The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sprouted Moong Lentils
Posted by Shak Kumar (San Jose, CA) on 09/06/2008
★★★★★
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)
Olives
Posted by Shirl (Peoria, IL) on 09/05/2008
★★★★☆
What I have is like acid reflux but ten times worse... Didn't have apple cider vinegar available so I tried green olives. Ate 6-10. Also took 2 baby Aspirin. Hope it isn't the start of something worse. Thanks for your ideas, they are so helpful tonight. I couldn't swallow, and it burned like fire in my throat. Think I will try the ice now. Am feeling nausea but so much better. Thank You, this site is so very helpful. Shirl
Water
Posted by Cindy (Wichita, Kansas) on 08/17/2008
★★★★★
For indigestion, drink 2 glasses of water. Not sipping, drinking. The last time I had indigestion - almost 4 years ago now - I did this. The first glass went down hard - it was literally painful. But I haven't had indigestion, acid reflux or suffered from hiatel (sp) hernia since. And I suffered indigestion since I was a child. I'm now 50. I've been following the watercure since then and use ice water for headaches as well. NOTE: You can't merely sip it. You must drink it down, a glass at a time. I have a whole big story about the watercure, ovarian tumor, cancer etc...but it's very long. EC is very cool! I'm preparing to use the banana peel remedy on one of the few problems the watercure didn't help - a 30 year old plantars wart! Yeah!!
Water
Posted by AKR (Jersey City, New Jersey) on 08/17/2008
Cindy, you said "I have a whole big story about the watercure, ovarian tumor, cancer etc"
Would love to hear about your story. I have started drinking about two glasses of water in the morning recently, and am interested to learn how true all those stories about "watercure" are.
Many thx,
AKR
Water and Sea Salt
Posted by Cindy (Wichita, KS) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★
After more than 30 years of indigestion and 10 years of acid reflux the very last time I experienced either was about 2 minutes prior to drinking my first 2 glasses of water. I've been drinking water and eating sea salt ever since and have not had indigestion or acid reflux once, in over 2 years. Yes, I had a myriad of other life-threatening problems that the water and salt have fixed since I was sent home from the hospital to "put my affairs in order", but the constant acid was the worst of all and the one I'm most glad to be rid of. I can eat and sleep like a human being again.
EC: Cindy, can you please tell us more about these two remedies? How much water, how often, do you add sea salt to the water, etc. Thanks!
Banana
Posted by Mike (Chicago, IL) on 06/17/2008
★★★★★
Banana is the only thing besides Pepcid AC that has cured my acid reflux. I always eat one or two before I drink any alchohol and it works great every time.
Ginger
Posted by Scar1ett (Lethbridge, Alberta) on 10/17/2012
Actually toradol is also very hard on your stomach and my doctor would rather give me a slight narcotic than toradol. So, anyone with acid reflux should stay away from it.
Pears
Posted by Brenda (Columbus, Indiana) on 05/14/2008
★★★★★
Acid Reflux Remedies: Eating pears have helped my ulcer pain. also using fiber supplements before eating a meal has helped alot.
Juicing
Posted by T (Dumont, NJ) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
After a long battle, first with prescriptions, then with nearly every suggestion made here on Earth Clinic, I have finally defeated Acid Reflux by juicing. (I love Earth Clinic, & many of the suggestions here helped, but juicing seemed to resolve my problem.) I improved after juicing for the first time and now, after several months, I can eat anything (except I still avoid chocolate, coffee, & excessive sugar). At my worst, even a single mouthful of any food would set off symptoms. I couldn't lie flat for almost a year. I was up all night many times. I had symptoms of a hiatal hernia as well as reflux. Before I started trying natural remedies, I was on 80 mg/day of Nexium with little relief and discontinued when I started seeing blood in my stools.
A typical juice may have kale, carrots, ginger, cucumber, celery, zucchini (+ maybe 1/2 beet or apple). Be creative but don't overdo it with fruits or sugary veggies.
I also eat oatmeal (soluble fiber acts as prebiotic) w/ cayenne, virgin coconut oil. I eat papayas too. I found baking soda in water at bedtime controlled symptoms when I still had them. These things helped but juicing was the key to conquering. Make small quantities (1 glass or less) and sip. If you are prone to constipation, don't drink too much and take a fiber supplement. If you don't have a juicer, some healthfood stores make fresh juice blends by the glass (again, avoid the sugary blends). My juicer cost about $75 and has been well worth it. One more thing- in my experience, there is no substitute for the nutrition of real, whole food. I have had a pretty healthy diet for a couple of years but never was able to consume the quantity & variety of raw veggies I get w/ juicing.
