Acidophilus

I tried an acidophilus supplement for the first time in my life, trying to get rid of really bad acid reflux. I am a supplement freak -- but I didn't want to spend lots of money on good bacteria for my insides, when I could just eat yogurt. I fully expected, based on these reviews and my internet searching, that acidophilus would heal the acid reflux. Here I am a month later, still looking for a cure, because the acidophilus did absolutely nothing for me.
(Florida)
12/24/2016
Hi Rachel,
This is what I am doing for my acid reflux. I am drinking fennel seed water and black raisin three times a day. I boil fenned seed powder or seed and black raisin at night for 15min and drinking that jucie in the empty stomach. Make again after one hour of lunch and before bed time. It really works for acidity. If you don't like raisin, you can make only fennel seed water and take with honey. It really works. Hopefully it works for you and everyone who is looking for natural way to reduce or cure acid reflux
(New York)
01/06/2017
Hi Rachel
Acidophilus alone will not cure acid reflux. First it will help your stomach have a better healthy balance but for most people its not a cure by itself. Second standard yogurt only has a small amount of acidophilus and only 2 or 3 kinds. To make a difference you want a capsule with 15 billion or more from as many different strains.
For many people its not just about the acid in their stomach but also about the lower esophageal sphincter. This is what keeps the acid in your stomach. If that is not working correctly you will never solve your problem completely.
Have you tried sleeping with your head raised?
(Va)
01/30/2017
Apple Cider Vinegar is good for acid reflux also, get the one with the 'mother' in it.
(Jupiter, Fl)
04/15/2017
Hema, thank you so much for posting about fennel and raisin tea. It helped! Have you been able to cure your acid reflux? And if so, what other natural remedies have you used? I can't seem to tolerate any type of processed food, especially breads and cereals with additives. Thank you so much for your help!
(Nc)
08/14/2017
I noticed at 37 years old that if I ate bread products I got tremendous heartburn. It was so bad I had precancerous cells growing in my throat. I went gluten free and in the three years since being GF I have only had two GERD attacks and I believe it was because something I ate was contaminated with gluten. GERD is an inflammatory reaction, something you are eating is having a negative impact on your body and your body is attempting to attack it to reduce its impact on your body. Try eliminating foods in your diet to find what the culprit is. I am keeping activated charcoal on hand for an accidental contamination.
(Texas)
04/05/2022
Activated charcoal is good but remember it can cause constipation, so compensate for that.
(Essex, England)
05/26/2022
Most yoghurts are heat treated and then the "live" bacteria is added after. Any that was there before was killed in the process.. Same as vitamin d is added to fish oil capsules etc. You need a few biotics to work, and one month is nowhere near enough anyway. It also depends on when you take them and if you use prebiotics before and during taking them.
Acidophilus

I've been suffering with GERD since my gallbladder surgery. It has been pretty painful at times. I was never able to take the meds for it (too many side affects). The Apple cider vinegar tore my stomach up. My routine is papaya enzyme after each meal and acidophilus at bedtime with chamomile tea. You have to make lifestyle changes too. No caffeine, smoking. I eat to live not live to eat. My meals are simple grilled meats and lots of fruits and vegetables. Processed bread seemed to make it worse so I went to gluten free. I've given up all spices and seasonings and no longer miss them. Switched from whole milk to coconut milk. Exercise is just 30 minutes of walking. Losing weight will help.
(Bc Canada)
05/30/2017
Hi Pam5083 and thanks for this. we might be twins separated at birth ...same genetics as me. I will try your ideas ... I'm not much of a drinker, but I do love the occasional whiskey in the evenings ... hope I don't need to give that up.
Cheers, Herb
Acidophilus

Hi had been suffering from terrible acid reflux. So took the advice on here and brought a Probotic from the chemist. After 3 days no reflux so I just take one everyday and its gone away. So thanks for the great advice.
(New Jersey, US)
02/04/2015
I found that taking a few calcium tablets helps immediately with severe reflux, and I take acidophilus complex, and aloe vera to maintain overall digestive balance
Acidophilus

