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.
Mangosteen Juice
Posted by Carla (Ohio) on 04/25/2006
★★★★★
i'am currently trying the mangosteen remedy (very expensive Xango). The xango is helping me with everything. i had bad headaches, no energy dry skin back aches, toe nail discoloration, smoke too many cigarettes and the list goes on. I feel 500 percent better. although i think i am going to try the apple cider remedy. i was reading the part (nays, i believe) where the people where getting sick or not working or whatever and i wanted to let people know that everyone's bodies are different and every person may need a different dosage. if a person gets sick from a remedy they need to start off with a lower dosage and work their way up. the body cannot deal with a new strange thing entering and taking over. healthy for you or not. introduce yourself and work your way up. some people need to start off twice a week for a couple of weeks then add more and more to your diet until you met your needs. some people every other day and so on and so forth. don't give up and good luck!
Licorice
Posted by Deirdre (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/10/2006
★★★★★
I haven't had an issue with acid reflux until this past weekend when I over-ate (mostly thick chunks of bread) at a dinner party on Friday night. 3 hours later I had intense burning and pain in my upper right intestinal tract, just under my liver/gallbladder. When the pain and burning spread to my entire upper intestinal tract and didn't ease up after 48 hours, I decided to research some home remedies for gastritis. I ended up buying chewable DGL (licorice root extract) at Whole Foods last night... I knew it was great for healing ulcers, why not gastritis?! I chewed two tablets and within 30 minutes, the burning and pain had stopped. Today I am almost back to 100% (just a slight sensation of burning). I hope other people will give this supplement a shot for acid reflux. DGL supports the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. One more thing -- Licorice Root Extract raises blood pressure, but DGL is licorice root extract without the compound that raises blood pressure -- glycyrrhizin -- so you can take it every day supposedly, 20 minutes before a meal.
Licorice
Posted by Sherry (Longview, Washington ) on 08/12/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Licorice (the herb not the candy) cannot be taken safely for very long. It causes high blood pressure. I have found licorice root in diet teas and women's remedy teas used as a dieretic. Taken any longer than 6 days or so can cause health issues. I made the mistake years ago of drinking a dieter's tea after my evening meal for over a year. I had never had a problem with high blood pressure before but after a year on that tea my blood pressure sky rocketed and I felt horrible. As soon as I stopped the tea my blood pressure went back down to normal.
Licorice
Posted by Katie (Chicago, IL) on 09/02/2008
★★★★★
I have had moderate success with DGL wafers. It is the glycyrrhizic acid that is the cause of most of the side effects of licorice, including high blood pressure. Therefore, DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) which has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed is thought to be much safer. As with any herbal, exercise caution and seek the advice of a medical professional who has experience with herbs.
Licorice
Posted by Deb (Cb, Ia) on 12/19/2009
Deirdre, I can't believe reading someone else has the same problem I've experienced since the Dr put me on thyroid medicine in 2002 after radiation for Graves Disease. Never had all the problems I now have before the thyroid medicine. Jumped from Dr to Dr trying to figure out why the severe burning pain in the liver/gallbladder area (most Dr's didn't have an answer after running test after test & people acted like I was crazy to complain of such a severe pain there), had my gallbladder removed in '98. One Dr finally told my I had acid reflux and allergies but I didn't think it could be since I had never had heart burn! I recently had an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy confirming I have GERD, diverticulosis and gastritis. I've been on ALL the meds for reflux only to have too many side effects and then quit taking them due to little to no relief and most of them causing my blood pressure to rise and feeling worse(never had hypertension before these meds and only having it while taking them). I've tried the ACV, teas, papaya, etc. I'm going to try the DGL with caution, we are only given one body and I don't want to cause more problems trying to cure it! BTW cutting down on salt intake has helped ease the burning pain! Thanks! Deb
EC: Hi Deb,
Yes, DGL is fantastic. I still have the same issue when I eat too much bread and it's been very helpful from time to time. Also drinking more water during the meal and after. I started recently to take potassium iodide after someone mentioned it on the site and it's turning out to be an amazing tool for digestion and weight loss. That tells me there is a thyroid link too!
