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.
Lemons
Posted by Leila (USA) on 03/21/2006
★★★★★
Lemonade. It works. I tried it. I told it to my mom and she tried it. It worked for her, too. I told it to my hubby. He tried it and it worked for him, too. So, it is it. I am not imagining it. It is REAL. I did not find it here, but in my earlier research on the web. Drink lemonade.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bill (Anchorage, Alaska) on 02/14/2006
★★★★★
when i stop eating foods with gluten my acid reflux went away. I cured my acid reflux, excess gas,bad memory, nighttime urination by eliminating gluten.
Mint
Posted by Paa (Las Vegas) on 02/04/2006
★★★★★
I have heard of mint juice as an Indian remedy. Haven't tried it though.
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!
Mint
Posted by Tonia (USA) on 03/20/2005
★★★★★
I just did my science fair project on this subject and got a 1st, and Best of Show. I found that peppermint will actually lower the acidity in your stomach. Like a mint (like peppermint candy) or peppermint tea will help lower the acid in your stomach that produces the acid that gives you heartburn.
Lemons
Posted by Joan (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) on 01/11/2009
I would like to try the lemonade, but I cant have a lot of sugar in my diet. If i can find a sugarfree lemonade, will that work just a well as the regular lemonade. Thank you
Soy Milk
Posted by Belinda (Chico, CA)
★★★★★
I started drinking soy milk and it helps with my Acid Reflex and heartburn. I will try the vinegar.
Balsamic Vinegar
Posted by William (Brooklyn, NY)
★★★★★
I was talking to a friend of mine and I was telling him about my bad acid reflux. I was taking Pepcid AC it would work but then I was getting dehydrated and the reflux would return even worse. I use is Balsamic Vinegar 1 tblspn or two if you just ate meat or something really heavy. It burns going down but within 5 min the burns is gone and I start burping and feeling fantastic. Burping is good it mean you are digesting your food. When you don't burp your stomach can feel sour and flat. I can't remember the last time I bought Pepsid AC. Give it a try I have shared this with so many people and they swear by it like I do.
Reader Theories
Posted by Falcon (Mariposa, CA)
Re the Acid reflux problem: I took an Iridologist class with Dr. Bernard Jenson and we learned that the problem is not too much acid but low acid. Which we could verify by reading the fibers of the eyes. So the pharmaceutical co.s making a killing selling the purple pill as a cure are totally misleading the public. The purple pill turns off acid pumps and if anything make it worse. That the purple pill cures the damage done to the esophagus may be partially true in that one does not have any acid in the stomach to break down the proteins. But one wonders what the long term effect of sending partially broken down proteins through ones digestive system. Another cure we recommended after determining the persons problem was truly not high acid but low acid, was to recommend they take plant HCL (hydrocloric acid) and they can test it themselves. With a high protein meal at first take one see how it works for them then 2, and keep upping the amount until they learn what their system needs.
Another easy cure it to avoid eating heavy meals especially high protein meals at end of day when you are tired. It is the tiredness that causes the sphincter muscles to relax conserving energy that is the cause of acid reflux. So when one is tired and lays down to sleep the acid then can slosh out of the stomach into the esophagus, so they end up with what we call heart burn. Not of course tis the burning by ones acid in the stomach of the esophagus.
Sincerely Yours,
Falcon
Proton Pump Inhibitors Side Effects
Posted by Talea (Oregon) on 02/08/2020

Responding to old posts about PPI. What most people don't know is that prilosec is a self-perpetuating drug. When you take it, it gives great relief. When you stop, it increases your symptoms so that you think you REALLY need it more than you do. Most people need to wean themselves off of it. I have had horrible stomach acid problems my entire life. I will not go on that stuff for anything!
Sea Salt
Posted by Peg (Texas) on 11/19/2021
Hi Kennywally, How are you using the salt; proportions and how often?
Thanking you in advance.
