Acid Reflux
Natural Remedies

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Cucumbers

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by John (San Francisco East Bay Area, California) on 06/14/2007
5 out of 5 stars

Acid reflux & indigestion eliminated immediately with organic cucumber. Got tired of taking 1 to 3 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar. Thus, began eating 1/3 organic cucumber at night in bed on back whenever acid reflux or burning sensation in esophagus or stomach. Purchased at Berkeley Bowl Marketplace. Burping & immediate elimination of acid reflux and indigestion. Perhaps the OACV began the healing and all that was needed to continue healing was the organic cucumber. Ergo, the British cucumber sandwich is a great idea from decades or centuries ago.


D-Limonene

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Devorah (NyC) on 03/27/2023
5 out of 5 stars

Just discovered d-limonene for acid reflux..seems great..will report back. For some reason no one seems to have Jarrow formula d limonene..anyone know why?


Dangers of Proton Pump Inhibitors

Posted by Gokhals (Ca, Usa) on 08/14/2015 36 posts

A dear friend of mine was on Prilosec for 30 years. She got a massive heart attack, nearly died, is on 13 medicines per day, barely alive, and its not clear if she will survive. I read Dr. John Cooke's research about the suppression of 50% of endothelial NO (nitric acid) in your blood vessels that is likely to cause massive adverse coronary events (MACE) aka heart attacks. My friend was a classic case of this. Had she known about and eaten apple cider vinegar 30 years ago, or tried other natural cures, she would be a healthy elder today.

Replied by Marie
(Ny)
08/08/2017

OMG. I am so glad you told us this. I need my endolithelium (sp) to be repaired to keep my blood pressure down. A damaged endo....raises the blood pressure. I am taking L Arginine to repair it. Even my holistic (MD) doctor just today sent me a paper saying how bad the PPI 's are and yet said the "benefits outweigh the risks" and said to take them for awhile. I have debated it all day... I took for 2 days. Went to health store and he gave me slippery elm and said it will heal the esophagus. I am trying not to take the PPI. I have a stricture and have to go for a endoscopy soon.


Decaf Coffee

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Edgar (Heber City, Utah) on 04/18/2011
5 out of 5 stars

after almost two years trying hundreds of remedies I saw improvement after drinking instant decaf coffee. I tried medicines and natural remedies and nothing could stop the acid reflux at night. I would wake up every 2 hours with sweats and discomfort. I do not know how coffee is stopping my acid reflux but it is working for me.


Detox Am Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Liz (Hudson, Florida)
5 out of 5 stars

I'had been on every med. out there for acid reflux and I stumbled upon this tea. I was looking in a store for slimfast for a diet. I was in great pain that day with acid reflux. Next to the slimfast was this box of Detox Tea and no other teas around. I picked it up and decided to buy it just because...no real reason. I made the tea when I got home and my heart burn disappeared with that cup of tea. It was very strange that I even bought it but I think it was there for me on the shelf...put there by an angel. I made the next cup stronger and started having a cup in the morning and a cup at night. No more acid reflux. I was due for surgery because acid eroded my esophagus so badly. I told my doctor I did not want the surgery. He did not like my explanation that the tea stopped my acid reflux. I did have the surgery a few weeks later but the tea DID take my very bad reflux away. I recommend it to anyone and have even written the company about how it helped me....along with the Angel who put it on the shelf for me to see and buy.

Replied by Videomaven
(Burbank, California)
09/12/2009

Dear Liz from Hudson, Florida........Would like the name of your Detox Tea. I am willing to try anything to get off these pump inhibitors. I canno take omperzole because of some conflict with my heart meds. Zantac is sorta working and the Protonics they wanted me to take make me sick. Hopefully, this tea would do the trick. Many thanks.....Videomaven from Burbank, CA [email protected]


Detoxification Diet

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Lynn (Cape Town, South Africa) on 11/06/2009
5 out of 5 stars

Acid Reflux - I have put on a considerable amount of weight since I turned 40 (I am not 45). I have found it hard to lose the weight and have excrutiating acid reflux, flatulence, strong urine and constant bouts of low blood pressure. I decided that I was not well and needed to do something and researched the internet and found the Hallejah diet. However, I just wanted to detox as a starting point and wasn't completely happy with the diet as I understood from reputable sources that a vegetarian diet only is not healthy. However, the detoxing itself .. eating only veggies and fruit for at least 5 days resulted in all of my problems disappearing.. and this was because my PH balance was too acidic. So my advice is DETOX to achieve at least a 7.0 PH balance.


DGL Licorice

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Peter (California) on 02/08/2020
5 out of 5 stars

Chewable DGL Locorice extract works great for heart burn and it works immediately. I keep it on hand. The reason I use DGL is because it removes the substances in licorice that raises blood pressure.


Dietary Changes

41 User Reviews
5 star (40) 
  98%
4 star (1) 
  2%


Posted by Diana (Texas) on 06/16/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I also found that lowering my carbs eliminated the acid flux problem. Was having significant reflux 2-3 times per week. To lose weight I lowered my carbs to 40-50 per day. About 7-11 days after starting the diet, I realized I hadn't had any bouts of reflux since a day or two after lowering my carbs. This was a complete surprise as I had gone into the diet without any thought that it might have this happy result. It also eliminated the armpit rash I'd been having. It has been about 8 months or more since starting the low carb diet and both issues have remained resolved as long as I watch my carbs. The only times the reflux has recurred was after I had been backsliding for a few days. I can get away with higher carb intake for maybe a day or three but then the reflux comes back. It's a great motivator! I'm 5'3 and weigh 165 now after losing about 15 lbs on the diet, if that is pertinent. Hope this helps someone.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Denise (Us) on 11/17/2018 50 posts
5 out of 5 stars

I have my acid reflux under control, mostly to Dietary Changes so I wanted to reply here. One huge change for me, was to eat no later than 6pm, but mainly, just don't go to bed within 4 hours or so of eating. I can eat toast as a snack, or anything that is very, easy to digest. I've had a few nights where I had eaten something I shouldn't have, pretty late, like only 2 or less hour before bed. If I do get it, I elevate my upper body, take a bit of baking soda in water usually. I did have a bottle of Gaviscon beside my bed, but no longer needed. I do eat mostly fish, poultry, and vegetables, but I'm more about moderation than anything. I do incorporate some things into my diet such as Apple cider vinegar (Mother's type) Coconut Oil, Blackstrap Molasses in my grated Ginger Tea, and nutritional yeast I just started recently. I also supplement with C, B50, extra B12, D3, Zinc and Magnesium. I love this site as I wouldn't have known all the things to try.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Olddude (Tn) on 10/16/2018 21 posts
5 out of 5 stars

I used ACV and baking soda for years, then I got into a Plant Based eating program and all my acid reflux went away,,, watch the documentary Forks over Knives on netflix when u can.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Samarra (Pacific Nw, Washington) on 01/07/2014
5 out of 5 stars

Regarding reflux. My hubby had pains once that we thought might be a heart attack so we went to our local doctor. She asked if he drank a lot of coffee, he said he did (at that time). The doc told him to stop drinking coffee and come back in a week if the pains persisted. They didn't. He hasn't drank coffee since. If you are a coffee drinker try getting off of it and see what happens. Well wishes for you ;o}


Dietary Changes
Posted by Jenny (Irvine, Ca) on 07/27/2013
5 out of 5 stars

I was vegetarian when I first started suffering from acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar, ginger chews and almonds would offer temporary relief from heartburns. The medication prescribed by doctors, a proton pump inhibitor, did not seem to make a difference. I started avoiding the foods that would trigger heartburns, which did help. But identifying these foods was far from obvious. Mine did not fit the usual list. Spicy, and fatty foods did not bother me. Some acidic foods did and others not.

