GERD REMEDIES
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is an increasingly common digestive disorder that can result in extreme pain and damage to one's overall health. Usually, this condition is the result of some weakness or problem in the lower esophageal sphincter at the base of the esophagus, above the stomach. This valve should prevent the stomach's contents from returning up toward the mouth, but weakness or damage can make this seal faulty.
Acids escaping from the stomach can then burn the esophagus and throat, causing the common symptom of heartburn while often further worsening the leaky valve that initially caused the health issue. Sleep is often interrupted by the pain of the condition, and because lying down can exacerbate the upwards flow of stomach acids; and over the long-term GERD can result in a number of additional conditions, including a restriction of the throat from inflammation and even certain cancers. Natural remedies for GERD include changes in diet, especially acid/alkaline pH adaptations, and changes in physical posture, especially at night.
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 56 YEAS |
| DIETARY CHANGES | 9 YEAS |
| PICKLE JUICE | 9 YEAS |
| APPLES | 7 YEAS |
ALMONDS
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[YEA] 03/19/2008: Sharon from Lockport, IL: "Eating a handful of raw almonds stops GERD dead in its tracks. My daughter ate almonds throughout her pregnancy whenever heartburn hit. It worked for her also."
Replies[NAY] 10/03/2008: Nick from Johnstown, PA replies: "See i have the opposite reaction, when i eat any kind of nuts, my acid reflux gets hella worse."
[YEA] 03/13/2009: vanya from Frankfort, IN replies: "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"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[YEA] 12/09/2011: Lana from Burnaby, Bc: "I tried and can't believe that all these years I had been suffering with such horrible heartburn. I was seeing a therapist for depression from being in constant pain from gerd. Nothing helped. I mean I tried everything.
This is my first week on Apple Cider Vinegar today was the first day I haven't had pain from heartburn in 10 years!!!! So grateful that I tried this. just a couple teaspoons in the morning and a couple in the afternoon first time in so long I have NOO pain."
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[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] 07/29/2011: Jimmy from Janesville, Wisconsin: "So, I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar for my gerd and in 4 days it seems to working well areadly I take 2 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tbs of honey in 160oz mountain water an sip it all day. My only problem is that tounge feels a lttle burnt and looks teared up and white is this normal?"
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06/03/2011: Cara from Nashville, Tn: "I have suffered from reflux for most of my 40 years and am at my wit's end needing relief. I have taken a variety of PPIs over the years and they have "managed" my GERD to varying degrees of "success. " I put those terms in quotation marks because I am discovering that the relief I've received is at the expense of my health in other areas. I have pernicious anemia and even taking B12 shots do little to keep my levels at a normal number. I'm also experiencing iron-deficiency anemia and other malaborption problems that I am convinced are related to the medication I'm taking. I want to get off of it, but am hesitant because of the pain and disruption this causes. (It also aggravates my normally very mild asthma. ) I bought some HCl/enzyme capsules, but after 3 pills, my esophagus burned like it hasn't in a very long time. I think I'm going to try the ACV approach along with a papaya digestive enzyme and probiotics. I hope that reestablishing the healthy flora in my digestive system will help me achieve real success and restore my health on many levels.
If anyone has other suggestions I welcome them. Thanks!"
06/03/2011: Mike from Montreal, Quebec replies: "HCl/enzyme capsules will work IF YOU KNOW HOW TO CONSUME THEM PROPERLY. Don't take HCL without water or milk otherwise of course it will burn your esophagus because it is pure acid. The best is to take it before, between or after a meal. HCL is important against GERD because it kills of many bacterias that regularly causes your reflux problem. ACV is good also but bad for your liver since it is a form of pure vinegar. Try HCL/Enzyme as a first and let us know the effect it has on your digestive system then if that does not work, there is also plan B. Mike"
08/04/2011: Dixie from Aptos, Calif replies: "Can you use regular Vinegar too and Hintz Apple Cider? When I was a child I drank it all the time. Now I have Acid reflex and sometimes even with medication it gets out of control so I hate it. Am willing to try this and would love if it works to get off medication all together. Also heard if you take medication for this it takes away from your bones and that isn't good.Thanks, Dixie"
[YEA] 08/22/2011: Nylle from Falls Church, Fairfax County replies: "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."
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05/31/2011: Osama from Khobar, Saudi Ar: "I suffer from GERD which disturb my life Im using nexium 40 daily it is good but I read on the net about the benifit of apple cidar , Im interisting in using it but I want to know 2 things
1- how to use
2- where I can find to buy"
Replies06/24/2011: Arsh from Dubai, Dubai, Uae replies: "Hi osama,1- u can buy organic ACV (apple cidar vinegar ) at a pharmacy which does sells natural or health nutrition supplements along...organic is the requirement, as it would be unpasturised and would be consumed in water.
