and behold it was what I was eating. Vegetables are very basic and I found that if I balanced my diet with some vegetation that I would not have a reaction. I also religiously use baking soda when I dont have vegetables or go out drinking and it is a sure fix! I am concerned about long term effects of baking soda but havn’t had anything but success.
I don’t use painkillers of any kind nor have I used antibiotics in many years yet I just developed acid reflux. In my case I’ve led a stressful life up until now. I believe that if you lead a stressful life, eat when you’re stressed or very upset, it won’t make a bit of difference how good your diet is, you simply contaminate the digestive process. do this often enough you establish the problem and become susceptible to many things, natural and unnatural. I currently subscribe to the ACV cure as well as a multi-herbal tea drink consisting of fenugreek, ginger, caraway seed, and slippery elm that I make up myself. Other than that I am attempting to stay away from coffee and anything like nuts that will irritate. I eat soft foods, mostly root vegetables (not potatoes). As someone who takes complete responsibility for the creation of my own good or bad health, I’m hopeful to cure the problem and be able to enjoy life again.
I got acid reflux after having taken aspirin daily for about two weeks (for chronic headache). That was many years ago but my stomach is still sensitive to spicy foods, too much grease, etc. I have found that if I cut a leaf off my Aloe vera plant, peel off the leathery skin and eat the slimy jelly-like inner part of the leaf, it soothes my throat and settles my stomach. (This remedy was told to me by a Japanese friend, who said that’s what people do in Japan.)
Just read your thread and had to reply. Have been taking the ACV for months and it’s great and my husband is also a big fan but recently my acid reflux has returned with a vengence. I snipped a leaf off my aloe plant out of desparation and chewed it. Lo and behold, I am writing this to say that immediatley my ar is gone and I am going to need to find another plant as mine is a bit small and may not survive me!! LOL
Try the aloe vera capsules – available on line or at your health food store – work well and cheaper too.
Diane, Is there a particular brand of the capsules that work well for you? Are you taking any other medication along with the aloe vera?
Take Aloe vera for acid reflux treatment
My reflux cannot be cured and most cannot be cured because most reflux is from hiatal hernias. Mine is a sliding hernia which causes acid to come up my esophagus, so how can that be cured? The acid can be nuetralized so it does not come up but not cured!!
I was recently diagnosed with Diverticulitis, Barrett’s Esophagus and a Hiatal Hernia. I am a Disabled American Veteran and one of my problems has been GERD, which I have suffered with for many years. Some nights it got so bad I would wake up and jump out of bed, choking for air. I have been on a regime of Omniprozole for many years as well, but have recently starting takin Aloe Vera Gel, ACV, Slippery Elm, Papaya Enzyme and a Probiotic and can say I’ve had the most restful sleep I’ve had in a long time. Plus the bloated, hard and puffed out stomach is no longer there. I am not sure if one thing is doing it or a combination of all of them, but for now I am going to stick with it.
To: E. S. From Gulf Shores, AL; Just curious, did your symptoms start shortly after any military service or vacinations? An earlier post said his started right after a flu shot. The first time I remember having any reflux was during the gulf war right after we received all of our vacinations. I also experinced food getting lodged in my throat and having to vomit so I could breathe during this same time. Wondering if there is a connection.
I had the operation and later I found out that it could have been avoided if I had been given antibiotics during the bad cramps .. I am 10 months after the surgery and still having pain … I am a vegi full time now but it still isn’t working .. some veggies can kill me .. literally … I went to a hospital starting with the letter K with a stomach ache and was told to stay on a liquid diet and was sent home .. 6 days after that my colon burst .. be careful people if it hurts go in .. I was in the hospital for almost a month and am still not right … thanks for listening .. sc
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.
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!
Side effect reported
Thank you Mary!! I thought I was losing my mind. I have been taking over the counter ant-acid meds for years with little or no success. My memory loss and dizziness has increased since I have been taking the drugs. Someone told me about ACV to take away my acid reflux. I thought I would do some research and it looks like it works for most people. I will try it and hope that works for me. These past few years have been a nightmare and the doctor just keeps telling me “lets try this….ect”
What was your name again?? Thank you again!
Scott
Guess what I just learned. Instead of trying to calm the acid in our stomachs, it is timing of production of the acid. By taking a thumbnail amount of ginger (even if you chew and spit it out) before and after your meal, or cayenne pepper, it will release the acid so it can do it’s job and get out of the stomach. And for healing the esophagus take 70% slippery elm back powder and licorice powder and mix in water till a consistency of light oatmeal. Take a tablespoon every hour. This heals the esophagus. Good Luck!
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.
I had acid reflux during my first pregnancy and had some relief with over the counter alkalizers. This pregnancy I didn’t want to alkalize my stomach acid so I can digest effectively – but I still needed some relief. My naturopath recommended nat phos, the cell salt (also called SP or sodium phosphate) which is working very well, at least as well as antacids without the worry of poor digestive side effects or aluminium additives. Be sure to chew the tablet, or dissolve it in warm water.
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.
