Effective Natural Remedies for GERD Relief - Holistic Approach

Betaine HCl

5 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  80%
(1) 
  20%

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


Cabbage Juice

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Quesno (Maple Ridge, Bc) on 12/16/2014
★★★★★

I had suffered with Gerd for about 8 years after our mother passed away from Lung cancer. I tried everything, nothing worked not even the medications worked until this past week I had decided to cure it up forever using fermented green cabbage juice with the pulp.

It worked, I found a recipe online and used it. Here's the funny thing is that I have no juicer but a blender, I just poured the hot boiling water into the blender after I had added the raw cabbage. I was going through a really bad attack that night when I was making it. I ate it right off of the spoon but didn't look back when I was trying to collect the cabbage, and place it's contents into a jar or a glass.

It's a success now because I have no new problems or acid in my throat, mouth or any other irritations. I do now take the cabbage juice in between meals. I do recommend this one for all of the Gerd suffers out there.


Cabbage Juice
Posted by Sarah (Brussels, Belgium) on 05/20/2007
★★★★★

A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with GERD and I suffered from acid reflux and heartburn. The medication prescribed by the doctor rather worsened my situation and I suffered a number of side effects from it. I came across a site suggesting that drinking raw cabbage juice cures acid reflux and other problems related to the stomach, such as ulcer.I did further research to confirm this and decided to give it a try.
The general suggested daily dosage is about a quart [800ml] of raw cabbage juice to be taken about 4 times daily. I found that rather too much and I started with 400ml [100ml x 4].I noticed great improvement and after one week I reduced the dosage to 300ml [100ml x 3]. After about 3 weeks of the whole therapy, I decided to take only 200ml a day. Those with stomach ulcers or acute cases of acid reflux might need to take the full dosage.

I have stopped drinking cabbage juice since about 10 months now and I haven't had any serious reflux problems. For those who would like to try it, PLEASE NOTE that it is said to have strong impact on the thyroid glands [the more reason why I never consumed 800ml a day!]. Not to mention the stench - it is better stored in an air-tight water bottle and kept in the fridge. Good luck to all, and thanks for the great site.


Carb-Restricted Diet

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Norm Robillard (Thousand Oaks CA)
★★★★★

Hi, until now, tums, and PPI / H2 blocker meds were the main way to treat heartburn. With all the side effects and health risks (double the chance of pneumonia, for instance) many people are looking for alternatives. The meds reduce acid but don't stop the reflux that contains other stomach and intestinal enzymes that can damage the esophagus. I recently completed a book called "Heartburn Cured The Low Carb Miracle" on the root cause of GERD. My theory (I am a microbiologist) is that reflux is caused by gas pressure in the intestines caused by microbes that produce gas from carbs. The gas creates pressure pushing the LES open thus causing reflux. Consuming excess carbs provides the fuel for your own gut microbes. These same microbes (mostly bacteria) produce little or now gas from fats and proteins. Controlling carbs stops reflux so you are treating the root cause of GERD thus completely stopping reflux and heartburn symptoms. I have found much evidence supporting this theory and talked to many people who found complete relief after trying my approach. Give this approach a try.


Catnip Tea and Aloe Vera

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Rus (Dallas, Texas) on 01/09/2009
★★★★★

My tried, and true remedy is cat nip tea and aloe vera mixed together. Add a little honey, and the drink takes care of my gerd mix 50/50 3 oz catnip, 3oz aloe vera, and honey to taste.


Chamomile Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

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.


