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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tracy (Lafayette, CO) on 10/21/2007
★★★★★
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mirella (Brisbane, Australia) on 10/07/2007
★★★★★
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.
Reader Theories
Posted by Joyce (Nashville, TN) on 09/27/2007
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 STOMACH WHICH PROGRESSES TO PUD.
Now I still have a question. Can anyone explain why drinking,eating acid foods (tomatos, citrus juices, etc) from metal cans causes upset stomach or why eating bananas be they ripen enough to get brown speckles on peeling does the same.
Whatever, my advice to everyone is to eat your food as close to the way God grows it, if you want to be healthier.
Reader Theories
Posted by Danielle (Hiram, GA) on 09/27/2007
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.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Kerry (Portland, OR) on 08/08/2007
★★★★★
papaya enzymes worked wonders for my acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. i can eat all the spicy, rich foods i want as long as i remember to take 3 chewable(yay!)tablets right after. i found them at my grocery store in the health food section. they cost a bit more than antacids, but they fix the problem not mask the symptoms.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Angie (New York, New York) on 01/22/2009
★★★★★
I was just diagnosed w/ Gerd & Dysphasia. I was prescribed antidepressants and other medication for the acids in my stomach. I refused to take the antidepressants, since I am not depressed and decided to seek for a natural cure -I came across this page and followed the advice given to use "Papaya Enzymes" is a miraculous cure. I could not beleive the INSTANT releif I felt soon after chewing 6 tables. As part of my good eating habits I will continue using the "papaya enzymes".
Thank you soooo much for the valuable information. I am sharing this w/ everyone I come across. It's AMAZING. -Angie
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?
Cayenne
Posted by Bruce (Lake City , Florida USA) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★
On the subject of acid reflux and heartburn, I have all but eliminated it after 20 or so years of suffering. I used to keep a large bottle of Tums with me at all times. The acid reflux was horrible, waking me up in bed with searing pain in my throat and gasping for air, not knowing if this would be the end. The choking went on for half an hour or more. Milk, more Tums, water, juice, nothing gave instant relief. Like magic, after about three months, I had lost almost all of the symtoms of the acid reflux and heartburn. You can cure yourself easily if you are determined. It will take perseverence and patience and will gradually go from bad to good in three months or so. Cayenne Pepper is the answer! Now on a regular basis I take from one to two heaping tablespoons of granulated cayenne with my meals. Not on any cereal though! Usually if you can start off with a litle and work up to a large dose like I did, it will become easy and things after a while will not seem to taste right without it. I am so happy I don't use Tums anymore and I don't have stomach problems. I would encourage anyone to read about "cayenne pepper healing effects." Do a Google search and you will be surprised at what you read about its healing effects. I get my cayenne from a wholesale club in bulk containers. I use Tone's ground cayenne pepper and it is about $4.00 for a 1 LB container. That should last you about six months or more. Good luck and remember, you will have to get used to the heat or it won't work. In addition to taking the cayenne pepper, don't go to sleep on a full stomach. Give it 3 or 4 hours before you go to sleep. Bruce N. Strnad
Reader Theories
Posted by Elissa (Asheville, North Carolina) on 07/02/2007
My remedy is spring water for acid reflux. I am new to this site, but so far it looks like I am the only one writing about water in connection with reflux. I was experiencing extreme heartburn and acid reflux at the end of my year at college. For about 6-8 weeks I had extreme pain in my upper abdomen (sternum) area, belching, sleeplessness, and other problems! I read on another website that chlorine-containing tap water alone can cause reflux. The best water to drink that is chlorine-free is spring water. I went out and bought some and in the store after sipping it for 10 minutes I had relief! Within 24 hours, all of my symptomns were gone! Spring water is wonderful.
Mastic Gum
Posted by Ken (Torrance, CA) on 06/29/2007
★★★★★
I had severe acid reflux and ulcers.I took mastic gum by Now co.There are other companies too. I took capsules. It WILL cure both ailments,but you must keep taking it until you get symptons vanish -of course! It has been shown to fight prostate cancer.See net for tests and research. Great substanceif one stays with it. A million times better than baking soda!
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 Danie (Virginia, MN) on 06/14/2007
★★★★★
Ive lived with acid reflux burning for over 25 years and tried so many over the counter and medicalprescriptions and nothing seemed to help. I was on the computer some time back and came upon a testimonyial about a person who found a certain apple that cured his acid reflux and wanted money to get the name of apple. I thought it was a fluke just wanting money but began buying differant types of apples off an on none of them helped. While on a vacation trip my wife bought some jonagold apples and I sliced it up and ate little slices thru out the day. Im quite amazed at the affect these apples have done in releaving the pain i've always had in sturnum area. Its six days now. Its like a miricle. IM wondering if anyone else with similar pain could also get such fantastic results??? please let me know. P s. Ive tried the acv with baking soda remidies and not much help for me and I about gag when I use them.
