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
Posted by Jackie (Arizona, U.S.A.) on 10/27/2009
★★★★★
I have recently been diagnosed with GERD and was prescribed omeprazole. While this works in a limited way (with extreme dietary changes), I was searching for a natural alternative because I do not like taking prescription meds. I did a search and found this web-site. Because so many people recommended apple cider vinegar, I tried it yesterday and I did notice a difference in my acid after eating. I took 1 tbsp ACV with 8 oz of water and 1 tsp of honey. I think I will increase the honey a little to help disguise the taste. I think I will also be making salad dressing with the ACV. I have been belching a lot which is a good sign that the acid is being neutralized. I am going to continue on this because I understand that it will work better with time. I will write again and update my progress. This is great. Thank you all a million times over for your help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Alameda, California) on 10/06/2009
Julie, your symptoms are those described as side effects on meds such as aciphex. I have GERD and have taken aciphex for years. I recently was told by my Dr. to double the dosage. I have started getting hives, rash, and itching. I looked these up and discovered that I probably am getting an allergic reaction to the aciphex. I have stopped taking it. While doing my research, your symptoms kept coming up as side effects by many people who were taking meds for acid reflux. Google side affects for whatever meds your taking. I don't know what website had all the comments by people who had side affects that doctors were saying they could'nt get. Yet, the number of people speaks for themselves. Good luck, Mary
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jllerenas (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/05/2009
★★★★★
If your going to use ACV, please use RAW apple cider that contains enzymes to aid in digestion. But it's not a cure, as claimed here but therapeutic. Indeed, it worked well for me, but not a cure. I also tried 3 apples a day (6months), and that too was even less therapeutic. Some people mistakenly confuse Sleep Apnea/GERD/Celiac disease/H.pylori/Ulcers because the symptoms are all very similar. Find out what you have from a doctor. To my surprise, my doctor diagnosed me with GERD, me thinking Sleep Apnea.
For what ever reason(s), doing the following has helped me: Sleep on your back with head & shoulder at slight incline -pillows are fine, eating figs(high in manganese, pectin, calcium), eating papaya, and finally cabbage, has had a 95% episode reduction for me(i hope 100%; more time to know fully -3months so far). I used to suffer every night waking up gasping for breath, and now I never do. Also, I try to have at least 1 serving of the foods I've mentioned every day. Cultured cabbage is a great way to get natural probiotics. Eat whole foods, not synthetic over the counter pills or pharmaceutical pill that introduce side effects. BTW: Lots of oatmeal and grains seem to stimulate my acid reflux, but that indicates a gluten intolerance (mild Celiac disease?). I wanted to post this since this website had helped me during my quest for natural healing.
Pickle Juice
Posted by Kaylabrooke (Big Spring, Texas) on 09/14/2009
★★★★★
Wow, the pickle juice actually worked! I have had acid reflux since i was born and finally got put on meds when i was 12 (now 20). i was on nexium 40 mg and it really seemed to work, enough that i took myself off it about two years ago because i thought it was gone. i had no more problem until about a month ago, ive been getting gerd attacks again. i really didnt want to get more meds since i'm in between doctors but the pain is killing me. then i found this website at 1:30 in the morning trying to make the pain stop. thank you so much cause i took a few gulps of the pickle juice and about 5 minutes later i think i can finally go to bed!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Becca (Oakland, California, Usa) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★
After going to the emergency room twice in one day due to EXACT symptoms of a heart attack and getting no help from Dr.'s, I turned to the internet and found that my GERD that I've had for about five years, was mimicking symptoms of a heart attack (back/jaw pain, headache, numbness/tingling in face and shooting left arm pains). The Dr.'s I spoke with at the hospital told me I was experiencing "complicated migaines". One went as far as to say I was having panic attacks due to marijuana smoking. Once I came home and searched online I discovered this cite and the ACV mixture. I tried it the next day, drinking a 12oz glass of water with 2 tsps.organic ACV 10 mins prior to meals. I had great success and haven't experienced any painful symptoms since. I've been drinking it every couple days and rarely experience heartburn and only after eating really spicy dishes. I was taking DGL (licorice) which wasn't helping much and tasted awful. Prior to that I was taking Pepcid Complete daily with little success and much more costly. I can't thank this cite enough for blessing me with such a simple cure for my horrible and frightening pain. Thanks to all, stay healthy, and God bless!
