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.
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!
Pine Needles
Posted by Sherri (OK) on 05/25/2006
★★★★★
My husband has suffered from acid reflux for years, and has tried just about every treatment from prescription meds to ACV. He has gotten temporary relief from ACV, and several others, but the thing that seems to help him the most is PINE NEEDLES! A friend told him about knowing an old timer who had used the remedy with excellent results, so, living in an area with abundant pine trees, he gave it a try. He pulled off a cluster of needles, and just chewed on the ends of them enough to release the "juice". It sounds crazy, but it has helped him tremendously. Don't know if I would try it if I were allergic to pine trees, though!
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 Lorraine (Youngsville, New York) on 07/03/2009
★★★★★
In lieu of lemonade you can just squeeze some fresh lemon in water. I even enjoy a slice of lemon sprinkled with a little sea salt. I have used lemon for years when I've had an upset stomach and it really works!
Lemons
Posted by Kristina (Seattle, Wa Usa) on 06/22/2011
★★★★★
My 6 yo was dealing with acid reflux after having an extended vomiting episode with the flu. Nothing was helping it and I felt so bad for her. It hurt each time she ate anything. I came on here to find something to help. Lemonade seemed like the easiest thing to give her so we tried it and it worked, right away! After a few days it subsided completely, but I still keep lemonade around in case. I used an organic lemonade.
Soy Milk
Posted by John (Amsterdam) on 03/03/2024
I was eating certified organic tofu, so I assumed it was NonGMO, however I could not find NonGMO stamp on the package. I researched their website and did not find nonGMO mentioned anywhere
Make sure it is indeed prepared from non GMO soybeans.
Raw Honey
Posted by Brad (Phoenix, AZ)
★★★★★
I'have had acid reflux for a long time I been taking the pills such as Nexium and Prevacid but it makes my stomach bloated and gives me diarrhea. I have been currently taking Raw honey and 100% aloe vera juice and it has healed my problem with acid reflux.
Sprouted Moong Lentils
Posted by Angela (Closeter) on 07/22/2016
Did you use red lentils? Or other
Olive Leaf
Posted by G (Birmingham ) on 05/06/2018
no it's not. GERD doesn't normally have anything to do with bacterial infection.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Bradshad (North Providence, Rhode Island) on 05/24/2013
Google Proper Food Combining and follow the protocol. Problem should be solved.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Monica (Desertbeauty, Texas) on 05/24/2013
My mother-in-law has found that a teaspoon of mustard has helped the symptums for the short turm.
Severe Acid Reflux Remedies
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/24/2013
I read in Your body's many cries for water that excess acid is a reaction to imbalance in electrolytes (water/salt/ calcium/potassium/magnesium). Some people also suffer because of lack of enzymes or acids-- like lactaid, hydrochloric acid/ papain/bromelain, probiotics and others. Taking calcium (like tums)can make the imbalance in electrolytes more painful, sometimes an antacid makes the body have to work harder to produce enough acid and it goes into overdrive
Constipation and bloating causes a backup in the esophagus of acid from abdominal pressure (colace or store brand work mild for relief without misery) eating smaller meals , half an hour after the water intake
Please try drinking water a half an hour (30 minutes) before meals for one to two weeks and see if your condition improves dramatically... Check out the watercure.
Sugar Tea
Posted by Vickie (Nc) on 10/31/2016
★★★★★
I was having a bad heartburn, I have tried everything, I came across this post and tried it. Now I have no pain. Thanks!
Basil Seeds
Posted by Soneeta (Santa Cruz, California) on 02/10/2013
★★★★★
Acid Reflux: Mix 1 teaspoon Basil seeds (Tutmalanga) in a glass of water, let sit for 5 minutes (the seeds will look like it has fuzz on it) than drink it.
Palm Oil
Posted by Phummy (Evanston, Illinois) on 10/13/2012
★★★★★
In Africa, Palm oil is used to give relief for most abdominal problems. Just take 2-3 tablespoons at onset of the problem.
Palm Oil
Posted by Ginnie (Lagos Nigeria ) on 12/18/2022
★★★★★
Palm oil works like magic....I came across this page and decided to try it...I'm really impressed.
HCL
Posted by Mama T (Sparks, Nv) on 05/28/2012
★★★★★
Years ago I was having severe acid reflux and would not try over the counter stuff. I went to our local health store and I learned a wonderful lesson that BIG PHARMICA doesn't want you to know. When you have acid reflux it is caused because you don't have enough acid! They want to sell you the band aids, the prescriptions. The clerk told me that as we age or if we have poor diets (not enough fermented foods) our stomach does not have enough acid when we eat. So the food goes in and the body reacts by producing acid to digest the food, after the food is in the belly, so the acid goes on top of the food, causing a reflux of too much acid, too late. What he told me I needed was to increase my acid before I eat so that the acid is there under the food in the belly. This information was contrary to what we learn on TV or magazines. He was so certain, he opened a bottle and gave me a handful of HCL hydrocloric acid capsules for free to try this out. There was enough for about 8 days. He said if it works, which he assured me it would, I could come back and buy the bottle. He said take one or two before each meal. I did, and I did come back and buy the bottle because it worked! I asked him how I know when it is enough. He said you can tell when you have balanced your acid when it starts to burn after the meal. You'll know. After a couple weeks I stopped taking them for a time until I need to do it again, which was quite a while. So, you see, eating a pickle before is increasing the acid in your belly. I also drink the apple cider vinegar daily when I get up in the morning. I have done this for years. It helps with your overall ph balance.