Colostrum

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Sarrah (San Diego, Ca) on 12/18/2015
★★★★★

Sounds like ur gerd was caused by low acid production - I was suffering with gerd for 6 years, last month I started taking colostrum 30 minutes before eating and my gerd is gone. No more diarrhea, heartburn, retching is all gone - gave it to my teenage daughter who had IBS for last two years and it fixed that too - her pediatrician is amazed because we were going to have to do several thousand dollars in test - my daughter is stoked because she has had to deal with diarrhea for two years and it's gone! We are taking Symbiotics colostrum plus and we order from iherb.com they are reliable and offer free shipping


Cpap Machine

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Nancy (Newton, NC) on 12/14/2007
★★★★★

After years of severe acid reflux that no medicine helped, including Nexium, my doctor convinced me to have a sleep study. After being diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea I started using a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). It took about a year for my esophagus to heal, but I never ever have acid reflux anymore. My pulmonologist explained that the struggle for breath was squeezing the contents of my stomach up my esophagus all night. I used to sit up in a recliner all night rarely getting any sleep. I now sleep all night laying down flat. It was an adjustment getting accustomed to the CPAP but it is worth its weight in gold. My GERD had absolutely nothing to do with what I was eating nor with overproduction of gastric acid.


D-Limonene

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Maggie (Overland Park, Ks) on 03/23/2013 5 posts
★★★★★

Orange Peel Oil aka D-Limonene has saved my life. The instructions say to take 10 softgels; one 1000 mg capsule every other day for twenty days. It says to take it with or after a meal. I have read that some people are bothered by the orange flavor in their system. I like it, but I have taken the pill first, and then ate my meal after the pill. Food on top of the softgel still seems to work quite well, but the orange doesn't seem as strong. I do feel a warming sense in my stomach when taking the first couple of softgels, but I feel it's only from the orange peel oil doing it's healing and coating.

The label says the results of taking an orange oil pill every other day for twenty days lasts about 6 months and they are right. It can last a few weeks more or less depending on my diet or stress level. I now have it on my calendar so that I don't have to have a GERD attack before I remember that 6 months are up. I have also tried taking 8 or 9 pills so that I have 1 or 2 left over for the next time I have problems, but taking all 10 pills works the best to keep all symptoms, all the way gone for the next 6 months.

I've read that they aren't really sure why Limonene works. They think the immediate results are possibly from the oil's surfactant properties. I think the oil floats on top of stomach juices or something so that acid bubbles can't form. You can read more on why it works for the long term on the net. Discussions on user reviews of the different brands of 'orange peel oil' and 'limonene' were helpful to me. If you think about it, I have orange oil to clean gummy price tags off newly purchased items. I have orange oil to clean grime and make my kitchen cabinets shine. I have orange oil spray to clean my counter tops. It is said to be anti-bacterial and such. Of course, I won't ingest these, but maybe the orange peel oil softgel tabs are similar in that it cuts the grease and grime, etc. Inside me too! Maybe the oil creates a nice coating on the esophagus and stomach lining so any irritations can heal.

Whatever. I just know that the first softgel almost immediately takes down the bloat and pressure in my stomach and calms the acid bubbles. As long as I have remembered this regimen every six months, I have never had a GERD attack. No more esophagus on fire. No more coughing attacks to the point of not being able to even take in a breath from acid bubbles tickling and burning my lungs. No more red and burning sore throat. No more unbearable killer headaches from acid burning my sinuses. Heck, my ears were even very painful on the inside from acid reflux. No more! OMG. Not even a little burning. Nothing. Regular life. Ahhh!

For immediate needs, ask for 'orange peel oil for reflux' at the organic foods store. The box of 10 softgels is worth it. Trust me! It is a little expensive, but I know I need it every 6 months now or will DIE from the next GERD attack. Since my first box, I have found that any 1000 mg limonene softgel will work. The best word to search on any buy/sell/trade website is 'limonene' to get the cheapest cost per pill. (Better than searching 'orange peel' or 'reflux remedy' and the like). I now have a bottle of 60 softgels of d-Limonene with an expiration date that will take care of me for the next couple years. Much cheaper, and with extras on hand if I have break-through reflux from overeating or trying an offending food. (I have tons! Of food allergies).

I haven't found anyone mentioning side-effects, except the orange flavor being intense or it not working for them. I'm not allergic to it and that's saying a lot since I am allergic to so many things. I am also happy knowing that I am not taking an acid reducer pill that is known to leach calcium out of the body. I don't want a broken hip later in life!

If the 6 months are up and I forget limonene, I still use the standby of apples, ACV with the mother/honey mixture, and aloe liquid along with the limonene softgels. I drink and sip ACV/honey all day. I get at the aloe liquid, formulated for digestion, at the organic foods store and use as directed. I keep apples and ACV drink by my bed at night for when I wake up in a coughing fit. I sleep on my left side, which absolutely works to pinch the valve at the top of the stomach closed, keeping bubbles trapped. I look up to cough when my back hurts. Limonene helps me avoid all this now. It's wonderful!

Replied by Mary Alice
(Oregon)
03/31/2017

Thanks for this detailed review. I am going to try a lower dosage to see what happens...but your review was great. I will add to this remedy if it works. If the lower dosage does not work, then I will do the 1000 mg. Thanks again!


Dietary Changes

16 User Reviews
5 star (13) 
  81%
4 star (1) 
  6%
1 star (2) 
  13%

Posted by Josh (Ca) on 02/05/2018
★☆☆☆☆

I have been dealing with bad GERD since I was 18 and have not gotten any relief exept taking prilosec which I know is horrible for you. I have tried Nexium and other antiacids but Prilosec seems to work the best. I'm now 25,6'0 and weigh around 125 pounds because it's a struggle to eat everyday. I eat about 1 meal a day which isn't a lot and after about 4-5 days I have to do a day of fasting to get my stomach to settle down and relieve the bloating and reflux. I've also been taking senna laxative because that seems to help me out too. I have done a lot of medical tests including the pill cam which didn't pass through me before the battery died (7 hours) so they had me do it again but made me drink laxatives first and it passed through fine and they didn't find anything.

I tried the FODMAP diet which didn't help and I also tried align but that seemed to upset my stomach. I recently bought aloe vera juice, digestive enzymes, AVC, honey and a colon cleanse called Oxi-Powder. Been thinking about trying some CBD oil too but the good stuff can be pricey. I'm open to pretty much anyhthing if anyone has suggestions... I can't keep living like this.

Replied by KT
(Usa)
02/06/2018

Hi Josh,

I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles. Have you had any blood work done recently? What does your doctor advise?

It's hard to know what to suggest but I would try a Tablespoon of BSM (Blackstrap Molasses) in warm milk or water. It is rich in minerals and a good source of B vitamins which may help stimulate your appetite.

If you have trouble keeping that down maybe you could start with 1 tsp. of BS (baking soda) and 1 tsp. of BSM in the morning.

Hopefully someone else here can provide helpful information for you.

KT

Replied by Steve
(Nv)
02/06/2018

Try doing the Hulda Clark liver/gallbladder flush. Once you get the liver/gallbladder flushed out your digestion should improve.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
02/06/2018

https://ted.earthclinic.com/cures/gastrointestinal_disorders2.html

According to Ted, "The simplest remedy for people who can't stand the ACV is the lemon and baking soda (8 teaspoon of lemon and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water), or just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass taken twice a day. The alkalizing should detoxify most of what is going on. However it may take about a month before the negative reaction of foods are reduced. The liver needs to clear them of fats and vitamin E may help.

I have had a similar case like that, which was toxicity buildup in the liver and heavy metal. The more chinese parsley cannot be tolerated, the more important is the remedy, but the less the amount the body needs such as once or twice a week, taken at 1-4 leaves only.

This has happened and after the baking soda and quite possibly magnesium supplements, the allergic reactions to many foods were reduced gradually until the second month where it was possible to eat most of the foods quite normally.

Magnesium, baking soda and sometimes sea salt is used to detoxify the body fluids, while lecithin detoxify fats and oil buildup since it is a fat emulsifier. Other supplements such as taurine and milk thistle may further help. Sea salt such as 1/4 teaspoon in 1 liter of water may help reduce the irritable bowel syndrome taken throughout the day for a couple of days.