Oatmeal
Posted by Vicky (Manila, Philippines) on 08/13/2009
★★★★★
Hi there! For those who are suffering from Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) I also suffered for more than 5years and underwent with hi-tech laboratories and spend thousands of money, time and effort but noting seems to no avail. I was having reflux, feeling of bloated; vomiting from time to time especially when my stomach was full, back pain, chest pain, pain on shoulders and heart burning and what is worse is halitosis. Most of the doctors prescribe medicines to cure the acid reflux without even caring for other possible causes of it. I asked and consulted few doctors who examined me for another opinions but I was so disappointed that they just copied what the other doctor said. Without further explanation of possible immune deficiency or vitamins, they just prescribed antibiotics and high dosage of medicines which I eventually had skin inflammation just last year. It is the reaction of my body due to taking strong and excessive antibiotics. I FELT SO HOPELESS so I studied the reasons why I had reflux everyday.
At first I just ignored these symptoms because I thought I was just gaining weight from petite to chubby one. What I remember was I drink sterilized milk everyday and eat foods that contain milk and dairy products. I also had yogurt in my daily diet. Indeed, I am very cautious with myself so finding cure was my greatest battle. I drink and smoke frequently for years and quit for good. Here are the solutions and explanation I made for myself and hope will help you too.
1. The reason why people felt starving just an hour ago after meal is they go to bed when their stomach is full, and in the next morning they felt their stomach much empty, so much hungry that about to lose their consciousness, is the long habit of going to bed with full stomach. Another pain is they got stomach cramp. IT SHOULD BE ATLEAST 2 TO 3 HOURS before going to bed AFTER MEAL.
2. Dyspepsia is nearly the same to bloated, burping and feeling of heavy stomach that is full of air. There are many medicines over the counter to take before each meal. Another option I took was to eat plenty of vegetables which are rich in fiber to digest the food easily. Drinking water while eating will lessen the ability of the stomach to dissolve food but of course excessive acid will tend to acidity which is another story. Drink water only after meal. Another reason for dyspepsia is the slow moving of our intestines which we could get from the fried items and other dairy products.
3. The acid comes from the stomach when it goes up to the esophagus is cancerous because it damages the tissues. The only cure I have done and worked for me till now is to drink half glass of dissolve instant oatmeal without flavor with small amount of sugar; I do it everyday before taking my breakfast. I honestly cannot avoid fried chicken so I maintained eating it but the acid in my stomach had gone because of the oatmeal. Soft drinks and other juice drink can trigger the stomach cramp which is the cause of the air trap in the stomach. Also avoid sour food and unripe mango. Orange is ok.
4. Another reason for acid reflux is the inability of the stomach track to close (like anus) on the time it has to be that is why the acid spill out to the esophagus. In addition to heart burn will appear when the stomach was full with air (like the feeling of bloated), our diaphragm cannot function well especially if we lay down in bed in this condition. If you suffer from heartburn, lay on bed not leveling your whole boy, it should be in the upward position or put many pillows at the back of your head up to your chest.
Now, I was able to solve my GERD, halitosis is my big problem. I read on this site that our saliva should have maintained its PH level. I have in mind the possible cure. I'll give it a try. By the way, Hydrogen peroxide might increase the hairy tongue problem. HP really works instantly just for few minutes after rinse but not for long hours and the bad odor comes back after a while.
Apples
Posted by Roman (Fairfax, Virginia) on 08/11/2009
★★★★★
I was so skeptical of this eating apple slices curing my GERD. With so many testimonials, I thought to myself why not try it. I have been suffering for so long with this acid reflux everytime I go to bed regardless of what I eat. I have tried over the counter remedies but did not really gave me a peaceful relief of my problem. So, without trying to figure out what kind of apple to eat, I ramdomly bought a Braeburn apple on our local grocery. I ate food that I know always cause me to have acid reflux like pizza and then drank coffee and also ate handful of sweets late at night. When I started to feel again the discomfort of acid bloating feeling on my chest, I ate just half of the apple. It did not take long to take effect and the acid reflux feeling was gone. I have tried it four times already and still getting good results. Having this cheap remedy work for me, I will surely spread this around especially to my brothers who are having the same problem. Thanks for all those who started this experiment and also those who shared their testimonies. Roman
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kellysam (Nassau, Bahamas) on 07/27/2009
★★★★★
Hello, I have been suffering from GERDS on and off for most of my life,though i did not know it until recently, and more intensely so for the last three weeks. My problem was compounded by the fact that i had chronic sinus desease and sleep apnea to boot.I have always had these problems though occasionally and not all at the same time.When i started to experience these problems three weeks ago i was really scared,i saw a Pulmonologist and he refered me to a ENT and recommended a UPPP surgery.I went back to my family doctor, who discovered i had a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics and anti inflammitory meds,they helped a little,though i still had problems sleeping, breathing and had a constant lump in my throat along with other annoying symptoms.Thats when i decided to do research on these symptoms and finally discovered i had GERDS.I was truely grateful to discover a home remedy that was guaranteed to work. I must admit i was really sceptical, but decided to buy a bottle of ACV, tried it last night and in less than 20 minutes i was the best i felt in weeks, i actually feel normal again and happy not to be popping pills. Thank you and to those who have not tried it believe me it works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by G (High Point, NC) on 05/22/2009
Julie, forget the Dr's and trust what WORKS. If ACV has worked for you in the past then continue using it. After I was diagnosed with GERD I tried 5 different prescription PPI's and they were all like poison to my body. Within 10 days of using ACV I was pretty much cured. I couldn't freakin' believe it! That was well over a yr ago and now I use the ACV only once every 2-3 days. I also have Barrett's Esophagus (from the GERD is what my Dr. told me) and when I went for an EGD 3 months ago the Dr. couldn't believe that the Barrett's had regressed big time and what he called "a remarkable turnaround".