I took some parasite medication for a few days on an empty stomach soon I had a burning stomach and esphogas and acid reflux... Feeling I was also having shortness of breath and pressure type of feeling on my chest, My ND gave me probiotics and told me to open the capsules dump the content into a 1/2 glass of water and swish the probiotics powder in my mouth then drink it down. And the ND suggested pt drinking lactose free PLAIN KEFIR no sugar in and within 24 hours I felt a dramatic change, within three days I had zero pain and my symptoms all feel away.
Acidophilus

I take acidophilus every night for its beneficial bacteria. I noticed about a week after I started taking it that I no longer get acid reflux. I take 2 refrigerated pills with a glass of water just before going to bed. Highly recommend this.
(Charlotte, NC)
04/06/2013
James, How much acidophilus are you taking per day? How many million or billion CFUs in total?
Is it a single strain or a multi strain probiotic??
Thanks!
(La)
11/26/2013
My doctor gave me therelac, and I bought a probiotic that has was in the freezer section that a grocery store it is a organic raw probiotics powder it has 500 billion CfU with 34 strains it has the USDA approval I swear one day they will have gadzillion cfu's My Chinese medicine doctor suggested slippery elm to calm the stomach and fresh ginger in water, body biotics first I had ever heard of it wnt on Amazon and bought the highly rated Broad Spectrum Probioic Prebiotic Powder He told me that our produce is washed and sterilized so many times before it gets to the plate that it is not allowing the body to build the flora it needs. He told me just eat things right out our garden without washing it and allowing the good flora to build up in the system . The oral surgeon, told me he is telling his grandchildren not to use those antibacterial pumps they have in public place, because it disrupts the bodies ability to build up the natural resistance it needs to protect itself. Something to think about it.
Acidophilus

Probiotics has helped me with my acid reflux tremendously. I take them daily before or after a meal and am very satisfied.
(Cavite, Philippines)
12/24/2009
is this safe for pregnant women? i am pregnant with high blood pressure. can i still take this to control my hypertension?
Hello Erikacassandra from Cavite,
If I were pregnant with hypertension, I would discontinue all carbonated beverages (damage the kidneys) and would start taking a good magnesium supplement or using the magnesium oil to bring the levels up to normal without getting the laxative effect. As said before, look up Deirdre's praise for it on EC. Remember that magnesium does many things in our body, including relaxing muscles. It is a required mineral for proper functioning, not a foreign drug that will probably create other problems for you to deal with.
PS for Erickcassandra from Cavite,
I should have also mentioned that the wonder IV medication that they give the eclamptic pregnant woman when in distress is nothing more than magnesium sulphate commonly known as Epsom Salts. This should tell you that it should be safe during pregnancy.
(London, London City Of , United Kingdom)
05/05/2011
My father is suffering from heartburn after almost every meal. Our family doctor has told us that he is suffering from acid reflux disease. He has prescribed him to take Prevacid. Could any one tell me what are the other symptoms of acid reflux disease. Although doctor has provide me some information regarding this but I want to know some more information about acid reflux disease. I will appreciate any information regarding this.
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
05/05/2011
(Athens, Ga)
06/07/2011