Cucumbers
Posted by John (San Francisco East Bay Area, California) on 06/14/2007
★★★★★
Acid reflux & indigestion eliminated immediately with organic cucumber. Got tired of taking 1 to 3 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar. Thus, began eating 1/3 organic cucumber at night in bed on back whenever acid reflux or burning sensation in esophagus or stomach. Purchased at Berkeley Bowl Marketplace. Burping & immediate elimination of acid reflux and indigestion. Perhaps the OACV began the healing and all that was needed to continue healing was the organic cucumber. Ergo, the British cucumber sandwich is a great idea from decades or centuries ago.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Bouy (Winnipeg, Canada) on 06/12/2007
★★★★★
I am one of thousands that has acid reflex. I was provide a presciption from my doctor that said I would have to be on it forever. The drugs did not cure this condition, so I looked for a natural way of relieving this condition. I have tried the apple cider viniger, and it did work for me. But, I have also found that digestive enzymes have been my answer. I use a -complete- formula that helps digest all your food. I have tested them for two months with extreme success. I hope this info will help others. Good Luck and lets get natural.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Zinnia (Wappingers Falls, New York) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
My daughter Stefanie developed an acid reflux. She was given an anti acid Rx. It temporarity stopped. I researched the wonders of Aloe Vera and found that it treated her. Since then whenever it occurs, I give her juice mixed with Aloe Vera juice. It works wonder.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 04/26/2012
I had the same problem with acide reflux. The dr prescribed nexium which I was taking. I do not like medication and the many side effects they caused so I decided to find a natural alternative and started with apple cider vinegar. This helped tremendously and I am happy to say I do not suffer from acid reflux anymore. I remember years ago in college I was having the same problem and my doctor told me to drink milk. I am lactose intolerant and drinking milk only made the condition worsen. The only thing that could help was to drink orange juice. The dr was baffled as she beleived that the orange juice would aggravate the condition. That just goes to prove that it is not an excess of acid but too little acid in the stomach. Try the ACV and I hope it helps. Start out with a teaspoon in 8 ozs water and instead of juice with your meal have a glass of water with ACV.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Cachis (Reno, Nv) on 04/26/2012
Lisa, I had similar problems as you mentioned. I had a colonoscopy done, but specialist did not find anything. My family doctor said that I had acid reflux but I could not afford the medicine and he prescribed one from over the counter. Since new technology and doctors' knowledge did not find the reason of my symptoms I decided to stop all medicine (I do not recommend this in your own, talk with your doctor first) and test which one was making me ill.
I found out that a medicine for diabetes was causing stomach and back pain; fatigue; depression; constipation, and other problems. I asked to stop all meds for diabetes and gave me insulin if I needed any medicine. I had to find a doctor who was willing to change from pills to injections. Three months later, my stomach problems were gone and I stopped taking any medicine for diabetes, but my stomach kept bleeding every day constipated or not. I made a drink with cabbage and water. I blended half of a head of cabbage with 2 cups of water, let it rest for 30 minutes, and ate the top mixture during the day, three table spoons every three or four hours, until I ate the whole mixture -- I did not drink the water or juice below the mixture. I drank this mixture for three days between meals or 15 minutes before meals.
The book of raw fruits and vegetables juices and drinks by William, H. Provides a list of juices that could help with many illness and stomach problems with back pain is one of them. Do not stop asking and looking until you get what your body is asking to recuperate. Also, try the water treatment based on a Japanese theory, which is working for me to get rid of many problems caused by my stomach problems.
Good luck to you!
Miso Soup
Posted by Kiran (Canton, MI) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
Hi, It seems that having Miso soup helps reduce my acid reflux problem. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this too! Kiran.
Acidophilus
Posted by Max (Greene, NY) on 05/20/2007
★★★★★
I have been suffering from acid reflux for many years; I came across your website and tried the pure cherry juice as well as the acidophilus pills. I ran out of the cherry juice and can't comment on how well it worked but I can tell you that the acidophilus has been working; I was taking it at night after my meal and was sleeping without a problem. I'd recently taken a few generic pain relievers and coincidentally or not my acid reflux returned; I'm going to carefully monitor when I take it and how I feel from now on.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Dee (Fairfax, VA) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★
I'd been having terrible heartburn for over a week. So bad that that my kids and husband were very worried. A few years ago I had six ulcers! But didn't want to start the standard gastro treatments lansoprazole or purple pills - I'm well aware of the downsides to them. My gastric problem was probably caused by my ADHD, I frequently forget to eat because I get so hyperfocused I don't notice I'm hungry!So, I went looking for a homeopathic cure and found your website. I read a whole bunch of stuff and probably confused one thing with another nevertheless this is what happened: I made the ACV mixture adding the Baking Soda also 2 tbsp Aloe juice; 1 tbsp of organic honey; 1 tbsp of'Coconut Oil (using warm water, which melts the honey and VCO). I tried with and without the VCO and for those who find the ACV drink unpalatable the VCO helps alot! The heartburn stopped in 24 hours! Major miracle. I felt focused, relaxed, energetic and pain free. The only side effect of note was/is gas. Is this from the VCO? Is there anything I can do about that? And is it OK to blend all this together? Should I be drinking it before or after or with a meal? I don't know about the other magical effects of VCO its only been 2 days! Thanks for this great site, its already helped me a lot!
