[YEA]  09/06/2008: Shak Kumar from San Jose, CA: "I have suffered from acid reflux for over 12 years, and over this period I tried several remedies (Prevacid, Zantac, Prilosec, Nexium, etc.) As long as I continued to take the medication, the acid reflux was contained, but would come back if I stopped taking the medication. I have also tried slippery elm, aloe vera juice, and apple cider vinegar. None proved to be effective. So about a 10days ago,on a friend's advise, I started eating two cups of RAW sprouted Moong lentil with every meal - lo and behold!! - the acid reflux has almost disappeared!!!!! Moong lentil is one of the very popular lentils in India and cna be found very easily in Indian grocery stores and health food stores. Moong sprouts have high concentration of enzymes, which greatly help in digestion of the food. Hence the stoamch does not have to produce as much acid as it did earlier. In addition, sprouts are classified as 'live' food with a bunch of other benefits like very high levels of vitamins and easy to digest proteins. I hope other people try this this natural remedy for acid reflux and I sure hope it works for them!!

Please make sure that you eat them RAW (enzymes get easily destroyed during the cooking process)"

[YEA]  03/28/2013: Brook from Birmingham, Alabama: "This is going to sound weird, but I tried all of the remedies above and nothing helped me long term except sugar. My grandmother, an 80 year old woman told me to put a table spoon of sugar in a cup of hot hot water and drink it like a tea. The first time I took it I heard a gulp in my stomach. I did it for a few days and no acid reflux. Now, I don't wake up with acid burning in my throat anymore. If I eat something acidic, I just make sure to drink my sugar tea. I also lost a couple of pounds. But, I try not to do that often. Trust me it works!"

04/29/2012: Christine from Nottingham, England: "I have been looking into trying a different approach to reflux problems, and wondered if anyone has any expereince with the following supplements. The first one is d-Limonene, which is extracted oil of orange peel. They think it may work by coating the digestive tract which may prevent reflux going up into the oesphagus. It is also anti fungal and bacterial. The second supplement is Melatonin which is found in the gut as well as the pineal gland. It helps monitor sleep cycles. It also helps regulate the digestive system. It is anti inflammatory and helps the immune system. I found this information on the Natural News site. It sound very promising. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried these supplements or has any knowledge of them. Best to all Christine"

04/29/2012: G Shannon from Eads, Tennessee replies: "I have found that reflux and heartburn often have same or similar causes. These problems are often, not always, associated with electrolyte imbalance. It is somewhat difficult to identify which electrolyte is the cause even after taking medical tests. The best solutions I have found are in eating one or more of these vegetables every day.

Broccoli---Asparagus---cabbage--greens

This usually works, but it will not work just eating them twice a week. Again, keep in mind that calcium and magnesium are almost always lacking in people that have frequent heartburn or reflux.

Some people have reflux and heartburn because they have the wrong ratios of acids in their system that the body is using for digestion. If the blood ph begins to drop below 7. 375 the body will rob the stomach of alkaline material to balance the blood. This transfer of alkaline material results in even greater acidity in the stomach; but it is often the wrong kinds of acids that end up in assisting digestion. When the body has to borrow to balance the ph one may end up with too much carbonic acid (could cause seizure or coma) or too much lactic acid (could cause muscle cramps). When these things occur they are often associated with either too much or too little HCL. When this occurs the body will eventually reject these inappropriate acids after it has utilized some of them for digestion; thus the reflux. Many over the counter medications will make the adjustment with aluminum; but this like sodium is a quick fix.

What must be determined is this. Is the reflux the result of too much acid (generally speaking) or is it the result of the wrong kind of acids. And then again, could it all have been initiated by a gradual lowering of blood ph?"

04/30/2012: Cameron from Brisbane, Qld, Australia replies: "Best and simplest way to fix Acid Reflux is with Apple Cider Vinegar. I use the recommended 2 tablesoons in water but I add Lime Juice for taste, I have had just 1 bout of Heartburn since after a really big pasta dinner and it was not nearly as severe or long lasting as in the past.

You just cannot beat ACV."

05/02/2012: Louwrence from Rustenburg, North West South Africa replies: "Hi, Something that works for acid reflux is squeeze out 4 lemons & drink it undiluted & within 15 minutes you have relief."

