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 Nathan Smith (Del Rio, Texas) on 01/11/2008
★★★★★
I have had stomach acid problems from the day I was born. I reliezed that for me it was completely dependent on my diet. If I ate pizza, bacon, french fries, almost anything fried, pasta, bread and other hearty and greasy foods, I would have really bad acid. In college away from home I expirienced very bad acid and examined my diet. I found that I was eating very acidic foods. I found some websites that actually rate the Ph of food after it goes through the digestive tract and low and behold it was what I was eating. Vegetables are very basic and I found that if I balanced my diet with some vegetation that I would not have a reaction. I also religiously use baking soda when I dont have vegetables or go out drinking and it is a sure fix! I am concerned about long term effects of baking soda but havn't had anything but success.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Diane (Scottsdale, Az) on 03/04/2011
Try the aloe vera capsules - available on line or at your health food store - work well and cheaper too.
OTC
Posted by Rosesgift (Grafton, Wi, Usa) on 06/10/2010
Thank you Mary!! I thought I was losing my mind. I have been taking over the counter ant-acid meds for years with little or no success. My memory loss and dizziness has increased since I have been taking the drugs. Someone told me about ACV to take away my acid reflux. I thought I would do some research and it looks like it works for most people. I will try it and hope that works for me. These past few years have been a nightmare and the doctor just keeps telling me "lets try this....ect"
What was your name again?? Thank you again!
Scott
OTC
Posted by Scott (Atlanta, GA) on 01/01/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have had acid reflux for several years now. I was on a prescription for Prilosec before it was OTC. Usually only took a pill when I felt the reflux coming on strong. Over time, it has gotten worse with many reflux attacks daily. Two months ago, I started taking Prilosec OTC every day to see if I could fend it off. It worked great and I rarely felt any reflux all day long. Then, I had three violent episodes of Vertigo....which is similar to being spun around while you are violently seasick and stays like that for about 5 hours. Turns out this is rare but known side-effect of Prilosec. Needless to say, I'm off it now. I am relying on Pepsid AC now which works great but only last for a few hours and gets expensive. I'm planning to try the ACV next.
Reader Theories
Posted by HD (Bothell, WA) on 12/25/2007
I noticed many people are looking for a cure for their acid reflux. I used to have acid reflux, and my doctor gave me some kind of medication that I need to take before bed time. Since I do not like taking too much medication, I was very fortunate when a nurse, who was working with me as a coach in helping me improve me health and lifestyle, told me to ask my doctor to test my acid reflux for h. pilori. To make the story short, I had the h. pilori tested, and the result was positive. The test involved taking a breath test, take some medication to kill the h. pilori bateria. On the second trial, my doctor gave me a different kind of medication. After the second treatment, the result came out negative. I was very glad that I no longer need to take the medication every night. I no longer have acid reflux. With this in mind, and before starting to take ACV with baking soda, you might take the same route I did.
Reader Theories
Posted by Kaye (Edinburg, TX) on 04/20/2008
My son was diagnosed with acid reflux at the age of 7. He has been on and off prevacid for 6 years now. I am new to your site, but read an entry of 12-25-2007 by HD from Bothell, WA about testing his "acid reflux for h. pilori."
HD talks about a second trial and a new medication. Please let me know what that means and what the new medication is so that I can speak w/my son's doctor about it. Thank you so much!! Kaye.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Michael (Wilsonville, OR) on 11/28/2007
★★★★★
I have been making Kombucha Tea for over 15 years and I have had two users of my tea who told me their acid reflux went away after a few days of drinking two 22oz. bottles of my Kombucha Tea. Made with Green, Black and herbal wild berry teas. Google "Kombucha Tea" for more info. Michael
Reader Theories
Posted by SJ (TENNESSEE) on 09/27/2021
I too have acid in my stomach, back, neck, arms and legs, it is very debilitating. Wish I knew what would help it.