2- for GERD - Acid reflux...
as prescribed by previous posts by followers..
mix 2 teaspoon / ( increase it to 2 tablespoon with time ) in one glass of water (8oz approx )
for best result so that ur stomach shouldnt get irritated ( try adding sodium bicarbonate ) yes its soda bicarb and not baking soda powder....
this too is available at same such pharmacies.
this wil help to neutralize bit of acid to alkalanize it to ph 6 - 7.
here Acid ( ACV) is used to treat acid reflux (another higher kind of acid ).
hope it helps u.
I have same condition since many years and I am trying it since a week. first day it did irritated my stomach so I taken anacid ( omeprazol) which is the only solution being given by doctors till date....but since last week, now im not having any anti acid pills, and its keeping fine!
lets hope inshallah this should help us all to cure our long held ailments amin!"
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[YEA] 05/24/2011: Lauragrace from New York, Ny: "Well it's been 2 days since starting the standard ACV cocktail for GERD. I'm putting 2 teaspoons of organic ACV into a full glass of spring water and adding 2 teaspoons of raw organic honey. It's actually delicious, but most important of all is that I haven't had to take a Prilosec in two days!!!!!
I'm also following GERD guidelines re eating but that alone hasn't helped in the past. I've read a ton about ACV and its vitamins/minerals and all the positive benefits of this cocktail.
I stopped taking daily vitamins so I can really test the effectiveness of 2 ACV cocktails a day. Yesterday I had 3 but tasted and smelled the vinegar a little too much so cut back to 2 today and feeling great.
I was concerned about the effects of ACV on the liver and teeth and possible damage to the esophagus but further research hasn't turned up anything specific so I shall continue forging ahead! Thanks for this great site."
Replies06/16/2011: Jim from Houston, Tx. replies: "If the ACV does not work for you, try ACIPHEX. It is a prescription that works better than Nexium. I have been on it for about 4 years now nad can count the number of times I have had a breakthrough on my hands. When I was taking Nexium I had breakthroughs every week at least twice and a lot of times more. ACIPHEX helped me, my doc says it's like Nexium but made a little bit different(just like man and apes! ). IT REALLY WORKS!!"
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[YEA] 05/22/2011: Lauragrace from New York, Ny: "I'm a 63 year old woman suffering from GERD for about 3 years now. I had an endoscopy 2 years ago that confirmed 'mild' GERD and was put on the usual OTC drugs.
If this is mild I'd hate to have the 'severe' form!!
Prilosec is the only OTC that works for me and last night I had to run to the all night pharmacy at midnight to get it because I had run out and felt the symptoms creeping up.
I've had nights of horror, waking up vomiting and barely making it to the bathroom to throw up dinner I had eaten hours earlier.
Like all of us I am concerned about the long term effects of damaging my esophagus and besides that I can no longer stand living with all these symptoms and pain.
I am a business owner and my business is suffering because of my lack of sleep and the discomfort and pain I'm dealing with daily.
I found this site earlier today and immediately went to the health food store and bought Bragg Organic ACV and raw organic honey. I just finished dinner (ate too much because I'm starting a GERD diet tomorrow, so I splurged on tonight's dinner).
After the last mouthful of dinner I put 2 teaspoons of ACV in an 8 oz glass of cold filtered water, added 2 teaspoons of organic honey, stirred the honey for several minutes and drank the mixtures. It actually tasted great.
Of course drinking this on top of a heavy meal is ridiculous, but I wanted to try this as soon as I finished dinner as a passage to a new, healthier me.
As I'm trying this I'm belching but don't feel the pain I felt before I drank it. Could it be working this quickly? I just finished the drink 5 minutes ago.
Minor problem... I suffer from migraines and can't completely cut coffee from my diet. I can try and find low acid coffee but according to what I read on this site if GERD happens because of low acid how can a low acid coffee help?
Wow, my chest actually feels less tight. It's been 10 minutes now since I finished the ACV! I'll keep you posted! Thanks so much for this great information."
Replies05/26/2011: Kimbely from San Antonio, Tx replies: "I was checking on the the young lady that wrote in on the site who is a business owner. I was wondering how is it going? Has The ACV worked? My Nephew Is suffering from acd he is fourteen months, on alot of medicine."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/22/2011: Erica from Redmond, Wa: "I have been trying the ACV with and without the baking soda off and on for three or four weeks. I keep going off of it because my teeth become so sensitive and my tongue burns even when I use the baking soda. I use pH testing strips to make sure it is at least 7.0 pH and I even use a straw. I have been diagnosed with silent gerd so I really don't know if the ACV is helping because I do not have any obvious symptoms. My worst symptom is the dry mouth from the dryness in my throat. It is so annoying and I really want the ACV formula to work."
