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 Payitforward (Tx, US) on 10/26/2014
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I personally would not use Apple Cider Vinegar or HCL at all for treating acid reflux. Those who have used it for years may have compromised their intestine lining. Treating AR is best by consuming low acid and low fat foods. The first several days of the diet you will find great relief. As you detox your system from being overly acidic. Also, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate will help relieve symptoms at night.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Judyj (Olympia, Washington, Usa) on 01/10/2011
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I think it is individual. For me, my gerd trigger is protein. Atkins diet made my acid reflux worse.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sarah (Santa Monica, Ca) on 11/12/2010
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I suffered with nearly constant acid reflux from the time I was a small child. By the time I was 12 or so it was really bad, and in late middle or early high school I was diagnosed with GERD. Many visits to the gastroenterologist, including an endoscopy that nearly killed me from a severe allergic reaction to Demerol, found no potential cause. By late high school I was experiencing heartburn pretty much 24/7, usually as a constant slight throat discomfort and burning accompanied by rather severe nausea and sometimes as very painful chest burning.
Finally in college after some other crazy health experiences that caused me to reexamine my entire lifestyle I narrowed the acid reflux down to one cause alone: grains, especially wheat. I ate processed, white flour several times a day on average, but I find that any form of grains, even whole grains and non-gluten containing grains, will trigger the heartburn all over again (as well as depression, fatigue, nausea, body aches, the list goes on and on). Wheat and rice are the worst, but even supposedly healthy grains like whole oats and quinoa set off these symptoms. This includes even raw, freshly sprouted grains. When I avoid all grains (and cutting out processed sugars, high-sugar fruits, and chocolate has helped a lot too), I virtually never have any acid reflux at all. I know that I am unusually sensitive to grains. But I also strongly believe that humans have not evolved to digest grains properly since we have only been eating them for 10 thousand years or so (not a very significant timespan evolutionarily). I am convinced that most people would benefit at least from reducing the amount of grains in their diet, especially processed flours. Most people's diets are very heavy in just a few grains and eating so much of the same foods, especially foods that we aren't really designed to eat, seems to put quite a strain on the body. P. S. This is my first post here but I absolutely love this site, and expect many more posts from me in the future!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jane (Steamboat Springs, Colorado) on 06/15/2010
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Acid Reflux - Beware of Caffeine!
I was diagnosed with GERD at age 44 and like so many of you I tried Nexium and Prilosec with minimal relief. Basically the meds just masked the symptoms. The reflux was severe making me miserable and I was losing weight I could not afford to lose; my clothes were baggy and I looked gaunt. I researched online and learned about dietary triggers. One of the biggest triggers is caffeine. Also, deep-fried foods don't digest well in the stomach, so I cut them out of my diet. Some sauces like tomato or certain dressings can also bring about reflux. Finally, large meals leaving you overly stuffed, can activate reflux.
People, pay attention to what you eat and take note of foods that trigger your reflux. I have had my reflux under control for five years now, am back to a healthy weight and enjoy decaffeinated coffee and tea daily even chocolate. For me caffeine hands down was the worst trigger. If I have any symptoms in future, I will most certainly try apple cider vinegar.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lillly (Houston, Texas) on 10/28/2008
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I suffered from acid reflux for 18 yrs and a sensitive stomach for 28 years. This last Jan. I went on a Daniel Fast, really for spiritual reasons, but I noticed right away, the reflux subsiding. I had stopped eating "dinner" just because the Gerd was so bad, and that included not eating fried or spicy foods, or caffene. So then, I started eating brown rice, vegetables and fruits as my main diet. I eat fruit for breakfast and often a fruit soy milk smoothie at night. This enables the digestive system to cleanse itself more effeciently. This way of eating, has allowed the elimination process to be much better. I have always loved milk and ice cream, etc but Betsy the Milk cow was debunked as well! The difference is amazing! Just like we've all heard...my body is not producing the (mucous) it did when I ate dairy products. It makes a different ppl! Try the Vanilla flavored Soy Milk and try the "Almond Milk". If I can change I know you can! Almonds are very alkaline for you, very good. I learned that the largest contributor of cholestrol is from animal meat. I still eat hormone, anti biotic free chicken a couple times of months, and in a pinch a non greasy grilled burger, but by focusing on veggies and fruit, nuts and beans...my body is receiving the real, live enzymes it needs to thrive. I take all the good supplements and am so grateful to have found these alternatives. All the best to you!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sunny (Chicago, Illinois) on 10/05/2008
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I have been diagnosed with small airways disease. Really couldn't understand the diagnosis(had a cat scan and chest x-ray) because I haven't had any breathing symptoms but kept coming down with bronchitis and sore throats that wouldn't go away. My voice continues to be very hoarse and my tongue does feel like it burns once in awhile.