But even when I did not have heartburns, I could not lay down to sleep because I would feel the burn come up to my throat, nose, ears and gums. My doctor diagnosed me with a loose lower esophagal sphincter (LES). This meant that the sphincter at the entrance to the stomach could no longer completely close up, which explains the backflow of stomach acid when laying down. Like many, I refused to take medication which lowered the level of acid in the stomach instead of addressing the real problem: the loose LES.

In the end, what really worked for me was probiotics and a dietary change. I tried the candida diet and later the Paleo diet, which have many similarities. The purpose of the candida diet is to eliminate the bad bacteria from one's body, especially from the stomach, by cutting out the foods that feed them and by promoting the growth the good bacteria. The philosphical premise of the Paleo diet is that, to be healthy, a person should eat a diet resembling what man ate before the advent of agriculture. This means primarily meat/fish/poultry and vegetables, with a few fruits and nuts. Of the fruits, one should only eat berries and avoid fruits that have been bred throughout time to be high in sugar. In addition to sugar, the main other thing to avoid is grains, since these are a product of agriculture, and were therefore not meant to be eaten (according to proponents of the diet). But the candida diet, sugar and carbs (most of which come from grains) are exactly the foods that feed the bad bacteria in the gut. The other similarity between the 2 diets I noticed is that both tended to eliminate chronic conditions of various sorts. Many followers of the Paleo diet have declared having fewer health issues and just feeling better overall.

After a month of taking probiotics and avoiding sugar and grains/carbs, I noticed I could lay down to sleep again. My tolerance for what used to be my trigger foods seemed to have increased as well. I am hoping to slowly phase out the probiotics, and just continue to eat well.

Side thought on the vegetarian versus meat-based diet: I was vegetarian primarily because I did not enjoy eating meat. However, I had IBS for as long as I could remember and the vegetarian diet did not do anything to alleviate the problem. I found it hard to incorporate what I thought was a healthy amount of veggies and ate large amounts of pasta and rice instead. But on a meat-based diet, I found that veggies, especially leafy greens, were much easier to include in meals. And I was using more spices too. I no longer suffer from IBS. And while I still do not always enjoy the taste of meat, I believe it to be the best source of protein. TVP-based fake meat products seem too processed. Soybeans has its own controversies (of which you can find discussions on the web). And the fact that beans make people fart is a sure sign that they are not easy to digest. Of course there are a lot of meat products that one should avoid. I always try to get the highest quality stuff I can find.

Finally, I would like to offer a list of resources that helped me find my way to better health:

* your doctor: only he can give you a proper diagnosis and let you know the true culprit in the matter.

* the web: this website and others like it were not only a source of information, for remedies to try, but also support

* books: there are numerous books that offer alternatives to medication. The one by Ms. Whittekin was particularly helpful and extensive in its coverage of solutions. I learned that marshmallow root and slippery elm will help heal the throat by coating it, and this was the book that initially introduced me to the candida diet. "Good calories, bad calories" is an important book that will reshape the way you think about food, especially regarding the latest opinions on what food is considered healthy and what is not.

* yourself: maintain a food and symptom diary, research your options and experiment. Good luck!

Replied by Aleksandar
(Serbia)
01/10/2015

To be honest, I don't think that the loose LES is your problem. By the sound of it, I think it's too low acidity of gastric juices. I think that when your gut flora is OK, you won't be having problems with digestion.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Robert (Martinez, California) on 06/21/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Barring there are no underlying conditions & there is 'typical' acid reflux then diet is essential. Poor food combining added to diminished enzymes & hydrochloric acid production causes food to rot. Enzymes & digestive acid production decline with age due to the constant eating of lifeless cooked foods. I am not recommending a raw food diet as all foods cannot be eaten raw. 1/4 to 1 tsp of air dried pink salt in a glass of water in the a.m. stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Enzymes may be taken before each major meal, not after, & followed by betaine hydrochloride after the meal. Dr. David Brownstein, M. D. wrote a small book on salt which is helpful for many ailments. Dr. Bob Marshall, PHd, CNC has a site that addresses these issues.

