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.
OTC
Posted by Rose (Philadelphia, PA) on 09/12/2007
★★★★★
I have had esophageal spasms on and off for 7 years. Diag. with reflux and put on Nexium. Nexium caused many side effects including urinary tract infection due to change in pH (suppression of acid). No help from Nexium. Found OTC meds for asthma containing expectorant and ephedra. Taking only small amounts (1/4-1/2 pill) was enough to quiet spasms and reduce mucous production. Be careful of ephedra, however, since it can increase BP. The small amount doesn't seem to add to BP, though. The docs do give nitroglyerine for spasms, but this works just as well. (incidentally, that feeling of "choking" is the esophagus spasming.) Have heard digestive anzymes with Betaine HCl will help reflux (probably same mechanism as ACV). Hope these suggestions help others.
Reader Theories
Posted by Aujah (Huntington Beach, CA) on 08/08/2007
I think it very important to mention that smoking marijuana will cause acid reflux in some people. Mostly girls. The problem (besides it being illegal) is it will take the pain of acid reflux away and then be the cause of it when the drug wears off. It is very easy to get caught up in that cause and affect.
Olives
Posted by Dawn (East Bay Area, California) on 07/25/2007
★★★★☆
I just read on this site that drinking some of the juice from a jar of pickles might help get rid of my acid reflux. I checked the fridge, and the closest thing I could find was a jar of Cocktail Olives (the green ones that are stuffed). I had a couple small sips of its juice. At first things felt like they were getting worse. I then had a sip of water, and in less than a minute I was feeling better. Not cured, but at least better.
Reader Theories
Posted by Elissa (Asheville, North Carolina) on 07/02/2007
My remedy is spring water for acid reflux. I am new to this site, but so far it looks like I am the only one writing about water in connection with reflux. I was experiencing extreme heartburn and acid reflux at the end of my year at college. For about 6-8 weeks I had extreme pain in my upper abdomen (sternum) area, belching, sleeplessness, and other problems! I read on another website that chlorine-containing tap water alone can cause reflux. The best water to drink that is chlorine-free is spring water. I went out and bought some and in the store after sipping it for 10 minutes I had relief! Within 24 hours, all of my symptomns were gone! Spring water is wonderful.
Cucumbers
Posted by John (San Francisco East Bay Area, California) on 06/14/2007
★★★★★
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.
Olive Oil
Posted by Episolve Gi (California, Usa) on 05/28/2015
★★★★★
Olive oil definitely works!
Banana
Posted by Laura (Monroeville , PA) on 06/16/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Acid Reflux Remedies: No on the bananas -- it actually makes it worse for me or creates it. Anything sugar based turns on the reflux for me. Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon with a cup of water when I eat badly. Nothing when I eliminate coffee and sugar.
Banana
Posted by Patient (Union, Nj) on 10/14/2009
i've been taking nexium for 7 years. First signs of burning 12 years ago, first reflux 8-9 yrs ago. 7 years ago diagnosed with hiatal hernia. Nexium helped from day one. First several times a week, then every other day, then every day 40mg. A few years ago started reading about danger of proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Switched to 40-20mg alternating every other day. Now stopped nexium completely a few days ago and i'm on fire non-stop. Headaches, nausea, constant feeling of hunger, chest and throat pain. Eating any kind of food helps relieve burning for a while. Tried organic 1 table spoon ACV 1 tbl spoon honey mixed in warm water 6-8oz cup. It helps for about 30 minutes. Tried 1/2 tea spoon of baking soda mixed with 6oz cup water and could not drink it because of bad taste. Added 1 tea spoon of ACV (for tolerable taste) and it helped for 1 hour.
Apples help just like any non-acidic food for about 10-20 minutes. Bananas - for me 100x worse, almost immediate burning. 1 spoon of honey may be "soothing" the esophagus but it doesn't do anything for me.
Still searching for alternatives to dangerous pills and irreversible surgery.
Papaya
Posted by Jorge (New York , US) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
There was time when acid reflux took over my life and literally I end up sitting in the back of an ambulance rushed to a nearest hospital for breathing problems due to acid reflux. One time a friend of mine suggested aloe vera and papaya and thanks to that I in a matter of days all my symptoms entirely disappeared. If you are suffering from acid reflux on a very severe case like I did, you might want to consider this other option. So here is the magic recipe:
1 leaf aloe Vera
1 papaya (ripe)
2 cups Orange Juice
and ice.
So the whole thing is basically prepared as a really healthy smoothie. cut two inches of the aloe vera lea and scoop the gel from inside into the blender (DO NOT USE THE GREEN LEAF ONLY THE GEL) Then cut a slide or two of the beautiful ripe papaya into the blender add orange juice and enough ice so the whole mixture will take the smoothie consistency. Drink two or three times a week and the results can be seen almost immediately. If aloe Vera cures severe second degree burns imagine how great will do inside your stomach. I was reading about the properties of these two amazing "titana" yes that's how I call aloe Vera and Papaya. Papaya has a an enzyme that also helps digestion but combined with aloe vera is like having Superman and Batman at your call. Good luck
Baking Soda and Water, Lose Weight
Posted by Catherine (Toronto, Ontario) on 06/22/2008
The reason you may suffer less acid reflux when you lose weight is because you are probably eating less acidic foods such as pop or sugary snacks. These foods are a very common cause of acid reflux.