Peg
EC: See his post just below this one in the sea salt for acid reflux section.
Sprouted Moong Lentils
Posted by Angela (Closeter) on 07/22/2016
Did you use red lentils? Or other
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/17/2015
Oh Deirdre, thank you so much for reminding me of this!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Frederick (Tulip, Ar) on 10/18/2015
Can I take probiotics, aloe cure & ACV all in the same day course? Thank you kindly for your valued time; Frederick
Don't Eat Before Bed
Posted by Jill (Chicago, IL) on 12/29/2014
★★★★★
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.
Broccoli Sprouts
Posted by Cfb (North America) on 09/02/2014
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.
Remove Chlorine
Posted by Suntosh (India) on 10/30/2014
What is the name of alkaline water machine that turns regular tap water into alkaline rich water and I can buy in India?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Kay (London, Uk) on 08/04/2013
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Hi, I was told by by doctor that I have acid reflux, symptoms are sore throat, painful heart burn, lots of burping, I'm suffering from horrible bad breath as well, I got food coming up my throat into my mouth... Also lots of slimy smelly clear slime coming from the back of my throat.. I have been on lots of prescription drugs but none seems to work for the pass 2 yrs my condition seems to be getting worse.. I have been taking Apple Cider Vinegar & baking soda 3 Times a day, for the pass 4wks, which calm it for a while, but all my symptoms remains the same.. I have change my diet completly pure veg no meat but I still have all these pain & discomfort, can anybody please help...Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 08/04/2013
Take Betaine Hcl with Pepsin Supplements in between meals. This will solve the problem temporarily. Lower Stomach Acid can result in Acid Reflux. Good Health
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Bradshad (North Providence, Rhode Island) on 05/24/2013
Google Proper Food Combining and follow the protocol. Problem should be solved.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Monica (Desertbeauty, Texas) on 05/24/2013
My mother-in-law has found that a teaspoon of mustard has helped the symptums for the short turm.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/24/2013
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.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 05/29/2013
Iodine deficiency may cause Acid Reflux.
Sugar Tea
Posted by Vickie (Nc) on 10/31/2016
★★★★★
I was having a bad heartburn, I have tried everything, I came across this post and tried it. Now I have no pain. Thanks!
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/09/2013 2042 posts
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).
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, La Union, Philippines) on 03/10/2013
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.
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Gerd Fighter (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 03/11/2013
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?
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Gerd Fighter (Atlanta, Ga, Us) on 03/13/2013
Bill: for me, I already have high BP - for me it always remains around 140/90...
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Nikkig (Adelaide) on 05/11/2017
When did you take the ACV, BS & Honey, was it once a day, before or after meals or did you take it only when you felt the reflux.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Curious_Emily (Berkshire, New York, Usa) on 01/23/2013
★★★★★
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.
Baking Soda in Orange Juice
Posted by Amy (Kelso, Washington) on 06/27/2017
I add 1/2t of baking soda to my spaghetti sauce to neautilize it. Works great. Hate the taste of it so ill have to try in orange juice. Thanks for the suggestion. Ive been on 40mg protonix for about 25 years. I want to get off my RX!
Mustard
Posted by Tony (Hawhtorne, Ca) on 06/11/2012
When you said mustard is it the one in a bottle or mustard powder or some kind of grain?
Mustard
Posted by Jenny (Houston, Texas) on 03/07/2014
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!
Lemons
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West South Africa) on 05/02/2012
★★★★★
Hi, Something that works for acid reflux is squeeze out 4 lemons & drink it undiluted & within 15 minutes you have relief.
Supplements
Posted by Christine (Nottingham, England) on 04/29/2012
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
Supplements
Posted by G Shannon (Eads, Tennessee) on 04/29/2012
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?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alex (Honolulu, Hi, United States) on 02/27/2012
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.
Papaya
Posted by Cindy (St George, Ks) on 02/22/2012
DOES THIS TAKE THE NASTY TASTE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH?