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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mirella (Brisbane, Australia) on 10/07/2007
★★★★★
Hi, I had acid reflux for over 15 years and it was so bad that i would reflux if i bent down to pick something up or lay in a horizontal position such as in swimming. I found certain foods such as fried or fatty foods made it worse. Eventually i started seeing a medicinal herbalist who told me that acid reflux is triggered by coffee consumption. I had been a moderate - heavy coffee drinker most of my life. I gave up coffee and found that within 4-6 weeks my acid reflux went away completely. I have never had it since. I completely stopped coffee for about 2 years and replaced it with green tea. As soon as i have a coffee again, the reflux returns. Hope this helps.
Reader Theories
Posted by Joyce (Nashville, TN) on 09/27/2007
Acid reflux/PUD (peptic ulcer disease)
As far back as I can remember, my entire family played the eat and race to the baking soda to counteract the acid problem. I finally stumbled upon the cause of my constant heartburn, indigestion, and nausea, and flatulence (gas) in my thirty's. Elimination of all bleached flour from my diet worked wonders for my stomach problems. My PUD has only hit me once since I discovered this. I devoured a bunch of raw broccoli with dip over 2 days. I finally had to realize that the dip probably contained bleached flour. which caused the problem, since I have eaten raw broccoli since then with no problem. I now have what some call a cast iron stomach. I can eat hot salsa, black coffee, have my occaasional liquor on the rocks with no problem.
About 15 years later, I was researching PUD for a term paper. I learned that PUD became a problem in the uppersocioeconomic group about 11 years after someone came up with bleaching flour. It was so expensive only the wealthy could afford it. Some years later it became cheap enough that the middle socioeconomic group could afford it. Yep, PUD moved into this group about the same num of years later. Then somebody in (Minnesoto, I think) came with a process of bleaching it that made it so everyone could afford it. You guessed it-after approximately the same number of years later, PUD moved into this group also. My AHA! conclusion -SOMETHING IN BLEACHING PROCESS CAUSES UPSET STOMACH WHICH PROGRESSES TO PUD.
Now I still have a question. Can anyone explain why drinking,eating acid foods (tomatos, citrus juices, etc) from metal cans causes upset stomach or why eating bananas be they ripen enough to get brown speckles on peeling does the same.
Whatever, my advice to everyone is to eat your food as close to the way God grows it, if you want to be healthier.
Reader Theories
Posted by Danielle (Hiram, GA) on 09/27/2007
I love this website and natural remedies are my first line of defense when it comes to ailments, but i had to go the pharmacuetical path when it came to my Acid reflux. I was diagnosed with a peptic ulcer when i was 12yrs old, and from that point i was on prescription acid reducers. My stomach pain would be so bad that i would have to throw-up to relieve the pressure. I tried ACV, baking soda, mustard, you name it. Everything was a temporary fix. And i knew I didn't want to pop pills the rest of my life. I'm 32 now and 3 yrs ago a fear of problems developing in my esophugus and stomach, from years of acid reflux lead me to go to a Gastro-specialist, who diagnosed me with a bacteria in my stomach that caused the problem. After a week of Prayer and many antibiotics i was finally freed from that curse. I haven't had any problems, Praise GOD in 3yrs. If you are a long term suffer of acid reflux as i was, please look into the possibility of a stomach bacteria, but if you suffer only occasionally, the natural remedies mentioned on this website will work just great.
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.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Angie (New York, New York) on 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
OTC
Posted by Sharon (Vineland, Nj) on 12/10/2009
Yes be careful with OTC. I suffer from 2 stomach conditions(one GERD). Purple pill just quit working and within a short time going off I got much much worse. It has turned into severe indigestion, horrible nausea and vomiting off and on. Sometimes it gets so bad I have to dart out of a store because I get so sick to my stomach. Been getting upper stomach pains paid with it sometimes too. Please try natural stuff 1st don't use this garbage. My slippery elm doesn't seem to work anymore so now I am starting apple cider, severe problems start with 2 teasp, or table?