Do what works, not as you're told. Try increasing the amount of water you take with each dose of ACV.
G
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Hemet, CA) on 05/21/2009
★★★★★
I am amazed at what I am reading. I have been the ACV Queen for 15 - 20 years! My doctor told me that I contributed to my Gerd by taking the ACV. He also told me not to eat apples. He put me on 20mg of Prilosec Jan. 2009 and I have changed my diet to the point that I am afraid to eat anything and what I do eat has no flavor. I just started to take an additional pill in the late afternoon. I am in shock over what I am reading. I even requested a homeopathic doctor and he looked at me like I was stupid! I drank 8oz.water with 1-2 tsp. ORGANIC ACV with or without the honey. There were many times that I did not drink it daily. I believe in ACV more than I believe in the doctors! But I experience such great pain when having an attack that I am afraid to try the ACV for my Gerd. My pains are also in my back, neck and chest and last up to 4 hours without relief. Similar to heart attack symptoms. ORGANIC ACV to me is the answer for most everything. Have any of you mentioned the positive response to your doctor? And if so, what they had to say re: ACV? Usually I am the one convincing everyone else the amazing benefits of ACV. I guess I am just really hoping to clear this up? Anyone - please, I am so against Meds. and I miss my ACV.
Oatmeal
Posted by healthy80 (Central Point, Oregon) on 05/01/2009
★★★★★
Unless my health care has strictly forbidden oatmeal, or any other food substance, I do not give it up if it satisfies my need for food at the time. But Please do not follow my lead unless you are prepared to be moderate in all dietary matters from this day forward. I carefully watch my carb, protein and fat balance and accompany or follow my meals with digestive enzymes. I give credit to the digestive enzymes for the disappearance of many of the syptoms I suffered from when I was a youngster in my 70's. The diabetes 2 was a tough nut to crack, after 10 years I discovered thaat a diuretic i was taking was apparently the culprit for bone loss and high blood sugar. I don't have a blood sugar problem at this time. I have found that each time I was able to find a pertinent homeopathic or nutritional remedy for what ails me, I have been able to give up the prescription remedy for that or another ailment. I am a rebel, of course, having grown up with nothing but organic foods and raw milknand cod liver oil.
In those days that was the only kind of food available. I still consider my body to be my Ferrari and I will not try to run it on "kerosene." I get moderate exercise and make sure that I get plenty of O2. I also had/have COPD from Sarcoidosis and refused any medication for that. It was discovered 10 years ago that i had pulmonary fibrosis, 30% of my lungs. my remedy was singing lessons. I sound terrible but it is a good way to learn true deep breathing.
I am relentless in pursuit of remedies that do not involve prescription drugs.They allhave side effects and I am victim to most of them.So I avoid them and feel better that most my age. m Are ther many or any octegenarians among you? For a while it seemed that people my age were dropping like flies. That made me more determined than ever to investigate any and all medications I might be influenced to ingest and more determined to research every ailment that was trhying to catch me. You all seem to be cmputer savvy. Do the same for yourselves.We are not meant to be sick and hurting in our old age. We are meant to enjoy these years. So let's give it a go. Be determined to be well and do not give up the quest to STAY WELL. It is much easier than to try to get well, but i feel sure that we can do that too in most instances. Namaste
Oatmeal
Posted by Gino (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/30/2009
★★★★★
I am a big guy, and I have suffered from GERD/AR for a few years now. Nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night with a sour and burning sensation in the throat. You know that this is just the beggining of what is yet to come. You can't go back to sleep, and you know that you have to get out of bed. Then the worst part comes, the painful acid starts to work, and you try to cough it up, and those coughs are very painful and will bring tears to your eyes. You will notice an orange or yellow color in your cough coming out of your lungs. You did your best not to eat anything greasy that night, and you did not eat any chocolate or smoke. You keep trying to figure out how to stop the insanity. I have been there over and over. You read so many articles about this, and you just don't want to drink vinegar, or have to go hungry all night before bed.