Replies04/22/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Are you diluting the ACV in water? You can even put it in juice. It shouldn't burn if it is diluted."
11/17/2011: Ang From Texas from Amarillo, Tx replies: "I put my ACV in with my hot tea and Stevia. It's GREAT!!!!"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/20/2011: Deedee67 from Conshohocken, Pa: "I have been suffering from GERD for about 10 years and been taking Nexium that long. I feel like the Nexium is having bad effects on my body so I wanted to get off of it. After seeing this site, I ordered ACV. Started taking it today only to discover that I feel like vomitting after it goes down. I have a bad gag reflex and I am not sure I can tolerate it any more. Any suggestions?"
Replies03/25/2011: George from Suwanee, U S A replies: "I put a tablespoon of it in about 7 oz of tart cherry juice that I was already taking for some heel pain, and I can barely taste the ACV. Guess you need to mix it w/ something of your choice ."
04/18/2011: Jtoz54 from Morris Plains, Nj replies: "The reason that the ACV made you feel nauseous could be that you are Salicylate Intolerant. I am. I am allergic to aspirin. Aspirin is a salicylate. It comes from the bark of the willow tree. All plants produce salicylates as a natural insecticide. So I am allergic to all fruit except bananas n peeled pears, most vegetables, coffee, tea, all vinegar ( except rice and malt) olive oil (I can have canola n sunflower oil) Mints, almonds and especially tomato sauce. So for my acid reflux I take 1/2 tsp baking soda in 1/2 glass water at night. After I gave up salicylates in two days all my symptoms were all better: migraines, dizziness, nausea, asthma, arthritis, dry eyes, nosebleeds and foggy headed feeling. A good book about this is "Salicylate Intolerance and The Healthier I Ate the Sicker I Got".I will probably look into the test for the pylori bacteria in stomach and the pills with hydrochloric acid sounds plausible too."
[YEA] 05/18/2011: Paigeinphilly from Philly, Pa replies: "I was diagnosed with GERD a couple of yrs back.. The first thing the Dr. wanted me to do was to get on meds and quit all of my fave foods and drinks... NO..... So I did research, saw so many positive reviews for ACV... Tried it... Felt like gagging... So I switched to ACV tablets... You can find them in every heath store and even WalMart for only a couple of bucks... This has been a heaven send... I have been GERD free for yrs...naturally."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/02/2011: Michelle from Chicago, Il replies: "I like to Thank everyone for sharinig their experiences and remedies. I was diagnosed with gerd 3 weeks ago. Was given prescription version of pepacid, didn't seem to get better, got worse started feeling sharp pains when I ate certain foods, which never happened before. I felt hopeless at 26 yr. Because for the most part I've been healthy and active all my life. Researched alot of sites and saw positive reviews for ACV and almonds for heartburns, decided to try it and through the grace of God have been feeling much better and even have started slowly to eat some of the normal foods that arent recommended for those with gerd. I started taking a yoga class and got a chiropractic massage. Little by little im slowing improving. I will keep everyone in my prayers for a full recovery."
09/27/2011: Horrorvacuii from Brooklyn, Ny, Usa replies: "Michelle! I'm another Michelle from NYC, also 26, also diagnosed this summer (with LPR/silent reflux). I feel slightly better knowing there are two of us. ;)I've made insane dietary changes. I have basically been reduced to smoothies and basic non-acidic foods. I drink green smoothies with banana and also 2 tablespoons of olive oil each morning/night, followed by a combo of honey and tumeric paste. The olive oil is anti-inflammatory and helps sooth the throat, though my symptoms are less about soreness and more about the lump-in-throat feeling and excess mucus.
I take ginger, garlic, and echinacea pills each day, drink tons of water, and have started light dance classes again to relieve stress. Since being diagnosed my anxiety has gone through the roof (long process of not knowing what it was/being misled by doctors/being misdiagnosed and put on the wrong meds... horrible summer) and that doesn't help the healing process.
My mother had some version of this at my age and she recommended the ACV. I am now drinking 3 cups of water with 2 TBSP per day, and 90% of my symptoms are gone including pain in my throat and the burning sensation in my chest after eating. I hope that's enough relief for my body to start healing--but I don't plan to change my diet back to normal any time soon.
I did buy one awesome book that shed so much light on this condition for me, and has a ton of GERD/LPR friendly recipes that are really delicious. It's called "Dropping Acid" and it's a cookbook/text book. Easy for people who aren't scientists to understand exactly what's going on inside of them.
