Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

Pears

Posted by Joanne (Littleton, MA) on 09/02/2006
★★★★★

One night after being awaken by a throat full of "acid", I decided to try eating a pear to cool down my burning throat and discovered that eating just a few bits, I know longer felt any burning or pain.

Reader Theories

Posted by Lisa (Santa Clarita, CA) on 08/20/2006

I've been getting heartburn since I was 11 or 12. Many misdiagnoses and 30 years later, I found out that I had ACHALASIA. This is a condition where the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) does not properly relax and open to allow food/liquid to pass into the stomach. The pain is unbelievable and sipping ice water slowly was the best solution most of the time. I was probably born this way; don't know if it's true for everyone. I've had several medical/surgical procedures. The best was one that "tore" open the LES muscle so food can pass through to my stomach. It doesn't last forever, but with experimentation and avoiding foods that get "stuck," I get along just fine. I'm so grateful to the doctor that finally gave me the barium swallow and diagnosed my condition!

Milk and Honey

Posted by Sarah (Maplewood, NJ) on 05/11/2006
★★★★★

My mom uses an egg yolk, honey and milk for me since I was little when it attacks. Egg yolk -- try to use twice a week but every day use warm milk [whole milk works better] and one teaspoon of honey for three to four days. Once I use this, I don't get the acid reflux for more than six months or so. Trust me I have tried so many things but nothing works like milk and honey. I have never try the AVC. I will try it.

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.

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 490 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

Apples

Posted by Tristan (Houston, TX) on 02/27/2006
★★★★★

ACV helped for a few days and then the acid was back worse than ever. Apple juice on the other hand seems to be helping. Within 20 minutes of drinking a bottle of Minute Maid Apple Juice with Vitamin C, the burping and pain are gone.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Bill (Anchorage, Alaska) on 02/14/2006
★★★★★

when i stop eating foods with gluten my acid reflux went away. I cured my acid reflux, excess gas,bad memory, nighttime urination by eliminating gluten.

Mint

Posted by Paa (Las Vegas) on 02/04/2006
★★★★★

I have heard of mint juice as an Indian remedy. Haven't tried it though.

Orange Peel Extract

Posted by Lindsey (Oakland, Ca) on 08/17/2010

This is the first time I've written on here and I was trying to repond to Jake from Tampa, but not sure if this will work. Jake mentioned that his new doctor didn't approve of his herbal medicines and now "has to take" their medicines and feels horrible everyday. Jake, I just want you to know that obviously you can do whatever you want. You don't need your doctors approval. If orange peel worked for you, it works, that's it, nevermind the doctor and their western medicine!

Hot Peppers

Posted by Melanie (NY, NY) on 01/11/2006
★★★★★

The only thing that I have tried that has worked is Habanero Peppers. I have gargled with Apple Cider Vinegar, but I will try it again after eating to see if it works.

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.

Apples

Posted by Jeffrey (UK) on 11/05/2005
★★★★★

After 25 years of suffering with an acid stomach and taking all kinds of medicine from my GP and also from the chemist which did not cure my condition. I was at my wits end thankfully I came across your web site and read with interest about acv. some time ago after having an attack of acid I ate an apple (cox) this did at the time help my acid on reflection. not connecting the two things at the time I simply forgot until i came across your web page. I now take a slice of apple or two after a meal and wonder of wonders no acid!!!

Apples

Posted by Tomm S (Indpls, IN) on 10/05/2005
★★★★★

I stumbled onto your site thru a lot of searching for relief because I've come to believe that there isn't a cure for Acid Reflux! I'm yet to try the ACV thing but for now I will stand on my aide. A simple slice from an apple. Any color. I've noticed that the vinegar suggested here also is to be "Apple." Try it and I guarantee that you will be amazed.

Mint

Posted by Tonia (USA) on 03/20/2005
★★★★★

I just did my science fair project on this subject and got a 1st, and Best of Show. I found that peppermint will actually lower the acidity in your stomach. Like a mint (like peppermint candy) or peppermint tea will help lower the acid in your stomach that produces the acid that gives you heartburn.

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 490 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.