Acid Reflux
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

Dietary Changes

44 User Reviews
5 star (43) 
  98%
4 star (1) 
  2%

Posted by Kathleen (Gulfport, FL) on 05/03/2006
★★★★★

Mine is not so much a remedy, but a prevention. After being on a low-fat diet for several weeks, I noticed that all my acid reflux symptoms had disappeared. I can eat any of the foods that normally triggered acid reflux as long as I keep my fat intake to no more than 10% of my calories. When I change this eating routine, the acid reflux comes back, especially at night.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Bill (Anchorage, Alaska) on 02/14/2006
★★★★★

when i stop eating foods with gluten my acid reflux went away. I cured my acid reflux, excess gas,bad memory, nighttime urination by eliminating gluten.


Digestive Enzymes

12 User Reviews
5 star (12) 
  100%

Posted by Jill (Madison, Wi) on 10/12/2011
★★★★★

Hold the vinegar. I tried it, but couldn't take the taste. Now I take digestive enzymes with each meal. I couldn't live without my Prilosec, but since I started the enzymes, no more Prilosec and no more acid reflux. The one that I use is Natural Brand Super Digestive Enzymes. GNC sells them.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Jeff (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/30/2011

I want to get a digestive enzyme for my silent reflux... Two questions... 1-I read in a natural healing book it is good for reflux but to get one without Hydrocloric acid... The viatamin store said I should get one within particual a Twin Lab product... 2- Any particual brands that any have used or reccommend?

Replied by Audrey
(Fort Pierce, Fl)
07/29/2011
★★★★★

hi, I take 2 TwinLabs Super Enzyme caps and 1 Swanson Acidophilus before each meal. When I first started, now I take it once a day and if I should have a problem I take them as soon as I notice....... and it works for me

I buy my products from www.swansonvitamins.com and have useed them for at least 25 years

Replied by Karen
(Cumming, Ga)
05/12/2012

I have taken Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics for 8 years. My worst symptom was a constant cough for 10 years for which I was prescribed various inhalers for asthma. After a tongue biopsy which diagnosed candidiasis (probably caused by the inhalers), I began doing my own research online and decided to try Probiotics. I wanted the best one I could take and consulted a friend who sold "high quality supplements". As it turned out, she sent me the above mentioned product and my cough was gone in three days. It was nothing short of miraculous!!! Since then I have learned much and believe what I suffered from was GERD (not asthma), with no "typical" acid reflux symptoms. I had an endoscopy and the DR diagnosed Barrett's Esophogus (caused by GERD).The enzymes are all plant based, and since it is a powder that you mix with water and drink (with or without a meal), it is 100% bioavailable. Fully absorbed by the body - no waste, and no need to digest a pill in order for it to work. Just be careful if you take a timed release medication as this product contains cellulase, which will break down the cellulose in some timed release medications too quickly. Ask your pharmacist if the medication you are taking is timed release and if it is bound with cellulose, then use accordingly - ie: taken several hours apart. Enzymes and Probiotics are live and should not be heated. Be aware: Ordering them online in the summer is risky since the product could sit in a hot truck or your mailbox for hours on end rendering them ineffective. So order and store them appropriately.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Larry (Latrobe, Pa / Usa) on 02/22/2011
★★★★★

Great Site with very helpful information. I have referred to it often. I need to ad my experience as far as Acid Reflux.

I was in such discomfort for years, until I found out two things.

First, I do not digest meat without taking digestive enzymes. Two tablets with water when meal is 3/4 finished.

Second, If someone, like myself and others I see from the postings, has continuous discomfort after eating regardless of what they eat and may have trouble taking a deep breath, you probably have a Hiatal Hernia. No surgery is needed. A chiropractor can remedy this in a matter of minutes! You will have immediate relief. Once you learn the procedure your spouce can do the maneuver if it needs done in the future. It has brought relief to both my wife and myself.