I know how miserable this condition is (I work in nightlife and fashion, and it's made me feel like an isolated lab experiment). Good luck to everyone. Xx"
[NAY] 10/07/2011: Susan from Cupertino, Ca replies: "ACV can not cure acid reflux. It makes it worse. I personally expericed it. It makes the buring sensation even worse. Indigestion is due to low acid in the stomach so ACV may help. Acid Reflux is the opposite, too much acid in the stomach, ACV is really bad for it."
10/21/2011: Erika from Arlington, Virginia replies: "I was unexpectedly diagnosed with silent reflux after going to an ENT for a regular voice checkup in August of this year '11. (I'm a singer) I was also just beginning to see a little blood when I brushed my teeth in the morning. All this time I thought the bleeding came from my gums not my esophagus. He diagnosed it as a severe case of acid reflux and put me on a high dosage of Lansoprazole (before meals) and Ranitidine (bedtime).After about a week I began to develop symptons e.g. numbness in fingers, high heart rate etc. Someone introduced me to "Dropping Acid- The Reflux diet Cook book and Cure" by Koufman, Stern & Bauer. The book gives the acid and ph levels of many foods so I followed their guidelines. I eventually dropped the medication for symptoms stopped and I was afraid the meds may have a detrimental effect. The book is absolutely wonderful!! I plan to stick with this regiment for the rest of my life. I have never felt better and I am losing weight without trying. It revealed not only the usual culprits e.g. caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes etc. but also revealed less known culprits such as peppermint, carbonated drinks and sometimes cucumbers (depending upon your personal makeup) Everyone's toleration is at different levels when eating certain borderline foods such as cucumbers. I determined cucumbers were not good for me during this healing stage because it was the only thing I ate one evening and then side effects occurred that night.
I had a setback last week when I travelled out of town for 4 days. I ate airport food and my host's food. I had just started Mag Relax (powder form), which is great by the way, for muscle spasms and didn't realize it was loaded with acid. I also failed to follow the directions to mix with 'cold' water instead of room temperature. Yesterday, the old acid symptoms returned again. Lesson learned.... know the content of your vitamin supplements and prepare for out of town trips.
Thru my previous victory, I am still so very encouraged that I and many others can beat this! The jury is still out on ACV. I've tried it off and on. Some say to drink it diluted WITH a meal while others say to drink in the morning or in between meals. Again, I need a scientific explanation to fully embrace the idea.
Thank you all for your postings. This site is wonderful!
Erika"
10/22/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Erika, I had a quick read of the reviews of the book you mentioned. I don't think they are giving you the right advice at all. Acid Reflux is caused by a LACK of acid in your stomach not too much acid. If as told in the book you eat lots of alkaline foods you are still not fixing the problem. If you don't have enough acid in your stomach the acid won't be able to digest the foods properly and your body won't be able to absorb nutrients properly.Iodine regulates acid in your stomach. You are probably deficient in iodine and that is why you have a problem in the first place. Iodine is needed by the whole body. Deficiencies cause many many problems including acid reflux.
Google Dr. Flechas on youtube talking about the lack of iodine and how it relates to stomach acid. The lack of iodine is what causes the throat cancers and stomach cancers according to Dr. Flechas. It also causes endometrial cancer (which starts off as endometriosis)...
The reason ACV works is because it puts back acid into the stomach which helps digest the food. It then breaks down to an alkaline after digestion but it still doesn't fix the deficiency. The same with lemons. Google "why stomach acid is good for you"...
You will get lots of problems down the track if you don't fix what sounds like an iodine deficiency.
If the author Dr. Kaufmann has been studying reflux for decades why does she not mention iodine deficiency or that reflux is caused by a lack of stomach acid?"
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[YEA] 11/06/2010: Rosario from Virginia Beach, Va: "I can attest to the fact that the ACV has cured my GERD! I've been taking Nexium since May 2009 until Sept 2010. Initially, the Nexium helped ease my GERD but in recent months, my condition was back to square one with having acid reflux/heartburn each time I ate and difficulty sleeping at nights. Thank goodness I found this site! I decided to start drinking the organic ACV tonic at a low dosage of 2 capfuls in 4 oz. Water, plus 1 tbs of raw honey, three times a day. 6 weeks later, my upper GI endoscopy results showed normal esophagus/stomach with no signs of tissue damage... Plus, no hiatal hernia! A small one was discovered a year prior so maybe it shrunk?. My surgeon couldn't explain why it was no longer there, but he encouraged me to continue taking the ACV while it obviously worked for me. I'm now able to sleep at nights with one pillow versus four!