Getting both urine pH and saliva pH to 7, is important to reduce the cancer problems by increasing the body's oxygen by reducing the body's excess acidity and carbon dioxide much like adding baking soda to a soda water. It takes about a month of alkalizing to notice improvements in cancer conditions or at least 3 weeks. Most gastrointestinal problem is the body's inability to neutralized the digested acidic foods where the digested acid food has a tendency to digest the persons' gastrointestinal organ, and hence the sickness."

Replied by KT
(Usa)
02/08/2018

Hello again Josh,

I neglected to mention the Nutrition Almanac declares "A mineral deficiency often results in illness, which may be checked by the addition of the missing mineral to the diet." Minerals are not always shown with a CBC (Complete Blood Count) so you have ask for specific ones.

Another thing you need to keep in mind is you could be having trouble with binders, fillers and even capsules. During production of various ingredients a manufactured form of glutamic acid (MSG) is created that can destroy nerve cells needed for peristaltic action. MSG is a nerve stimulant and when it is a consequence of manufacture it is more damaging.

Since you had trouble passing the pill cam you might want to incorporate cayenne pepper with your meals. Cayenne pepper is reported to restore peristaltic action. I have been using this myself to help with elimination.

KT

Replied by Josh
(Ca)
02/08/2018

I haven't had any blood work done in a while and my GI doctor at the time told me I have GERD and IBS but there was nothing else he could do for me. I've been wanting to get a second opinion because I really didn't like my GI doctor as he didn't seem like he was that invested in helping me out. I don't have insurance anymore since my parents took me off their plan so I'm not sure when I'll get that second opinion

Thanks for your help I will keep everyone posted if I make any progress

Replied by Josh
(Ca)
02/08/2018

Thanks for mentioning that because forgot to add I had jaundice when I was around 16 or 17 from taking pro hormones while I was working out. I used to think I was invisible and drank alcohol while I was taking those and I ate fast food like there was no tomorrow. The jaundice cleared up after about 6 weeks I think and I was back to my normal self but I always thought there might be a connection between that and my stomach problems

Replied by KT
(Usa)
02/09/2018

Hi again,

I think we are not supposed to share links here anymore so I copied a statement that may give you some hope...

Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines.

KT

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
02/10/2018

Dear Josh,

You have gotten many good suggestions. I will add a couple of thoughts.

I agree with Steve that a liver flush may help. Whenever I get heartburn it means it is time to do a liver/gall bladder flush for me. Then I am usually good for months.

Activated charcoal tablets may help with the bloating and general detox.

Have you tried slippery elm to heal the GI tract? Highly nutritious, very gentle and healing as well.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Larry
(Wichita, Ks)
02/11/2018

Josh, I think you are on the right track. This is what has worked for me. Betaine hydrochloric acid 2-5 with every meal, aloe vera sips a couple of times a day and apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon in 12 oz water drunk throughout the day. You can find out more about betaine in other entries on Earth clinic.

Replied by KT
(Usa)
02/11/2018

Dear Steve and MtM,

I am old and never heard of liver/gallbladder cleanses until joining EC and know nothing about them.

When and how was it discovered they needed to be done and why? Please explain what a cleanse is and how does it work? Wouldn't this damage internal organs? If I get indigestion, which is rare now that I know what has happened to our food supply, I take 1/2 tsp. BS in 1/2 cup water.

I do not experience indigestion until I have ingested too many carbohydrates and now that our food is being engineered to last longer I have learned this can come from any combination of dairy, eggs, meat, produce, medication and/or supplements. It's been a piecemeal endeavor by the process of elimination for over two decades.

Thank you in advance for any reply.

KT


Dietary Changes
Posted by Payitforward (Tx, US) on 10/26/2014
★★★★★

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 Sarah (Santa Monica, Ca) on 11/12/2010
★★★★★

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
★★★★★

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
★★★★★

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
★★★★★

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!



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