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 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 2048 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.
Ibuprofen Connection
Posted by Lea (Janesville, Ca, Usa) on 01/04/2013
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.
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!
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?
Supplements
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.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Maria (Alamo, Tx, Usa) on 04/27/2012
★★★★★
What I have tried for acid reflux and gastritis is aloe vera pills. When I am going to eat something I know I will regrtet, I take my pill right before and I am just fine. After I had gall bladder surgery, I was unable to continue with my bad habits (ex: sour & acidy junk foods)
Dietary Changes
Posted by Michael (Dix Hills, New York) on 03/28/2012
★★★★★
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
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?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Joselyn (Manchester, Connecticut, United States) on 02/05/2012
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
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.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jc (Manila, Philippines) on 02/05/2012
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.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Kat (Arlington, Tx) on 01/09/2012
★★★★☆
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.
Soda Water
Posted by Woody (Atwater, Ca.) on 01/06/2012
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Teresa (St. Louis, Mo) on 12/05/2011
★★★★☆
I have silent reflux, take ACV and baking soda three time a day for three weeks now, so far it helped a lot, I will not say it is cure but at least my nose is not dry and my mouth is not sore and dry anymore. Thank you so much for this site.
Gum
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/12/2011
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".
Pickled Okra
Posted by Larry (Newnan, Ga) on 09/30/2011
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
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Amit (Austin, Texas) on 09/13/2011
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Christine (Nottingham, England) on 09/12/2011
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
Sesame Oil
Posted by Nylle (Falls Church, Fairfax County) on 08/22/2011
★★★★★
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.
Sesame Oil
Posted by Hannah (Paris, France) on 01/14/2013
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!
Orange Peel
Posted by Christine (Nottinham, Englandhi Ap) on 07/27/2011
★★★★☆
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.
Kefir
Posted by Nathan (Vietnam) on 05/23/2014
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.
