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.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Shobha (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) on 04/22/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I think that I have night reflux, as I get up with a coating on my tongue and a sore throat on my right side. Have tried ACV, baking soda, apples and nothing has helped so far. After eating, my stomach feels full and heavy, like its weighted down, and the feeling takes a long while to settle. Is this due to excess acidity or lack of acid for digestion? Could anyone help me? Thank you for letting me share my problem.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jen (L.A., CA, USA) on 04/23/2009
Hi Shobha, I work in the field of sleep disorders medicine and I have many patient that suffer from nighttime (only) reflux and many of them suffer from snoring and or Sleep Apnea (pauses in breathing or shallow breathing). The snoring/Apnea is an obstruction in the airway makes the person's breathing effort increase, however since the airway is compromised and narrowed it causes a "sucking-up" of the acid from the stomach into the throat when the person tries to breathe... Allot of these patients sleep at an incline with several pillows or a wedge. If you snore or have been told that you make breathing sounds or pauses in breathing while sleeping you should have it evaluated. Good luck.
Licorice
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 04/18/2009 489 posts
To Denise from Huddersfield, UK:
Hello Denise, to answer your question "why drink acid to relieve an acid stomach problem" I will borrow some information gleaned from an alternative MD named Jonathan Wright. According to Dr. Wright the problem is not too much but too little hydrochloric acid, and if this is true then drinking an acid should relieve it and from most of the correspondence from those who have tried it, I have to side with Dr. Wright as to the cause.
However I got rid of the acid, along with the bloat, constipation, flatulence, and outright peptic ulcer flare ups 4 or 5 times per year, when I stumbled on the fact that spicy foods were not the problem, but anything made with bleached flour always brought on the misery. At first I wondered about the gluten in wheat causing it, but when I started eating bread again I found that whole grain products caused no problems, but bleached flour did, a few other things like any acid foods (tomatoes, citrus juices, etc) from a memtal can brings on the acid regurg misery. As long as I stay away from the above, life is a whole lot more enjoyable and has worked for me for the last 40 years or so. I don't know what they use in the bleaching process that causes the problem, but I do know that eliminating bleached flour eliminates the problem, and without ever being treated for the bug that modern day orthodox medicine says causes peptic ulcer disease.
By the way, don't expect your doctor to be overjoyed to hear that a patient has found a way to relieve the problem without his help, because doctors don't like patients who think they are smarter than he/she is and also don't like the prospects of his income decreasing because you no longer will be visiting for your former chronic complaint.
Another thing to think about, do check your blood pressure periodically because licorice candy is said to elevate blood pressure in those who eat a lot of it, and if it does then licorice root might do the same.
Licorice
Posted by Mike R (Houston, Tx) on 09/15/2011
I have tried many remedies for GERD and have researched licorice root as a cure. The catch is that normal licorice or candies also contain high levels of glycerin and sodium which will most certainly also cause or risk a higher incidence of blood pressure issues.
HOWEVER, GNC sells an extract pill form of licorice without these ingredients, it is called "De-Glycerinated Licorice" or "DGL", food supplement. IT WORKS! It will repair the esophagus and correct the GERD in a few days. It can be taken in small doses pretty much forever with no side effects. If you are so inclined, licorice flavored liquors (Anisette, Ouzo) also work in a similar way as a digestive aid after a meal, but take in small doses for obvious reasons!
This can be combined with any other methods, but as always, best to avoid or limit the spicy, fatty foods. I have also found that a high protien diet and low carbs works for me in the same way. Best of luck!
Sauerkraut
Posted by Linda (Dayton, Ohio) on 11/17/2008
★★★★★
I noticed that saurkraut had not been mentioned for relief of acid reflux. I know that lots of german delis serve this with their meals....The fermentation of the kraut is really good for the digestive system...really helpful to decrease acid reflux.
Red Wine
Posted by Max (Tuxedo Park, NY) on 11/04/2008
★★★★★
a good red wine for acid reflux cure
Ok.....i just spent the last 6 hrs battling a severe case of acid reflux....i might deal with this 2 to 3 times a year, but this was the absolute worst....i actually thought it could be a heart attack so obviously that didn't help matters....i was popping pepsid and tums and downing bottled water to no avail....checked your website but had no applecider vinegar or baking soda. No way did i think red wine would do me any good, but i wanted to calm my mind so i poured two big glasses, drank them rather quickly about an hour ago....and its all gone...back to feeling myself again. Maybe someone could tell me scientifically how this could be?
Vitamin B-6
Posted by Pete (Eastbourne, UK) on 10/02/2008
★★★★★
I cured myself after suffering nightly with acid reflux i took vitamin B6 from 10-100mg until symptoms went and it works very rapidly, after spending countless pounds on over the counter medicates& Also good for hangovers, alcohol consumption, depression. If you're an alcoholic, it will seriously reduce your imbibing as B6 is present in alcoholic drinks.