Replied by Marie
(Ny)
08/08/2017

Some older people who have high blood pressure can't take salt. I test it alot and if I eat more than 600mg sodium a day my blood pressure sky rockets. The other day it was 121/77 and that nite I ate two bowls of chinese egg drop soup and today it was 153/95. The other days it's in the 120's/80 except when I eat salt the nite before. So be careful with the salt. One hot dog can contain about 500 mg of sodium. I boil them to get the salt out into the water and I boil smoked sausage the same way and I believe that 90 percent of the salt comes out. I do it with ham too. You can tell cuz there will be no taste., but you can sprinkle a TINY amount of Celtic salt to make up for it and yet it will be way less than before.

Replied by Donquish
(Columbia, Tn)
08/10/2017

I love salt. However I do take 400mg Potassium Citrate twice a day to attenuate the effect of higher sodium intake. I keep packaged and fast food to a minimum. This keeps the BP fluctuations to a minimum for me. Always use Himalayan Pink salt for the spectrum of minor minerals in it.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 01/25/2011
4 out of 5 stars

Hi Sheila; Yes, it is an "acid thing" to me too because I'm still trying to give it a figure. Whatever this thing is, It's been "Born Slippy" to my gripe. (possibility of a joke here). I'm still rummaging through my diet and supplements to find which acids trouble me at this time.

In Truth, these acids have nothing that's wrong about them, but I am not metabolizing them correctly for now. I cannot take aspirin or even White Willow Bark For now. (high in salicylic acid) Foods high in salicylates don't seem to be a problem.

Foods high in citric acid are troublesome now. I may have moderate amounts of naturally fermented foods. (lactic acid) Acetic acids are also troublesome now. Even Rose Hips tea caused a disturbance. (ascorbic acid and citric acid) I have trouble metabolizing sulfur. It is acidic, but moreover, the body conducts a very complex process with it in order to use it. (when I try to understand what all the liver does in this, I have to "roll out the fainting couch"). If sulfur isn't properly methylated, oxidized, etc., its unfinished business will be expressed to and from an unhappy colon.

What brought me to realize that my case was some "gross acidosis", was (I must admit this), 5 years of Hcl supplementation. I began it after a lifetime of digestive ills that peaked with a 3 month period of upper stomach pain, projectile vomiting, and dry heaves. (liver problems too) Scope showed no ulcer, no H. Pylori, but there was inflammation. After research, I began Hcl with Betaine (sounds like beet uh een). My results were great, and I could eat well. After a couple of years, I began to have negative symptoms that seemed unrelated to the Hcl. (no stomach pain). After 5 yrs., there was pain nearly everywhere but the stomach. I increased Hcl. Pain increased. Kidney pain increased exponentially. Ted's words, "acid kidney", came to mind.

I went for a scan. The results were; No stones, no obstructions in kidney, but a small liver lesion and a small hiatal hernia. I stopped Hcl. The pain began to subside. I now have somewhat low stomach acid, but I choose B-complex with an extra pinch of niacin to treat it. These are the acids that I may have.

The rewards for the practice of finding my troublesome acids are: no more kidney pain, minimized liver and stomach pain, much reduced bleeding, (purpura, gums), very few canker sores, (autoimmune), and very few shingles outbreaks, (herpes). I am now able to slowly reduce my meds. I have learned this practice from reading the brilliant posts here, and I am again grateful. Connie


Replied by Rob
(Manhattan, Ny)
11/13/2010

Great info Sarah, thanks.. I am finding there is a lot of truth to the carbs, grains, blood sugar, and inflammation link. I believe it is one strong reason Raw Food diets claim their health benefits. Even my daily morning bowl of steel cuts oats is no longer working... Not that it is unhealthy, but that as I am hitting 50, I am finding my body isn't processing sugars as well. As told by a TCM that I am borderline diabetic. So yes, as a result, going further and cutting out grains, seems to help keep my blood sugar down and in turn I am feeling clearer, less brain fog, & inflammation. I found a "grainless" cereal made by Lydia's raw organics.. (you can buy online) that helps with the morning question of what to eat. Cheers!