This year I got acid reflux even though I drink the vinegar. When I took the HCL it didn't work. I was burning up! I realized I had become too acidic! I quit taking the apple cider vinegar for a while, drank some club soda. I had to bear thru this for a couple weeks to balance out. I do have the saliva test strips for testing my spit first thing in the morning. I just thought that the vinegar was good. I guess it can become too much of a good thing. Now I don't drink the vinegar as often.
Supplements
Posted by Christine (Nottingham, England) on 04/29/2012
I have been looking into trying a different approach to reflux problems, and wondered if anyone has any expereince with the following supplements. The first one is d-Limonene, which is extracted oil of orange peel. They think it may work by coating the digestive tract which may prevent reflux going up into the oesphagus. It is also anti fungal and bacterial. The second supplement is Melatonin which is found in the gut as well as the pineal gland. It helps monitor sleep cycles. It also helps regulate the digestive system. It is anti inflammatory and helps the immune system. I found this information on the Natural News site. It sound very promising. I would love to hear from anyone who has tried these supplements or has any knowledge of them. Best to all Christine
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 02/24/2012
Cayenne
Posted by Olddude (Chattanooga, Tn, Usa) on 02/08/2012 21 posts
★★★★★
I have had acid reflux for years now and finally got around to Cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar. I have been doing this for only 3 days and my acid reflux is under control without taking pills. Just a pinch of cayenne to a coffee mug and 2 teaspoons does it for me. I am thankful I found this site.
Melatonin
Posted by Mary Alice (Oregon) on 04/01/2017
Will try this along with D-limonene. Thanks for posting.
Ginger
Posted by Erin (Cary, Nc) on 11/06/2011
★★★★★
Once I stopped using tums for acid reflux, I was using apples, which work well. But, I don't always have them on hand especially away from home. So I tried crystallized ginger (ginger soaked in sugar), and it works great. Anytime symptoms come on, I eat several pieces. If the symptoms don't go away immediately, I eat a few more pieces. Works every time. I keep a few pieces in my purse and a jar at home. You can buy these in any health food store.
Gum
Posted by Mike (Stuart, FL) on 10/11/2011
★★★★★
It might not help everyone and it's not a complete cure but chewing gum after meals helps me a lot. The saliva from chewing the gum helps to wash all the acid down and keep it out of your esophogus.
Gum
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/12/2011
A
warning re chewing gum: All wrigley's gum, not sure about other brands contain
ASPARTAME - a poison - stay away from chewing gum. It will cause seizures sometimes fatal and can even lead to death. Research the dangers of ASPARTAME.
You are better off taking iodine as it regulates stomach acid and cures the problem. Research "iodine stomach acid".
Sesame Oil
Posted by Nylle (Falls Church, Fairfax County) on 08/22/2011
★★★★★
The best and most effective cure for acid reflux, even the most serious case, is to drink one to two tablespoonful of Sesame oil on a empty stomach first thing in the morning. It will be difficult to stomach during the first few days but there after you will acquire a taste for it. Also take the same quantity fifteen minutes after the night meal. Please do not drink any water immediately after drinking the oil it will defeat the purpose.
It has to be taken every day for about ten days for a permanent cure.
The roasted sesame seed oil is more effective than the cold pressed and it has to be 100% pure oil. This oil is available at any Chinese grocery. It is also very necessary that one drinks hot water with one's meals. Drinking cold or iced water or drinks after each meal will only prolong the ailment and inhibit cure. Spicy and/or oily food for the night meal is a no, no. It will only aggravate the stomach acid.
Sesame Oil
Posted by Hannah (Paris, France) on 01/14/2013
Hi Nylle, I'm interested in the sesame oil. I have some virgin oil that I started using for oil pulling, but I am not sure I understand which oil you are recommending. So in the scheme of Extra Virgin, Virgin, Refined and Pure, you are saying to get Pure is that correct?
Will it specify that the sesame seeds have been roasted on the bottle, or is the name "Pure" simply a way of stating that roasting is a part of the process?Are there any brands you would recommend?
I currently live in Paris, France and the nearest Chinese grocery is not near at all. I did see a Pure sesame oil at my local grocery store but I wasn't sure if it would do.
Also, is this a cure for GERD or only acid reflux? Thanks for your help!
Kefir
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 07/22/2011
★★★★★
I found kefir works for acid reflux, it takes a few months to cure it but stops the burning in the meen time.
Kefir
Posted by Nathan (Vietnam) on 05/23/2014
I concur that both kefir and yogurt can cure acid reflux over time. You just take one with each meal. Whenever I go to the doctor and they give me pharmaceutical medications, such as painkillers like paracematol, or antibiotics, as long as you take kefir with the mix at the meal, you can prevent acid reflux. If you do get it (whether or not you are taking it) it will cure it in time.
Also one teaspoon - one tablespoon of ACV and enough sodium bicarbonate it to neutralize it (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon typically) is very good for dealing with that too.
Milk
Posted by Hiram (Charleston, Sc) on 06/26/2011
★★★★☆
I've had reflux for a few years now and I've been taking 40 mg Protonix mostly to control it, and it did for the most part, but the burning always woke me up in the mornings and my sleep/rest time suffered. I discovered recently that drinking a few ounces of milk before go to sleep helps a great deal, eliminating about 95% of that burning sensation. Now I can sleep in more often than I have for years. I hope this helps you.
I'm thinking about trying to get off the meds altogether by taking the ACV.
Parasites
Posted by Janice (Spartanburg, Sc Usa) on 05/30/2011
One cause of acid reflux is parasites. A liquid combination of black walnut, woodworm and cloves is the remedy and can be bought at a health food store. It taste very bad but is good for you.