Deirdre (now in Atlanta)
Licorice
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/22/2009 489 posts
Question for Deb & Deirdre:
Hello Ladies,
Did your blood pressure rise before or after you started the licorice root extract for the acid regurg? The reason I ask is we were told in a physiology class that eating licorice would cause your blood pressure to rise.
Also, as stated many times before, getting rid of bleached flour got rid of my gastrointestinal problems including the acid regurg or GERD. Why take something to relieve the problem if you can avoid what causes the problem?
EC: Hi Joyce, no. DGL licorice extract did not cause a rise in my blood pressure because it does not contain glycyrrhizin (the compound that causes a rise in bp). That's why it's a great supplement!
Deirdre
Orange Peel Extract
Posted by Jake (Tampa, Florida) on 01/28/2006
★★★★★
I have been suffering from heartburn for many years. I've been taking different medicines and found no relief. Just lots of medical bills and switching from Prevacid to Nexium to Prilosec and drinking lots of Maalox. I found online that Orange Peel Extract can cure heartburn. I was skeptical, but I decided to try it anyway. After using the second softgel tablet I felt total relief from heartburn. I thought it was an absolute miracle! For about six months I didn't have any heartburn! My old doctor did approve of herbal medicines but my new doctor doesn't. I have to take their medicines again and I feel miserable everyday. I don't eat regularly like I was. That's all those medicines do is cover the problem up, but your body counters the medicine by producing more acid. Prolonged use of meds can lead to cancer. Orange Peel Extract actually prevents certain cancers. I am planning on changing doctors soon and going back to Orange Peel Extract.
Lemons
Posted by Tom Wall (Maplewood, Mn) on 03/19/2015
everyone knows lemon is bad for gerd
Lemons
Posted by Kelly (Minesing, Canada, Ontario) on 08/20/2011
Hello, I was just wondering if you could tell me how much lemon juice one would drink or how many times a day to prevent or get rid of acid reflux? I've been suffering from it more and more often and I eat a very healthy diet. Thanks
Reader Theories
Posted by Jeffrey (Leeds, Yorkshire, England) on 11/18/2005
re acv the pharmaceutical companies do not want the public to know what is the main cause of acid reflux ie the low level of acid in the stomach. The annual profits on prescribed/over the counter antacids must run into many millions of pounds for the drug companies. I just hope many more people like me find your fantastic website.
Lemons
Posted by Ed (Hillsboro, NC)
★★★★★
I stumbled upon a consistent treatment for recurrent reflux a year ago when I experienced my first kidney stone attack. My urologist recommended I drink lemonade to prevent future stone development. Well, a wonderful secondary result has been that I no longer experience reflux attacks, which were common in the evening after bedtime - especially when I had eaten later at night. I now tell anyone who will listen what a difference lemonade can make in a life. Apparently (you chemists will know more about this), the body reacts to the citric acid in lemonade to produce an increased alkaline reaction, which sounds paradoxical. I drink lemonade with my meals at home and buy bottled lemonade at convenience stores instead of carbonated drinks when I travel.
Lemons
Posted by Joan (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) on 01/11/2009
I would like to try the lemonade, but I cant have a lot of sugar in my diet. If i can find a sugarfree lemonade, will that work just a well as the regular lemonade. Thank you
Lemons
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 01/12/2009 489 posts
To Joan from Pawtucket:
Beware of any sugarfree lemonade, especially if it is sweetened with artificial sweetener like nutrasweet, Equal or aspartame, you will most likely get side effect problems you don't want.You should be safe with sugarfree lemonade if you make your own and sweeten it with stevia.
Lemons
Posted by Janet (Louisville, Ky) on 12/29/2009
★★★★★
I try to use natural remedies as much as possible. I recommend buying lemons from the grocery. Just keep some in your refrigerater. No need for sweeteners. Just squeeze the juice into a water glass or put in your water bottle. I carry a water bottle with lemon juice with me all day and also keep one by my bedside at night. I found out about drinking lemon water from the book: "Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type". I was having terrible coughing fits several times daily. I even was tested for allergies, but not allergic. Thank goodness this book was recommended to me. I'm blood type A. I have acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. I've been drinking fresh lemon in water everyday now and the problem is cured. However, if I don't drink it daily the problem returns. My gastro doc confirmed he has several patients who swear by it as well. FYI - Dasani water now sells bottled lemon water, although I think it's sweeter than natural lemon, but it works in a pinch when you're traveling.