Olives
Posted by David (Annapolis, Maryland) on 02/06/2007
★★★★★
Great page. Thank you all. Along with ACV recipe #2, I would like to add that I have found Olives to be excellent against reflux and easier than pickle juice to swallow. They are PH neutral and some brands contain Sodium Alginate in the brine. Can anyone out there elaborate more on Sodium Alginate? From what I've read it sounds like studies are finding conclusive advantages. Along with apples and olives, other diet changes include a switch to snacking on almonds, raisins and Green tea with maple syrup.
Water
Posted by Lawrence (Green River, Wyoming) on 01/17/2007
★★★★★
I first got GER...D 5 years ago at age 75. The Dr. wrote GER on the paper, the clerk added a D to make it match the TV commercials. Was prescribed Nexium, took it for two weeks while researching acid reflux on the web. I concluded that acid is necessary for proper digestion. A Dr, Spreen wrote that the problem is low acid, especially for older people, he recommended juicing some ginger and taking a teaspoon a day. I found the ACV info and tried it with some success. I tried raspberry vinegar, it helps also. I tried Betain HCL pills and Twin Labs super enzyme caps with food, if it is fatty two pills work well. putting any vinegar on food helps me. Some people dip bread in fancy vinegars. Dr. Batmanj??? cured everything with water while he was in jail. If I have an acid attack during the day I start drinking water and keep on drinking it until the pain stops; it has always worked, sometimes it takes three half liter bottles. The LEF site claims Limonine cures some people.
Water
Posted by Cindy (Wichita, KS) on 07/03/2008
Dr. Batman's "watercure" ended 30 years of indigestion and acid reflux in the time it took me to drink 2 glasses of water. I never drank plain water. I have since done a great deal of research on dehydration and have a theory that all water consumed in other things belongs to the colon. Even juice is processed like food, by the body. Nothing is processed in the same manner as plain water on an empty stomach and if one doesn't drink it, the body must steal the water it needs from the colon. And it needs water for every single process.
Everything the body does requires plain water. Even the emergency dehydration mode that steals water from the colon requires water to operate properly so that your body must steal water to use in the process of the theft AND to keep you alive.
The body processes plain water, on an empty stomach, differently than it process anything else. You need plain water. That's all there is to it. The body doesn't "make" water except in a dehydration emergency at which point it steals water from the colon. The whole body operates differently - in emergency mode - when it is dehydrated. So differently that most medical testing is useless because it doesn't take into account the widespread epidemic of chronic dehydration in the pool of test subjects.
Anyway, there are books and things that explain the science but the formula is free and the only expense is sea salt.
I'm glad to be able to share this here. The only reason I can is because I discovered the dangers of dehydration after being sent home from the hospital to "get my affairs in order". Well, I got them in order all right! AND cured my chronic indigestion! I'm currently the healthiest person I know despite smoking for over 30 years and drinking coffee even longer!! Both are extremely bad, but coffee is the worst as the body requires 1 and 1/2 cups of plain water to filter out the toxic caffeine in one cup of coffee. The Dr. even said that compared to drinking caffeine drinks, cigarettes are health food. Fortunately, thanks to EarthClinic, I've just discovered the wonders of hydrogen peroxide which has significantly reduced my craving for cigarettes! Thanks EarthClinic!!
Papaya
Posted by Ted (Los Angeles, CA) on 01/17/2007
★★★★★
I achieved instant relief from acid reflux and all indigestion in the Philippines. The small papayas, even a small slice, would do it. Some of the small Papayas from Hawaii are good but the Mexican variety we get in L. A. will not work.
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Posted by Robert (Orlando, FL) on 01/13/2007
★★★★★
The intestinal problems I'm referring to are caused by too much acid reaching the intestines. I've found that some packaged juices such as grape juice, tomato juice and apple juice, contain a lot of acid and can eventually cause intestinal pain when overdone. I attribute that to the acid eating away at the lining of the GI tract and causing irritation and ulcers. The obvious thing that's called for in those cases is to cut out these beverages. However, even though I used to suffer from such GI tract irritation to where I had to cut out my favorite beverages, I found a way to get around that problem and drink all the fruit juices I wanted without any problems at all and have been doing so for many years now. What I found is that if non-alcoholic "beer" or brew (I prefer Miller or Coors) is drunk at the same time as these juices (I mix them together for a good fizzy drink) I can, and do, drink as much juice as I want without any of the normal problems I used to get. Plus I find it to be a healthy and tasty alternative to soda drinks. I don't know what it is about beer that neutralizes the effects of acid in the GI tract, but it works every time.