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!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Wendy (Plover, WI U.S.A.) on 10/29/2007
★★★★★
Acid Reflux comes from being celiac. Celiac's can't eat dairy or gluten grain. Celiac's don't make enough stomach acid, so taking HCl and enzymes with a meal helps and not eating the dairy and grains. Hidden dairy and gluten grains are a problems to watch for.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Greg (Franklin, MA) on 10/20/2007
★★★★★
I suffered everyday with acid creeping up and severely hindering my ability to enjoy things in life. I noticed two huge agitators: 1. Over-eating (easy to do for anyone in U.S.) 2. Chocolate (tends to be a great laxative, but also tends to promote the acid problem. Continually the damage done by Acid Reflux caused burning and I found that taking in a good amount of sea salt (with water, foods) cleared it up.
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation
Posted by Jonna (Los Angeles, CA) on 09/15/2007
★★★★★
Lately I have been having a hell of a time with digestive issues. Not sure what is going on -- it may be that I am eating way too much hormone injected chicken and turkey now that I moved in with my partner, who has to eat meat at least once a day or he gets sick. On the other hand, I ate a Trader Joe's garlic naan last week at home with a homemade curry and woke up to extreme abdominal pain and brain fog. Second time that happened with the naan, will have to check the ingredients next time I go. So perhaps I am allergic to wheat now. I don't know. At any rate, after a week of snail's pace recovery with Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda, molasses, etc., I decided to a) eat vegetarian and b) do Bill Munro's h202 inhalation therapy. I started the peroxide therapy yesterday at about noon. By 8pm the brain fog that I have had for a week disappeared. This morning, exactly 24 hours later, my digestive tract finally feels back to normal. No more abdominal pain. I did 6 pumps of 3% h202 (drugstore brand) every 2- 3 hours. I think eating only rice and vegetables the last few days was helpful too.
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.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Terry (Chicago, IL) on 09/01/2007
★★★★★
enzymes will stop all your acid reflex, Tums kills all your good acid. buy in health store
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Ali (Abu Dhabi, UAE) on 05/14/2009
My question is about digestive enzmes. Is this recommended for any reflux problem and what type is best as a remedy. Is it taken with anacid tablets? please advise.
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.
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.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Lisa (Middle Village, New York) on 04/25/2012
I am 49 years old and diagnosed with Gerd about 2 years ago I am on 40mg of Nexium 2x a day, Baclofen 10mg 3 x a day (which they give to people with MS, it helps tighten the sphincter so the acid doesn't come up) and a medication called Domperidome 10mg which comes from England to Canada then to me in the states. The medication that they would give in the states has to many side effects that my Dr. recommended that instead. I still have severe trouble breathing, pain in chest in the rib cage. I feel the acid constantly coming up my throat all day long and burning in my throat. I have a constant bad odor and taste in my mouth and nothing helps. I can't sleep. I need to lose 40 lbs and that should help relieve the pressure from my abdomen.
The problem that I am having is I am in pre-menopause and I believe the medication that I am on makes me swell up so When I try and lose the weight I am always swelling with water and I can't get passed my 5lb mark that I lost 2 weeks ago. This is becoming very fustrating. I am afraid to try the apple cider vinager because I am afraid that it will burn the hell out of me. I get severe pain in chest and throat, trouble breathing. The acid makes me so physically sick sometime that I am so out of it I do not know how I function days. I also experience severe burning and back pain, too. Anyone have similar symptoms especially with the breathing and back pain? I can use any suggestions and help.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 04/26/2012
Lisa, sounds like over-acidity. Try alkalizing.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Heather (Leicester) on 04/27/2012
Hi Lisa, I would always recommend that anyone who has acid reflux symptoms and a swollen abdomen get a full check up from the doctor. My best friend had these symptoms before she was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer an early diagnosis is an advantage. Take Care and please follow Bills advice and get a thorough check up x
Olive Oil
Posted by Episolve Gi (California, Usa) on 05/28/2015
★★★★★
Olive oil definitely works!
