Acid Reflux
Natural Remedies

Top 10 Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Avocado

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%


Posted by Sergio Rossi (Mansfield, Texas) on 11/26/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Have had acid reflux since I am 12 years old. Tried all kinds of things thoughout the years, I learned that my stomach changes with time. ACV is good and I add it to most meals when possible. Pickle juice is also very good. The one thing that provides me with almost instant relief is avocado. The curious thing is that I didn't see it in the list and makes me wonder why? Hope it can provide some sort of help to some. Best luck!


Avoid Alcohol

2 User Reviews
3 star (1) 
  50%
1 star (1) 
  50%


Posted by Mike (Perth, Western Australia) on 01/02/2010
3 out of 5 stars

Worked Temporarily

I found the best cure for reflux is to stay off the piss!! Probably the most unrealistic remedy, considering I play in a band but it does help. Consequently I still get it real bad thats why Im on the net trying to find an alternative to my favourite past time!

EC: To our US readers who might not have heard this phrase, "stay off the piss" means "stay away from alcohol"!

Replied by Jen
(Rock Hill, Sc)
03/25/2012
1 out of 5 stars

I wake up almost daily with acid indigestion and I don't drink alcohol.


Avoid Non-Fat Dairy

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Tracy (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/31/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I stopped having acid reflux episodes when I stopped consuming non-fat dairy products. Try going to 1%. If that doesn't work, go to 2%. 2% works fine for me.

I used to think the episodes were a result of eating acidic foods (e. g., tomato sauce, etc. ), but found that consumption of non-fat dairy actually was the underlying cause that made my system intolerant of those foods. I can eat the other foods now with no problem.

Be sure to read labels, because skim milk and skim milk powder can be found where you least expect. I rarely get reflux now, but can trace it back to accidental ingestion of non-fat dairy every time it happens.

Hope this helps someone.

Replied by Larry
(Fairfax, Va)
01/01/2013

Your adverse reaction to non-fat milk is probably due to the highly heat treated milk protein that is added to replace the solid content lowered by the fat removal.


Avoid Steak

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Dianec (Los Angeles, Ca.) on 03/26/2010
5 out of 5 stars

Hello, In my 20's I had a constant case of Acid Reflux. I never had this problem anymore since I gave up
beef steaks. The only beef I can eat without problem is ground beef. This works for me.

Thanks DianeC

Replied by Erin
(Tampa, Fl)
06/11/2010

I've got to agree with this, to an extent. Every time I eat something with fried beef in it, I get terrible gas, the shooting pains kind, even if the beef is extra lean browned in olive oil. OTH, I can tolerate a small lean steak cooked on the grill, so long as the rest of the meal is nonfat. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the way the fat in the red meat reacts to certain cooking methods.

Replied by Don
(Whitehouse, Ohio)
01/28/2011

Funny you should say this since hamburger is on the list of foods to avoid!


B12

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
4 star (1) 
  33%
1 star (1) 
  33%


Posted by Nate (New Orleans, LA) on 05/24/2009
4 out of 5 stars

Hey, I tried everyting from this site. I was on Aciphex and Malox. This helped but did not cure anything. Then I saw these emails about apples and apple cider viniger. I have been taking apples for months before I read this. It did not help. Applecider vineger did not help. Probiotics did not help.

So what did? One guy posted here saying that Acid Reflux is a B12 deficiency. I had liquid B12 and put it under my tongue. Within 30 minutes I felt relief when I was previously having a bad reaction. I also had a nuropethy thing going on in my scalp that started after I got on blood pressure meds. My head tingled as my sinuses got bad. Even this partially but significantly went away. Not completely but a significant change. Much relief. 5 days later, I am feeling even better. I have to take B12 daily under my tongue but major results. Better than when I was on Aciphex. I feel that I will be cured in a few weeks as long as I stay on B12. I hope this helps some of you.

Replied by Racquel
(Florida)
01/28/2016
1 out of 5 stars

I am vegetarian so I take high doses of B12 but I find that I still be get heartburn or reflux after using this. I am going to try again and see what happens. I know that baking soda works wonders in soothing the stomach and preventing acid reflux.


B12
Posted by Christine (Virginia Beach, USA) on 04/04/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Acid reflux is often caused by a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Since you need B12 to make enough intrisic factor and enzymes to absorb it, perhaps just taking ACV will help you absorb Vitamin B12 better.