09/01/2011: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand: "There is a mistake when I mentioned bulimia, which is an overeating disorder like the case of Karen Carpenter, she had Anorexia nervosa. What I meant was she was having eating disorder to prevent bulimia and ended up overdoing it and died of anorexia. These people go on a low calorie diet especially eggs, which contains the biotin and that may have initiated the anorexia nervosa, and ended with a range of deficiencies, B complex, vitamin C, B1 especially, and tryptophan which is already low. Biotin and tryptophan is very low in human diets anyway so that may trigger anorexia, when she goes on the Simmerman diet, which is very effective form of controlling weight loss, more effective than Dr. Atkins, in which Dr. Simmerman concentrates on high protein diets free from fats and carbohydrate. But at the same time these diets are lacking in tryptophan and biotin, especially. I usually make it simple and B complex (with biotin) as a simple cure for anorexia. Of course you needed stomach acid, such as betaine HCl for stomach acid, to help make them hungry.

Ted"

04/22/2012: Patricia from Daytona Beach, Fl replies: "I tried the Ted remedy and it just tastes so awful. Then I read on the side of the bottle their own recommendation for a Apple Cider Vinegar drink.... It is two teaspoons, not tablespoons, in 8 oz of filtered water and 1-2 teaspoons of organic honey. This is delicious and seems to have made a difference, maybe the honey coats the stomach but this really worked for me."

06/24/2012: Mmazzi from Chicago, Il replies: "The ratio of baking soda to ACV is 1:8 (which is supposed to create normalized ph in the blood)... Or 1:6. Either way works. Depending on how bad the situation or your own tolerance. Always mix into about 8 oz of water. Also, I recommend rinsing your mouth afterward. You don't want any ACV remaining in your mouth and damaging the enamel on the teeth. Using 1/4 tsp baking soda to 2 tsp ACV for mild situations/tolerances is an example of a 1:8 ratio. Using 1 tsp baking soda to 2 tbs. ACV is an example of a 1:6 ratio (1 tbs = 3 tsp). My husband and I have both had success with these formulas, and with ACV alone. I think the 2 TBS ACV & 1 tsp baking soda work best if you can tolerate it. People with high blood pressure might do well to stay on the lower side since baking soda is high in sodium."

08/30/2012: Andreg from Edmonton, Alberta Canada replies: "I have had acid reflux for many many years. I was taking Pariet which is/was the cheapest medication I could get for it. If I missed my morning pill my stomach reminded me come the afternoon. On those occasions that (usually the evening) when I get a bad attack I have found 1 thing that works... Eno (tap a little mound into the cap and add it to luke warm water (not cold because it won't fizz), chug it down while its super fizzy, within 20secs your gonna burp a few times and the burning goes away like magic. Now I said I used to take Pariet religiously until a few weeks ago when I started having fruit smoothies in the morning (2 cups frozen mixed fruit, 1 cup bottled water, 5 tbs or fat free vanila yogurt is the basic mix, I add 1 tbs of liquid kelp and same in protien powder). During the morning I may get a very slight burn and burp alot but I haven't (knock on wood), had a nasty burn in the last week. Also, it could be that I stopped smoking about a month ago...:)"

09/03/2012: Moomie from Atlanta, Ga replies: "I have had Acid Reflux as long as I can remember and was hospitalized at 9 yrs old for test for ulcers. The diagnosis was "acid stomach". Sugar is the number one culprit for me with greasy foods coming in a very, very close second. I have found that if I keep my digestive system clear and clean (daily bowel movementS ;plural) it is somewhat better. I have been on Protonix twice daily for several years and I am starting to have side effects. I also have "breakrough" with the Protonix on occasion. I don't mind the taste of the ACV and use ACV with the mother, but for some reason anything that is pickled or using a lot of vinegar makes my migraines more frequent and worse. I don't get "heartburn" during the day as long as I stay on the Protonix, but after I go to bed I wake up choking and sometimes throwing up from the acid if I have not had a good day of elimination plus if I have eaten anything with sugar or "grease". I cannot eat Pizza Hut anything because of the oily, greasy content in their sauces. One bite of anything from their menu sends me into a serious acid reflux episode. Stress is a serious cause also of GERD and I have more than my share of that. I am going to go to the health foods store today and get what I need to getnoffnthe prescription meds before more damage is done to my body. I plan to use the ACV, Aloe and other remedies listed here to see if I can stay off the Protonix. While I want very badly to get off the Protonix it is so simple to just pop a couple of pills as opposed to having to take time to mix a formula to drink. Best wishes and sympathies to anyone at suffers as I do.

P.S. something I have found that will help in a pinch is if I wake up at night choking really bad with it and I am on the verge of throwing up I will come to the kitchen and get a slice of white bread and eat it. For some reason it seems to absorb the acid. Anyway it has helped me AFTER the fact."