My son was diagnosed with acid reflux at the age of 7. He has been on and off prevacid for 6 years now. I am new to your site, but read an entry of 12-25-2007 by HD from Bothell, WA about testing his “acid reflux for h. pilori.”
HD talks about a second trial and a new medication. Please let me know what that means and what the new medication is so that I can speak w/my son’s doctor about it. Thank you so much!! Kaye.
I have been making Kombucha Tea for over 15 years and I have had two users of my tea who told me their acid reflux went away after a few days of drinking two 22oz. bottles of my Kombucha Tea. Made with Green, Black and herbal wild berry teas. Google “Kombucha Tea” for more info. Michael
Acid Reflux – Sinus Infection – Sore Throat – Acidophilus — Based on personal experience the Polish Girl has it right, it’s the diet. Dump the yeasty carbohydrate sugary stuff. After a sore throat that lasted a few months with several different diagnoses and antibiotics, health practitioner said most people really suffering from too much yeast in system which causes a huge variety of illnesses. Change the diet to starve/kill yeast in system now. Yeast thrives on sugar, sweets, fruits, carbs, and of course bread, pasta.
For 3 months my husband and I ate nothing but veggies and meat. Cut the wine and beer from diet too. Also took supplements that rid the body of fungus as well as very strong acidophilus.
Winthin one week, sore throat was gone.
2 Weeks – acid reflux disappeared completely (yay no more prilosec). Sore arthritic feeling knees stopped.
3 or 4 weeks – husband and i who suffer sinus infections frequently quit sneezing, coughing, etc. No more sinus infections for either of us.
3 years later – unfortunately I quit the diet because of pregnancy and dr. advised it would be bad for baby. Now sore knees and throat are back, and now have MRSA. With a lot of the cures here dealing with toxin cleansing etc. I wonder if yeast helps breed the MRSA?? Unfortunately, when I tell friends of my miracle cure when they are ill, their response is ‘i could never change my diet that drastically’ and they continue seeking that quick fix. Our forefathers had it right — “You are what you eat”.
What kinds of supplements did you take to get rid of the fungus? Did you take any supplements to help your overall condition?
PS: I hope you recover from your current health issue, soon.
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!
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…
Hi there, found this really interesting had ulcers and now problems with stomach and acid reflux and would appreciate it if you or anyone who is going through a similar thing and having to change their diet would please write to me. My email address is rychhmo (at)aol(dot) com
I too have stomach problems and reflux. I was just diagnosed with the stomach erosion. Reflux did not get better after 8 months even though I was on H2blockers. So depressed and disappointed. I stayed away from all the trigger foods and it still didn't get better. Now I'm also on a PPI.
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.
First I do not have my Gallbladder so stomach has worsened since when it comes to eating. I found that on occassion I would have bloat in my stomach when I would eat anything, like the food was not digesting and would sit in there for days, ouch hurt. Nothing helped. Not baking soda, gas tabs, nothing. I could see the air pumping up my tummy and it stayed in there, no gas no burping just bloated pain. Which of course greatly reduced ability to eat anything. I felt full all the time. Hardly ever did I have acid reflux, but on occassion I would get a sharp pain in my chest that took my breath away and made my heart race for a few seconds till it passed. Feeling of someone scared me bad. Anyway I found out by accident something that worked for the acid and bloat.
I started drinking cinnimon and honey tea I make Step One: Boiling 8 ounces of filtered water in the microwave for 1.50 minutes, then stirred in one level teaspoon of SIAGON(Spelling ?) ground cinnimon (because the cheap stuff turns to snot looking stuff impossible to filter, yuck! ) steep 30 minutes cover cup with plastic wrap of sandwich baggy. This makes one days worth which is two servings. You can drink it warm or room temp. Just don’t add the honey to really hot water because it destroys the honey’s properties.
Next Step: Pour half the tea in the cup you will be drinking out of reserving the remander infusion of cinnimon tea for at or around hour before bedtime.
Next step: add 1/4 teaspoon honey to the 1/2 cup of cinnimon infused tea, and stir. [I use local honey from my area due to allergies, store bought will work. ]
NEXT: Add 4 more ounces of filtered water to make a full 8 ounce cup and drink it on an empty stomach 15 minutes in the morning brefore eating and on an empty stomach before bed. Do not drink the sediment as it can upset your tummy. You can add 1/4 tsp ground or 1 slice of fresh ginger to the cinnimon mix at steeping time and that also helps restore natural balance in your tummy if you have been on meds for reflux. Not only will this over time rid you of your issue but will help with weight loss and detoix your intestines of sludge. Drink filtered water perferably room tempature cool or tepid and wait to see the difference you get. Never drink ice cold drinks when eating it turns the fats in your food to sludge in you stomach and wrecks havoic in your gut.
*If you can’t find SIAGON cinnimon use the cheap stuff but there is a trick to getting the slimy blob to settle onthe bottom of the cup before pouring off measured amount for tea. After steeping stir, wait hour or so to settle on bottom then pour off for tea. Or make this the night before for morning tea to be room temp and then add filtered water to the remainder 4 ounces infused tea mix to equal 8 ounces. Stir and cover then by bed time the residue will settle to bottom of cup then just take care when pouring off this time no need to add water because you already did that. Tea time. I am having to do this for now due to stores here not carrying the SIAGON cinnmon right now.