One day, I forgot to drink the tonic, realizing that the I didn't have any symptoms that usually trigger or remind me to take it. I'm now just adding two capfuls of ACV and honey in my cup of hot tea that I drink an hour before bedtime. In addition, my cholesterol levels improved dramatically to normal levels and my physician even took me off my high blood pressure medication. I'm just sooooo happy and thankful for finding this site. Now I'm not only able to share my experience here but by forwarding this site to other people I know that suffer from this disease."
Replies01/16/2011: Danny56 from Detroit, Michigan, United States replies: "Hi I Use raw Apple Cider Vinegar With The "Mother" When Using it For My "Acid Reflux". is it More Effective To Just Drink it With A Glass Of Warm Water instead of Adding Honey To it?"
10/14/2011: Mike from Canandaigua, Ny/usa replies: "I have GERD and Acid Reflux - 1yr. I also have a small H-hernia. I take zegrid before lunch and before bed. I HATE taking meds. I have used the ACV Mother dosage for 2 days 2x a day. My stomach feels much better, but my Acid Reflux has picked up - with little heart burn. I also swallow and burp often throughout the day and at night. Can I expect these symptoms to decrease over time? Is it best to sip the dosage over time or ingest quickly? Should I take the dosage on empty stomach? Before meals? With meals? After meals? ANY HELP WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!"
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[YEA] 05/21/2010: Joanne from Keller, Tx: "Please help me... I stopped taking a gerd med. I started drinking the unpurified apple cider vingegar. I got sick with a bug recently and had to go to an instant care...they gave me an anti naus. med. The specialist is upset with me for stopping the gerd meds he recommended. He says I shouldnt be drinking the unpurified vinegar as its acid and I have too much acid in my system. I have been drinking about one oz to 8oz of water a day...Sometimes, I do it twice a day..mostly once a day...when I have an attack or so, then I increase. I have been doing real good..stayed off the meds for months.
Please help me out...I read the site's new recommendations and will try the new dose...the gerd meds cause a number of problems as I have been reading."
05/22/2010: Carly from Seattle, Wa replies: "Those gerd meds are terrible things from what I have read...They keep you from digesting anything...which means you are not getting much nutrition out of the foods you eat.
If you had been off the meds for months, and been okay...well, doesn't it stand to reason that you may have picked up some kind of a flu bug?
Personally, I think that that specialist isn't all that special. I would look for a more forward thinking doctor if I were you. Best of luck Joanne!"
05/25/2010: Anchorman from Lanc., Pa replies: "Joanne, Been on meds for 20 years. I started taking half the meds 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with the 2 Tablespoons of ACV and 8oz. water after every meal and take a ginger capsule once a day. Try introducing everything slowly. Some people are giving up too quick. Aloe drink might help. Good luck."
06/29/2010: Joanne from Keller, Tx replies: "Hi.. back again. I figured out what set off my attack. I was taking some eye vitamins. They are a good product and my eye dr. liked them..He is great and hates those gerd pills...Well, I really got sick with my intestines etc...I read the replies and decided tonight to start on my unpurfied acv again before bed. I have had an ultra sound of my gut..seems spasms and stress...I am having the stomach test where they put the camera down me...I have done alot of reading. anyone hear about orange peel extract for gerd...cant use with uclers tho. Acidophilus I read is supposed to be good for gerd too. I read about breathing with abs area too. I know the vinegar worked for me before. I started drinking it in june of 09...Then I reached a point I didnt drink it all..I thought I was cured. This last sunday, when I took the eye vit, it burned. And it was then when it hit me....What had I changed in may...today is the first day of no eye vit, and I am drinking my vinegar as I type this out.
I want to thank you for responding to me. I am not going to say much to the specialist when I see him. Someone just suggested let your primary doctor know and leave it at that.. I dont understand why so many allopath drs refuse to believe in anything but pills."
01/08/2011: Luvfishin from Charleroi, Pa replies: "In response to... "I dont understand why so many allopath drs refuse to believe in anything but pills."
it's all about the money."
09/21/2011: Sam from San Jose, Ca, United States replies: "Because without Pills doctors and Pharmacy will be out of business. Who will pay for there million dollar homes and Mercedes-Benz? I have had bad heartburn for past 7yrs now. Been taking all sorts of heartburn medicine. It just relieves the pain but I feel other problems with fatigue and joints hurting problems.I just started taking ACV with Gatorade or 2tsp Apple Cider Vinegar with 1tsp raw honey and 8 oz of water.
I feel much better after only 4 days of taking it. I will continue to take this until all my symptoms are gone. Not all doctors out there care about patience, they only care about what health insurance you carry.
I think the best is to read true stories and testomonies about natural remedies cure and try it for yourself."