Ginger
Posted by Chris (Fort Worth, TX) on 06/17/2008
Oh PLEASE get off of the Tramadol!!!! Though no one will tell you, It is a highly addictive pain killer! Research before its too late!
Reduce Stress
Posted by Ali (Portland, OR USA) on 11/01/2008
Ref: Posting of 05/19/2008: Gislain from Phoenix, AZ
You are absolutely correct. Stress can certainly cause acid reflux. Then the person is told to take PPI's or H2 Blockers. The next thing they know they're on med's for life. Avoid worry and stress. Don't get over weight (if you are lose weight), eat right (smaller portions and healthy). Avoid all medications that can cause reflux (and there is a lot of them out there, prescription and OTC). Lastly, practice relaxful breathing, close your eyes and envision a calm place.
Warnings
Posted by Erik (Pittsburgh, PA) on 05/01/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
re: Untested Claims. Please take into account the claims that you are making have not been tested via prospective randomized controlled trials versus placebo and would not stand in court. If some one were to use your website and take its advice then have a true medical problem such as acid reflux which led to a GI bleed, then inplicated you for giving treatment advice without a medical practicioner's license you could woefully liable. Anectdotal evidence does not equal effective.
EC: Erik, it appears you didn't read the medical disclaimer at the bottom of every page on this website. Perhaps you should.
Licorice
Posted by Frank R (Anytown, USA) on 04/05/2008
★★★★★
I developed acid reflux and ulcers due to stress in my job. I did not read anyone having stress induced acid reflux. This developed in 1986 and I still have it.
I have taken tagament to Prilosec with varying degrees of result. When I took Prilosec I was told it was only for 30 days and then never again. That was in 1997 and of course that was not true.
The worse thing is when contents of my stomach decide to go up my throat and into my lungs when I am sleeping. It does not matter what I eat, how much, or when I still get these scary episodes.
I have not tried vinegar for this but use it for hiccups. I figure it shocks the system. When I know my stomach is going to be a problem I eat saltine crackers (baking sode is in them), eat yogurt, and drink lots of water. Sometimes it really helps, sometimes it only minimizes the discomfort, or I wait until my digestive system has moved along any food.
One thing I have learned is to try avoiding drugs if you can and that each person really is an individual which inclues our bological systems.
Having lived in Europe a lot of my life I found black licorice made in Germany helps my acid reflux too. It is not like what is found in the United States. Moms often give it to kids with stomach aches. I happen to like and have my German friends mail it to me.
Has anyone else ever used black licorice for acid reflux? It is a natural drug free treatment.
I wish good health to everyone.
Licorice
Posted by Patricia (Ottawa, Canada) on 04/11/2008
Love this site! Thanks to Frank R. for the tip about black licorice - have a German Deli that sells it - assume you mean unsalted? Have a friend just moved here from Australia who told me that they commonly recommend sucking on "natural glucose" lolli-pops for reflux.
Liver Cleanse, ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Amy (Merrit Island, FL) on 10/31/2007
★★★★★
I did Dr Clark's liver cleanse, not only cured my acid reflux but cured my diabetes 2, my bursitis. I have completed 4 liver cleanses and still getting better with each one. after years of aliments and sickness I am getting well. also I am loosing weight. I have started a veggie diet and I wanted to boost my PH levels for pain and well being. I tried juicing but could only get my levels to 7.5.. the Apple Vinegar and baking soda got my levels where I want them 8.7. thank you no pharma crap!
Liver Cleanse, ACV and Baking Soda
Posted by Veronica (California) on 12/31/2020
Hi Amy.
Can you clarify which Dr. Clark's cleanses you are referring to here? Thanks.
EC: Hi Veronica,
Amy's post is from 2007, so it is unlikely she will see it at this point. Sorry!
Smoothie
Posted by Michael (Plainfield, Illinois) on 07/17/2007
★★★★★
I was fighting Acid Reflux for over 45 Years I've tried every pill and formula out there and read every book on the market. I have one remedy that works for me. I call it the Blaster I got it out of a juicing book and it will keep the fire from starting 90% of the time. I use a Vita-Mix blender and put in 2 glasses of filtered water - 1 Banana - 1 Mango - 1/2 Papaya - 1 large slice of pinapple- 1 orange - I blend it into a drink and drink a 8 oz glass 2 times per day - the mix is enough for roughly 3 days you don't want to make it for more time it loses it's effect and there are plenty of other healthy perks along with it - I keep it refrigerated in a stainless steel thermos.
Reader Theories
Posted by Neoma (Cartersville, USA) on 08/08/2007
In regard to Elissa from Asheville, I think you might be on to something. i didn't have acid reflux before moving to Georgia....and it seemed that everytime I drank some water it was so much worse, and my stomach would actually burn. I noticed that in the bathtub there were little flecks of black, and if you put your finger on them they would smear like grease. It took some scrubbing to get them off. They are coming from the water. So I am wondering what is in our water, and if it might contributte to the problem. I started buying bottled water...however it is kind of hard to tell if it is any better. Some seems to be as bad as the tab water for causing my acid reflux.