Dietary Changes
Posted by Paul (Lansing, Mi) on 12/10/2009
5 out of 5 stars

About 10 years ago, I went to my doctor with complaints of heartburn. Refered to specialist. Scoped and diagnosed acid reflux. Presciption. I asked the doctor if I would be taking this the rest of my life, he said yes. I determined that I would not. After 3 months and 3 different precriptions that made me feel worse I quit taking them. Felt better right away, but still had heartburn sometimes. I now know in my case it is chocolate. Just a small amount can make me feel like i'm having a heart attack hours later. Experiment, don't let them put you on a lifetime of prescriptions that will make you sicker.

Replied by Lisa
(Bend, Oregon)
11/20/2010

At 40 I developed acid reflux and tried traditional medicines off and on, but found 10 years relief from not drinking beer. Oddly, wine and coffee didn't bother me. After reading from others, I see it's the grain connection. Unfortunity, at 52 my acid reflux has resurfaced and is miserable. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to reduce eating all grains and see what happens.

Replied by Kymom
(Bowling Green, Kentucky, Usa)
11/21/2010
5 out of 5 stars

Lisa,
I am 50 years old and have had difficulty with acid reflux for over a year. I, too, have noticed that beer is a big aggravator for me. There have been numerous things that help temporarily, but I have finally figured out that the acid/alkaline foods and beverages I drink seem to determine my level of reflux.

I am using 1/2 tsp baking soda with lime in the morning and at bedtime. I use more during the day if I am having heartburn or know I am going to eat acidic food. I also try to eat more alkaline foods than acidic. You can google and find a list of foods and where they fall on the list. Beer is very acidic, as is sugar, which may be why so many people find relief by eating low carb. Baking soda is very alkaline. I am also eating a grapefruit for breakfast and an apple for snack on a daily basis. Hope this helps. It is a miserable feeling to have reflux, but even worse is not knowing how to help yourself. Using the acid/alkaline food chart has helped me manage myself very well.

Replied by Eva
(Ballymena, Northern Ireland)
08/18/2012
5 out of 5 stars

My acid reflux started about 1 year ago. I wasn't sure at the beginning why I was so sick, had a nausea, was dizzy sometimes, tired.. Then I found out it is acid reflux. I was trying to heal it with Aloe, Apple cider vinegar and baking soda.. It did help for awhile but definately didn't heal it. Then I said to myself STOP. If I wont heal it, I can develope a cancer of aesophagus. I stopped to drink coffee, stopped to eat chocolate, began a vegan, started to make vegetable and fruit juices everyday and I feel 100% better! When I eat chocolate, I start to feel sick again. So I am better off from all these things.

I definately recomment lifestyle changes, because your body is trying to say: 'Stop to put all this rubbish to me! I need much more nutrition to keep you healthy and happy! ' I am quite glad now, that I started to have a GERD, because that made me think about my lifestyle and now I started to live healthy again with right choices of food as I used to do years ago. I make vegetable and fruit juices for my wee son as well, buy lots of vegetables and fruits everyday, try to make some new healthy vegan food nearly everyday. And I am very happy when my son eat it and like it, because I know, that I am giving him the best nutrition. So people. Don't be afraid to change your diet. It is the best think you can do for yourself in long term. I didnt want to take medicines for this, because I knew, it will only make my problem worst and then I will really get sick. I don't even need any medication anymore. Food is my medication. And avoiding coffee, chocolate and meat was the most important thing for me.



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