Antibiotics
Posted by Joe (Helena, Mt) on 04/09/2008
★★★★★
One year ago, I had a dentist appointment-Infected tooth. I was prescribed an antibiotic. About a year previously, on the news, was a story about a researcher discovering that some bacteria in your stomach could not be killed by antiboitics alone. Antibiotics and the metal barium combined could kill those bacterica.That story, for some"strange reason", did not become part of the medical lore surrounding the agony of common people involved in the extremely expensive fight with ACID REFLUX. One year later, ten days of antibiotics, one and one half ounce of Pepto Bismol each of seven of those days--I am free of agonizing sleepless hours. I'm 67 Years old- probably 10 of which I have suffered with acid reflux. Try it. It cost Me about 15 bucks. It could cost those who profit from "acid reflux" billions - Think for yourself! Good Luck. JDX
PS-Eat quality yogert for a few days afterward to re-establish friendly bacteria in your stomach.
Antibiotics
Posted by Dr. Matt (Gilbert, Az) on 08/09/2012
Just to clarify for the above anecdote: Pepto Bismol contains BISMUTH, not BARIUM. On occasion, antibiotics may temporarily eradicate acid causing bacteria if they are present. Barium and Bismuth are relatively inert elements. (unless they are of the radioactive kind)
Antibiotics
Posted by Marie (Ny) on 08/07/2017
Yes it is true that Bismuth will kill the h pylori bacteria. I have read about it. It works.
OTC
Posted by Mary (Atalissa, Iowa) on 03/30/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
for those who think that neutralizing your stomach is the way to go think back to when your stomach problems started.did it seem to get worse the more you took antacids your stomach acid is far more acidic than anything you are going to digest. nuetralizing the stomach acid interfers with your bodies natural ph, every time you take a antacid your perpetuating the problem. if milk does not work and taking pills every day for years does not help, what does that prove? that years of neutralizing stomach acid does not solve the problem. the market is full of over the counter antacids if these cured you, you would not need to take them every day, sure they neutralize stomach acid but if the industry cured everyone's acid problems they would not have a market any longer. is that not what they are, marketing a product to make money. i had been on medicines for ten years, changed my diet everything you're supposed to do. it only got worse. only after taking kombucha tea and acv did i relieve my heart burn and acid reflux i have been off any medicine for nine months. i can drink a little before a spicy meal and not have a lick of heart burn.
Reader Theories
Posted by Robin (Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA) on 03/28/2008
If you have reflux, get tested for celiac disease.
Eggs
Posted by Muktar (Minneapolis, MN) on 02/14/2008 5 posts
★★★★★
I am a 22 year old male and I have being struggling with acid reflux with sometime now. I have found that the cure for this disease is very simple. all you need is two eggs, two slices of bread and a long glass of milk. that's right just scramble some eggs with just a touch of salt and stick it between two slices of bread and wash it down with a large glass of cold milk and your cured, you will sleep like a baby.
Raise the Bed
Posted by Bev (Seattle, WA) on 01/17/2009
★★★★★
I have put (2) 2X6 blocks under my bed for years and it really helps. Take a jar lid, turn it upside down and nail it to one of the blocks, then place the blocks/lid under the wheels of your bed frame. The cats slide down the bed, but they're used to it...besides, one of them has gerd too!!
Raise the Bed
Posted by Another Sufferer (Houston, Texas) on 05/05/2009
I'm a side sleeper, suffering from Gerd and find that sleeping on my right side always makes the reflux worse.
Reader Theories
Posted by Mike (Chicago, IL) on 02/02/2008
Hi there, Wanted to thank you TREMENDOUSLY for this wonderful website! I've been a purple pill victim for about a year now. Until this past year, I used to get reflux on occasion, then I moved to Chicago last January and ever since, I've suffered from terrible reflux. Last November, I couldn't even enjoy Thanksgiving because the reflux was so bad. I would only consume water, soups and yogurt. After months of my own research and the pathetic research of quite a few western physicians, my problem seems to be going away. Granted, I'm still supposed to take 2 purple pills/day, but I only take 1 as of last week when I first encountered your site. After reading articles on your website last week, I decided to change 2 things:
--I stopped drinking the chlorinated tap water from the City of Chicago (which some claim is the cleanest/healthiest water in the US. Well, I can almost guarantee this water has been the main culprit of my reflux. I remember purchasing a water purifier that removes chlorine around March of last year. Then I used the water filter until about August, when it needed a new filter. During this time, my reflux was not too bad (but it was still present) and I was only taking 1 purple pill per day. Then after needing a new filter, time lapsed and I just went back to drinking city water. What do you know, I started suffering really bad around the end of October. At this time I went back to the doctor and they upped my purple pills to 2/day. I started to feel better, but never really recovered. After reading your articles, I bought a new water filter and a week's worth of spring water. All of a sudden, I'm feeling really really good -- Hmmmmm??
--The other change that I made just one week ago was the addition of Apple Cider Vinegar to my diet.
Because I made these changes at the same time, I'm not sure who should get the credit, but I really don't want to stop either one of them as I never want that feeling again! I cannot begin to express my gratitude but this site is awesome! Thank you!"
Papaya
Posted by John (Slana, Alaska) on 01/07/2008
★★★★★
I just wanted to share the cure for Acid Reflux with y'all. I suffered with Acid Reflux for years; I couldn't drink a glass of water without an attack, until I tried the following method.
