The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Donna (Nova Scotia, Canada) on 10/27/2010
★★★★★
I developed severe acid reflux after antibiotics and prednisone for a respiratory virus in March. I was taking 2 nexium 40mg, sulcrate, zantac, and domperidone, and had a very limited diet. My acid reflux was still awful. My gastroscope showed Barrett's esophagus and severe gastritis. I had elevated liver enzymes, gallbladder attacks, severe weight loss, and chronic fatigue. Previously I didn't have a problem with acid reflux and led an active life.
I started the apple cider vinegar with baking soda three days ago and can't believe the improvement already. Originally I used 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and a 1/4 tsp of baking soda and worked up to 2 tbsp of cider and 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda. I have been able to stop domperidone and zantac and only take 1 nexium now. I hope to be able to soon stop taking any nexium. I still have some burning and use DGL, baking soda, and chew gum. I tried several times in the past to reduce the nexium but the burning in my chest was always so unbearable that I always started taking it again. I am concerned about the 2 days off of the ACV. Do I wait to do this once things have settled down? Thank you so much Ted! I feel like I am getting my life back.
Antibiotics
Posted by Dragon (Nyc, New York) on 10/21/2010
I hear sangre de drago is known to kill H pylori.
Onion
Posted by Wanda (Newcastle, Nsw Australia) on 10/02/2010
★★★★★
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!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Paul (Naperville, Il) on 09/29/2010
To: Robert from Martinez, Ca
How did you come to the conclusion that HCL will cancel out Digestive Enzymes when taken together?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Peter (Chicago, Il) on 09/28/2010
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"
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Robert (Martinez, Ca) on 09/27/2010
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
Almonds
Posted by Alex (Brooklyn, NY) on 09/15/2010
Try peppermint tea after meals. It does help reduce acid reflux, I tried and it worked.
Wheat Sensitivity
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma) on 08/26/2010
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Kelly (Gaithersburg, Md) on 08/19/2010
★★★★★
I'm a 39 year old female with horrible acid reflux. I had my gallbladder removed about 10 years ago. I still would get horrible bouts of acid reflux after eating anything tomato based, spicy, creamy, or acidy (like fruit) I tried the ACV (2 tbl spoons) with 1/4 tsp of baking soda and 8 oz of water last night. I was attempting to enjoy some red wine and knew I would have a horrible night of reflux. I made the mix and drank it right before bed. It WORKS! No sour burps or acid burning it went away completely! I have slept with antacids, Pepto and pepcid by my bedside and none of it ever worked but this did! Thank you so much! I'm finally not afraid to eat and drink the things I love!
Orange Peel Extract
Posted by Lindsey (Oakland, Ca) on 08/17/2010
This is the first time I've written on here and I was trying to repond to Jake from Tampa, but not sure if this will work. Jake mentioned that his new doctor didn't approve of his herbal medicines and now "has to take" their medicines and feels horrible everyday. Jake, I just want you to know that obviously you can do whatever you want. You don't need your doctors approval. If orange peel worked for you, it works, that's it, nevermind the doctor and their western medicine!
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Wren (Las Vegas, Nv) on 07/27/2010
★★★★★
The yogurt you are talking about might in fact be Kefir. I drink Plain Kefir to sooth my throat and help balance my system. My Mom just had a Whipple sugery and the doctor was amazed at how quickly she recovered. He asked "What are you doing?" I had put her on a Kefir intense diet. Now he recommends it to all his patients. (Find it in most major grocery stores in a bottle near yogurts, comes in many flavors but the Plain has no sugar. )
Mustard
Posted by The Doll (Lake Charles, La) on 06/17/2010
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!
Calcium
Posted by Karen (Alpharetta, Ga.) on 06/12/2010
★★★★★
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.
OTC
Posted by Rosesgift (Grafton, Wi, Usa) on 06/10/2010
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
Aloe Vera
Posted by Fran (Dallas, Tx ) on 06/10/2010
★★★★★
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jllerenas (Los Angeles, Ca) on 05/23/2010
★★★★★
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.