I agree with this, after trying a lot of things including aloe vera (helpful), apple vinegar (not so helpful)... The probiotics definitely are a great supplement. They basically help curb your acid reflux by fixing and strenghtening the digestive tract.
After a couple weeks of taking them, the stomach should function well on its own, but from my own experience its best to do a round every two or three months as a maintance tool.
(Lamar, Co)
09/13/2011
Is it ok to use the acidophilus along with the Prevacid? so afraid to go off it, cuz it takes so long to kick back in... I really think my problem is silent reflux, (have no heartburn) mostly discomfort in throat.
(New York)
12/22/2014
I too hardly ever feel the pain associated with acid reflux and was very very upset to learn I had this condition along with scaring of my stomach. Where do you buy aloe vera? I'm willing to try anything. I've been taking Pepcid but it didn't help and now I'm also on Nexium for the stomach issues. Very upsetting when all I have as a symptom is some hoarseness a few days a week.
EC: Hi Jill, check Amazon for reviews on various aloe vera products.
(Va)
10/14/2016
All those prescriptions that most (not all) Dr's LOVE to give like nexium and prilosec are linked to kidney damage. Highly recommend you find a natural alternative asap. google it and you'll see lawsuits pending.
(Texas)
03/06/2022
(Sf Ca.)
02/24/2017
PPI long term has been shown to cause Kidney disease. A long term study completed at the VA has shown. (nexium, prevacid, etc...) CBS news had a story on it and now the law firms are running commercials looking for vics.
IMO, I try to control GERD Without the PPI's.
(Sf Ca.)
02/24/2017
(Mexico)
12/01/2017
Sounds as if you have "Silent Reflux". I had it for YEARS ... until it turned into (daily acid reflux) GERD. I was told I had reflux years ago, but didn't believe it because I had no symptoms (except the hoarseness, etc.). NOW it all makes sense. You may be able to avoid all this by doing everything you can -- now -- to increase your stomach acid. I am currently doing 16oz. fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. Google ways to increase stomach acid naturally.
(Missouri)
09/30/2018
@Evalynne from Mexico:
i just wanted to say that I had read about fresh made organic celery juice 16 oz every day on empty stomach, for better digestion and correction of methylation issues, I bought a $300 masticating juicer so it would have all the enzymes and very little oxidation, and did it for months along with other juicing, imabit of a health nut...but here's the weird thing, never had any symptoms of acid reflux except it took long time for food to digest sometimes, but after few days doing the juice, nothing else different, had acid reflux burning up my throat 2 nights in a row...thought maybe my body was just adjusting, but now I actually have all the full blown symptoms of the very worst acid reflux disease including even the shortness of breath bending over, w a lot phy activity, or laying down...possibly even hiatal hernia (chicken or the egg)its ruining my life, I'm exhausted from no sleep or air...don't really want to get scoped bc I know what it is, but if lifting head bed plus refrigerated probiotics, aloe from leaves I cut myself, and ACV w dash baking soda followed by raw honey doesn't work, I will...wonder if anyone has any idea what happened w the celery juice??...i also had been eating sprouts I grown myself for the high potency probiotics, one of the last posters ND doctor was right about them ruining the probiotics benefits of our fruits/veggies, even organic by washing them too much, and homemade kefir for years before...what a bummer...could I have had the silent kind, then the celery juice caused the symptoms to become noticeable?
Dear Carrie
How disappointing that something that was supposed to help with your digestion issues caused further discomfort. I have looked into it and the reasonings may be, reaction to nitrates, overload of pesticides, as celery are one of the most sprayed veggies (tip if unable to buy organic, university study showed baking soda/sidium bicarbonate wash was the best to remove pesticides) I wash mine with bs and borax. Or you simply did too much too fast, which is easy to do when you just want relief, and I entirely sympathise. A spoon of honey, on its own, sticky and clumpy, should leave a layer of healing, warning, expose in Australia on how most US honey is only HFCS and water, to be safe get it from your local beekeeper. My other suggestion is cold mallow tea, has protective and mucilaginous properties for any lining, these come out far better in cold infusion than hot. See article attached but also see comments, I trust comments far more than articles, although mallow has been used since ancient times internally and externally, and grows like a weed.
(Ireland)
12/23/2018
Acidophilus