I have found a solution for myself. It works for me, and I do not always eat a green apple everynight (but that helps too, Granny Smith). I have read elsewhere that oatmeal causes acid, but this cure works for me. Before going to bed, I make myself some oatmeal. I fill a cup halfway with water, then scoop at least a half cup of oatmeal into it. I do add a little salt for flavor, and then I put it in the microwave to heat and cook. The oatmeal should be very thick and not at all watery. Tastes really good, and I really enjoy it with a few almonds. This works for me even after eating onions, spicy food, tomato sauce, and even something greasy. Can't explain why it works for me and maybe not others. I am sleeping great now. Also, I have great bowel movements the next day, an added plus. Give it a try. May not be good for diabetics given the carb count.
Licorice Root Extract
Posted by Tony (Miami, Fl) on 04/29/2009
★★★★★
(DGL) a.k.a. Licorice is incredible, I read a book on health secrets & they recommended Licorice. poeple this herbal vitamin is the best, In one day (with the help of prayer) this vitamin worked!!! please if anyone is expieriencing GERD or acid reflux try this product. you can find it at any herbal or vitamin store!!!!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shelley (Sykesville, MD) on 04/14/2009
★★★★★
I wish this website was posted in every doctor's office! I was absolutely miserable with this stupid GERD, and the medication the doctor prescribed made my Restless Leg Syndrome worse. It was a toss-up...RLS so bad I couldn't sleep or GERD so bad I couldn't sleep. I am so glad that I kept looking online and found this remedy. As soon as I read down the page of positive responses, I climbed back in my car, even though I just came home from the store. I grabbed two different kinds of Apple Cider Vinegar and rushed home. I put two tablespoons each of ACV and honey into water and drank it as fast as I could. Well, I won't do that again. I thought it was going to come right back up. However, it seemed to relieve the symptoms, so I was more than willing to give it another try, with different proportions. Now I take 1/2 cup of warm water, mix in an overflowing teaspoon of ACV and a teaspoon of honey. The honey melts quickly in the warm water, and it seems to be enough ACV to do the trick! This is the second day, and I did three treatments; one before I ate breakfast, one in the afternoon, and one right before bed. My throat is feeling normal for the first time in two weeks, and I can swallow normally as well. I am still taking 300 mg. of Zantac twice a day, but this offers much more relief immediately. I don't want to stop the Zantac for fear it will make the GERD come back, so I'll do both for right now. I highly recommend trying this if you have GERD.
Betaine HCl
Posted by Harold (Surrey, B.C. Canada) on 04/11/2009
★★★★★
I Suffered terribly with GERD for a long time. A Dr Charles Duffy of Dallas Ft Worth Texas said in 30 years of practice ,the majority of his patients that had GERD were deficient in stomach HCL [hydro-chloric acid]. I was told to do this;get Betaine HCL[500 mg] capsules.To start, take 1 capsule fifteen minutes bsfore meal;next meal take 2, 15 minutes before; next meal take 3 as before.Keep doing this until you feel a peppery burning in stomach,esophagus.Then back off one capsule. This I did and my limit was 7 caps,then I backed off one. Amazing how this stopped the GERD.I then modified my diet to 75% raw food.
It did not take long before I was able to cut back on the Betaine HCL caps. I now follow "The Metabolic Typing Diet".
Harold
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sam (Manila, Philippines) on 03/29/2009
I have GERD for like 5 months now and i just started using ACV just today with 2 tsp and 8 oz water and 1 tsp of honey. This natural remedy sounds very interesting, Thank God!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joy (Manila, Philippines) on 03/19/2009
Hi Sriram from India, the sensation you felt was probably not acid reflux. Taking ACV, for me, feels like taking wine. It produces a burning sensation as it goes down the esophagus.
Chamomile Tea
Posted by Lu (Brisbane, Australia) on 03/13/2009
★★★★★
GERD (gastritis/esophagitis/reflux): I had lots of pain in my esophagus and stomach lining. I tried all the traditional things such as Nexium, Zantac, Pariet, etc and also alternatives such as acupuncture and Chinese herbs, cider vinegar etc. nothing worked. One day I read on the Net that someone got relief from cold Chamomile tea. I bought some organic Chamomile tea bags and within days of taking it the pain began subsiding. I take it 3 times a day. Add a tea bag to boiling water, let it cool and drink it. I have now stopped all medication.
Research on the Net indicates that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-histamine, muscle relaxant and much more. Anyone wanting relief from GERD should definitely try it.
Almonds
Posted by vanya (Frankfort, IN) on 03/13/2009
★★★★★
ALMONDS have to be raw!!! If they are roasted your reflux will get worse! Other nuts will not work for reflux! I eat raw almonds every time when I feel the acid is comming back, and it works... thanks
Apples
Posted by Rachel (Chicago, IL) on 03/10/2009
Does anyone know which is the best type of apple for GERD? Several have been mentioned. I wonder which is best.