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[QUESTION] 03/11/2010: Donna from Pacific Grove, Ca: "I was recently diagnosed with GERD. I have suffered with severe coughing for several months and was told it was first asthma. But, now my entire throat down to my esophagus is very inflammed. I want to try the ACV treatment but am concerned the acid on the way down will irritate my throat. Is the ACV remedy supposed to help heal the throat?"
Replies[YEA] 04/29/2010: Gina from Philadelphia, Pa replies: "Right after having my gallbladder removed, I developed uncontrollable asthma. After years of misery, I was diagnosed with LPR (reflux of the larynx). No matter what I ate, I had heartburn and coughing/wheezing. I was on two reflux meds and 4 asthma meds. I started taking 1TB of ACV twice daily, and the LPR FINALLY responded. I now take no meds for asthma or reflux. It appears the ACV is doing the trick (it's been a year now). And a nice side effect has been my lower blood pressure! :-)"
[YEA] 04/08/2011: Russ from Perth Wa, Western Australia replies: "I suffer from acid reflux. I noticed apple cider vinegar is a know help so I tried 2 tablespoons in a glass of water with a few drops of organic honey each day for the past 2 months. Yes it does burn my throat but I put up with that. After about 4 weeks I began to feel better, and suffered less gas. Now after nearly 2 months my overall health seems to be much improved, and I can eat meals like red meat that used to cause indigestion and reflux. A great remedy ACV in water with honey!"
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[YEA] 12/26/2009: Cyndi from Fort Walton Beach, Fl: "About a month ago out of no where, GERD showed up. I went to the hospital not knowing what I had. Pain in my stomach, lump in my throat, could not burp, terrible acid reflux. The doctor gave me Nexium and a few days later no change at all.
Then I found this site and posts on Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. I rushed to the health food store to try anything!
After 2 weeks of sipping 2 tablespoons in a 1/2 cup of water 3 times a day with each meal, it is totally gone! All your feedback here I feel saved me from such misery.
I also cut out coffee and chocolate and watch more on what I eat.
For safe measures, I take a sip of ACV every evening now before bed mixed with some water.
I hope this helps someone like all the comments here helped me."
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[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 11/27/2009: Dylan from Phoenix, Az, United States: "Apple Cider Vinegar has sort of helped me: 2 tblspoons a day, 8 oz. of water, 3 times a day.
However, I'm wondering why a lot of posters in the "acid reflux" section do not mention whether they have a couple cases of acid reflux here and there, or GERD, which is chronic acid reflux. There is a big difference, especially when a person posts that ACV has "cured" their acid reflux. Perhaps it did for them, but they may not have had GERD, only mild acid reflux.
I personally have GERD, and I've found that everything, including the ACV, only helps temporarily. I'm getting fairly desperate and worried about my esophagitis (a disease that commonly occurs with GERD that I wish had a section of its own on the Earth Clinic website). I've made dietary changes (cut out coffee, any tea but herbal non-caffienated tea, no greasy foods, etc.) and I think I'm going to cut out most carbs also; see if that helps.
I've taken Zantac (worthless), Protonix (pathetic), and Prilosec (mostly worthwhile, but kind of nasty side effects). I've heard Prevacid and Aciphex are good, but I would also like to stay away from prescription medications if possible; especially since they only stop the problem for a period of time.
For those who'd like to talk to me about their GERD symptoms and what they've done to help themselves, please feel free to e-mail me at shub542@yahoo.com.
I'm only 24 years old, healthy (except for GERD), slim/close to thin, and feel like an old person. Any information is greatly appreciated."
RepliesEC: Thanks for the reminder. We need to separate all the GERD posts and put them on a new ailments page.
12/01/2009: Maria from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "This is a question for Dylan of Arizona. Out of curiosity, how long have you tried the vinegar/honey combo and how long have you tried the meds for? Just wondering if you gave both enough time to work their magic. I'm 46, out of the blue just started these symptoms - constant pain in throat,neck feeling swollen, esophagal burning & intermittent hoarseness. Upper GI series was clear & scope via nose (that was special)showed no lesions in the throat/esophagus. Go figure. This is frustrating as I am thin as well, used to work out religiously but now I find it hurts to even lift any weights & feel like I'm getting weaker by the day. Tried Prevacid, just took the edge off. Recently prescribed Nexium - but thought to #$@* with the meds, & visited a health store. Owner was a pharmacist in the Ukraine, she seemed quite knowledgeable & agreed that the vinegar was a good idea, also suggested a supplement with Iberis amara 20 ml for heartburn & a tablet with L. acidophilus in it to specifically assist in maintaining normal intestinal microflora. I'll see how that goes & let you know. Oh and I will be trying slippery elm bark powder herbal tea.Also, I've been under tremendous stress for quite a few years & feel stress has brought this on. Does anyone have any input on this? Is there a connection? As I said, I'm 46 & am so ticked off this is happening to me at this age, I can't imagine how you must be feeling at 24 - keep me posted. I really hope it works out for you & others with this ailment."