Soy Milk
Posted by Belinda (Chico, CA)
★★★★★
I started drinking soy milk and it helps with my Acid Reflex and heartburn. I will try the vinegar.
Soy Milk
Posted by veggie girl (Berkeley, California) on 03/01/2024
★★★★★
A glass of plain, unsweetened soy milk in the evening always seems to calm any acid reflux for me. (nothing else added, just organic soybeans and water) I drink it cold usually, but warm is good too.
Yogurt
Posted by Coreen (Bklyn, NY)
★★★★★
Plain yogurt (not flavors) also heals acid reflux it tightens the walls around the stomach area.
Yogurt
Posted by Calvin (Atlanta, GA)
★★★★★
I had been suffering with Acid Reflux for 3 weeks until a person told me that i should try yogurt. I tried yogurt for 3 days, and i already notice a change. Yogurt has helpful bacteria cultures that aid in strengthening your immune system which all boils down to your GI tract. Now, my acid reflux is nearly all gone. I still have the symptoms, but day by day, they ease away thanks to the yogurt.
Reader Theories
Posted by Falcon (Mariposa, CA)
Re the Acid reflux problem: I took an Iridologist class with Dr. Bernard Jenson and we learned that the problem is not too much acid but low acid. Which we could verify by reading the fibers of the eyes. So the pharmaceutical co.s making a killing selling the purple pill as a cure are totally misleading the public. The purple pill turns off acid pumps and if anything make it worse. That the purple pill cures the damage done to the esophagus may be partially true in that one does not have any acid in the stomach to break down the proteins. But one wonders what the long term effect of sending partially broken down proteins through ones digestive system. Another cure we recommended after determining the persons problem was truly not high acid but low acid, was to recommend they take plant HCL (hydrocloric acid) and they can test it themselves. With a high protein meal at first take one see how it works for them then 2, and keep upping the amount until they learn what their system needs.
Another easy cure it to avoid eating heavy meals especially high protein meals at end of day when you are tired. It is the tiredness that causes the sphincter muscles to relax conserving energy that is the cause of acid reflux. So when one is tired and lays down to sleep the acid then can slosh out of the stomach into the esophagus, so they end up with what we call heart burn. Not of course tis the burning by ones acid in the stomach of the esophagus.
Sincerely Yours,
Falcon
Sea Salt
Posted by Peg (Texas) on 11/19/2021
Hi Kennywally, How are you using the salt; proportions and how often?
Thanking you in advance.
Peg
EC: See his post just below this one in the sea salt for acid reflux section.
Don't Eat Before Bed
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.
Remove Chlorine
Posted by Suntosh (India) on 10/30/2014
What is the name of alkaline water machine that turns regular tap water into alkaline rich water and I can buy in India?
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/09/2013 2041 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).
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, La Union, Philippines) on 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.
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Gerd Fighter (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 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?
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics
Posted by Gerd Fighter (Atlanta, Ga, Us) on 03/13/2013
Bill: for me, I already have high BP - for me it always remains around 140/90...
Mastic Gum
Posted by Cl (Morrow, Ca) on 02/06/2012
I have been dealing with acid reflux, acid indigestion and gastritis on and off for years. GI docs put me on Prilosec then Prevacid after scopies where they saw erosion and hiatial hernia. The Prevacid gave me a life threatening intestinal infection of C. Difficile. Mainstream medicine knows little of this and thinks you only get it from antibiotics. After a year of recovery from the c. diff (and loss of 45 lbs in six weeks) my acid reflex and terrible acid burning came back.
H.pylori is a very common intestinal bacterium that most docs overlook as well. The antibiotic treatment is terrible and many do not kick it with this and become sicker. The tests (stool, breath) for h. pylori are unreliable.
I am now treating acid reflux and for h. pylori naturally with Mastic (sometimes called Mastic gum).
Also taking digestive enzymes (Digest by Transformation) before meals and made major nutritional changes to get PH balanced. You can buy the little strips to test urine PH at health food store. This is essential.