On a daily basis take a couple Papaya Enzyme tablets and a Fenugreek capsule with each meal; and once a day drink a 16oz fruit smoothy w/Aloe Vera juice replacing 2/3s the apple juice used to make the smoothy. Within three days, my reflux was gone. Within two weeks I was eating anything I wanted with no reflux at all. I haven't had Acid Reflux since then (four years.)
P.S. I'm the kind of guy who enjoys a bowl of chili at midnight; this cure works.
Cell Salts
Posted by Janine (Brisbane, Australia) on 12/26/2007
★★★★★
I had acid reflux during my first pregnancy and had some relief with over the counter alkalizers. This pregnancy I didn't want to alkalize my stomach acid so I can digest effectively - but I still needed some relief. My naturopath recommended nat phos, the cell salt (also called SP or sodium phosphate) which is working very well, at least as well as antacids without the worry of poor digestive side effects or aluminium additives. Be sure to chew the tablet, or dissolve it in warm water.
Reader Theories
Posted by RB (Pentwater, USA) on 11/22/2007
Heartburn acid reflux can also be started by sudden stress. You may not even be aware of this happening. I too have had acid reflux heartburn on in off for some years. Mine started with a death of my father, then I was a care giver to my mother while raising my 6 mo old child. Off in on for 16 yrs. Went to a crabby mean ole Gastro Dr. the same one I had 2 stomach scopes. !st time said maybe had IBS. The 2nd one, he said it was all in my head & my nerves were doing to me. Wrote down this Globus word Told me this, then off he went.Just over a mo. this acid stuff has been bothering me. I'm in Menopause, have allergies, am anxious, some times depressed. Have to live in the cold weather for now. I think a number of things can make your health bad just in your home. Hot air force furnace for one,gas or oil. carpet in your house can be real bad for any one health. I have it all over but don't have the funds to get rid of it. I just recently found this nice place. My acid is back & me too, burning in my back between my shoulder blades. Notice today after Turkey day. tasted so good, but forgot & ate salad with onion in gravy, & over ate. My Dr. just runs more blood work. I am trying Acv, raw apples. I hope something natural helps. We all get tired of being sick with something. now days there is so much polutions in the air. Thanks for reading.
Reader Theories
Posted by Sandra (Humboldt, Tn) on 07/31/2012
First I do not have my Gallbladder so stomach has worsened since when it comes to eating. I found that on occassion I would have bloat in my stomach when I would eat anything, like the food was not digesting and would sit in there for days, ouch hurt. Nothing helped. Not baking soda, gas tabs, nothing. I could see the air pumping up my tummy and it stayed in there, no gas no burping just bloated pain. Which of course greatly reduced ability to eat anything. I felt full all the time. Hardly ever did I have acid reflux, but on occassion I would get a sharp pain in my chest that took my breath away and made my heart race for a few seconds till it passed. Feeling of someone scared me bad. Anyway I found out by accident something that worked for the acid and bloat.
I started drinking cinnimon and honey tea I make Step One: Boiling 8 ounces of filtered water in the microwave for 1.50 minutes, then stirred in one level teaspoon of SIAGON(Spelling ?) ground cinnimon (because the cheap stuff turns to snot looking stuff impossible to filter, yuck! ) steep 30 minutes cover cup with plastic wrap of sandwich baggy. This makes one days worth which is two servings. You can drink it warm or room temp. Just don't add the honey to really hot water because it destroys the honey's properties.
Next Step: Pour half the tea in the cup you will be drinking out of reserving the remander infusion of cinnimon tea for at or around hour before bedtime.
Next step: add 1/4 teaspoon honey to the 1/2 cup of cinnimon infused tea, and stir. [I use local honey from my area due to allergies, store bought will work. ]
NEXT: Add 4 more ounces of filtered water to make a full 8 ounce cup and drink it on an empty stomach 15 minutes in the morning brefore eating and on an empty stomach before bed. Do not drink the sediment as it can upset your tummy. You can add 1/4 tsp ground or 1 slice of fresh ginger to the cinnimon mix at steeping time and that also helps restore natural balance in your tummy if you have been on meds for reflux. Not only will this over time rid you of your issue but will help with weight loss and detoix your intestines of sludge. Drink filtered water perferably room tempature cool or tepid and wait to see the difference you get. Never drink ice cold drinks when eating it turns the fats in your food to sludge in you stomach and wrecks havoic in your gut.
*If you can't find SIAGON cinnimon use the cheap stuff but there is a trick to getting the slimy blob to settle onthe bottom of the cup before pouring off measured amount for tea. After steeping stir, wait hour or so to settle on bottom then pour off for tea. Or make this the night before for morning tea to be room temp and then add filtered water to the remainder 4 ounces infused tea mix to equal 8 ounces. Stir and cover then by bed time the residue will settle to bottom of cup then just take care when pouring off this time no need to add water because you already did that. Tea time. I am having to do this for now due to stores here not carrying the SIAGON cinnmon right now.