12/02/2009: Dylan from Phoenix, Az, United States replies: "Hey Maria from Toronto,
As of today, I've been on the Apple Cider Vinegar for about a week. Earlier this month, I was on it for a week as well, but feared that it may have led to some really bad stomach problems. Even now, I'm having some fairly bad diarrhea and I think it may be because of the vinegar, but I'd rather take the vinegar than the medicine.
As for the medicine, I've taken two weeks of Zantac, two weeks of prescription omeprazole, and two more weeks of Prilosec OTC. This should be more than enough time for the meds to work, if they were going to fix my issues.
Aloe Vera gel, either by itself or in a shake, is really soothing to the throat.
Good luck, and keep me posted on the slipper elm tea. I have yet to try that, but it's on my list of things to try."
12/03/2009: Maria from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "Hi Dylan:
Thanks for your post. I will try the Aloe. I have heard that Aloe is detoxyifying so I looked it up further and I read some comments that if you do take more than 8 oz/day it will act as a laxative. You probably know this, but I thought just in case ...
This is my 2nd day of trying the vinegar & probiotics, some relief with indigestion (psychological, who knows?), none whatsoever with pain in throat (this is where the Aloe comes in I suppose), but I will give it more time. I will send you another post in about a week or two to tell you how it's going. Do you or anyone else in this group get dizzy spells? Just wondering if dizziness is a symptom of Gerds.Again, take care of yourself."
12/03/2009: Dylan from Phoenix, Az, United States replies: "Hey Maria,
I used to get dizziness when I was on medicine, but it's severely lessened as of late.
And the apple cider vinegar is probably giving you indigestion. It's strong stuff. I tend to use less of it if I know I'm having a smaller meal."
[SIDE EFFECTS] 12/08/2009: Maria from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "TOTALLY Frustrated! Indigestion is ongoing, even with ACV, I am now trying one drink - 1 tsp ACV/day. As much as I didn't want to but out of desperation, tried the Nexium, but only 1-40mg capsule per day at night, not the prescribed, twice a day, 40 mg. Third day of trying that and now having bad abdominal pain & hey, guess what, move aside Dylan, the runs! BTW, can't believe I'm actually talking about BM with a guy :( I, like you, have cut out foods that I shouldn't be having - even coffee which is a big thing for me. Anyways, going back to the family dr then to the specialist to figure out what's going on. Like I have nothing better to do. It's ski season here & I'm dying to get out there but have no strength, that's the frustration. To be so active & then be struck down by this so fast. I know, I know, oh woe is me ..."
12/09/2009: Maria from Toronto, On, Canada replies: "Thank you so much Dj. I will try this as well. I just read an article written by a dr. on the internet today who states that we need the acidity in our stomach & that very rarely do we produce too much acid. By taking these Rx, we are disrupting the pH balance in our stomach thus damaging the environment for billions of good bacteria which is impt to proper digestion & good health. Decreasing acid can cause digestive problems down the road. This makes alot of sense from a physiological standpoint. When I told my family dr that the Nexium is giving me the runs & bad abdominal cramps (and I'm not even on the double dose!), he said I need to give it a couple of weeks for my body to adjust to it. I don't know about that, because I've always understood that this is the body's natural reaction to a toxin being introduced to the body. Just wish I could find a doctor in Toronto/Mississauga who is on the same page as me. I've always been a fighter, so I hope I can fight this as well. Thanks everyone for their input and this website."
12/09/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA replies: "Maria, look for a naturopath instead because they will be on that page. You can do a search for one up there by you. They will find the keys to helping you. Hope this helps. Lisa"
12/10/2009: Maria from Toronto, On, Canada replies: "Thank you Lisa. I will try that today. I take it that you had a positive experience with a Naturopath. If you don't mind me asking, do/have you suffer(ed) from GERD and how did they help you?"
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10/28/2009: Tab from Chebanse, Illinois: "I see that alot of people are having good results with apple cidar vinegar for gerds. Did all of you stop taking your medicine right away? I'm trying to help my elderly mother who has gerds and she wants to know if she can stop taking her medicine the same day that she starts this remedy? Thanks"
Replies10/28/2009: Carolyn from Hobbs, Nm, Usa replies: "Response to Tab from Illinois:
No your mother should not stop her meds the day she starts the ACV and honey. I've been on it for 4 months and I am just now cutting down on my meds. I was on Prevacid and Nexium before I started the ACV. Now 4 months later I am down to 1 small dosage Zantac each day. I probably won't stop that last pill for another 3 months. So my advice is to stay on her meds until she can gradually cut them down. Good luck, Carolyn"
10/28/2009: Carolyn from Hobbs, Nm, Usa replies: "Tab, I forgot to tell you in my last response. I do not put the baking soda in my ACV. Too many side effects. I drink 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey in a glass of water and drink 30 minutes before each meal. Three times a day. Good luck, Carolyn"
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10/27/2009: Jackie from Arizona, U.S.A.: "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!"