09/03/2012: Blondie from Bismarck, North Dakota replies: "Dear Dealing with lifelong acid reflux, I had this problem too for several years. Now I have no sign of acid reflux. What worked for me was getting on a good regimen of Methylcobalamin B12 sublinguals and Metafolin (folate). B12 is involved in hundreds of functions including the turnover of new cells in the gut. When I don't get enough B-12, the first thing that happens is that I get gastritis and acid reflux. Some people have said that low stomach acid causes acid reflux which is likely true---the body needs acid in the stomach to produce B-12 so it makes sense that these things are tied. The second thing that helped was using Raw Protein each morning. This particular formula has live probiotics and enzymes. Make sure you have enough potassium in your diet because as your body begins to heal, it will use more potassium."

09/03/2012: Anonymous from Grateful For Earthclinic!, Universal Love And Comp replies: "Googled information leads one to believe that the body is lacking in iodine if one is suffering from acid reflux. Worth looking into. :).Hope you are healed soon!"

09/04/2012: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Hi Moomie... If your doctor has determined that your digestion problems are caused by high stomach acid without having the proper tests, then he or she is just assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that you have excess stomach acid problems. It's generally true to say that 80% - 90% of all reflux problems are actually caused by too little stomach acid. I have helped many people with candida problems and many of them had reflux problems -- some as serious as your problems. In all instances, I advised that they had too little stomach acid and successfully helped them recover all the same way. Here are my detailed reasons for doing this.

See this link:
http://metabolichealing.com/key-integrated-functions-of-your-body/gut/lack-of-adequate-stomach-acid-what-you-don-t-know-could-be-causing-major-distress/

Doctors always advise PPIs for bad reflux because that's what the Merck Medical Manual, their medical bible, tells them to do. However, it's far more sensible to have either a Heidelberg pH Test(invasive) or a blood, hair and urine analysis(non-invasive) to accurately determine and confirm whether you have too much or too little stomach acid.

The main remedy for to little stomach acid is to take betaine hydrochloride and preotease enzymes (that contain pancreatin, chemotrypsin, bromelain and papain) with other supporting nutrients.

By way of further description:

* When food enters the stomach, the hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach normally works to kill all the bacteria and the protein-digesting stomach enzymes(pepsin) partially digest the food with the muscles around the stomach helping to mash and breakup the food. The purpose of this stage is to fully prepare the food for the next stage -- main stage duodenal digestion in the upper intestines.

* When the stomach acid is at the correct strength -- and only when it is at the right acid strength -- a hormone is released into the blood called secretin which in turn triggers the secretion of the pancreatic enzymes in a solution of bicarbonate(alkaline) into the duodenum for main stage digestion.

* If the stomach acid or food chyme mixture in the stomach is not at the correct acid strength (low acid) then the pancreatic enzymes and juices will not be triggered and released for main stage digestion(which is alkaline alkaline) in the duodenum and the acid food mixture (chyme) will just sit there in the duodenum stagnating, rotting and fast breeding bad pathogens with associated spread of pathogens into the upper intestines leading to further problems later. This also causes reflux.

* Another twist to this problem is if your body also lacks bicarbonates. As already described, your pancreas needs stores of bicarbonates to neutralize the acid food mix or chyme coming into the duodenum from the stomach. So if you are lacking bicarbonate stores in the pancreas, the acid food passing into the duodenum will not be neutralized and, again, acid intestine and reflux will be the result with further dysbiosis and pathogen spread.

* You must therefore insure that your stomach acid levels are at their correct strength and amounts for proper and complete digestion to occur

* You must have adequate stores of bicarbonates in the pancreatic juices to fully neutralize the acid chyme or food when it passes from the stomach into the duodenum for main stage digestion.

Here is the remedy:

Betaine Hydrocholoride

You must find your own dosage in the following way. What you are doing is using the BH to up your acid strength and help to increase the stomach acid stores. Everyday take one extra pill at mealtimes until you get an acid or nauseous feeling. Then cut back on your dose by one or two tablets. Maintain this dose until you again feel acidic or nauseous -- then cut vback again. Do this until you no longer have to take the BH -- in other words your stomach acid is at the correct strength and you are cured.

To give you an idea, I've read about one lady who was tsking 7 betaine hydrochloride tablets at mealtimes. She cured her stomach acid, reflux and digestion problems fairly quickly.

Protease enzymes.

Take doube the dose recommended

Magnesium

Use magnesium chloride in the form of magnesium oil. Dosage is 8 drops in water at mealtimes.