66 percent of cases, a treatment consisting primarily of acidophilus and digestive enzymes will usually do the trick. In Dr. Spreen's words: "Acidophilus supplements (powder form, the liquid tastes awful) protect the oesophagus without killing acid (while killing the pain almost immediately). The hassle is, you have to keep it handy and take it often if you don't solve the whole problem, which involves tightening the gastro oesophageal sphincter. Dr. Spreen describes his treatment as "ridiculously simple and cheap." And while he feels confident that he can stop more than 2/3 of all heartburn and reflux cases.
(Herndon, Va)
08/03/2012
Acid reflux can be caused by a lot of different reasons. Things that worked for others might not work for you. You have to keep trying different things until one sticks. For me raw okra juice worked like a charm.. Please give it a shot. Make sure the okra are immature and small and also remove the seeds.
(PEI Canada)
02/05/2021
I totally agree ...so many remedies to consider but all need to be used with time ... Log your info ..what you been eating and what are your trigger foods. Change your diet and life style habits . Eliminate the bad stuff and eat healthy ... Try Yoga to relive stress ..which is a big problem with your digestive . I been taking Magnesium Citrate and L Glutamine, Vit D and a Probiatic and it seems to be working.
(Chennai, Tamilnadu, India)
05/02/2013
(Oakville, Canada)
05/03/2013
Hi Vanitha, you can eat raw okra.
For immediate relief of your hyper acidity, prepare Ted's Alkalizing Formula and sip it throughout the day. This will neutralize the acids. You will get immediate relief from hyper acidity
To heal the esophagus and stomach, Soak 1 tsp of licorice powder in a 200ml of water for half an hour and drink in empty stomach.
Licorice - Adhimadhuram in Tamil
Add curd (homemade) in you food to supply the probiotics to your intestines as well.
What makes you think you have hyper-acidity?
Good Health. Thanks
(Chennai, Tamilnadu)
07/06/2013
Hi Ed, thanks a lot for your reply. Actually, I have IBS and acid-alkali imbalance causes irritation to my nerves. A protective coating helps. I'd be happy if you could answer these questions- Should the 1 teaspoon of licorice in water be taken early morning on empty stomach? Will the coating be enough to last through the day? Or should I take smaller quantities of it before each meal? Are DGL tablets more effective? Thanks.
Hi Vanitha, One teaspoon of licorice is a very big dose in my opinion. The side effect of too much licorice is High BP, so be careful. If I was in your condition I will start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bi carbonate in half glass of water 30 to 45 minutes after the meals. You may have to change your life style, eating habits and may be there is some stress which you have to take care of. There is a lot written on this site for alkalising your body and connect it with your symptoms and do the needful. Good luck.
Baldev(09322887066)
(Ny)
08/07/2017
Just be careful with licorice as it can raise the blood pressure for sure. If you take it every day it can do that. Keep taking the pressure with a home machine then.
Acidophilus

I have been suffering from acid reflux for many years; I came across your website and tried the pure cherry juice as well as the acidophilus pills. I ran out of the cherry juice and can't comment on how well it worked but I can tell you that the acidophilus has been working; I was taking it at night after my meal and was sleeping without a problem. I'd recently taken a few generic pain relievers and coincidentally or not my acid reflux returned; I'm going to carefully monitor when I take it and how I feel from now on.
Acidophilus

I have only one word.. Probiotics'... After 15 years of taking toxic medications, I found a nutritionist who introduce me to Probiotics... Trust me just find a website that sells this product. I personally take _____. Stop taking those life threntening medication for gastrointestinal problems and try probiotic, you will thank me...I take a few before or after every meal.... You will not be disappointed I promise... Good luck...
(Brooklyn, NY)
04/30/2009
(Miami, Florida)
06/03/2009
Acid Reflux in a lot of cases seem to be a misdiagnosed condition. A majority of these cases is the body trying to rid itself of underdigested food. If you are over forty and is experiencing acid reflux in addition to bloating, gas, nausea, rapid heartbeat (due to the pressure of gas in your stomach) especially after meals. You might want to investigate if you are having a case of low stomach acid. These symptoms are similar to those of high stomach acid. A good digestive enzyme with acidopholous should do the trick.If you do not have ulcers you might want to look into the use of HCL betaine (has properties similar to stomach acid). ACV can help in the digestive process if taken with meals but in my experience it discourages the body from producing its own acid and you could become addicted.If you find yourself using over 2TBLS of ACV to get releif you are more than likely low in stomach acid. The low stomach acid can lead to stomach ulcers,digestive issues andacidic blood and of course H- Pylori bacteria then becomes active in these conditions. If you are having a case of adult acne esp on the back and face this might well be your problem. I have used cayenne peper 1/4 - 1/2 tsp 3 times daily to heal stomach ulcers. I also use raw cabbage and aloe vera juice (2-3 cups per day} with excellent results along with chewing ginger and honey and raw garlic to alleviate symptoms of gas. If you are low in acid Nexium, prilosec etc. will actually be the opposite of what you need. Hope this info helps.
(Arizona)
09/20/2020
Leon from FL - Is there a test to find out if stomach acid is too low?
(Culver City, Ca.)
10/07/2009
QUESTION- to Leon from Florida! What test need to be done to know if you have low stomach acid! in my case when i take medicine like pepcit or ACV make my stomach more acid!. can you please let me know how i can tell which is high and which is low acid. thank you so much
(Edmonds, Wa)
07/03/2011