I hope this information will help others.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Terry (Chicago, IL) on 09/01/2007
★★★★★

enzymes will stop all your acid reflex, Tums kills all your good acid. buy in health store

Replied by Ali
(Abu Dhabi, UAE)
05/14/2009

My question is about digestive enzmes. Is this recommended for any reflux problem and what type is best as a remedy. Is it taken with anacid tablets? please advise.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Kerry (Portland, OR) on 08/08/2007
★★★★★

papaya enzymes worked wonders for my acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. i can eat all the spicy, rich foods i want as long as i remember to take 3 chewable(yay!)tablets right after. i found them at my grocery store in the health food section. they cost a bit more than antacids, but they fix the problem not mask the symptoms.

Replied by Angie
(New York, New York)
01/22/2009
★★★★★

I was just diagnosed w/ Gerd & Dysphasia. I was prescribed antidepressants and other medication for the acids in my stomach. I refused to take the antidepressants, since I am not depressed and decided to seek for a natural cure -I came across this page and followed the advice given to use "Papaya Enzymes" is a miraculous cure. I could not beleive the INSTANT releif I felt soon after chewing 6 tables. As part of my good eating habits I will continue using the "papaya enzymes".

Thank you soooo much for the valuable information. I am sharing this w/ everyone I come across. It's AMAZING. -Angie


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Lina (NY, NY) on 06/17/2007
★★★★★

I have never experienced acid reflux until 2 years ago and it was really interfiring with my life. I couldn't eat or sleep. I went to the doctor and he prescribed some pills that did nothing. A friend told me about this natural pills Pineapple and Papaya enzimes. She said they worked wonderful on her. I tried them and in just a couple of hours I started to feel the relief! I strongly recommend this pills. You can get them in any natural store and they taste really good. Good Luck!


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Bouy (Winnipeg, Canada) on 06/12/2007
★★★★★

I am one of thousands that has acid reflex. I was provide a presciption from my doctor that said I would have to be on it forever. The drugs did not cure this condition, so I looked for a natural way of relieving this condition. I have tried the apple cider viniger, and it did work for me. But, I have also found that digestive enzymes have been my answer. I use a -complete- formula that helps digest all your food. I have tested them for two months with extreme success. I hope this info will help others. Good Luck and lets get natural.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Roxanne (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★

Always sleep on your left side, so stomach acids don't drain into your stomach. Start taking good natural digestive enzymes to break down the food that is rotting and stuck in your small intestine area. This gets things moving and the acid reflux stops. Also get lots of fiber or take capsules of psyllium with a big glass of water before bed. Stay away from antacids that stop the acid that your body is creating to try to break down the rotting foods. Just keep it all moving away from the top end and out the bottom end. Drink plenty of water! :)

Replied by Moomie
(Atlanta, Ga)
09/03/2012

Sleeping on my left side causes acid reflux for me. I suggest anyone try different sleeping positions, I had been told by my Gastroenterologist to sleep on my left side, but everytime I do I wake up in severe pain and choking to the point of throwing up. If I go to sleep on my right side and flip a little later to my left it will get me everytime. If I start out on my left side it gets me sooner. I can only sleep on my left side after several HOURS of being in bed. So it is different for everyone. There is no one "remedy" or "cure" that will work for everyone. You will have to try each of them single and in combination until you find what works for you, but natural is soooo much better than prescription with all the side effects any day.


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Israel (Austin, Texas) on 05/08/2007
★★★★★

I was diagnosed with Acid reflux two years ago at 27. I was given that (blue red)pill, but I like others realized that once i was off it, my acid reflux came back. I am not 100% sure what has caused it but have narrowed it down to the intake of soda as a youth. I am intrested to find the correlation between the extra large sized drink given out by fast food restraunts and the increased case of acid-reflux. Did the case increase upon their introduction? As for possible cure's I have tried a few...the best results came with digestive enzymes...I also tried goat milk which did alright but I am lactose intolerant...I have also read about a type of yogurt, helps that was popular in the 60's, but I don't know the name, if anyone knows what I am talking about please post the name. It has a natural way of stabilizing the digestive cultures in our system. Avoid grease, spice, and acids...especially vinegar...and eat slow...that is the biggest adjustment that has helped me...eat really, slow and smaller portions..