Nevertheless, I have found that as long as I take 4 B12 dots (500 mcg) under the tongue once a day, I am fine. When I don't, the reflux comes right back.


Baby Food

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Jennifer (Blainville, Canada) on 01/30/2007
5 out of 5 stars

I started to get acid reflux at the age of 16yo in august. When i couldn't sleep due to these painful burns and throwing up all the time, and burping like a crazy m-f'er i thought I had cancer at the age of 17yo they told me it was A.R.D. i got 10 ulcers, two hernias pushing on my lungs... made a research and i will get cancer younger than normal! doctors told me that i got this old man sickness, old man meaning a man that is in debt, has kids, a heavy job, a stressful wife etc... well if they only knew that i was a beaten child and i always took care of my sister and brother since i was 7yo... i got an operation at 19yo because it was dangerous for me to continue on medications... A HOME REMEDY I HAVE NONE!!! I TRYED ALOT LOW FAT MILK, LESS SALT, LESS FAT ETC... EVEN JUST EATING CRACKERS FOR A MONTH NOTHING!!!! BUT MY UNCLE FROM ROMANIA BELIEVES THAT EATING BABY FOOD CAN HELP REGROW THE STRONG THAT YOU BODY NEEDS TO HEAL! THAT IS HOW HE GOT RID OF HIS STOMACH CANCER (THIS IS WHAT HE TOLD ME!!!) THANK YOU JENNIFER FROM QUEBEC!!!

Replied by Lilly
(Florida)
02/15/2015

Hi, can you tell me more about your uncles cancer treatment or procedure that he did?


Baking Soda and Water, Lose Weight

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Todd (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 03/27/2007
5 out of 5 stars

I have found two things that take away my acid reflux. First is baking soda and water. I see some of the cures talks about combining vinegar with baking soda. I can't imagine this would help. Combine the two in a kitchen sink, its a mess. The second solution is loose 10 lbs. For some reason when I loose 10 lbs. and get down to what I should weigh I dont suffer from it half as much. Thats what has helped me.

Replied by Catherine
(Toronto, Ontario)
06/22/2008

The reason you may suffer less acid reflux when you lose weight is because you are probably eating less acidic foods such as pop or sugary snacks. These foods are a very common cause of acid reflux.


Baking Soda in Orange Juice

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Drmikedo (Northumberland, Pa, Usa) on 10/22/2012
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome acupressure post for reflux. I know this technique as the diaphramatic release. My understanding is that this works because diaphragm spasm (or tightness) causes it to be ineffective at supporting the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). If this is a component to your reflux, it will definitely help.

For the acid part, my favorite is Sodium citrate. Works by neutralizing and then buffering the stomach's acidity. Does not cause the rebound effect of calcium containing solutions (calcium stimulates the body to secrete more acid, as acid is required for its absorption). Can easily be made by combining 4oz of orange juice with 1/2 tsp of baking soda.

Replied by Amy
(Kelso, Washington)
06/27/2017

I add 1/2t of baking soda to my spaghetti sauce to neautilize it. Works great. Hate the taste of it so ill have to try in orange juice. Thanks for the suggestion. Ive been on 40mg protonix for about 25 years. I want to get off my RX!

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Usa)
06/28/2017

I watch a lot of informational videos . If I am remembering correct, Eric Berg was teaching on how stress produces cortisol and cortisol alkalized the body and when the body is alkaline the flap at the top of the gut, the esophagus I presume does not close and stomach acid comes up into the throat, like heartburn.

Dhea helps with cortisol balancing, depending on your age, b vitamins in nutritional yeast, minerals in balance and hydration with water, extra magnesium for stress or epson salt baths, walks, fresh air and loving self talk.


Balsamic Vinegar

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Virgi (Trenton, Nj) on 03/13/2010

Acid Reflux

Can balsamic vinegar be a substitute for the apple cider vinegar? If not, why?