Red Wine Vinegar
Posted by Franklin (Snead, AL) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★
I had terrible acid reflux and was afraid of getting esophagus cancer. My acid reflux was so bad my throat would swell. Twice daily, drink one fourth cup of redwine vinegar in three fourths glass of water until well and repeat if acid reflux returns. Give God the glory. I'm totally free of acid reflux.
Red Wine Vinegar
Posted by Jay (Philly, Pa) on 11/19/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar has been my acid reflux/GERD cure of choice recently as it has really seemed to help more than any medicine's I've tried. I ran out of Apple Cider Vinegar and searched to see if Red Wine Vinegar had the same sort of benefits. I saw a few people on here said it worked, so I figured I would give it a try. Sure enough, 2 teaspoons in about 2 cups of water did the trick like magic.
The scientific explanation:
The acid in the vinegar aides the digestive process. Stomachs can sometime produce too much acid. However, more likely someone's stomach with GERD or chronic acid reflux actually produces not enough acid or too much alkaline.
The acid from the vinegar helps digest and process the remnants of food that hasn't been able to be digested naturally.
I like to think of my stomach as a mini-science experiment. Taking extraordinary amounts of TUMS or acid reduction medicine to remedy the solution is usually short term. Although it's sometime painful, in the long run it's better to find something like vinegar or other natural remedy that isn't harmful to your body that you can take on a daily basis.
Reader Theories
Posted by Eileen (Rockville Centre, NY) on 01/30/2007
I tried norm robillard's low carb diet for my acid reflux. By day 3 my pain was lessened and by the end of the week, I felt normal. I cannot eat extra carbs for more then 2 days for by day 3 I'm sick with another irritation. I just can't eat any sugary or starchy foods, too many carbs I guess. Not eating bread at all reduces my symptoms just enough that I know I feel a little better. It's just so hard to stay away from. I also get less stomach problems and my bowels don't work much different now then they did when I ate all that fiber and high carb foods. Maybe it will take awhile before everything changes. I wonder if starving out the bacteria in my colon will eventually change my bathroom habits.
Licorice
Posted by Sandi (La Mesa, CA) on 12/30/2006
★★★★★
DGL (licorice supplements) Important to use dgl and not just licorice, which can raise blood pressure. Cured my acid reflux. Immediately got rid of acid reflux symptoms with the first tablet. Still working pretty well, but it seems to also be important to discover food sensitivities for ongoing cure. It's ongoing use of 800 milogram ibuprofen contributed to acid reflux.
Reader Theories
Posted by Mae (Suffolk, Va) on 03/13/2012
Hi, I have reflux very bad had to stretch and still food seem like it is stuck but it is going down. Doctor don't know what that feeling coming from can anybody reach out to me and give me some pointer that I might want to look at. Thanks- have been to ear and throat doctor and they just say they see reflux. I am so sad I can't eat anything but soft food.
Reader Theories
Posted by Sandra (Humboldt, Tn) on 07/31/2012
same here, I am going to gastro doc tomorrow for a consult. Regular doc thinks I might have narrowing of the espohgas which can be caused by reflux. I hope not because I have heard that if you have these sidtures then you will have to keep having your throat stretched to open it back up. It is bad when even water won't go down like it is supposed to.
Warnings
Posted by Jeisea (Byron Bay, Australia) on 11/09/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Someone on here asked about cough and reflux. My son had a chronic cough and was treated for asthma. He was in the worst category for asthma. He never had a wheeze. He just had a chronic cough. When he was finally diagnosed with reflux, he had developed Barrett's Oesophagous, a pre cancerous condition. Reflux causes asthma. The meds for asthma cause reflux. You see his problem. He had a laproscopic fundoplication operation which completely stopped reflux. He hasn't had asthma at all since. If you are coughing it could mean your reflux isn't under control. Chronic reflux isn't safe.
Warnings
Posted by Ali (Portland, OR USA) on 11/01/2008
Re: Posting of 11/09/2006 by Jeisea from Byron Bay, Australia: Please tell us the age of your son, and if he had any problems after having fundoplication surgery. Thanks
Raw Honey
Posted by David (Europe) on 07/30/2006
★★★★★
Just having a spoon or 2 of raw honey every time the burning starts and just before you go bed seems to work for me but eating everything slowly and not drinking coffee alcohol (dunno spelling) or soda and always follow a meal with a glass of water and if it goes away which it did for me u can resume your normal diet and if the reflux comes back just go back to doing all of these and you should be fine.
Milk
Posted by Len (Chicago, IL) on 06/05/2006
★☆☆☆☆
Except for a little fat free milk in the morning, I eliminated milk from my evenings and afternoons and it helped my acid reflux.
Raise the Bed
Posted by William (Klamath Falls, OR) on 05/07/2006
★★★★★
Lifted head end of bed about three inches. Helps, doesn't cure, night time acid reflux.