Replied by Wren
(Las Vegas, Nv)
07/27/2010
★★★★★

The yogurt you are talking about might in fact be Kefir. I drink Plain Kefir to sooth my throat and help balance my system. My Mom just had a Whipple sugery and the doctor was amazed at how quickly she recovered. He asked "What are you doing?" I had put her on a Kefir intense diet. Now he recommends it to all his patients. (Find it in most major grocery stores in a bottle near yogurts, comes in many flavors but the Plain has no sugar. )


Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Jonathan (Memphis, TN) on 08/26/2006
★★★★★

I tried the ACV with honey and it worked some, but did not last. The pickle juice helped some, but again not lasting. I read on another website where people had success with digestive enzymes and aloe vera gel. I went to GNC and they said many customers like an enzyme formula plus Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria along with aloe vera liquid. They said that acid reflux often stems from a lack of enzyme activity. These enzymes also contain betaine hydrochloride to increase stomach acid. I was on Protonix for a while, but I didn't like the way it made me feel. I decided to stop it and try the enzymes instead. These have absolutely cured my reflux!! I take two per meal and have been able to eat whatever I want. They are easy to break open if you don't want to try and swallow the capsules. I break them open and mix them with a glass of water before I eat. Don't worry, it doesn't taste bad at all! GNC even suggested sprinkling them in yogurt, milk, or directly on your food. I also take 2 ounces of aloe vera liquid each night. I wanted to share my success so that you may have the same relief I have. I'm glad I don't have to sit up in bed at night anymore! Best wishes!


Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Gerd Fighter (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 03/08/2013
★★★★☆

I've been suffering from severe acid reflux for 13 long years now. Doctors did numerous endoscopy and declared that I've small hiatus hernia and acid reflux. They put me on PPI medication and I used all sort of PPIs like protonix, omeparzole, esomeprazole etc. Nexium (esomeprazole) worked for me best. With this one I almost did not have any problem. But, I've been taking it since 13 long years everyday!! The problem of these medications(chemicals) is it will kill you one day if you keep on taking it for so long. It prevents the body to absorbe the essential nutrients/minerals from the food you take. So, as a result, with prolonged use of these medicines you get other side effects like decreasing bone density and all other form of problems and gradually it will take you towards a silent death. But, no doctors will tell you these facts to you. The pharmacitucal companies warn you to take it not more than 4 months max. You have other options like surgery - but, no guarantee that will work for you and doctors will allow you to do it. In my case the doctors said surgery will not be effective for me. Also, the surgeries need to be repeated after some times if it works.

Then...I started looking for alternative medicines as I was desparate to get rid of Nexium. I searched all the web sites like this one and tried homeopathic medicines, apple cider vinegar, apple etc. But, all these did not work for me. Then in this site I came to know about natural digestive enzymes and probiotics. Medicines like Nexium works by stopping the acid production in stomach - which ultimately harms the body as you need the acid in stomach to digest the food. Digestive enzymes and probiotics works on the root cause of the acid problem of the stomach. They help in digesting the food quickly/properly so the body is not required to produce excess acid thereby reducing the cause of acid reflux. I could not think of a single day without Nexium. But, since I've been started using digestive enzymes and probiotics they helped me - I'm not taking the Nexium currently as I'm taking digestive enzymes and probiotics. My symptoms are not fully gone - but, definitely they are less with these. I believe if I do more research with these natural remedies it will help to keep this monster away. But, anyway you need to take them for ever as long as you live. But, it is better and safe to take it like food, as long as you live - and not like Nexium. So, my suggestion to all the trillions of sufferers worldwide to try your best to work out a natural solution which suites your body most and definitely try to get rid of PPI and other form of chemical medications. Try the digestive enzymes and probiotics - available in health food stores and also in pharmacies - in US.

