Natural Cures for GERD

Heart burn, Gerd, reflux cure. I took one Milk Thistle tablet for three days on each episode. I found I would get a longer cure each time. It was so effective that I haven't needed anything for three years. Other prescribed medicines would ease symptoms but it returned within days if medication stopped after prescribed times. Good luck.

I found myself very sick at the beginning of this year. Ended up in the hospital twice in one week because I was so sick, could not eat, could not drink.

I went to the GI and they did an Endoscopy but found only inflammation in the LES, no Pyloria and no ulcers. I was diagnosed with GERD, and the doctor put me on Nexium for 3 months. During those 3 months I didn't feel 100% but I felt ok enough to continue my regular life.

I just came off the meds about 3 weeks ago. I lost about 1lb a day. I couldn't even go to work. I had a host of symptoms: weakness, head pressure, stomach pain all the time. I don't even remember the last time I felt hungry because all I felt was pain. I had gas, bloating and pain, not to mention just wanted to get in bed, which is now super uncomfortable because I raised it 6 inches like they recommend. I tracked my calories and at some point I was eating less than 500calories because eating was so painful.

What I've done to help me:
1. Checked for Candida - according to saliva test I was positive: I bought probiotics and stomach enzymes. Not to mention started drinking Kefir and Kombucha.
2. I started a paleo diet. This has been quite hard since I'm barely able to eat period, and restricting what I eat has made even finding what to eat quite hard. But I heard it was good, so I've done it. I eat veggies and meats/protein.
3. I did the HCL test - both the 6oz of protein, and the baking soda test (2 days). It seemed positive, it took me well over 5 minutes to burp. So I started to supplement with HCL. I felt something after the first pill, but ok so continued. I still couldn't eat really. On the 2nd day's dinner I didn't really feel great, but thought maybe I needed more HCL. I took 2 HCL pills on the 3rd day's breakfast/lunch meal and felt so sick I had to drink a glass with a tsp of baking soda, this helped but I wasn't feeling great. Obviously low stomach acid wasn't my problem.
4. Back to square 1. Most sites now, including this one only discuss the need for HCL supplementation. I felt very depressed, but during one small blog line somewhere mentioned that if the HCL test fails, then you should try taking: Alkabase, Gastric Complex-HP and/or Mastica.
5. I bought Similase, which is suppose to be like Gastric Complex-HP, and some Mastica.
6. I started taking DGL Licorice and Similase, along with the probiotics and the enzymes. This seemed to help but not that great.
7. I was afraid of Alkabase because of the high sodium, so I looked for something else that could act like an "alkaline. " I then heard from a friend of the family that raw potato juice is good for stomach ulcers and GERD. I then read that the raw potato juice acts as an alkaline, so I figured this could work instead of the Alkabase. I just peel the potato, chop it, put it in the blender with some water, puree, then pour it into a strainer and get the juice. I drink that, keeping away from the potato bits because I read those are bad.

For 3 days now I'm doing this: fresh raw potato juice 30 minutes before every meal (empty stomach), 2 DGL licorice chewables 10 minutes later, and 1 Similase and 1 probiotic just before I eat my meal.

I have to tell you, it almost brings tears to my eyes to think of how much better I've been feeling. I finally stopped my weight loss, I was down 13 lbs in 20 days. Every day I feel stronger, and like I can eat. I read this potato juice thing should be done for about 10 days. I will check in then. Good luck to you all.

Which digestive enzymes work best?

My mother has GERD pretty bad a many senior citizens do. Of coarse things like dairy, sugary products, fatty meats, etc, exacerbate it. Controlling her diet is helpful but not always possible as she feeds herself as well. She used to be on nexium which I hear is the number one selling medication in America. I guess a lot of people have GERD. This worked but was expensive. I also found out not told by our doctor but through personal research that people who take nexium have an increasingly high risk of hip fractures as the medications stops the acid but also blocks to uptake of Important minerals like calcium.

