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.
Tomato Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne
Posted by Adam (Anchorage, Alaska) on 07/19/2009
★★★★★
Ok, I had suffered from acid reflux and heart burn for years all due to what I was eating and drinking ie: white flour,alcohol and many other bad things. I was taking otc antacids daily and was still waking up in the middle of the night with acid coming up and out of my mouth and nose ick not fun at all,.. well I stopped eating all the white flour and cut way back on drinking but the one thing that really helped the most was my little mix of 2oz ACV 4 oz low sodium ______ [tomato juice] and 1tsp cayenne has cleared up all the acid reflux and heart burn. Just mix shake and drink it down it's actually not that bad. Just one hint make sure you inhale before you drink it down because you really don't want your first breath after drinking that to be inward.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Selena (Chula, GA) on 04/23/2009
Hi, My response if for Shobha from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and any other acid reflux sufferers. Before we married, my husband suffered from a severe case of acid reflux. He had to sleep on his right side propped up on pillows. He took "the purple pill" religiously after going through several other well-known "acid-reducing" meds, that one by one became ineffective as he graduated to a stronger medicine. I have always been opposed to these meds because most people suffer from too little acid and not too much acid, so taking medicines to further lower their stomach acids sounded quite "stupid" and dangerous. If you reduce your stomach acid, then your body can not break down your food for energy and nutrition. Then slowly you begin to get all kinds of health problems bascially due to "malnutrtion" and deficiencies. Kind of like starving yourself to death but with lots of bloat, constipation, and allergies and without the weight loss. Oh you'll still have all the fat broken down and stored on your hips and gut, but you won't be able to break down protein into amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of life. Without them your body cannot reproduce new blood cells, muscle tissue, etc. Anyway, back to my husband. Whenever I would try to convince him of the harm he was doing to himself, we would always end up in an argument over it. Finally, Thank God, he started his own company and lost his "company provided health insurance" that paid for a majority of his meds. When he went to refill his prescripton and they told him it was $80 for a month's supply, he turned finally turned to me to help "fix" him the natural way. I put him on a yeast-free-diet and oregano oil capsules. Basically he avoided all simple carbs (white rice, white flour products, all fermented foods and beverages, fungus foods like mushrooms, etc.) He followed the diet Mon-Fri about 95% but on the weekends he cheated alot. In less than 2 months he lost around 15 lbs and his acid reflux. No more meds needed. No more propping on pillows at night while laying on his right side. He could even bend over to wash the bottom of his car without acid coming up in his throat. That was 6 years ago. He rarely gets heartburn now unless he has been over-indulging in beer or refined carbs. And when he does get it, he uses about 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water to relieve it. No more "magic pills" for him. I suggest everyone using this stuff to do some research on the side-effects of it. You are slowly killing yourself. Proton pump inhibitors inhibit a lot more than acid production.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ceci (Portland, Or) on 06/09/2012
Why should we not eat fermented foods? I had heard that if they are the right kind of fermented foods, they are good for us?
Licorice
Posted by GerdGuy (Yokohama, Japan) on 04/16/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I did further readings about Liquorice and I find something significant on its toxicity. I hope this helps, so be extra careful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice
Toxicity -
Excessive consumption of liquorice or liquorice candy is known to be toxic to the liver and cardiovascular system, and may produce hypertension and oedema. There have been occasional cases where blood pressure has increased with excessive consumption of liquorice tea, but such occasions are rare and reversible when the herb is withdrawn. Most cases of hypertension from liquorice were caused by eating too much concentrated liquorice candy. Doses as low as 50g daily for two weeks can cause a significant rise in blood pressure.
Licorice
Posted by Lynn G (Columbia, Maryland, USA) on 04/17/2009
To Denise in Huddersfield, UK. I'm glad to hear that licorice extract has helped your acid reflux symptoms. However, I believe that eliminating any "disease" condition is best done by changing and optimizing your diet with eating foods that help you and don't hurt you. Taking herbal remedies or prescription drugs treat only the symptoms and do not affect the underlying cause(s) of your problem(s).
I have written several posts today as responses to others' posts about acid reflux, so I won't repeat myself again. Please think seriously about trying a gluten-free diet for at least six weeks. I know that most people don't want to take on such a drastic step, but when you're sick enough of the acid reflux and of the side effects of prescription drugs, you should then be open to seriously addressing the actual cause of the "disease" condition.
One last thought, most NHS doctors in the UK are the same as the ones in the USA--they are focused entirely on eliminating symptoms with drugs. So, don't expect your doctor to be thrilled with any improvements that you will gain with drug-free options! (The doctor will be just as happy to see your back-side going out the door because there are many more patients in the waiting room to get their own 5 to 10 minutes with the pill-pushing doctor.)
Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
Posted by Brian (Campbellsvile, KY) on 03/12/2009
Salt & Vinegar potato chips? I don't have acid reflux but I've noticed testimonials about ACV or Vinegar + Baking Soda. ACV or Vinegar are both forms of acetic acid. Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate, I don't want to bore everyone with a lot of chemistry mumbo jumbo so I'll get to the point. When you mix the two (acetic acid + sodium bicarbonate) you get sodium acetate which is the same thing used to flavor Salt & Vinegar potato chips. I thought someone might be interested in trying the chips as a junkfood junkie cure.
Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
Posted by Lukki7 (Ajax, Ontario) on 11/12/2009
★★★★★
Yep I have tried salt and vinegar potato chips and they worked quite nicely
Orange Peel Extract
Posted by Leslie (New Castle, PA) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
I went off the "purple pill" after being on it for 12 years for severe acid reflux. The reason I went off it was because I had developed a lower eye lid twitch. When I stopped the "purple pill", the twitching stopped. So I had to find an alternative way to deal with my reflux problem and stumbled upon this website. The ACV and baking soda mixture w/8 oz. water helped but only lasted a couple of hours and then I would have to drink it again. I heard about Orange Peel Extract (1000mg. every other day) and purchased it recently. Let me tell you I took it for the first time yesterday and I feel great! I was nervous about today being that you only take it every other day but so far I feel good - no reflux. I did have to cut out my cup of coffee in the morning because it seems to aggrevate the situation but other than that no issues.
Orange Peel Extract
Posted by Leslie (New Castle, PA) on 06/17/2009
I took prescription medication for eleven years for acid reflux. I started to develop a twitch in my eye and noticed that it went away when I stopped taking the prescription. So I decided I had to find an alternative and I stumbled upon this website. It is the best thing that ever happened to me! After reading a ton of suggestions on how to get rid of my reflux problems, here's what I did to alleviate my acid reflux issues. At first my symptoms were horrible but hang in there it will get better. First I tried the ACV and baking soda and it helped a little bit but not enough. I then switched to 1,000mg. of orange peel extract and took it every other day for 20 days (I have some on hand in case it flares up). I noticed it is best to take the orange peel extract in the evening, otherwise you may find yourself burping alot throughout the day and it can be unpleasant. I noticed a big improvement but it still wasn't completely gone. I bought organic liquid aloe vera. I take it as directed everyday and things are going great! My reflux issues are minimal now.
Petai (Stink Bean)
Posted by Siong (Singapore) on 02/18/2009
★★★★★
For some acid reflux could be cured by chewing and eating raw "Petai" a foul smellingseed - see Net search. I chewed and eat petai for one month as advised. Now my stomach could take alcohol and hot peppers without giving me burns.
Yogurt, Apples
Posted by Corkymoo (Buffalo, Ny) on 08/08/2011
Stay away from anything that has caffeine. Caffeine is a well documented LES relaxer. There is a lot of hard research on this. I only use decaffeinated products. I was told by a functional doctor ($) to use fish oil pills. I told her I had tried but could not tolerate them (severe indigestion). She stated I might have a leaky gut. Fish oil is a very good anti-inflammatory. She also stated they have them in enteric coated pills. These are what I now take. They are very helpful. Water is very helpful also. The trick to many things natural is getting good quality and timing of them. Never take large amounts of water right after a meal or during the meal. There is a large amount of poor quality herbs and supplements out there. You will have to try several brands before dismissing something. I have yet to find a cure for mine. My definition of that is when you have no problems after the cure and can dispense with the remedy.
Take Care!
Yogurt, Apples
Posted by Cheryl (Magnet, In) on 04/22/2012
An apple will stop acid reflux, not cure it but it really works to stop the gerd for the time being. Try it, it really, really works.. Store bought yogurt makes mine worse....
Licorice
Posted by Floyd Alexander (Louisville, Ky. Jefferson) on 01/19/2009
★★★★★
acid reflux: 9.99 for one hundred. It's a Herbal supplement called DGL LICORICE. 1 in the morning and one in the evening. Take the whole bottle. after that I take one pill about 4 or 5 times a wk. End of problem.
Calcium and Magnesium
Posted by Sage (Aurora, CO) on 01/21/2009
I used a calcium/magnesium supplement initially to help with the stomach pains I got from diabetes medication. It helped tremendously. But then I also noticed an increase in reflux episodes when I was able to get off the metformin (coconut oil and getting rid of all phthalates in my products & house cured my type II) and stopped taking the cal/mag. Back on the cal/mag and its much better. Taking probiotics and digestive enzymes along with that seems to be the best combination.