@ Brian from Brooklyn: Your intestinal tract has bacteria in it which is used to aid in the digestion of food. Part of this bacteria is GOOD bacteria and part is bad bacteria. Usually there is a balance of both. When you have more bad bacteria than good you can have Candida issues. Probiotics is the good bacteria that your body uses to aid in digestion. Adding probiotics to your body can help with all kinds of intestinal issues.
Activated Charcoal

I have tried nearly all of the remedies listed here for Acid Reflux. The only thing that has greatly helped me is a recommendation from a lady at the local vitamin store. I now take Activated Charcoal capsules, 260 mg. I take two at a time, up to 3 times daily. Sometimes 2 capsules per day is enough. It helps tremendously. I was in bad pain nearly all the time, but thank God, now this seems a minor pain.
(Virginia)
03/04/2016

Acupressure

Hi All, Would like to share a trick I use when I get acid reflux at night and have no ACV or other remedy at hand. Fluff up your pillow, get into bed and roll over onto your LEFT SIDE, make a fist and press into the hollow area at centre of chest just under your rib cage, and above the stomach. If you use enough pressure, you should feel relief within a minute or two, it works almost immediately for me. I hope it may work for others also. Never sleep on your right side, as it tends to make the reflux worse. It is very difficult for me to get ACV down my throat ,as I dislike it so much, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. I managed to get it down mixed with some water a few times so I know it works for acid reflux. Now I just sip a little pickle juice but I don't recommend this for others because of the salt content,Thanks for the great site,cheers to all,Ila
Alkaline Acid Diet
query: I suffer from acid reflux. Drinking lemon juice makes it worse, however apple cider vinegar works wonders. Why-the difference as both have alkalizing properties.
Also, would the acid effect of lemon be reduced if mixed with sugar/baking soda/salt? thanks
(Mooresville, In)
06/23/2010
(Kl, Malaysia)
06/23/2012
Alkaline Acid Diet

I have read so very much on this site about those of us with Acid Reflux. I have tried everything and nothing seemed to work until I discovered that acid problems are caused by eating too many or too much food that produces acid. Then I discovered the alkaline diet which has wonderful foods on it and it has changed my life. There are still wonderful foods on this diet. I make a green smoothie for breakfast with spinach, a banana, an apple, and a handful of greens such as spring mix or any of the other dark lettuces or kale,collards, etc. I also add a scoop of Whey Protein and 1 T. Chia seeds. Then I add 8 oz. water and a small glass of ice. I blend all of this in my Vitamix and drink this power house of nutrition. I'm not even hungry at noon many times. Then for lunch and dinner I eat from the alkaline side of the alkaline acid chart that you can download after you google acid alkaline food list. When I eat like this I never burn or have acid problems and don't need acid drugs of any kind. It has been wonderful for me. I love snacking on dates, figs, other dried fruits, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, etc. And isn't this the way God intended for us to eat? I also take Michael James minerals and potassium capsules because they also help to keep you alkaline. Chlorella is also alkaline. It helps too. This protocol works for everyone.
God Bless and good luck,
Carolyn
(Tampa, Fl)
06/11/2010
Thanks for the alkaline food information. I had wondered why bananas and apples always made me feel better even though I was adding food to an upset stomach, and now I know: these foods are reducing the acid in my stomach. I looked up the food lists, though, and it seems like a few foods are in contention, like oatmeal. Some lists say it's alkaline, some say it's acid, and there are a few other items that cross lists as well. Could these actually be balanced foods rather than one or the other? Is there a place for acid foods in the diet, so long as you're getting enough alkaline? Thanks for sharing about alkaline foods.
Alkaline Acid Diet
I have had acid reflux for years and I hardly ever feel the symptoms of heartburn, I only have that irritating tickling on the left side of my throat, followed by lots of coughing and then mucus that I'm clearing my throat for minutes afterwards, it is very troublesome. I can only lay on a certain side at night and cough all of the time. I have a book that lists some common alkaline ash foods and some common acid ash foods. Eating the foods on the alkaline food list help control the acid while the acid ash food list leave strong acid in your body, so by eating the alkaline foods such as apples, almonds, apricots, bananas just to name a few, versus bacon, beef, bran, wheat, cheese, chicken, crackers, these foods are on the acid list. Just an example of how we really have to watch our diets if we want to help control our acid reflux. I am going to try the ACV (apple cider vinegar) tonight, wish me luck, because I have been suffering with this annoying cough for years!!!
(Fresno, Ca)
04/21/2010
Alkaline Acid Diet