B Vitamins

As B50 or B100. Take this everyday

Kelp Extract

Regular dosage as advised. Iodine is also needed for proper stomach acid formation. Also kills bacteria/fungus/parasites. All good.

Sea Salt

Supplies chlorides to help formation of stomach acid in the stomach. 1/2 tspn in a gass of water once a day."

09/04/2012: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "I forgot to add in my last post that Ted's bicarbonate with water remedy should also be taken 1/2 hr to 1 hour after meals to help restore the bicarbonate stores in the pancreas and to help assist main stage digestion(which should be alkaline for all the enzymes to work and do their job correctly).

1/4 to 1/2 tspn of sodium bicarbonate(baking soda) in a half glass of water is the remedy."

09/04/2012: Palpy from Anon replies: "Bill, is there any other way to get bicarbonates than sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)? Whenever I take this I get heart palpitations at night. I've tried increasing slowly my potassium and magnesium but still get them. Thanks."

09/04/2012: Tina from Houston, Usa replies: "Lifelong acid reflux can be cured by eating probiotic rich foods like home-made kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and lacto-fermented veggies. Kefir especially is incredible since it goes into the gut and re-colonizes by adding more good bacteria to your body. Much needed!"

09/05/2012: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Hi Palpy... Usually the cause of problems taking Ted's bicarbonate remedies is due to mineral imbalance in the body. But there are other factors that can also cause heart palpitations as well -- such as kidney problems, allergies, adrenal fatigue, heavy metals and such.

To give you more of an idea what is wrong, best to get a hair analysis done. This will tell you what mineral imbalances you have as well as what heavy metals you have in excess in your body.

Also, the kidneys should properly regulate the electrolyte minerals in your body -- Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium and Potassium -- so if, for example, you find that you have a higher or lower than the normal amount of one of these minerals in your blood then this may indicate a mineral problem caused by incorrect diet or might indicate a mineral regulation problem with the kidneys -- since the kidneys are the main regulator of minerals in the blood and normally does this job quite easily."

[YEA]  09/05/2012: Bee from Chonburi, Thailand replies: "Dear Ted; I have been suffering from Acid reflux for about 2 years and have been on Nexium on and off. Fortunately, I have come across earth Clinique and found your remedy. I started your remedy about 3 weeks ago and it works wonder for me. Thank you very much. Your remedy is so helpful."

05/05/2009: Nif from Sheffield, S Yorks replies: "Ted, a solubizer [sic] (solubiliser) is a chemical which changes the composition of its target to be more soluble, soluble means dissolvable in water, which by its nature, oil is not. Are you perhaps thinking of a de-emulsifier? this will break down the bonds in the oil removing it's coherent nature, allowing it to mix with water and delay sepperation.

You also say you have Anorexia, which is not physical condition, it's purely mental, and you just simply don't eat, you have nothing to throw up if you're Anorexic. You may be thinking of Bulimia, but again, Bulimia is also an eating disorder and sufferers generally make themselves vomit as part of their disorder."

09/29/2009: Gina from Lethbridge, Ab/canada replies: "In response to Nif, who responded to Ted's discourse on Anorexia...Anorexia NERVOSA is a mental/emotional disease. Anorexia is the disease Ted correctly described."

02/26/2010: Rick from Los Angeles, California replies: "I think I may have posted in the wrong area, so here it is again...

I was wondering if you take a PPI and the ACV remedy are they canceling each other out? I'm afraid to go off my PPI and I've been using Ted's Remedy before a meal I know will give me GERD or when I have a GERD attack, but I don't know if I'm doing myself more damage by using both techniques. Thanks!"

11/02/2010: Jeff from Phoenix, Az, Usa replies: "My PH went from 5.5 to 7.0 when using 1tbs of ACV and 1/4 tsp of baking soda. I also don't burp as much. I was curious about the baking soda and Calcium Kidney stones which I had a few times. Do you think the baking soda will create stone issues?"

11/16/2010: Allen from Oakland, Ca replies: "I am scared to try any acid remedy only cause I don't want to elavate the problem, if you know what I mean!! It seems all the healthy foods are high in one or another acids... What should I do?"

11/28/2010: Jasmine from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "I been drinking fresh potato juice with other veg. Mixed in (apples, celery). So far my acid reflux has been much better. I have stopped vomiting so it must be working. Hope it helps. I heard from a Doc that drinking baking soda is worst thing to do. Oh yeah don't don't drink milk that has any type of FAT this will cause heartburn..."