Red Wine
Posted by Elizabeth (Cambridge, Ma Usa) on 04/05/2012
Very helpful. I've been working on this two months, am much better, trying to fine tune the "in between meals" problems. Tried red wine this evening, and was so pleased I went to the net. Please look up and consider the 6 mg. Melatonin per night approach, which has nearly taken away my symptoms, and the low carbohydrate diet approach. Melatonin reasons are beyond me. For low carb, many people have an imbalance between fungus and good biotics, and need to rebalance. The fungal contingent is happy eating carbs/sugar/fast burn refined anything. If that is your problem, a proprietary product called Candex is the best I've found (although there are many other herbal approaches). It takes months, but you will automatically lose weight (be prepared if you are thin), and it will balance out. Good luck to all, and thanks for the confirmation on red wine.
Chlorella
Posted by Vicki (Ranger, Georgia) on 07/19/2008
★★★★★
Recently I tried Chlorella for my acid reflux. I was amazed when the pain stopped within a short time. This is truly the best remedy I have found for acid reflux. I bought the powder and take about two thirds of a teaspoon to cure acid reflux. Safe and effective.
OTC
Posted by Doris (San Antonio, Tx.) on 07/17/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have certainly enjoyed reading the comments. Just warning on taking Nexum for long periods of time. I have suffered Acid Reflux for years and was prescribed Nexum and the Doctor never took me off it. Well I have a new Doctor and I told her how I had been having Pain in my Hip joints seemed like where the ball of it is. She then told me that was one of the side effects of Nexum on bones. So we decided it was best to get off of it. Tried Zantac and by the 3rd day I returned to Nexum. Well now I'm about to take the ACV challenge! After so many years of abusing Aspirin etc. for Migraines that was the effect on my stomach, esophogus was Acid Reflux. My daughter and friend suggested ACV and so will let you all know how it helps.
Ginger
Posted by Clyde (Chesapeake, VA) on 06/21/2008
★★★★★
Fresh Ginger Root also helps Acid reflux and IBS. peel off a small teaspoon size chunk of the root (after peeling and rinsing) chew it well
NOTE: the root is very spicy (hot) but not too bad.
Ginger
Posted by Ross (Vancouver, BC Canada) on 06/14/2008
★★★★★
I used Ibuprofin for at least 20 years ( Ate them like candy.Thought they were like crack for pain) Then I developed Reflux. Tried everything. Until I stopped taking any NSAIDS there was no respite. What has worked for me is boiled ginger root tea, strained and kept cool, after a meal.(3oz). This has really helped me and the reflux is now barely noticable. I now use tramadol and Tylenol for pain. ( I have diabetic neropathy (sp?) so I need some relief for that). No connection with those painkillers, but definitely with Ibuprofin.
Reduce Stress
Posted by Gislain (Phoenix, AZ) on 05/19/2008
★★★★★
Stress was cause of my Acid Reflux:
3 weeks ago today after lunch at work, I had experienced some acid reflux pain. It was beyond heartburn and made me concerned. I wasn't sure why I was having this so I researched online. The cause: Not digesting my food properly.
So I spent money on digestive enzymes and stress reduction supplements - $50. Then I returned the next morning buying a Chinese herbal remedy supplement - $30. After not sleeping still from the pain at night, I decided to see the doctor and get a prescription for Prevacid - $25. I tested my ph and it was 5.5 so I bought a body ph reduction supplement - $25. Then another supplement - $20. All of this with no relief.
Finally, I tried Apple Cider Vinegar which helped ($4) and allowed me to sleep at night, but during the day and in the evenings, the suffering continued. I couldn't eat this and can't eat that. I overall dropped 10 pounds in almost 3 weeks. I was convinced I had an ulcer or maybe CANCER!
Finally after consulting with family and self-evaluation and insufficient funds at the bank, I found the root-cause of my Acid Reflux - Stress and Worrying!!! I tried relaxation techniques and positive thinking, and last night at dinner, I ate a veggie burger with a WHEAT bun and salad with RANCH DRESSING and FRIED SHRIMP and HOT SOUP and had almost zero problems afterwards. Today, I have had no Apple Cider Vinegar and the stress is down. My Acid Reflux is so much better and is improving. My esophagus is so imflammed still and will need time to fully heal. But in my case, my Stress and Worry caused my problem. Before you decide that you are stuck with Acid Reflux forever, try relaxing first. That may be your problem - Stress!!
I was having stress at work and tend to be a worry-wart at heart. I am my mother's child. She died of pancreatic cancer at age 51. She was under constant stress all her life. I'll be 25 next month and plan on living a long time. Stress will not kill me!
Also, another important thing too is to be calm when I eat. That makes such a big difference!
High Altitudes
Posted by Rick (Cictoria, BC, Canada) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
I recently went to live for three weeks at very high altitude, in Ecuador. During my stay my reflux went completely. I found I could even drink alcohol and wonderful local coffee. My symptoms gradually returned about eight weeks after my return. My work involves a certain amount of forward bending so I could be aggravating my symptoms and causing acid reflux with bending. However I do also wonder if the altitude, 8,500 feet to 12,000 feet, contributed to my temporary recovery. Higher altitudes have totally different bacterial fauna and lower oxygen levels. My bodies' physiology had to adapt; with a faster heart rate and thus altered vagal nerve activity for example. Perhaps some of the readers would like to comment.