I recently attended a book signing in NYC for a dear friend and at that party I met a woman who told me she too, had been diagnosed with small airways disease several years ago and was treated with all types of asthma medications and finally got fed up and went to an ENT doctor. The 3rd ENT she visited, diagnosed her with GERD.
She really has saved me from such frustration. After thinking about it for 2 seconds, I decided to start watching what I ate and noticed a difference immediately. I also took some Zantac and felt a difference. Now, after reading all of these testimonials I am going to try the organic ACV mixed with water.
I also had my gall bladder removed several years ago and appreciated so many of the comments on taking digestive enzymes.
I am so excited to give it a try. Thanks everyone!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, TN) on 11/20/2007 490 posts
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The best remedy I have found for indigestion, acid regurge, GERD, flatulence is elimination of all bleached flour products in the foods you eat - I find I can eat l00% whole grain bread without problems (usually cures most people's constipation problems also). I don't know what chemicals? are used in the bleaching process, but apparently that is where the problem comes from. However, you must really work at getting bleached flour out of your diet, as many pastas are made with bleached flour, many breads say whole wheat but read the ingredients and you'll find that most start off with bleached flour unless the label reads l00% whole grain. Most gravies, dips, sauces, etc. use the cheapest source of thickening agent - bleached flour. So try it and see if it works for you. It's nice having a "cast iron stomach" which has no problems with cayenne pepper, jalapeno peppers, and all that spicy stuff I used to blame my stomach problems on before I lucked up and stumbled upon the real cause of them.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Diane (Long Beach, NY) on 01/04/2007
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I used to eat a high fiber,low fat diet (norm robillard's low carb approach). The gas started to build over several months resulting in terrible stomach pains after every evening meal. My cholesterol shot up as well. I decided to get rid of the high fiber breads and cereals. I don't eat dairy. After a few days, my gas decreased and I didn't need my aciphex for gerd anymore. When I cheat, I get gas and reflux. Also, my cholesterol dropped back to normal. My diet is vegetables, some protein, small amounts of fruit, some nuts. I walk almost everyday and use a recumbent bike on rainy days. Sugar in any form is the worst High carbs are sugar. Bread in any form makes my reflux worse. I can cheat but not everyday. I was able to take my bed off its blocks back to ground level and could also lay down after eating.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Joe (Oak Forest, IL) on 09/17/2006
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I don't know why, but whenever I am (able) to stay on a low carb diet, my GERD goes away, I sleep better, my skin improves, etc. And......this is when I am eating all I want, and even late at night. I'm not sure why this works, but I thought I was the only one. (Nexium works great, but I bloat with water weight gain.)
Dietary Changes
Posted by Cliff (Dallas, TX) on 09/15/2006
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Less food volume intake per meal. More light snacking. Organic foods preferred. Never lay down after eating for 2-3 hours. Has not cured GERD, but has reduced symptoms significantly.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Charmaine (Peekskill, NY) on 09/14/2006
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No eating or drinking rich beverages after 8pm and always brush and or gargle before going to bed. Also cut down on fatty foods and coffee. I think the prevalence of GERD is related to ubiquitous coffee shops and the resulting increase in consumption of coffee.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Gurt (USA)
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I did research in medical journals over gerd/acid reflux since it was causing some health problems. What I found was that carbonated drinks build pressure in the stomach pushing the acid back into the throat. I drink one carbonated drink mid-morning then juice, water and decaf-tea during the remaining day. I also found that caffeine relaxes the muscle that becomes weak with gerd. It was a slow process to cut back on the caffeinated drinks and caffeine but now I am feeling so much better.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sherry (Orlando, FL)
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I'had acid reflux for 2 yrs. and when I went on the Atkins Diet, I never even expected such a sudden cure! I then went to the Atkins Online forum and did a search about acid reflux to see if others had the same experience on this diet. AMAZING! I found other people on the forum saying their acid reflux is gone too as a result of this low carb diet. I realized that the HIGH CARBS were the CAUSE of the GERD ALL ALONG!! As I type this, I know I will sleep just fine again tonight as a result of this discovery!!! I can only hope that this helps others who are suffering.