12/23/2010: Jaxson55555 from Mcminnville, Oregon, Usa replies: "I was instructed to see a chiropractor after a car accident. After a few visits, I noticed that my acid reflux was gone. After about 4 weeks of not seeing the chiropractor, I felt it start to come back. I went to the chiropractor again and it was gone. I'm done going to the chiropractor for the accident, but I continue to go monthly just for my acid reflux. It's worth a try if you are not able to find any other relief."

02/27/2011: Jelani from Chicago, Illinios replies: "Just wonted to thank Ted for the info because that stuff really work well. I was hurting like three days in a row very bad could not sleep or find a comfortable position to sit in. Went to walgreens bought a couple of over the counter drugs that did nothing. I tried Teds remedy and started feeling a change within a few hours. Thanks again Ted from the bottom of my heart."

03/18/2011: Aj64 from Lewiston, Id replies: "Acid Reflux: I was diagnosed and treated with H-pylori. Exactly one year later I began having excruciating pain in my shoulders and back, leading to the acid reflux treated with Omeprazole, vinegar, etc. My friend convinced my to go to the chiropractor. I did and went for 4 visits with temporary relief of pain. 1 year later... Could not eat, sleep, walk, or raise my arms above my waist. I could only eat 1 1/2 tablespoons of food every hour or so. Since then I went to a real chiropractor and I ate my first meal in a year! As I continue to go I found that my back is in severe disarray and my hip is out. Each session I am relieved even more. I can not say enough about this method of treatment. No more remedies, just chiropractor visits."

03/20/2011: Ronell from None Of Your Business , Ohio replies: "I am just a young teenager and I have acid reflux the pain only occurs when I get sick and throw up. It is a burning/painful sensation it the esophagus. It stays for months and then it goes away I almost had to go to the hospital the last time I had it. But now I have it again for the second time. It is so bad that it hurts to breath, sneeze, cough, laugh, and even have the hiccups. What should I do to cure it?"

12/07/2011: Georgepopovic from Farnham, Surrey, Uk replies: "Much of what I've seen about stomach acid reflux and heartburn looks like a road to lifetime consumption of vinegar, raw potato, baking soda or pills. All these look as if they're addressing the symptom. Is there a cure?"

12/23/2011: James from Los Angeles, California replies: "I tried using ACV by itself and it really didn't help much - if anything it made it worse for about a minute then brought it back to where it was originally. Eventually I tried a product known as Stops Acid Reflux that uses ACV combined with other natural ingredients. It tastes a bit better, and this stuff really worked wonders for me. It's made by Caleb Treeze Organic Farm and pretty affordable for what you get.

I read someone below asking about a cure instead of a symptom reliever, and I'm not a doctor but I have noticed that I very rarely will even get acid reflux or heartburn anymore. It took about two weeks for me to notice the heartburn occurring much less often, but it definitely helped a TON!"

03/08/2012: Susana from Doha, Qatar replies: "Can someone please help me? Please. I wish Ted could answer me. I'm female, 30yrs old. Around 2 years ago I had a friend convinced me to take this diet pill. I took without doc advise and since she, her husband, mother and sister were taking it without side effects well I said why not since I wanted to lose weight. I was supposed to take 1 pill a day before eating. So I was taking 1 pill a day on empty stomach. I discovered later that the pills had sibutramine which is the same as Reductil. Anyway, after few days I started to have dry mouth, felt something stuck in my throat as if I wanted to vomit, and I started to feel heartburn. My friend said it will fade away but when the second week was done, I couldn't take it anymore, my mouth was burning, my throat was burning, my tongue started to have fissures in it, I always had a natural looking tongue, so I was scared, and it was white coated. I started to have burning sensation as if I was a dragon, and my stomach felt so warm it was burning it hurt! Also had hoarsness on my voice

I had everything, endoscopy, had 2 of those, went to every doctor, gastro, thyroid, joint, dermatologist, ENT, everything, they say I have GERD. Took treatment with Nexium, Pariet, Motilium, nothing helped me. I am desperate. I also tried Nystatin, Diflucan thinking personally that it was a thrush. I checked my vit levels, all normal :(

Now a little over 2 years I still have GERD, sore/red throat, fissured tongue which sometimes bleeds!!! Also tongue is white, and it changes its color as per what I eat, for example if I have a cucumber it turns green I am not joking!! :( The yogurt stays stuck on my tongue, I keep looking on the mirror it still had the yogurt consistency on my tongue, which later fades away. My throats are sore as well, I feel I have phlegm (mucus) on my throat specially when I wake up. I don't know what to do. This has seem to have put a PAUSE on my life, it has made me this annoying woman who is moody and nervous about things. I just feel I cannot live like this and if it wasn't for my son I would have killed myself I swear.