High Altitudes
Posted by Kay (Estes Park, Co) on 01/15/2012
I live at about 8,000ft and I still have quite a bit of heartburn. Maybe you were wearing yourself out more working at a high altitude and that helped somehow?
OTC
Posted by Mike (Madison, WI) on 04/15/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Hi, I've tried sooo many things: All brands of antacid tablets, prescription Prilosec and Protonix, all brands of OTC acid reducers, Bismuth products, etc, etc. I will probably try many of the things I have read about here, however, that said, I and all of us sufferers must first stop the serious and deadly esophagus and throat damage IMMEDIATELY. We must use gravity to our advantage for a change instead of our worst enemy. This damage is not an issue as we go through our day in an upright position. All the damage is being done every hour we lay flat and sleep. All that acid lays in our esophagus and throat eating away at and destroying our precious membranes. Purchase one of those steep wedge type pillows or [if you're wealthy] a bed that will allow you crank up the head end. That will keep the acid in the stomach where it belongs allowing the membranes a chance to heal. Remember, the throat and esophagus was NEVER intended by natural design to have any regular contact with stomach acid. This is very serious and urgent for those of us whose stomach valves are damaged or defective. I've read reference to stomach acid "seeping" back into the esophagus. Mine doesn't seep; it FLOWS. Heck, if I bend over quickly to pick something up, I can get a mouthfull of vomit! Nice huh? Anyway, my point here is to make gravity your friend and stop letting stomach acid eat away all night at your delicate membranes. Get yourself upright as much as possible FIRST then start experimenting with the "cures". Good luck to all of us. Mike
OTC
Posted by Rosesgift (Grafton, Wi, Usa) on 06/10/2010
Thank you Mary!! I thought I was losing my mind. I have been taking over the counter ant-acid meds for years with little or no success. My memory loss and dizziness has increased since I have been taking the drugs. Someone told me about ACV to take away my acid reflux. I thought I would do some research and it looks like it works for most people. I will try it and hope that works for me. These past few years have been a nightmare and the doctor just keeps telling me "lets try this....ect"
What was your name again?? Thank you again!
Scott
OTC
Posted by Scott (Atlanta, GA) on 01/01/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have had acid reflux for several years now. I was on a prescription for Prilosec before it was OTC. Usually only took a pill when I felt the reflux coming on strong. Over time, it has gotten worse with many reflux attacks daily. Two months ago, I started taking Prilosec OTC every day to see if I could fend it off. It worked great and I rarely felt any reflux all day long. Then, I had three violent episodes of Vertigo....which is similar to being spun around while you are violently seasick and stays like that for about 5 hours. Turns out this is rare but known side-effect of Prilosec. Needless to say, I'm off it now. I am relying on Pepsid AC now which works great but only last for a few hours and gets expensive. I'm planning to try the ACV next.
Reader Theories
Posted by HD (Bothell, WA) on 12/25/2007
I noticed many people are looking for a cure for their acid reflux. I used to have acid reflux, and my doctor gave me some kind of medication that I need to take before bed time. Since I do not like taking too much medication, I was very fortunate when a nurse, who was working with me as a coach in helping me improve me health and lifestyle, told me to ask my doctor to test my acid reflux for h. pilori. To make the story short, I had the h. pilori tested, and the result was positive. The test involved taking a breath test, take some medication to kill the h. pilori bateria. On the second trial, my doctor gave me a different kind of medication. After the second treatment, the result came out negative. I was very glad that I no longer need to take the medication every night. I no longer have acid reflux. With this in mind, and before starting to take ACV with baking soda, you might take the same route I did.
Reader Theories
Posted by Kaye (Edinburg, TX) on 04/20/2008
My son was diagnosed with acid reflux at the age of 7. He has been on and off prevacid for 6 years now. I am new to your site, but read an entry of 12-25-2007 by HD from Bothell, WA about testing his "acid reflux for h. pilori."
HD talks about a second trial and a new medication. Please let me know what that means and what the new medication is so that I can speak w/my son's doctor about it. Thank you so much!! Kaye.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Michael (Wilsonville, OR) on 11/28/2007
★★★★★
I have been making Kombucha Tea for over 15 years and I have had two users of my tea who told me their acid reflux went away after a few days of drinking two 22oz. bottles of my Kombucha Tea. Made with Green, Black and herbal wild berry teas. Google "Kombucha Tea" for more info. Michael
Reader Theories
Posted by SJ (TENNESSEE) on 09/27/2021
I too have acid in my stomach, back, neck, arms and legs, it is very debilitating. Wish I knew what would help it.