Alkaline Acid Diet
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm) on 04/25/2010
★★★★★
I have read so very much on this site about those of us with Acid Reflux. I have tried everything and nothing seemed to work until I discovered that acid problems are caused by eating too many or too much food that produces acid. Then I discovered the alkaline diet which has wonderful foods on it and it has changed my life. There are still wonderful foods on this diet. I make a green smoothie for breakfast with spinach, a banana, an apple, and a handful of greens such as spring mix or any of the other dark lettuces or kale,collards, etc. I also add a scoop of Whey Protein and 1 T. Chia seeds. Then I add 8 oz. water and a small glass of ice. I blend all of this in my Vitamix and drink this power house of nutrition. I'm not even hungry at noon many times. Then for lunch and dinner I eat from the alkaline side of the alkaline acid chart that you can download after you google acid alkaline food list. When I eat like this I never burn or have acid problems and don't need acid drugs of any kind. It has been wonderful for me. I love snacking on dates, figs, other dried fruits, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, etc. And isn't this the way God intended for us to eat? I also take Michael James minerals and potassium capsules because they also help to keep you alkaline. Chlorella is also alkaline. It helps too. This protocol works for everyone.
God Bless and good luck,
Carolyn
Milk
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskchewan, Canada) on 03/04/2010
Art: Are you drinking raw milk? Mary
Milk
Posted by Cpn (Panther Land, Usa) on 03/04/2010
★★★★★
My wife also uses milk to relieve her heartburn. Works everytime for her. So I'll give milk a second YEA for heartburn!
Milk
Posted by Art (Red Deer, Ab Canada) on 03/03/2010
★★★★★
Milk cures reflux for me. If you get more heartburn, drink more milk!
Peppermint
Posted by Priya (Perth, Wa) on 03/01/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
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...
Lemons
Posted by Brisa (San Diego, Ca) on 02/28/2010
I wanted to know if limes or mexican limes work as well, or is does it only work with lemons?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Stacey (Jackson, Wyoming) on 01/28/2010
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.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alan (Anaheim, Ca) on 01/09/2010
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.
Apples
Posted by Van (Sa, Tx) on 01/07/2010
★★★★★
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.
Lemons
Posted by Janet (Louisville, Ky) on 12/29/2009
★★★★★
I try to use natural remedies as much as possible. I recommend buying lemons from the grocery. Just keep some in your refrigerater. No need for sweeteners. Just squeeze the juice into a water glass or put in your water bottle. I carry a water bottle with lemon juice with me all day and also keep one by my bedside at night. I found out about drinking lemon water from the book: "Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type". I was having terrible coughing fits several times daily. I even was tested for allergies, but not allergic. Thank goodness this book was recommended to me. I'm blood type A. I have acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. I've been drinking fresh lemon in water everyday now and the problem is cured. However, if I don't drink it daily the problem returns. My gastro doc confirmed he has several patients who swear by it as well. FYI - Dasani water now sells bottled lemon water, although I think it's sweeter than natural lemon, but it works in a pinch when you're traveling.
Licorice
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/22/2009 490 posts
Question for Deb & Deirdre:
Hello Ladies,
Did your blood pressure rise before or after you started the licorice root extract for the acid regurg? The reason I ask is we were told in a physiology class that eating licorice would cause your blood pressure to rise.
Also, as stated many times before, getting rid of bleached flour got rid of my gastrointestinal problems including the acid regurg or GERD. Why take something to relieve the problem if you can avoid what causes the problem?
EC: Hi Joyce, no. DGL licorice extract did not cause a rise in my blood pressure because it does not contain glycyrrhizin (the compound that causes a rise in bp). That's why it's a great supplement!