I did Dr Clark’s liver cleanse, not only cured my acid reflux but cured my diabetes 2, my bursitis. I have completed 4 liver cleanses and still getting better with each one. after years of aliments and sickness I am getting well. also I am loosing weight. I have started a veggie diet and I wanted to boost my PH levels for pain and well being. I tried juicing but could only get my levels to 7.5.. the Apple Vinegar and baking soda got my levels where I want them 8.7. thank you no pharma crap!
Acid Reflux comes from being celiac. Celiac’s can’t eat dairy or gluten grain. Celiac’s don’t make enough stomach acid, so taking HCl and enzymes with a meal helps and not eating the dairy and grains. Hidden dairy and gluten grains are a problems to watch for.
Many months ago I posted a comment about the ACV remedy for Acid Reflux. I suddenly got Acid Reflux last winter after taking a lot of Ibuprophen. The ACV remedy worked great, but after almost a year I was not cured. I felt that the ACV was helping me to manage the situaton but not really curing me. I was still having bouts once in a while and then I had reflux pretty severe for more than a week in early September, and the ACV wasn’t really touching it. In order to feel better I really started eating very simply, mostly vegetables and some meat. After a few days of this I felt a lot better. But I continued my new simple diet for another couple weeks. Then I decided to add back in some cereals and immediately got Acid Reflux again. I new that I had a low level of gluten intolerance but after this I have come to the conclusion that I’ve have Celiacs, full blown. Who knows, maybe the ibuprophen weakend my stomach just enough to have the new level of Celiac symptoms. I have eliminated all grains except rice, corn and millet and I feel GREAT! I haven’t even bothered with taking ACV for several weeks now. Symptoms of Celiacs or gluten intolerance range widely, so I’d recommend anyone with chronic acid reflux, mental fogginess, depression, anxiety, stomach upset, or skin rash, try eliminating gluten containting grains for a week and see what happens. Don’t be afraid that you might be alergic to bread there are A LOT of great resources for Celiacs and gluten intolerant people now adays.
I suffered everyday with acid creeping up and severely hindering my ability to enjoy things in life. I noticed two huge agitators: 1. Over-eating (easy to do for anyone in U.S.) 2. Chocolate (tends to be a great laxative, but also tends to promote the acid problem. Continually the damage done by Acid Reflux caused burning and I found that taking in a good amount of sea salt (with water, foods) cleared it up.
Hi, I had acid reflux for over 15 years and it was so bad that i would reflux if i bent down to pick something up or lay in a horizontal position such as in swimming. I found certain foods such as fried or fatty foods made it worse. Eventually i started seeing a medicinal herbalist who told me that acid reflux is triggered by coffee consumption. I had been a moderate – heavy coffee drinker most of my life. I gave up coffee and found that within 4-6 weeks my acid reflux went away completely. I have never had it since. I completely stopped coffee for about 2 years and replaced it with green tea. As soon as i have a coffee again, the reflux returns. Hope this helps.
I developed a strong acid reflux after moving to TX. I could not understand and underwent tests for ulcer and stuff. My doctor then said I have strong acid reflux due to first job and associated stress. Wrong ! I was not stressed, I was happier than ever and not under performance pressure either. He gave me free Prevacid and when my condition was the same prescribed some dangerous looking 220 pills to eat 4 a day. I started researching my problem, web hunting, experimenting with my diet and could get back to absolute normal by completely avoiding milk, Cheese, excessive rice or lentils and eating a high fiber (wheat/bread) diet. Not being able to drink milk is not good, so now I drink lactose free milk. Although even a single mistake can upset my stomach, I am living medication free.
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.
Acid reflux/PUD (peptic ulcer disease)
As far back as I can remember, my entire family played the eat and race to the baking soda to counteract the acid problem. I finally stumbled upon the cause of my constant heartburn, indigestion, and nausea, and flatulence (gas) in my thirty’s. Elimination of all bleached flour from my diet worked wonders for my stomach problems. My PUD has only hit me once since I discovered this. I devoured a bunch of raw broccoli with dip over 2 days. I finally had to realize that the dip probably contained bleached flour. which caused the problem, since I have eaten raw broccoli since then with no problem. I now have what some call a cast iron stomach. I can eat hot salsa, black coffee, have my occaasional liquor on the rocks with no problem.
About 15 years later, I was researching PUD for a term paper. I learned that PUD became a problem in the uppersocioeconomic group about 11 years after someone came up with bleaching flour. It was so expensive only the wealthy could afford it. Some years later it became cheap enough that the middle socioeconomic group could afford it. Yep, PUD moved into this group about the same num of years later. Then somebody in (Minnesoto, I think) came with a process of bleaching it that made it so everyone could afford it. You guessed it-after approximately the same number of years later, PUD moved into this group also. My AHA! conclusion -SOMETHING IN BLEACHING PROCESS CAUSES UPSET STOMAC