Balsamic Vinegar
Posted by William (Brooklyn, NY)
5 out of 5 stars

I was talking to a friend of mine and I was telling him about my bad acid reflux. I was taking Pepcid AC it would work but then I was getting dehydrated and the reflux would return even worse. I use is Balsamic Vinegar 1 tblspn or two if you just ate meat or something really heavy. It burns going down but within 5 min the burns is gone and I start burping and feeling fantastic. Burping is good it mean you are digesting your food. When you don't burp your stomach can feel sour and flat. I can't remember the last time I bought Pepsid AC. Give it a try I have shared this with so many people and they swear by it like I do.


Banana

7 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  43%
1 star (4) 
  57%


Posted by Cheryl (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 08/14/2008
1 out of 5 stars

I tried banana and it just gave me more gas and acid - very unpleasant - I cant eat them if my stomach is acid. I don't eat bleached flours etc.
Apple cider vinegar made me vomit. Was just reading about apples, will try that and see how that works.

Replied by Leah
(Auburn, AL)
10/21/2008
1 out of 5 stars

I've been on just about every prescription and overthecounter med for GERD, and they work for a little while and then stop working. I'm now taking Nexium, but using Tums and other acid stoppers OTC in addition. I'm very concerned about the long-term effect of using these medicines, but I was miserable without them - now I'm miserable even with them. I'm going to try all the remedies on this site, one by one, but I already eat bananas in the winter every morning in my cereal and while they don't seem to aggravate my acid problem, they don't act as a blocker or cure. I use only no-fat organic dairy, have a high veg-fruit, whole grain diet, have a proper weight and sleep almost sitting up. I rarely drink alcohol, don't smoke, but because I have SLE (lupus), I take a lot of medication, many of which could be the root cause of the problem. I'm excited about the possibility of trying out the cider vinegar and apples cures that seem to have worked for many people.

Replied by Joanne
(Hastings, New Zealand)
02/24/2009
1 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar cured my acid reflux. I have had this for 5 years and was told that I had to "live with it" by my Doctor so have been taking Losec for years. Went to see a naturapath speak live last week and at his suggestion started with the vinegar. 2 tsp per 750ml bottle of water 3 x a day and I haven't had reflux since - not one and I suffered this every single day.

Banana's unfortunately make it 100 x worse - not a cure for me

Replied by Marie
(Ny)
08/07/2017

When I got the prescription today for the PPI, the paper I got said one of the side effects of the drug is Lupus!


Banana
Posted by Mike (Chicago, IL) on 06/17/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Banana is the only thing besides Pepcid AC that has cured my acid reflux. I always eat one or two before I drink any alchohol and it works great every time.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
06/17/2008
509 posts

Hi Mike from Chicago, Why don't you try eliminating bleached flour from your foods eaten and see if you get rid of acid reflux instead of needing a cure for it. It worked for me and a few others I know who tried it. Life is much more fun getting rid of a problem instead of searching for a cure.

Replied by Elizabeth
(Carrollton, VA)
08/03/2008

Mike from Chicago, You go for it!! If Bananas work for you what does it matter what others think. Bananas are great for our bodies and if you get relief thats great! That is what I thought this website was all about. Sharing ideas and results not bashing. Take care.


Banana
Posted by Mike (Raleigh, NC) on 05/12/2008
5 out of 5 stars

For Acid Reflux: Bananas, folks. Eat them for breakfast and before bedtime. Works better than anything else I've tried and they're good for you, too.


Banana
Posted by Frank (Dublin Ireland, Southern Ireland) on 04/30/2007
5 out of 5 stars

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

Replied by Laura
(Monroeville , PA)
06/16/2008
1 out of 5 stars

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.

Replied by Patient
(Union, Nj)
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.

Replied by Sean
(Seattle, Wa)
10/15/2009

How much water do/have you been drinking? The one thing that I have noticed about people with acid reflux...Not enough water and not enough fibrous foods. Cut out bleached white flower products and bleached white sugar/corn syrup products. They can easily account for 1/2 of your caloric intake if you don't wage a war on them. I feel that we are in the midst of a nutritional holocaust. Stick to natural foods. I know a lot of people that don't like water! They even go YEARS without getting enough. -Just a thought

Replied by Selena
(Chula, Ga)
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.

Replied by Norma
(Tennessee)
10/06/2015

I just wanted to say that blackstrap molasses helps with acid reflux, about 2 tablespoons and take that either before or after eating, works either way. I think it has to do with potassium that helps with the acid reflux the same as with the banana I believe that's why it works....



NEXT