Deirdre
Licorice
Posted by Deb (Cb, Ia) on 12/19/2009
Deirdre, I can't believe reading someone else has the same problem I've experienced since the Dr put me on thyroid medicine in 2002 after radiation for Graves Disease. Never had all the problems I now have before the thyroid medicine. Jumped from Dr to Dr trying to figure out why the severe burning pain in the liver/gallbladder area (most Dr's didn't have an answer after running test after test & people acted like I was crazy to complain of such a severe pain there), had my gallbladder removed in '98. One Dr finally told my I had acid reflux and allergies but I didn't think it could be since I had never had heart burn! I recently had an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy confirming I have GERD, diverticulosis and gastritis. I've been on ALL the meds for reflux only to have too many side effects and then quit taking them due to little to no relief and most of them causing my blood pressure to rise and feeling worse(never had hypertension before these meds and only having it while taking them). I've tried the ACV, teas, papaya, etc. I'm going to try the DGL with caution, we are only given one body and I don't want to cause more problems trying to cure it! BTW cutting down on salt intake has helped ease the burning pain! Thanks! Deb
EC: Hi Deb,
Yes, DGL is fantastic. I still have the same issue when I eat too much bread and it's been very helpful from time to time. Also drinking more water during the meal and after. I started recently to take potassium iodide after someone mentioned it on the site and it's turning out to be an amazing tool for digestion and weight loss. That tells me there is a thyroid link too!
Deirdre (now in Atlanta)
Apples
Posted by Mrgrace (Concord, Nc) on 12/14/2009
★★★★★
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)
Apples
Posted by Charlene (Mccoll, Sc) on 12/13/2009
★★★★★
Just eat a small to medium size apple in the evening before bedtime, or after dinner. Better than vinegar, and tastes much better.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Paul (Lansing, Mi) on 12/10/2009
★★★★★
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.
OTC
Posted by Sharon (Vineland, Nj) on 12/10/2009
Yes be careful with OTC. I suffer from 2 stomach conditions(one GERD). Purple pill just quit working and within a short time going off I got much much worse. It has turned into severe indigestion, horrible nausea and vomiting off and on. Sometimes it gets so bad I have to dart out of a store because I get so sick to my stomach. Been getting upper stomach pains paid with it sometimes too. Please try natural stuff 1st don't use this garbage. My slippery elm doesn't seem to work anymore so now I am starting apple cider, severe problems start with 2 teasp, or table?
Mastic Gum
Posted by Holyfoods (Saint John, Nb, Canada) on 12/04/2009
★★★★★
I've had gastritis, reflux, pain in stomach (possible ulcerations), indigestion, and hiatal hernia for some time. After 2 weeks of using Mastic Gum I've noticed a dramatic reduction in all of these symptoms. It took exactly two weeks of taking 1000mg morning and night to notice this change though. For awhile, I thought I was getting worse, which was probably the "herxheimer" reaction. Anyways, I'm glad to say it's working. Aloe Vera juice really helps with the inflammation caused by the h. pylori bacteria (or any bacteria) as well.
Apples
Posted by Nicole (Springville, Utah) on 11/30/2009
★★★★★
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!
Red Wine Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Philly, Pa) on 11/19/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar has been my acid reflux/GERD cure of choice recently as it has really seemed to help more than any medicine's I've tried. I ran out of Apple Cider Vinegar and searched to see if Red Wine Vinegar had the same sort of benefits. I saw a few people on here said it worked, so I figured I would give it a try. Sure enough, 2 teaspoons in about 2 cups of water did the trick like magic.
The scientific explanation:
The acid in the vinegar aides the digestive process. Stomachs can sometime produce too much acid. However, more likely someone's stomach with GERD or chronic acid reflux actually produces not enough acid or too much alkaline.
The acid from the vinegar helps digest and process the remnants of food that hasn't been able to be digested naturally.
I like to think of my stomach as a mini-science experiment. Taking extraordinary amounts of TUMS or acid reduction medicine to remedy the solution is usually short term. Although it's sometime painful, in the long run it's better to find something like vinegar or other natural remedy that isn't harmful to your body that you can take on a daily basis.