I tried the ACV and BS for around a week but I was not sure if it helped me. I was taking it honestly 1 time a day, sometimes 2 but not always.. I cannot find the mother ACV here where I live, I found a organic one but now the organic one is out of stock.

I don't know what to do, please I hope this comment of mine is published and people can help me. Ted please please help me I am even ready to go to Bangkok to see you."

04/25/2012: Satya from Bangalore, Karnataka, India replies: "Hi, Acid reflux is curable!!! My horrible heartburn experience started on 1st, Feb 2012. Day ONE, I took appointment of best doctor of hilghly reputed Hospital in Bangalore, India. He prescribed PPI to me, as usual he adviced me to reduce the spices etc. Etc.. After a week my condition became worse, Again I met him. He said that is only medicine, also added a Antacid to the list. Mean while to bring things in control, I used ACV, above formula, Yogurt, Proboitic yogurt, Mustard Sauce, Honey, Bananas and every possible things on earth. Yeah.. Everything made situation worse. Stopped sleeping on flat bed. Studied lot of theories, Research on Heartburn. No use...

Oneday my friend asked what if your intestines are not moving the food fast enough due to toxins and causing back pressure. On 16th day, I stopped all above non-sense. Did the following.

1. Started taking Triphala, a natural colon cleanser.

Within two months, My heartburn vanished. Now I have started doing Yoga and going for Ayurveda to cure to the root of problem.

I don't want anyone to believe or follow me. But give a serious thought to your body, Read Digestive tract functioning in detail. Do something very natural to you and you believe. Don't go by someone else advice. It will never work.

--Best of luck guys.. I hope I will not be back again. Good news, Now I sleep on flat bed, eat full stomach..

--Satya"

05/01/2012: Jay from La, Usa replies: "I have had Acid Reflux for at least 4 years, tried many ways to get rid of it. Drug could help it, but Doctor said it would be harmful to body. He told me to keep to try natural method. Besides: thanks Ted for the info because that stuff really work well."

08/01/2012: Anonymous from La, Ca replies: "I was given a 10 day sample to try from my Dr. I was really hesitant and scared to try something that turn off stomach acid for 24 hours because I believe you need stomach acid for health and digestion. Plus what are the long terms effects? I'm super sensitive and I do not want to become dependent. Plus who want to be a guinea pig. I read that the Amish used garlic ACV and ginger so that is what I'm going to to do and plus of course I'm trying Ted's recommendation ACV and baking soda."

08/06/2012: Joe from Smithtown, Ny replies: "I have been struggling to figure out what cures acid reflux for years because you come across all these things that claim to give instant relief when in fact it's my personal belief that there is no "cure" but rather there are ways to keep the symptoms from acting up as much. Even medications that seem to be very effective, I feel as though they don't permanently cure acid reflux they just help the symptoms not be as severe, or temporarily make them go away. Acid reflux is a tricky thing, I have found that the right diet helps dramatically however you still need to try some different things and see what helps you personally because it seems to be very different for everyone."

08/09/2012: Dr. Matt from Gilbert, Az replies: "The reason why baking soda is typically not recommended with stomach acid issues is because it RAISES the pH too quickly and as a result, the proton pumps in the stomach are signaled to produce even more stomach acid. Although Bicarb is a weak base, it is important to lower the acidity (raise the pH) gradually or you run the risk of increasing the problem. One of the reason's the apple cider vinegar works is because of the "law of similars" which is a sound naturopathic approach. It also plays a part in carbohydrate regulation and therefore insulin management. In almost every case, reflux disease is caused by an infectious entity. I have seen good things with the drug, Xifaxin, taken twice a day for 2 weeks. Usually takes away reflux for about 2-3 months, unfortunately, I can't convince the manufacturer to lower the cost of the tablets. Oh, before I forget, I too have had some success with B-complex vitamins and reflux. Here is the problem. If the reflux is caused by an infectious entity, then you may be helping it with providing it with pure folic acid from the vitamins. In almost every anti-infectious treatment, they recommend avoiding folic acid, except that which is found in vegetables. I hope that this helps. Matt, Pharm D. MSCIS"

08/31/2012: Plrichards from Greenville, Sc, Usa replies: "I suffered from acid reflux for many years and was taking an OTC to relieve it but I knew there had to be some natural cures for acid reflux. After some research and a lot of trial and error I found that apple cider vinegar worked at first but then I tried eating an apple (specifically a washington red because of the pectin content / amount) after meals and found that it also helped. I also limit my caffeine intake and take a probiotic every morning. So far I haven't been having any major acid reflux attacks for about 6 months now."