Reader Theories
Posted by Mike (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 12/15/2006
I am no expert or have an university degree but I've had acid reflux over 8 years. I had ulcers for about 7 years. Unfortunately doctors in Canada doesn't want to treat the sick.
Acid reflux is due to fungi in your intestines. Over the years you were eating bread, sugars etc which had a lot of fungi. Bread is very bad for you much worse than pasta alone because yeast culture which is a type of fungi is used. Also if you have problem at work at home you will have acid reflux so be sure to get your home tested.
A lot fat diet should be used. Absolutely no pork of beef only chicken without skin. Fiber may make things worse so I suggest you juice cabbage and or broccoli. Start off with a cup of fresh juice then gradually increase it. Deep breathing OUTSIDE with help, make sure to get some sunlight if possible between 10 am to 2 pm in most places. Buy a natural skin brush. This is help your body detoxify toxins in your body. Never eat after 6 preferably after 3 or 4 pm. Jumping rope is good for the lymphatic system which helps a lot. Be sure to get check for ear wax. If there's too much ear wax you can use oliver oil in each ear everyday for about 20 to 30 days. Ear wax is another way of getting rid of toxins in your body. Use Mudra, you can google it. Simply hands out flat both of them just move the thumb and index finger. Hold up to 30 minutes. I suggest an after a year, if doing it indoors be sure to open the windows for fresh air. This alone will be what no medicine can do very fast. From what i read it works on electrical fields. By touching your two fingers you create electrical charge through your body.
You can do what is called sleeping meditation this will be very relaxing and help with acid reflux be sure not to eat or drink for 2 hours before sleeping. This is very hard to do but it is well worth it, you don't have to have acid reflux to do this. Simple lie in bed, close your eyes. Now concentrated between your eye brows, this is called the third eye. Just keep on focusing on it til you fall asleep. If done right your body will be cleansed even better than just normal sleeping.
Wheat, soy, milk, corn, coffee, tea, honey, fats especially fried foods (always boil your chicken or get a slow cooker), sugars, potatoes, pop, salt and fruits are bad for acid reflux. Some suggestions maybe help temporarily. But light skipping rope, fresh air, mudra hand gesture and plenty of fresh air and sunlight will help a lot. Juicing cabbage or broccoli should work. Skin brushing should help accelerate the curing process. Avoid stress it can make things worse of course. I am also taking licorice root for my ulcers. my acid reflux and ulcer was very bad but i refused to take meds. If you have any questions give me an email i'll be glad to help. Love peace and light!
Reader Theories
Posted by SJ (TENNESSEE) on 09/27/2021
I would love to get your advice on my issue. I have acid in my arms legs and back as well as my stomach. I'm very acidic and I've tried everything. Thank you!
Blended Raw Potato
Posted by Tracy (Denver, CO) on 07/11/2023
Apparently, all the “natural” yam creams in the US have some sort of synthetic progesterone in them. (This isn't my area of expertise so please be kind if I am not explaining that quite correctly.) It seems that Anna's Wild Cream (from Australia) is the only one you're currently (2023) going to find that's legit pure and natural. Also, I guess the word has gotten out about this product because they've recently seen their orders skyrocket to the point that they won't have new inventory until the end of August. This is frustrating, but presumably they'll get it all figured out soon. Good luck to you all!
Cinnamon
Posted by Mercedes (Long Beach, WA) on 09/18/2006
★★★★★
I was reading your cure for acid reflux - ACV - and wanted to add one of my own. Cinnamon sticks simmered in water for about 20 minutes or until they make a 'tea'. I put 6 sticks in a regular size stove top kettle. Drink hot or cold - usually a juice glass full will remove acid reflux instantly, if not repeat. It ALWAYS works!! Also delicious! Many other health benefits too!
Celery
Posted by Nancy (Agoura Hills, CA) on 09/14/2006
★★★★★
I have used H2 and PP blockers. I find that celery makes me feel better quickly. It probably increases the rate at which the stomach empties. It helps move things along, I think. I plan to try your home remedies. I'll let you know how it works.
Gum
Posted by Christopher (North Kingston, RI) on 05/08/2006
★★★★★
Both me and my brother have acid reflux. I have had it for about 7 yrs. now. We joke about it and our families have come to know it as "the ninja" -- it sneaks up on us and is deadly!!! So far the best remedy for me has been winter fresh gum. Everyone thinks we're crazy but it gives instant relief. i'm so surprised to read about everyone's version of "acid reflux". i wish my doctor could experience the same symptoms.
Mangosteen Juice
Posted by Ray (East Nortport) on 05/05/2006
★★★★★
After an great dinner and two apple pie and vanilla ice cream I went to bed. I woke up at 1 AM with some moderate heartburn. I drank 1 oz. of Mangosteen Juice and by 1:15 I was able to lay down without any pain. It worked better than Alkaseltzer.