I've one question though - does anybody know the side effects, problems (if any) of using digestive enzymes and probiotics for prolonged period or has anyone experienced any problem. Though these are natural products - we all know too much of everything is bad. So, I would be really interested to know this - as, if it works, I need to take it forever.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
03/09/2013
2063 posts

Gerd Fighter: It is generally considered completely safe on the probiotics and enzymes at recommended doses short and long-term, as these are produced naturally in the body. Too much enzyme in a single dose could cause excess bowel movement, so you could always know when to stop upping the dosage by this symptom.

Do consider addressing common underlying problems of the digestive system like dirty colon, gallstones, and sometimes liver disease. There is lots of info on "cleanses" of these three organs. Also, after completing the cleanses, try an herbal pancreas formula (Nature's Sunshine used to have one called P14 but I think it's a different name now). This herbal pancreas formula will give new life to the pancreas (which is what produces all the enzymes you talk of substituting). Chronic parasite infestations as well as chronic pathogens can disrupt digestion (a very common cause of digestive diseases).

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, La Union, Philippines)
03/10/2013

Hi Gerd Fighter... I have been particularly interested in GERD problems because GERD and reflux problems occur alot as a co-problem with candida. So I have tried to research this problem in some depth.

In the early 1900s, John Beard was researching protease enzymes and he discovered, quite by accident, that low levels protease enzymes in the blood related directly to cancer formation. These protease enzymes found in the blood are exactly what are used in normal digestion -- excess protease enzymes not used during digestion are just absorbed into the blood. William Kelley's successful Metabolic Protocol against cancer came into being because of John Beard's research. Kelly and Gonzalez also found that protease enzymes greatly assisted the immune system in removing pathogens and trash from the blood. So I would therefore say that taking protease enzymes over a long period certainly wouldn't hurt you at all and would probably work to achieve more benefit by helping to protect not only your digestion but also your immune system.

Since the GERD problem can occur due to lack of chlorides -- supplementing betaine hydrochloride and supplementing both Magnesium Chloride and Sea Salt would also help to generate hydrochloric acid in the stomach for proper first stage digestion(and to help kill all incoming pathogens with food). But this problem is different. As the affects of supplementing chlorides in the diet takes effect, there will be less and less need to supplement betaine HCL until, eventually, your stomach is back to normal HCL production. In this instance -- only Magnesium Chloride and/or Sea Salt need be supplemented(no betaine HCL) to maintain normal HCL levels for digestion.

The other problem, which is not recognized by most people, is that normal duodenal digestion, after stomach digestion, MUST be alkline. So if your pancreas lacks bicarbonates in its juices that should neutralize the stomach acid, then the medium for duodenal digestion will be acid instead of properly alkaline -- so the food just sits there, undigested, fast-breeding bacteria -- giving you further problems.

Therefore I always advise using Ted's Sodium Bicarbonate and water remedy in this protocol -- just in case the digestion problems are also caused by lack of bicarbonates in the pancreatic juices. This remedy ensures proper main stage digestion in the duodenum. The dose is 1/4 to 1/2 tspn of sodium bicarbonate(Baking Soda) taken 1/2 hr to 1 hour after all meals.

Replied by Gerd Fighter
(Atlanta, Ga, Usa)
03/11/2013

Thanks for the feedback Timh. But daily intake of baking soda will be harmful for the body as well, as it is again a chemical - right?

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Philippines)
03/11/2013

Hi Gerd Fighter... I would not agree with your opinion on alkalizing with sodium bicarbonate. Read the evidence in these links:

Oral Dosages of Sodium Bicarbonate

Ted's Alkalizing Remedies

I took Sodium Bicarbonate with water(to alkalize the blood) as well as the lemon/lime sodium bicarbonate remedy(to alkalize inside the cells) as a major part of my own successful protocol to help defeat my own systemic candida problems. I still take these alkalizing remedies today and my candida problems have never returned as a result.