All these remedies do not address what people are putting initially in their bodies! Everyone is consuming acid causing foods. The basic theory is that acidic foods (ex. orange) cause an alkaline tummy. Alkaline foods cause an acid stomache. If you eat a lot of bread, rice, grains, etc. you will have reflux or an acid stomache. If you balance your diet with fruits and vegetables you will greatly reduce your chance of an acidic stomache. Find an acid alkaline food chart on google. There are quite a few. This explains why some people found relief from apples. It is an alkalizing fruit! So are beets, broccoli, carrots, etc. But be careful! Some fruits and vegees are acidifying like corn, lentils, blueberries, cranberries, canned fruits, plums, prunes, etc. That is why the chart is so important. I was a candidate for nexium and anti-acid pills. However, I changed my life by maintaining the acid alkaline diet. Please consider this. I've changed a lot of people's lives by sharing this information. However, a couple of my friends and family who have NOT taken this advice are now on anti-acid pills. Oh, by the way, fennel seed tea is a miracle worker for after dinner tummy calming. It helps to maintain an alkaline tummy. I need 2 cups to be helpful (I'm 144 lbs). Find the right dose for you. Best of luck!! Here's to your health!
(Frankfort, Indiana)
11/08/2008

I have had Acid Reflux for 6 and 1/2 years. Tried every prescription and non prescription medicine on the market, they all stopped working after while. I am ACID FREE since September 22-08(for good) I stopped my Protonix (despite my doctor opinion)
I read about the alkalizing diet and started on it right away. I start my day with 2oz of Aloe Vera Gel, then I take enzyme pill and eat breakfast. I am taking enzymes right before every meal. Then I drink a cup of chamomile tea with honey or molasses instead of sugar. I eat an apple around 10 am. Sometimes a pear. After lunch I take B complex vitamin, don't forget the enzyme pill too (it helps to digest the food better) Sometimes I feel a little bit discomfort in my stomach and I become afraid of getting the acid back, at those moments I chew raw almonds ( I always have some in my purse) and I feel fine! And , at last but most important I take PROBIOTICS, 5 or 6 per day, just anytime during the day. The more cultures they contain the better you feel, because we all need to replenish the good bacteria in our intestines (we live in a very stressful and poisoned environment)
Thank you all for the valuable information on this website! God Bless You all...
(London)
12/23/2020
Probiotics are not recommended for people who are immuno compromised, i.e., those that are taking immuno supression medications for transplants etc. Speak to your doctors first.
(Clacton)
06/19/2014
Hi there, found this really interesting had ulcers and now problems with stomach and acid reflux and would appreciate it if you or anyone who is going through a similar thing and having to change their diet would please write to me. My email address is rychhmo (at)aol(dot) com
(New York)
12/24/2014
I too have stomach problems and reflux. I was just diagnosed with the stomach erosion. Reflux did not get better after 8 months even though I was on H2blockers. So depressed and disappointed. I stayed away from all the trigger foods and it still didn't get better. Now I'm also on a PPI.