Seeing an excellent licensed naturopathic doctor has helped me enormously with this. There is so much more to tell but not enough time or room.
Please do not believe the mainstream line on this and avoid PPI's, OTC antacids, prescriptions, etc!!!!! These things exacerbate the problem.
Two good websites are: Weston Price foundation and Cure zone for more info.
Be and get well naturally!
Mastic Gum
Posted by Mary (Arcadia, Ca) on 05/15/2015 50 posts
I started to take Mastic Gum after having an episode of vomiting for 3 days straight couldn't even keep down water. After it stopped I developed very bad Panic Attacks. I went to see my natural doctor and she said, "we better give you something to help heal your stomach issues first" I was told to take Mastic Gum.
It affected me badly by raising my blood pressure to 188/113. It wasn't great before that but never that high. I started to take Oregano oil lets see what happens to me next. I will keep you posted thank you. Mary
Soda Water
Posted by Woody (Atwater, Ca.) on 01/06/2012
Acid reflux can be dangerous in my view. Several times after I have gone to sleep, I wake up suddenly, and because of acid reflux, food has come up and is filling my wind pipe. I jump up and have a horrible time getting the food out. You might recall that both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey DIED of this condition. So what I do is keep a cup of soda water by my bedside, and routinely take several swallows before I lie down. By doing this I have no worries.
Low Carb Diet, Hcl
Posted by Ck (Cincinnati, Oh Usa) on 05/06/2011
I have been getting some relief by combing a controlled carbs diet with HCL and other digestive enzymes. I have learned a lot from the following site and would urge all to visit and read the extensive information presented. He does not sell digestive products or aides.
http://thehealthyskeptic.org/heartburn
I appreciate all who have posted their ideas here and I wanted to share this information as it is helping me.
Manuka Honey
Posted by Brijorg (New Haven, Ct) on 02/02/2011
★★★★★
Kleemarti from Tampa, Florida, Hillsborough, I had some pretty bad reflux not so long ago. The #1 remedy for this I found on manukahoneyusa. There are types of foods and drink to avoid and those you should take but most important smear 1 teaspoon of the active manuka honey on (in my case) a 1"x1" piece of rice bread (no wheat gluten) and chew well and swallow do this about 20 minutes before each meal. Initially you will feel a slight sting (healing sting) but the honey will coat the esophagus and start healing. This actually works for many digestive issues. The honey has to be applied to something (bread apple, banana, etc) or else it is absorbed into the bloodstream too quickly.
Now knock that reflux out, the manuka saved my life.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Paul (Naperville, Il) on 09/29/2010
To: Robert from Martinez, Ca
How did you come to the conclusion that HCL will cancel out Digestive Enzymes when taken together?
Milk
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskchewan, Canada) on 03/04/2010
Art: Are you drinking raw milk? Mary
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alan (Anaheim, Ca) on 01/09/2010
I have been suffering with terrible pain in my chest that I didn't associate with the acid at 1st. After my doctor did an EKG and Chest xray and they were fine, he told me it was likely just from stress. Then the reflux starting getting really bad and I realized the pain in my chest and back is from my esophogus.
Now I just started the purple pill today because my doc gave me samples to last 2 weeks. I found this site and I want to try all of the remedies at once.
I just took a tablespoon of mustard and it helped. I am occasionally burping and at least the mustard taste is better than the acid taste :)
I had a shot of ACV two days ago and it also gave me some relief. I was looking in the cupboard for baking soda and wishing I had some green apples.
I am guessing it might not be a good idea to try 4 or 5 of these remedies at the same time. If I feel better, I won't know which one really helped...or does it matter as long as I feel better. But maybe too many remedies will have a negative affect. All I want is to feel better. I think it won't be better until my sore esophogus heals. I am also taking a chug of milanta a few times a day. Thank you for all the suggestions.
Almonds
Posted by Alex (Brooklyn, NY) on 09/15/2010
Try peppermint tea after meals. It does help reduce acid reflux, I tried and it worked.
Almonds
Posted by Amita (New Delhi, India) on 09/06/2011
Peppermint is a trigger but combined with a few drops of honey it works well for acid reflux. Personally for me I swear by apple cider vinegar.