09/21/2012: Gayle from Snellville, Ga. replies: "I've used Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda, did swell. Started drinking Greens I've not had heartburn since, and when it does start up I eat and drink the Greens in water. This has helped me so much."

[YEA]  07/19/2009: Adam from Anchorage, Alaska: "Ok, I had suffered from acid reflux and heart burn for years all due to what I was eating and drinking ie: white flour,alcohol and many other bad things. I was taking otc antacids daily and was still waking up in the middle of the night with acid coming up and out of my mouth and nose ick not fun at all,.. well I stopped eating all the white flour and cut way back on drinking but the one thing that really helped the most was my little mix of 2oz ACV 4 oz low sodium ______ [tomato juice] and 1tsp cayenne has cleared up all the acid reflux and heart burn. Just mix shake and drink it down it's actually not that bad. Just one hint make sure you inhale before you drink it down because you really don't want your first breath after drinking that to be inward."

[YEA]  11/05/2009: Liz from Seattle, Wa.: "Am 70 and have acid reflux for years. Got herbs from the Chinese doc and things are better. If you think that you might have ulcers, cranberry juice is great. I drink it with soda water to make it more palatable - no sugar. Find that sugar really starts the acid reflux. As long as I avoid it, I'm good. Also Health food stores have some good digestion teas that help."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  08/30/2009: Stefanida Leelannee from Sussex, Nj: "I have had an acid reflux problem for several months. I posted a couple of months ago about my success with the water cure. I started slacking off on this because (a) it really worked, so I kept forgetting to do it; and (b) I had to take it at least 4 times per day, so sometimes that was inconvenient.

A couple of weeks ago I started taking 1 tsp of turmeric (just the powdered spice) in a small glass of water twice a day (for liver function), and without taking the water cure, my acid reflux seems to have subsided. I now just take the turmeric once a day, because taking it late in the evening seemed to be keeping me up at night.

Yesterday I didn't take the turmeric, and by evening I had severe reflux. Too late to take turmeric so I took 1/2 teaspoon of unrefined sea salt and a large glass of water, and that gave me relief almost instantly.

Although the spice is a little bitter, there is no aftertaste or repeating (burping). So it may sound unpleasant, but it's really not bad. I take a small spoonful of honey afterward, or a sip of tea.

I have read that turmeric is more effective when taken with black pepper, so I try to shake a bit into my drink. I also just read that it's much more effective when warmed up in something containing fat--like food! or even milk or coconut milk. Apparently in India it is taken as a tea with milk. You can find many recipes online."

[YEA]  12/06/2010: Derrick from Nashville, Tn: "I have had acid reflux for years. I tried OTC stuff for over a year. But I learned there are many long-term side effects with these pills. I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar with water, which helped. But it was so hard to choke down. I wondered if I could get my vinegar elsewhere.

So.... I tried vinegar-based hot sauces like Texas Pete or generic cayenne hot sauce with vinegar, cayenne and salt as the ingredients. There are many hot sauces that are mild too, such as Crystal hot sauce. I don't go a day without hot sauce. Keep in mind that not all of them help. Some of them contain water and other ingredients. Whenever I get an irritation, I get a couple of crackers and a few drops of hot sauce and wash it down with some water and I feel better. Am I the only one that has tried vinegar-based hot sauce? Because it is a fantastic cure."

[YEA]  10/02/2008: Pete from Eastbourne, UK: "I cured myself after suffering nightly with acid reflux i took vitamin B6 from 10-100mg until symptoms went and it works very rapidly, after spending countless pounds on over the counter medicates& Also good for hangovers, alcohol consumption, depression. If you're an alcoholic, it will seriously reduce your imbibing as B6 is present in alcoholic drinks."

[WARNING!]  05/01/2008: Erik from Pittsburgh, PA: "re: Untested Claims. Please take into account the claims that you are making have not been tested via prospective randomized controlled trials versus placebo and would not stand in court. If some one were to use your website and take its advice then have a true medical problem such as acid reflux which led to a GI bleed, then inplicated you for giving treatment advice without a medical practicioner's license you could woefully liable. Anectdotal evidence does not equal effective."

EC: Erik, it appears you didn't read the medical disclaimer at the bottom of every page on this website. Perhaps you should.

[WARNING!]  05/04/2008: Joyce from Joelton, TN replies: "Hello Erik from Pittsburgh,

Hopefully anyone intelligent enough to use the internet has enough intelligence to reject the idea if someone should be idiotic enough to recommend that they take strychnine or cyanide or some other poison! First off, I seriously doubt that anyone has written in recommending something that they haven't tried themselves.

