Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

Cabbage

Posted by Antonio (Miami, FL) on 02/12/2007
★★★★★

I suffer from severe acid reflux, and I was starting to cough much at night and at times during the day. I read on your very useful web site, about some one suffering from severe coughing [her name jill A. posted on 5/2/2006]. Well what I think got me almost rid of the coughing was this remedy i got from a book: fresh purple cabbage juice [10-13fl. oz [300-400ml] --sip it daily on an empty stomach [you can toss it in the blender with 10-13 oz. of water to get the juice out]. The book said to add also a hand full of fresh basil, marjoram, and/or oregano, which I did. I also used the jelly of aloe vera leaves, before every meal and before going to bed [chew on a small portion or blended as a shake and drink it].

Now the other thing I was going to talk about was the metallic chemical taste in the mouth that Robin from Apalachicola--or something like that--Fl. [posted on 2/11/2006], felt once she took a PPI drug [nexium--i believe]. I also have felt that taste before after having tried one of those ppi's poisonous drugs. I think it may be caused by an allergic reaction. I did not get the black tongue she mentioned though. But those drugs i believe to be dangerous since my severe reflux was caused by nexium itself, believe or not, but that story I cannot get into yet.

Chamomile Tea

Posted by Toma (Chicago, IL) on 01/30/2007
★★★★★

I talked to my practitioner recently, and he told me that Apple Cider Vinegar is good only for those people who have high acidity; for those who have low acidity it can be harmful. He told me the least harmful remedy for Acid Reflux and other stomach problems is CAMOMILE TEA. I tried it, and it works wonders.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Marie (Ny) on 08/08/2017

Saurkraut from the store is cooked and will not help the stomach. Needs to be raw homemade. Even the frozen saurkraut says it's pasturized.

Reader Theories

Posted by Mark (Litchfield, CT) on 11/29/2006

While I'm sure there is more than 1 reason anyone might develop acid reflux, I truly believe I have found the most common reason for it.

As most of us know, acid reflux is really nothing more than the acid in our stomach coming up into our esophagus. There is a diaphragm that sits just above the stomach and surrounds the esophagus, and it's sole purpose is to tighten-up around the esophagus when necessary to prevent this very thing we call acid reflux. More on this later.

About 5 years ago I started getting numerous digestive/intestinal problems, such as bloating, cramps, and fluctuating from diarrhea to constipation on a regular basis. I tried many things, including apple cider vinegar, but nothing worked, so I went to a homeopathic doctor who prescribed large amounts of Acidophilus. 1 week after taking it I suddenly developed acid reflux, which stayed with me ever since. Then I came across another homeopathic doctor who, after giving me certain tests, told me I had Candida.

I have since studied much about this disease, and it is quite disturbing how we get it, how many diseases it is responsible for, and how more & more of us are getting it every year.

Candida, simply put, is an overgrowth of yeast throughout our bodies. We all have yeast in our digestive system, along with Lactobacillus, which is a good bacteria that feeds off of the yeast, keeping it under control. Antibiotics will kill the Lactobacillus in our bodies, but not the yeast. Once this happens the yeast grows out of control and causes too many health issues to list here.

Acidophilus contains Lactobacillus, which is why many naturalists will prescribe it. However, in cases of Candida, once the yeast is already out of control, it is useless, if not detrimental. The Lactobacillus Prevents Candida. Once you have this disease you must first get rid of it, then restore your flora/Lactobacillus

But in severe cases the Candida will leave the digestive system and spread into organs such as our lungs, etc. This over growth of yeast will embed itself into the walls of the intestines, causing many digestive problems, and will undoubtedly be one of the culprits for acid reflux. However, many of us have difficulty digesting carbs, and sometimes even protein, due to our bodies not producing the proper enzymes we need in order to digest these foods. I am one of these people. As a result of this, when I eat carbs my abdomen will immediately bloat up. A modern medicinal doctor, and homeopathic doctor, both explained to me the reasons why this sort of thing happens, but I never really understood it. But long story short, my lower abdomen will bloat up after eating carbs during its struggle to digest these foods, and this in turn pushes my stomach upwards, thus forcing it to open the diaphragm more-so, thus allowing acid reflux to occur. My chiropractor, who also studies much about natural cures, was able to adjust/massage the diaphragm, as it sits just below our solar plexus, and this, along with changing my diet, AND ridding the candida which took me just over 1 year to do, has rid my acid reflux permanently.

If the muscle membrane surrounding the diaphragm is torn, which is called a Hiatal Hernia, this too, will allow acid to travel up into the esophagus. In severe cases such as this surgery is necessary, but this is rare. Most of the time it can be cured through non-invasive therapy.

I'd like to note here that most people who have this issue with digesting carbs will end up with Candida. Please take the time to read up about this disease, and don't just buy the first product you see for curing it. To rid it permanently will take a minimum of 6 months to 1 year. Since Candida feeds off of carbs you need to go on an Atkins-like diet to starve it while you kill it. Staying away from antibiotics is very important to prevent getting this disease, but if its necessary to take one you must take an anti-fungis-like product, like Caprylic Acid to prevent the yeast from growing out of control while on the antibiotic. However since antibiotics are found in so much of our foods, while we ingest these foods every day we are gradually killing the good bacteria in our bodies which inevitably brings on Candida. Organic food is a must for truly good health. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Blended Raw Potato

Posted by Mia (Chicago, IL) on 11/08/2006
★★★★★

I was suffering from a very, very bad sore throat. I was told to suck on ice in order to keep my throat muscles and glands from swelling, making it hard to breathe. Someone suggested I take ibuprofen (Advil (100 mg of Ibuprofen) to prevent my glands from swelling, I did. I took two every 6 hours, for a day and developed that "acidity/belching/sour, bitter" taste...it is horrible. I firmly believe that ibuprofen brought it on. My Mom had the same problem. Our remedy is, RED POTATO and ONE CUP MILK. Chop up RED potato, throw in blender, add cup of milk, blend until liquefied. Strain the mix and drink. Two times a day, for about 5 to 6 days will do the trick. NO DRUGS NECESSARY!

Milk

Posted by Sam (Cleveland, OH) on 07/11/2006
★★★★★

If you get heart burn or Acidity, just grab the milk bottle from your refrigerator and drink little of it may be 1/4 of a glass instead of taking any antacid tables. you would get the relief from acidity immediately.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Posted by Jonathan (Van Buren, Arkansas) on 06/15/2006
★★★★★

I took Betaine Hydrochloride which is basically stomach acid ingredients in pill form to add acid back to my stomach (which I was lacking apparently). I had been on Prilosec, Prevacid, etc. for a VERY long time. I was starting to suffer from the side effects; when I stumbled onto this site. I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar at first and it worked great (which told me I lacked acid in my stomach). I hated the taste of it though and wanted something I wouldn't have to force myself to take. So; I read remedy #5 and decided to try it. I went to the health food store and described what I wanted and they went and got it right away. I've been trying it for the past two days now and my stomach has been great!!!! I give a big YEA to the Betaine Hydrochloride.. it works!

Apples

Posted by Dee (Middlesbrough, England) on 06/14/2006
★★★★★

Forgot to let you know -- Jonagold apples are the best for acid reflux because they are highest in pectin.

Ice Cubes

Posted by Harout (San Fernando Valley, CA) on 06/04/2006
★★★★★

I have been told by my dad that swallowing bit and pieces of crushed ice does the cure as a natural home remedy for acid reflex and heart burn. Although my throat was burning like crazy, after being waken up twice in the middle of the night, I went to my refrigerator and filled up a cup of crushed ice. than I started to swallow a lot of crushed ice pieces. It took about 10 minutes and the acid in me was gone. I did not experience acid reflux that night again after swallowing a lot of crushed ice. Try it it will work. It cools down the burning and also makes the acid less concentrated in your body. Over-all the swallowing crushed ice method works. If anyone experiences heart burn or acid reflux, swallow crushed ice, it works! Attempt to swallow the ice at a reasonable size to avoid difficulty and discomfort of swallowing. But further more the best defense (in my opinion) is not to eat after 5 or 6 PM. The average person's metabolism slows down during night which can increase the chances of acid reflux or heartburn when you sleep. avoid late night eating, and boost up the metabolism by getting on some kind of exercise program. It can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood.

Pine Needles

Posted by Sherri (OK) on 05/25/2006
★★★★★

My husband has suffered from acid reflux for years, and has tried just about every treatment from prescription meds to ACV. He has gotten temporary relief from ACV, and several others, but the thing that seems to help him the most is PINE NEEDLES! A friend told him about knowing an old timer who had used the remedy with excellent results, so, living in an area with abundant pine trees, he gave it a try. He pulled off a cluster of needles, and just chewed on the ends of them enough to release the "juice". It sounds crazy, but it has helped him tremendously. Don't know if I would try it if I were allergic to pine trees, though!

Aloe Vera

Posted by Susan (Bayfield, CO) on 04/09/2006
★★★★★

I found that drinking a half cup of aloe vera juice mixed with apple or white grape juice in the morning relieved symptoms dramatically. I occasionally get symptoms if I over indulge spices or greasy foods!

Apples

Posted by Connie (Dayton, Ohio) on 01/30/2006
★★★★★

I suffered with the discomfort of Acid Reflux for years. Often times, I would be doubled over and holding my chest. In the last two months, I stumbled upon a remedy. I drink equal parts of apple juice and Cranberry/ Grape juice. I no longer have to take Prilosec OTC. Praise God for this natural, simple and cost effective cure. In addition, thank you for providing this wonderful website for others to share their natural cures for Acid Reflux.

Blended Raw Potato

Posted by Maylin (Miami, FL) on 01/24/2006
★★★★★

Hi, I've found a good amount of (acid) relief by drinking a raw potato in the morning. I peel one raw potato (although people recommend to ingest the peel), dice it, put it in the blender with some water, strain it and drink it. Best way to drink it is by covering your nose and drinking it fast without tasting. It relieves reflux with its base-like qualities.

Lemons

Posted by Jeffrey (UK) on 11/22/2005
★★★★★

this web site is a life saver for all people suffering from acid indigestion. In 80% of cases, THE CAUSE IS LOW ACID LEVELS IN THE Stomach. I find lemonade is the cure. I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH

Mustard

Posted by Ruth (Arlington, Texas) on 11/18/2005
★★★★★

Teaspoon of mustard. Hold your breath and gulp it down. Works in minutes!

Apples

Posted by Parag (India)
★★★★★

I have tried this and it works. I am a singer and acid reflux is really a curse if u r a singer. But lately I have started eating some apple slices before going to bed. And it helps a lot. But the main thing is to have 5-7 small meals during the day instead having 3 large meals and eat at regular periods. Don't have late nights. and this will help to cure acid reflux a lot. than u can try other things like ACV or whatever works for u. But always try something natural instead of medicines. I myself tried taking anti-acid pills for months. But it won't cure the problem completely and worse, the day u stop taking pills, it will come back with a vengeance. so I stopped taking pills from many months now. And try to be regular with my sleep and meals and also workout regularly. It has helped.