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 Greg (Franklin, MA) on 10/20/2007
★★★★★
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.
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation
Posted by Jonna (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/15/2007
★★★★★
Lately I have been having a hell of a time with digestive issues. Not sure what is going on -- it may be that I am eating way too much hormone injected chicken and turkey now that I moved in with my partner, who has to eat meat at least once a day or he gets sick. On the other hand, I ate a Trader Joe's garlic naan last week at home with a homemade curry and woke up to extreme abdominal pain and brain fog. Second time that happened with the naan, will have to check the ingredients next time I go. So perhaps I am allergic to wheat now. I don't know. At any rate, after a week of snail's pace recovery with Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, molasses, etc., I decided to a) eat vegetarian and b) do Bill Munro's h202 inhalation therapy. I started the peroxide therapy yesterday at about noon. By 8pm the brain fog that I have had for a week disappeared. This morning, exactly 24 hours later, my digestive tract finally feels back to normal. No more abdominal pain. I did 6 pumps of 3% h202 (drugstore brand) every 2- 3 hours. I think eating only rice and vegetables the last few days was helpful too.
OTC
Posted by Rose (Philadelphia, PA) on 09/12/2007
★★★★★
I have had esophageal spasms on and off for 7 years. Diag. with reflux and put on Nexium. Nexium caused many side effects including urinary tract infection due to change in pH (suppression of acid). No help from Nexium. Found OTC meds for asthma containing expectorant and ephedra. Taking only small amounts (1/4-1/2 pill) was enough to quiet spasms and reduce mucous production. Be careful of ephedra, however, since it can increase BP. The small amount doesn't seem to add to BP, though. The docs do give nitroglyerine for spasms, but this works just as well. (incidentally, that feeling of "choking" is the esophagus spasming.) Have heard digestive anzymes with Betaine HCl will help reflux (probably same mechanism as ACV). Hope these suggestions help others.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Terry (Chicago, IL) on 09/01/2007
★★★★★
enzymes will stop all your acid reflex, Tums kills all your good acid. buy in health store
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Ali (Abu Dhabi, UAE) on 05/14/2009
My question is about digestive enzmes. Is this recommended for any reflux problem and what type is best as a remedy. Is it taken with anacid tablets? please advise.
Reader Theories
Posted by Aujah (Huntington Beach, CA) on 08/08/2007
I think it very important to mention that smoking marijuana will cause acid reflux in some people. Mostly girls. The problem (besides it being illegal) is it will take the pain of acid reflux away and then be the cause of it when the drug wears off. It is very easy to get caught up in that cause and affect.
Olives
Posted by Dawn (East Bay Area, California) on 07/25/2007
★★★★☆
I just read on this site that drinking some of the juice from a jar of pickles might help get rid of my acid reflux. I checked the fridge, and the closest thing I could find was a jar of Cocktail Olives (the green ones that are stuffed). I had a couple small sips of its juice. At first things felt like they were getting worse. I then had a sip of water, and in less than a minute I was feeling better. Not cured, but at least better.
Smoothie
Posted by Michael (Plainfield, Illinois) on 07/17/2007
★★★★★
I was fighting Acid Reflux for over 45 Years I've tried every pill and formula out there and read every book on the market. I have one remedy that works for me. I call it the Blaster I got it out of a juicing book and it will keep the fire from starting 90% of the time. I use a Vita-Mix blender and put in 2 glasses of filtered water - 1 Banana - 1 Mango - 1/2 Papaya - 1 large slice of pinapple- 1 orange - I blend it into a drink and drink a 8 oz glass 2 times per day - the mix is enough for roughly 3 days you don't want to make it for more time it loses it's effect and there are plenty of other healthy perks along with it - I keep it refrigerated in a stainless steel thermos.