I fully agree that these claims have not been evaluated by orthodox medicine studies or the FDA, but God forbid that I ever have to rely solely on the FDA's "GRAS" ratings or take every word spoken by a doctor as the gospel truth. But let's take a look at some of those that were. Remember the thalidomide that orthodox medical doctors prescribed for the normal nausea of pregnancy? How would you like to have been one of those infants born with severe deformities (the pictures of these babies, some with hands attached to shoulders instead of wrists because they had no arms or missing both arms and legs and worse) were heart breaking. I believe the FDA approved of this medication or at least passed it after taking the word of some doctor or doctors who performed a study paid for by the pharmaceutical company that produced it.

Or take a look at a more recent one called Viox. One of my aunts is one of those unlucky ones prescribed the latest thing for her arthritis pain - she has had a stroke, myocardial infarct, and a pacemaker implanted, thanks to this wonder drug that was supposedly FDA rated safe after the proper studies were done. This aunt had a lovely garden (vegetables) prior to this fiasco - I don't think she will ever be able to tend her garden again. I was raised to believe that pokeweed berries were poisonous, but after a very good friend and neighbor told me to take them for severe arthritis and she didn't back down when threatened with having to finish raising my 4 children if it killed me, I started taking them and am still taking them 40+ years later. I wouldn't be surprised to find that Viox was some substance isolated from pokeberries, and a synthetic version produced so it could be patented and make a fortune for the pharmaceutical company. I have come to the conclusion that one should never try to improve on God's product. I kept the "fail safe" by taking the pokeberries instead of a depleted synthetic version of what was found to be detrimental to the arthritis. Of course I had to work out how much and how often to take them myself, since she didn't know how her aunt took them. I do know that orthodox medicine was performing studies on pokeberries (as well as many other herbs/plants) since the 60's and 70's. We were told in a physiology lecture in l977 (at a prestigious southern medical school) "that we don't know why, but from a study we have going here, we know that pokeberries throws the immune system into gear to fight". I had already been taking them about l0 years at the time, so I just sat there & grinned. If you have a problem with herbs & plants, which I call "God's medicine", there is a wealth of information in the federal government's botanical data base, if you can find your way into it. If you can't find your way into it, James (Jim) Duke, retired PHD botanist, who amassed much of this information, has written a book titled "The Green Pharmacy" which is very informative. I own a couple of copies of it myself and have given some to my children.

Or how about the one (I forget the name) that was finally outlawed in this country after several years because too many of the ones taking it were developing irreversible blindness? The pharmaceutical company just continued selling it in other countries. This is not malpractice or neglect - it is criminal behavior secondary to greed!

I also find it amusing that many doctors are getting smart and passing up chemotherapy themselves when they develop cancer. Google Lorraine Day for a great & successful example of this.

If you are in the medical field, I am sorry if the job security is getting shaky, but I will have to "fess up" that I started taking vitamins, minerals, and supplements because I knew they worked. If I hadn't already been convinced of their effectiveness before, I would have been positive after seeing the AMA try to gain control of them by striving to make them available by "prescription" only and that prescription would have to be written by a doctor. Unfortunately Big Pharms and AMA haven't given up on this yet. Frankly, The FDA has been almost worthless and hasn't been earning the salaries that the taxpayer's money goes to pay over the past few decades. Apparently they find bigger money from lobbyists for the AMA and Big Pharm and court battles easier to win against the little guys who are selling us the vitaminsm, minerals & supplements.

It is way past time that the FDA admits that they goofed when they rated monosodium glutamate and aspartame "GRAS" but it may be too late to avoid many of us from developing Diabetes Mellitus, type 2, Parkinsons' disease, alzheimers and many other problems. I urge everyone to research these two toxins that permeate our foods and start fighting these in our foods, because the FDA is not going to do it. The latest thing I read on alzheimer's disease is that it is much more prevalent, striking at a younger age and in those without a genetic predisposition, than previously thought. That tells me that it is what they are putting in our food."

11/01/2008: Ali from Portland, OR USA replies: "Re: Posting of 11/09/2006 by Jeisea from Byron Bay, Australia: Please tell us the age of your son, and if he had any problems after having fundoplication surgery. Thanks"

[YEA]  02/08/2012: James from Naples, Florida: "Probably one of the best ways to address bouts of acid indigestion instead of taking a medication is the use of water, plain and simple. A study pubished in 2008 in a medical journal showed that a glass of water brought the gastric ph up within minutes, versus hours for the drugs."