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Roxanne (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★
Always sleep on your left side, so stomach acids don't drain into your stomach. Start taking good natural digestive enzymes to break down the food that is rotting and stuck in your small intestine area. This gets things moving and the acid reflux stops. Also get lots of fiber or take capsules of psyllium with a big glass of water before bed. Stay away from antacids that stop the acid that your body is creating to try to break down the rotting foods. Just keep it all moving away from the top end and out the bottom end. Drink plenty of water! :)
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Moomie (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/03/2012
Sleeping on my left side causes acid reflux for me. I suggest anyone try different sleeping positions, I had been told by my Gastroenterologist to sleep on my left side, but everytime I do I wake up in severe pain and choking to the point of throwing up. If I go to sleep on my right side and flip a little later to my left it will get me everytime. If I start out on my left side it gets me sooner. I can only sleep on my left side after several HOURS of being in bed. So it is different for everyone. There is no one "remedy" or "cure" that will work for everyone. You will have to try each of them single and in combination until you find what works for you, but natural is soooo much better than prescription with all the side effects any day.
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Israel (Austin, Texas) on 05/08/2007
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Acid reflux two years ago at 27. I was given that (blue red)pill, but I like others realized that once i was off it, my acid reflux came back. I am not 100% sure what has caused it but have narrowed it down to the intake of soda as a youth. I am intrested to find the correlation between the extra large sized drink given out by fast food restraunts and the increased case of acid-reflux. Did the case increase upon their introduction? As for possible cure's I have tried a few...the best results came with digestive enzymes...I also tried goat milk which did alright but I am lactose intolerant...I have also read about a type of yogurt, helps that was popular in the 60's, but I don't know the name, if anyone knows what I am talking about please post the name. It has a natural way of stabilizing the digestive cultures in our system. Avoid grease, spice, and acids...especially vinegar...and eat slow...that is the biggest adjustment that has helped me...eat really, slow and smaller portions..
Digestive Enzymes
Posted by Wren (Las Vegas, Nv) on 07/27/2010
★★★★★
The yogurt you are talking about might in fact be Kefir. I drink Plain Kefir to sooth my throat and help balance my system. My Mom just had a Whipple sugery and the doctor was amazed at how quickly she recovered. He asked "What are you doing?" I had put her on a Kefir intense diet. Now he recommends it to all his patients. (Find it in most major grocery stores in a bottle near yogurts, comes in many flavors but the Plain has no sugar. )
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.
Banana
Posted by Selena (Chula, Ga) on 10/16/2009
My husband had the same problem before we married. I put him on a yeast free diet and within a month he was 90% better (the remaining 10% is diet and bad habit related that could be fixed by eliminating things from his diet but so much better he can put up with it not to have to give up those things.) Google yeast free diet. I had a book but can't remember the name or author. Basically you have to eliminate all refined sugars, white flour products, refined vinegar products (mustard, mayo. ketchup.) all fungus foods (mushrooms, alcohol), and dairy. He stuck to this diet Mon-Fri and splurged on the weekends and still had great results. He now treats his heartburn with baking soda and water when it occurs. It works wonders for him and does the job. Good luck and congratulations on deciding to take your health into your own hands and fix the problem instead of cover it up.
Aloe Vera
Posted by New To All This (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/10/2009
I looked for aloe vera in Whole Foods and found so many versions I didn't know what to get. One brand has several formulas, including one that indicates it's for acid reflux but contains peppermint, which is supposed to be avoided for acid reflux. What should--or should not--be in the ingredients? I didn't see George's.
Aloe Vera
Posted by Janise (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/23/2009
I bought the most expensive Aloe Vera at Whole Foods and didn't notice a difference from the cheaper one I get at Trader Joes. But fresh aloe plant is the best. I talked to the people at Whole Foods and they found a company that delivers fresh juiced Aloe vera and said they would order it for me if I wanted. I haven't done it yet but plan to. It is very jelly like so it is best to water it down in the blender.