Reader Theories
Posted by Neoma (Cartersville, USA) on 08/08/2007
In regard to Elissa from Asheville, I think you might be on to something. i didn't have acid reflux before moving to Georgia....and it seemed that everytime I drank some water it was so much worse, and my stomach would actually burn. I noticed that in the bathtub there were little flecks of black, and if you put your finger on them they would smear like grease. It took some scrubbing to get them off. They are coming from the water. So I am wondering what is in our water, and if it might contributte to the problem. I started buying bottled water...however it is kind of hard to tell if it is any better. Some seems to be as bad as the tab water for causing my acid reflux.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Lina (NY, NY) on 06/17/2007
★★★★★
I have never experienced acid reflux until 2 years ago and it was really interfiring with my life. I couldn't eat or sleep. I went to the doctor and he prescribed some pills that did nothing. A friend told me about this natural pills Pineapple and Papaya enzimes. She said they worked wonderful on her. I tried them and in just a couple of hours I started to feel the relief! I strongly recommend this pills. You can get them in any natural store and they taste really good. Good Luck!
Apples
Posted by Jillian (Lake Macquarie, Australia) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★
My daughter had severe acid reflux & was medicated for 2 years, but was in severe pain, & frequently vomited. She is now drug free & symptom free. Please tell Melissa from Tampa Fl to use the acv after a meal, but also to eat an apple, (even 1/2) before bed. These simple remedies changed my daughters life. We don't know why the apple works but it is fantastic. The problem with a lot of reflux is not too much acid but not enough, hence the acv aids digestion. This was the case with my daughter. She had bad breath and nausea. The food in her stomach was not being digested, it was just sitting ther rotting. I note with interest your advice to take 1/4 tspn b soda with acv. Will definitely add this to the mix. Thanks Jillian NSW Australia
Aloe Vera
Posted by Lisa (Middle Village, New York) on 04/25/2012
I am 49 years old and diagnosed with Gerd about 2 years ago I am on 40mg of Nexium 2x a day, Baclofen 10mg 3 x a day (which they give to people with MS, it helps tighten the sphincter so the acid doesn't come up) and a medication called Domperidome 10mg which comes from England to Canada then to me in the states. The medication that they would give in the states has to many side effects that my Dr. recommended that instead. I still have severe trouble breathing, pain in chest in the rib cage. I feel the acid constantly coming up my throat all day long and burning in my throat. I have a constant bad odor and taste in my mouth and nothing helps. I can't sleep. I need to lose 40 lbs and that should help relieve the pressure from my abdomen.
The problem that I am having is I am in pre-menopause and I believe the medication that I am on makes me swell up so When I try and lose the weight I am always swelling with water and I can't get passed my 5lb mark that I lost 2 weeks ago. This is becoming very fustrating. I am afraid to try the apple cider vinager because I am afraid that it will burn the hell out of me. I get severe pain in chest and throat, trouble breathing. The acid makes me so physically sick sometime that I am so out of it I do not know how I function days. I also experience severe burning and back pain, too. Anyone have similar symptoms especially with the breathing and back pain? I can use any suggestions and help.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 04/26/2012
Lisa, sounds like over-acidity. Try alkalizing.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Heather (Leicester) on 04/27/2012
Hi Lisa, I would always recommend that anyone who has acid reflux symptoms and a swollen abdomen get a full check up from the doctor. My best friend had these symptoms before she was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer an early diagnosis is an advantage. Take Care and please follow Bills advice and get a thorough check up x
Olive Oil
Posted by Episolve Gi (California, Usa) on 05/28/2015
★★★★★
Olive oil definitely works!