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[YEA] 09/08/2009: Becca from Oakland, California, Usa: "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!"
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[QUESTION] 08/13/2009: Linda from Sterling Heights, Mi Usa: "I have a question about GERD. I have been on the purple pill for about 6 years for GERD. My LES valves are weak and don't shut tightly because of, well i don't know why the dr. never said. But, upon doing some reading on this subject i have found out that my beta blocker for high blood pressure could be the culprit. I have to have the medicine (at least for now) for my blood pressure and atrial-fibrillation so i can't erase the cause of the weakened valves. Would the ACV work for my GERD with the valve problem as well? Has anyone else had this issue resolved. Thanks."
EC: LES = lower esophageal sphincter
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[YEA] 07/27/2009: Kellysam from Nassau, Bahamas: "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!"
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[YEA] 05/21/2009: Julie from Hemet, CA: "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."
Replies05/22/2009: G from High Point, NC replies: "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"
05/23/2009: Lenore from Chicago, Illinois replies: "Slippery elm bark cured my acid refux.You can buy slippery elm bark powder in most health food stores. I found out about it while researching for a cure for acid reflux, made the tea by adding 1 heaping tablespoon to one pint of boiling water- let steep one hour then simmer a few minutes - strain( or not) and drink. Prior to this I took tums, prisolec and other otc and prescription meds to no avail. After using this remedy I have no more trouble, I was also informed that tums and other drugs taken over the long haul begin to cause the problem they were originally meant to cure. I had acid refux so bad it burnt my throat and I had to try to sleep while sitting up. Amazingly I only had to take it 2x in a whole year and otherwise have not even modified my diet at all. Slippery elm bark is also very nourishing and is said to heal anything it comes into contact with."
10/06/2009: Mary from Alameda, California replies: "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"
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[YEA] 04/14/2009: Shelley from Sykesville, MD: "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."
Replies01/07/2010: Chuck from Chicago, Il replies: "I just started taking apple cider vinegar before dinner last night (1/6/10). I am still taking my Prilosec like the doctor ordered even though it wasn't working. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thanks for the information everyone."
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03/29/2009: Sam from Manila, Philippines: "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!"
Replies12/05/2009: Athomemom56 from Saint Paul, Mn replies: "Can someone please tell me what time of day to take the ACV, and do you take it at the same time as Zantac? Does taking them together have any negative or positive effects? BTW, I take my Zantac in the morning and in the evening."
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[YEA] 03/10/2009: Juli from Philadelphia, PA USA: "I used 2 tsp ACV in 8 oz water 2x/day (I'm small, around 105 pounds), to treat GERD. I used Eden's Organics unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.
After almost one bottle's worth of this, I no longer need it. So far, it has been 2 weeks with no problems.
I did a number of things though...I took GNC's probiotics (39.99) twice a day for a while before meals, ACV twice a day, and chewed on papaya enzyme tabs during the day.
I found this website, was so skeptical, but let me tell you..try it. Also, for a professor who is around really sick kids all the time, I didn't get sick this semester for the first time in years.
The Apple Cider Vinegar got me off of the Protonix my doc was giving me, and took a week to noticeably help...but now, I'm medication free.
Thank you earthclinic and all the people who post here!"
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[YEA] 03/09/2009: Gil from Niagara, Ontario: "Hi
I would just like to say to those wanting to give up, DON'T!
I was not feeling too much better @ first, but gave it some time. The ACV has helped so much, that I haven't taken any meds in over 3 months! I was taking two Prevacids a day before for my Gerds. When you get good results, spread the good news so others can enjoy the benefits as well.
Gil"
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/08/2009: Richard from Bishops Stortford, Herts UK: "I have just started to use ACV, and the early signs seem good (2TBS 8oz). However, it is early days yet, so I am not counting my chickens yet. I have long history of GERD, and have been diagnosed with a Granuloma, on my vocal chords. At the same time this arrived a weird itching sensation arrived too. Usually at the base of my neck, but also in my cheeks top of chest, and sometimes on my tummy. It is not like a normal itch, it feels like something is movin in my skin, and it goes red too. Could this be part of the effects of the acid? Or is this something else? Any advice gratefully received."
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