Cayenne
Posted by Bruce (Lake City , Florida USA) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★
On the subject of acid reflux and heartburn, I have all but eliminated it after 20 or so years of suffering. I used to keep a large bottle of Tums with me at all times. The acid reflux was horrible, waking me up in bed with searing pain in my throat and gasping for air, not knowing if this would be the end. The choking went on for half an hour or more. Milk, more Tums, water, juice, nothing gave instant relief. Like magic, after about three months, I had lost almost all of the symtoms of the acid reflux and heartburn. You can cure yourself easily if you are determined. It will take perseverence and patience and will gradually go from bad to good in three months or so. Cayenne Pepper is the answer! Now on a regular basis I take from one to two heaping tablespoons of granulated cayenne with my meals. Not on any cereal though! Usually if you can start off with a litle and work up to a large dose like I did, it will become easy and things after a while will not seem to taste right without it. I am so happy I don't use Tums anymore and I don't have stomach problems. I would encourage anyone to read about "cayenne pepper healing effects." Do a Google search and you will be surprised at what you read about its healing effects. I get my cayenne from a wholesale club in bulk containers. I use Tone's ground cayenne pepper and it is about $4.00 for a 1 LB container. That should last you about six months or more. Good luck and remember, you will have to get used to the heat or it won't work. In addition to taking the cayenne pepper, don't go to sleep on a full stomach. Give it 3 or 4 hours before you go to sleep. Bruce N. Strnad
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.
Mastic Gum
Posted by Ken (Torrance, CA) on 06/29/2007
★★★★★
I had severe acid reflux and ulcers.I took mastic gum by Now co.There are other companies too. I took capsules. It WILL cure both ailments,but you must keep taking it until you get symptons vanish -of course! It has been shown to fight prostate cancer.See net for tests and research. Great substanceif one stays with it. A million times better than baking soda!
Mastic Gum
Posted by Holyfoods (Saint John, Nb, Canada) on 12/04/2009
★★★★★
I've had gastritis, reflux, pain in stomach (possible ulcerations), indigestion, and hiatal hernia for some time. After 2 weeks of using Mastic Gum I've noticed a dramatic reduction in all of these symptoms. It took exactly two weeks of taking 1000mg morning and night to notice this change though. For awhile, I thought I was getting worse, which was probably the "herxheimer" reaction. Anyways, I'm glad to say it's working. Aloe Vera juice really helps with the inflammation caused by the h. pylori bacteria (or any bacteria) as well.
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.
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.
Apples
Posted by Jillian (Lake Macquarie, Australia) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★
My daughter had severe acid reflux & was medicated for 2 years, but was in severe pain, & frequently vomited. She is now drug free & symptom free. Please tell Melissa from Tampa Fl to use the acv after a meal, but also to eat an apple, (even 1/2) before bed. These simple remedies changed my daughters life. We don't know why the apple works but it is fantastic. The problem with a lot of reflux is not too much acid but not enough, hence the acv aids digestion. This was the case with my daughter. She had bad breath and nausea. The food in her stomach was not being digested, it was just sitting ther rotting. I note with interest your advice to take 1/4 tspn b soda with acv. Will definitely add this to the mix. Thanks Jillian NSW Australia
Aloe Vera
Posted by Zinnia (Wappingers Falls, New York) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
My daughter Stefanie developed an acid reflux. She was given an anti acid Rx. It temporarity stopped. I researched the wonders of Aloe Vera and found that it treated her. Since then whenever it occurs, I give her juice mixed with Aloe Vera juice. It works wonder.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 04/26/2012
I had the same problem with acide reflux. The dr prescribed nexium which I was taking. I do not like medication and the many side effects they caused so I decided to find a natural alternative and started with apple cider vinegar. This helped tremendously and I am happy to say I do not suffer from acid reflux anymore. I remember years ago in college I was having the same problem and my doctor told me to drink milk. I am lactose intolerant and drinking milk only made the condition worsen. The only thing that could help was to drink orange juice. The dr was baffled as she beleived that the orange juice would aggravate the condition. That just goes to prove that it is not an excess of acid but too little acid in the stomach. Try the ACV and I hope it helps. Start out with a teaspoon in 8 ozs water and instead of juice with your meal have a glass of water with ACV.