Apples
Posted by Cally (Downsville, Louisiana) on 05/18/2007
★★★★★
I suffered with acid reflux for YEARS! I was terrified to go anywhere without a big supply of Tums. During my life I have had 9 surgeries and taken antibiotics for many things, and I assume this is what messed me up. I refused to get on a prescription acid inhibitor for obvious reasons. One day I had reflux very badly - hurting, belching bubbles of acid. Nothing helped, not even the Tums. About that time my grandchildren showed up with some baggies of apple slices to snack on and I ate some of them. Instant relief, I kid you not! No pain, no acid, no bitter taste. I then talked to my niece, about what I considered was a miracle - the simple apple. She has a background in nursing and exercise physiology, but was at that time selling products for a place which carried a probiotic. She ordered it for me and told me it would restore my intestinal flora that the antibiotics had destroyed, and which was the root of my problem. I took the capsules she ordered for me- called Primal Defense. I took one bottle over a period of 2.5 months and I have not had ANY gastric upsets or acid. I now make sure that I do not run out of the probiotic, or fresh apples. I have added other RAW vegetables to my diet and eat them on a daily basis - mainly organic carrots, red cabbage, spinach. I can't tell you what the raw fruits and vegetables and the probiotic have done for me. I was so miserable all the time, and now I am 100% free of the misery. Meat, dairy products, sugar, drugs, all those things cause acid to build up. This I learned from my niece. Also, apple cider vinegar is made two ways, one is acid and vinegarry, the one that is normally sold in the vinegar department of the grocery store, and the other is one that is CONSIDERED vinegarry, _____'s apple cider vinegar, but in fact it is alkaline to the body. Be careful you don't get the wrong apple cider vinegar.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Roxanne (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★
Always sleep on your left side, so stomach acids don't drain into your stomach. Start taking good natural digestive enzymes to break down the food that is rotting and stuck in your small intestine area. This gets things moving and the acid reflux stops. Also get lots of fiber or take capsules of psyllium with a big glass of water before bed. Stay away from antacids that stop the acid that your body is creating to try to break down the rotting foods. Just keep it all moving away from the top end and out the bottom end. Drink plenty of water! :)
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Moomie (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/03/2012
Sleeping on my left side causes acid reflux for me. I suggest anyone try different sleeping positions, I had been told by my Gastroenterologist to sleep on my left side, but everytime I do I wake up in severe pain and choking to the point of throwing up. If I go to sleep on my right side and flip a little later to my left it will get me everytime. If I start out on my left side it gets me sooner. I can only sleep on my left side after several HOURS of being in bed. So it is different for everyone. There is no one "remedy" or "cure" that will work for everyone. You will have to try each of them single and in combination until you find what works for you, but natural is soooo much better than prescription with all the side effects any day.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Israel (Austin, Texas) on 05/08/2007
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Acid reflux two years ago at 27. I was given that (blue red)pill, but I like others realized that once i was off it, my acid reflux came back. I am not 100% sure what has caused it but have narrowed it down to the intake of soda as a youth. I am intrested to find the correlation between the extra large sized drink given out by fast food restraunts and the increased case of acid-reflux. Did the case increase upon their introduction? As for possible cure's I have tried a few...the best results came with digestive enzymes...I also tried goat milk which did alright but I am lactose intolerant...I have also read about a type of yogurt, helps that was popular in the 60's, but I don't know the name, if anyone knows what I am talking about please post the name. It has a natural way of stabilizing the digestive cultures in our system. Avoid grease, spice, and acids...especially vinegar...and eat slow...that is the biggest adjustment that has helped me...eat really, slow and smaller portions..
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. )
Banana
Posted by Laura (Monroeville , PA) on 06/16/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Acid Reflux Remedies: No on the bananas -- it actually makes it worse for me or creates it. Anything sugar based turns on the reflux for me. Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon with a cup of water when I eat badly. Nothing when I eliminate coffee and sugar.
Banana
Posted by Patient (Union, Nj) on 10/14/2009
i've been taking nexium for 7 years. First signs of burning 12 years ago, first reflux 8-9 yrs ago. 7 years ago diagnosed with hiatal hernia. Nexium helped from day one. First several times a week, then every other day, then every day 40mg. A few years ago started reading about danger of proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Switched to 40-20mg alternating every other day. Now stopped nexium completely a few days ago and i'm on fire non-stop. Headaches, nausea, constant feeling of hunger, chest and throat pain. Eating any kind of food helps relieve burning for a while. Tried organic 1 table spoon ACV 1 tbl spoon honey mixed in warm water 6-8oz cup. It helps for about 30 minutes. Tried 1/2 tea spoon of baking soda mixed with 6oz cup water and could not drink it because of bad taste. Added 1 tea spoon of ACV (for tolerable taste) and it helped for 1 hour.