Sodium bicarbonate is also well recognized by the body as a friendly nutrient. Bicarbonates are used throughout the blood and cells for alkalizing and as long as you have a fully functioning kidney to regulate sodium, there should be no real problems taking sodium bicarbonate with water.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
03/12/2013
2063 posts

Gerd Fighter: Bill is our expert on the Buffer solutions, so do follow his advise, as many folks are getting well as a result. I personally use about half spoon of 50% Sea Salt mixed with 50% Sodium Bicarbonate 3x daily as I have acidosis problems.

Replied by Gerd Fighter
(Atlanta, Ga, Us)
03/12/2013

Thanks a lot Bill and Timh!! This is a great site.

Bill: I checked the links provided by you - there it is mentioned that "Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks. " - so, is the oral intake of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) harmful for prolonged use? Can I take baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) orally with water everyday (in prescribed amount) - throughout my rest of life? It looks like even after using the digestive enzymes - I'm having residual acidity - which is not very severe, but not comfortable at all. If I take baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) orally with water it is going away. So, to me it looks like it is working as a antacid. My only concern here, everyday use of it throughout the rest of life. Also, if it (prolonged use) is not harmful then why do everybody talks about reducing the consumption of sodium? Now-a-days probably in every food products it is mentioned that low level of sodium - why is that? Please clarify.

Thanks again for the help!

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, La Union\\\\\\\\, Philippine)
03/12/2013

Hi Gerd Fighter... I usually find that I now alkalize, using both the sodium bicarbonate and water(alkalizes the intestines and blood) and the lime/lemon and water(alkalizes inside the cells) remedies. I may not use these every day but I usually use them several times every week because 80% to 90% of all our processed food is acid forming in the body. So, yes, I use these alkalizing remedies constantly every week.

The dosages referred to in the link I provided were 7 half tspns of baking soda for adults and 3 half tspns for anyone over 60. It's rare that you will ever have to take 7 half tspns unless your body is extremely acidic.

Most people link high blood pressure to too much sodium intake in the body. But just like Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, sodium is easily regulated by the kidneys. The problems really arise if there is a lack of sodium, calcium, potassium or magnesium in the diet. You cannot regulate minerals that are already at low levels in your body can you?

Calcium is usually always found to be in excess in our processed food diets(everything is fortified with calcium these days!! ) whereas potassium and magnesium are always lacking in our diets. Sodium, as salt intake, is tricky. Alot of people avoid salt and other people just use refined salt(acidic). Our bodies need the Sea Salt form of salt which is more alkaline than refined salt and sea salt also contains many other essential and useful minerals.

The fear with salt is because people believe that sodium will raise their blood pressure. But this is simply not true. It is the excess chloride in refined salt that raises the blood pressure. In his book pH Balanced for Life (which is sold on this site) Ted from Bangkok reveals that he did an experiment on himself to prove this. He took sodium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride at different times and found that the magnesium chloride and potassium chloride always tended to raise his blood pressure whereas sodium bicarbonate did not raise BP. So it isn't because of the sodium but is because of the chloride content in refined salt that causes a rise in BP. For myself, I am constantly taking the Baking Soda alkalizing remedies and my own blood pressure has never varied in 6 years-- it always remains at around 110/70.

Replied by Gerd Fighter
(Atlanta, Ga, Us)
03/13/2013

Bill: for me, I already have high BP - for me it always remains around 140/90...


Don't Eat Before Bed

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Jill (Chicago, IL) on 12/29/2014
★★★★★

I almost always have a lump in my throat from acid reflux. I even bought special wedge pillows but I couldn't get used to them, they were so uncomfortable. All that really helps is eating three hours before bed and not laying down until the three hours are up.


Don't Eat Before Bed
Posted by Lily (Nashville, TN) on 11/09/2014
★★★★★

Yes when I had reflux due to lack of acid Apple Cider Vinegar helped but so does changing the diet to more clean foods and not eating close to when you will sleep (elevate your head if you need to).



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