Miso Soup
Posted by Kiran (Canton, MI) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
Hi, It seems that having Miso soup helps reduce my acid reflux problem. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this too! Kiran.
Apples
Posted by Cally (Downsville, Louisiana) on 05/18/2007
★★★★★
I suffered with acid reflux for YEARS! I was terrified to go anywhere without a big supply of Tums. During my life I have had 9 surgeries and taken antibiotics for many things, and I assume this is what messed me up. I refused to get on a prescription acid inhibitor for obvious reasons. One day I had reflux very badly - hurting, belching bubbles of acid. Nothing helped, not even the Tums. About that time my grandchildren showed up with some baggies of apple slices to snack on and I ate some of them. Instant relief, I kid you not! No pain, no acid, no bitter taste. I then talked to my niece, about what I considered was a miracle - the simple apple. She has a background in nursing and exercise physiology, but was at that time selling products for a place which carried a probiotic. She ordered it for me and told me it would restore my intestinal flora that the antibiotics had destroyed, and which was the root of my problem. I took the capsules she ordered for me- called Primal Defense. I took one bottle over a period of 2.5 months and I have not had ANY gastric upsets or acid. I now make sure that I do not run out of the probiotic, or fresh apples. I have added other RAW vegetables to my diet and eat them on a daily basis - mainly organic carrots, red cabbage, spinach. I can't tell you what the raw fruits and vegetables and the probiotic have done for me. I was so miserable all the time, and now I am 100% free of the misery. Meat, dairy products, sugar, drugs, all those things cause acid to build up. This I learned from my niece. Also, apple cider vinegar is made two ways, one is acid and vinegarry, the one that is normally sold in the vinegar department of the grocery store, and the other is one that is CONSIDERED vinegarry, _____'s apple cider vinegar, but in fact it is alkaline to the body. Be careful you don't get the wrong apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Dee (Fairfax, VA) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★
I'd been having terrible heartburn for over a week. So bad that that my kids and husband were very worried. A few years ago I had six ulcers! But didn't want to start the standard gastro treatments lansoprazole or purple pills - I'm well aware of the downsides to them. My gastric problem was probably caused by my ADHD, I frequently forget to eat because I get so hyperfocused I don't notice I'm hungry!So, I went looking for a homeopathic cure and found your website. I read a whole bunch of stuff and probably confused one thing with another nevertheless this is what happened: I made the ACV mixture adding the Baking Soda also 2 tbsp Aloe juice; 1 tbsp of organic honey; 1 tbsp of'Coconut Oil (using warm water, which melts the honey and VCO). I tried with and without the VCO and for those who find the ACV drink unpalatable the VCO helps alot! The heartburn stopped in 24 hours! Major miracle. I felt focused, relaxed, energetic and pain free. The only side effect of note was/is gas. Is this from the VCO? Is there anything I can do about that? And is it OK to blend all this together? Should I be drinking it before or after or with a meal? I don't know about the other magical effects of VCO its only been 2 days! Thanks for this great site, its already helped me a lot!
Banana
Posted by Frank (Dublin Ireland, Southern Ireland) on 04/30/2007
★★★★★
having had reflux for five years, i started taking a banana a day. after about two weeks, i tried to do without my NEXIUM TABELT. which previously would only last for three nights. this time however, i have not had a NEXIUM TABLET after 15 days. frank
Aloe Vera
Posted by Michele (Los Angeles, California, Usa) on 09/09/2009
Response to Linda. I have LPR as well, and yours was the first post I have seen linking aloe vera as a cure for LPR. Thank you so much! I am going to get some on my way home tonight and give it a try.