Apples help just like any non-acidic food for about 10-20 minutes. Bananas - for me 100x worse, almost immediate burning. 1 spoon of honey may be "soothing" the esophagus but it doesn't do anything for me.
Still searching for alternatives to dangerous pills and irreversible surgery.
Banana
Posted by Selena (Chula, Ga) on 10/16/2009
My husband had the same problem before we married. I put him on a yeast free diet and within a month he was 90% better (the remaining 10% is diet and bad habit related that could be fixed by eliminating things from his diet but so much better he can put up with it not to have to give up those things.) Google yeast free diet. I had a book but can't remember the name or author. Basically you have to eliminate all refined sugars, white flour products, refined vinegar products (mustard, mayo. ketchup.) all fungus foods (mushrooms, alcohol), and dairy. He stuck to this diet Mon-Fri and splurged on the weekends and still had great results. He now treats his heartburn with baking soda and water when it occurs. It works wonders for him and does the job. Good luck and congratulations on deciding to take your health into your own hands and fix the problem instead of cover it up.
Aloe Vera
Posted by New To All This (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/10/2009
I looked for aloe vera in Whole Foods and found so many versions I didn't know what to get. One brand has several formulas, including one that indicates it's for acid reflux but contains peppermint, which is supposed to be avoided for acid reflux. What should--or should not--be in the ingredients? I didn't see George's.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Janise (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/23/2009
I bought the most expensive Aloe Vera at Whole Foods and didn't notice a difference from the cheaper one I get at Trader Joes. But fresh aloe plant is the best. I talked to the people at Whole Foods and they found a company that delivers fresh juiced Aloe vera and said they would order it for me if I wanted. I haven't done it yet but plan to. It is very jelly like so it is best to water it down in the blender.
Papaya
Posted by Jorge (New York , US) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
There was time when acid reflux took over my life and literally I end up sitting in the back of an ambulance rushed to a nearest hospital for breathing problems due to acid reflux. One time a friend of mine suggested aloe vera and papaya and thanks to that I in a matter of days all my symptoms entirely disappeared. If you are suffering from acid reflux on a very severe case like I did, you might want to consider this other option. So here is the magic recipe:
1 leaf aloe Vera
1 papaya (ripe)
2 cups Orange Juice
and ice.
So the whole thing is basically prepared as a really healthy smoothie. cut two inches of the aloe vera lea and scoop the gel from inside into the blender (DO NOT USE THE GREEN LEAF ONLY THE GEL) Then cut a slide or two of the beautiful ripe papaya into the blender add orange juice and enough ice so the whole mixture will take the smoothie consistency. Drink two or three times a week and the results can be seen almost immediately. If aloe Vera cures severe second degree burns imagine how great will do inside your stomach. I was reading about the properties of these two amazing "titana" yes that's how I call aloe Vera and Papaya. Papaya has a an enzyme that also helps digestion but combined with aloe vera is like having Superman and Batman at your call. Good luck
Red Wine Vinegar
Posted by Franklin (Snead, AL) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★
I had terrible acid reflux and was afraid of getting esophagus cancer. My acid reflux was so bad my throat would swell. Twice daily, drink one fourth cup of redwine vinegar in three fourths glass of water until well and repeat if acid reflux returns. Give God the glory. I'm totally free of acid reflux.
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bonnie (Edmonton, Canada) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
Acid reflux: for me the reflux is a result of eating certain foods. Becoming aware of the trigger foods is most important (certain spices, chocolate, too much white flour products, even overeating at one time). When over the counter remedies were just too slow in acting I decided to use a bit of baking soda ( /_ 1/4 tsp. in some warm water, enough for one big gulp. Instant relief from the burning and long lasting. Last night tried the cayenne pepper and hot water gargle for a terrible sore throat that I'd had for nearly a week. Instant relief!. Thanks for the home cure education.
Baking Soda and Water, Lose Weight
Posted by Catherine (Toronto, Ontario) on 06/22/2008
The reason you may suffer less acid reflux when you lose weight is because you are probably eating less acidic foods such as pop or sugary snacks. These foods are a very common cause of acid reflux.