So I got her off the nexium and started giving her all natural antacids which contain blueberry leaf and power. This worked much better than the tums which actually seemed to make things worse. But still it was a battle.

Finally I read a doctors newsletter that spoke of this condition and he among other things recommended digestive enzymes to relieve the stress on the digestive system. This worked like a charm. I give her usually just one digestive enzyme with her dinner since the evening is when it acts up the most. Since then not a single bout of GERD has come up. Thanks God this did the trick. I can't highly recommend this remedy enough.

Orange Peel Oil aka D-Limonene has saved my life. The instructions say to take 10 softgels; one 1000 mg capsule every other day for twenty days. It says to take it with or after a meal. I have read that some people are bothered by the orange flavor in their system. I like it, but I have taken the pill first, and then ate my meal after the pill. Food on top of the softgel still seems to work quite well, but the orange doesn't seem as strong. I do feel a warming sense in my stomach when taking the first couple of softgels, but I feel it's only from the orange peel oil doing it's healing and coating.

The label says the results of taking an orange oil pill every other day for twenty days lasts about 6 months and they are right. It can last a few weeks more or less depending on my diet or stress level. I now have it on my calendar so that I don't have to have a GERD attack before I remember that 6 months are up. I have also tried taking 8 or 9 pills so that I have 1 or 2 left over for the next time I have problems, but taking all 10 pills works the best to keep all symptoms, all the way gone for the next 6 months.

I've read that they aren't really sure why Limonene works. They think the immediate results are possibly from the oil's surfactant properties. I think the oil floats on top of stomach juices or something so that acid bubbles can't form. You can read more on why it works for the long term on the net. Discussions on user reviews of the different brands of 'orange peel oil' and 'limonene' were helpful to me. If you think about it, I have orange oil to clean gummy price tags off newly purchased items. I have orange oil to clean grime and make my kitchen cabinets shine. I have orange oil spray to clean my counter tops. It is said to be anti-bacterial and such. Of course, I won't ingest these, but maybe the orange peel oil softgel tabs are similar in that it cuts the grease and grime, etc. Inside me too! Maybe the oil creates a nice coating on the esophagus and stomach lining so any irritations can heal.

Whatever. I just know that the first softgel almost immediately takes down the bloat and pressure in my stomach and calms the acid bubbles. As long as I have remembered this regimen every six months, I have never had a GERD attack. No more esophagus on fire. No more coughing attacks to the point of not being able to even take in a breath from acid bubbles tickling and burning my lungs. No more red and burning sore throat. No more unbearable killer headaches from acid burning my sinuses. Heck, my ears were even very painful on the inside from acid reflux. No more! OMG. Not even a little burning. Nothing. Regular life. Ahhh!

For immediate needs, ask for 'orange peel oil for reflux' at the organic foods store. The box of 10 softgels is worth it. Trust me! It is a little expensive, but I know I need it every 6 months now or will DIE from the next GERD attack. Since my first box, I have found that any 1000 mg limonene softgel will work. The best word to search on any buy/sell/trade website is 'limonene' to get the cheapest cost per pill. (Better than searching 'orange peel' or 'reflux remedy' and the like). I now have a bottle of 60 softgels of d-Limonene with an expiration date that will take care of me for the next couple years. Much cheaper, and with extras on hand if I have break-through reflux from overeating or trying an offending food. (I have tons! Of food allergies).

I haven't found anyone mentioning side-effects, except the orange flavor being intense or it not working for them. I'm not allergic to it and that's saying a lot since I am allergic to so many things. I am also happy knowing that I am not taking an acid reducer pill that is known to leach calcium out of the body. I don't want a broken hip later in life!

If the 6 months are up and I forget limonene, I still use the standby of apples, ACV with the mother/honey mixture, and aloe liquid along with the limonene softgels. I drink and sip ACV/honey all day. I get at the aloe liquid, formulated for digestion, at the organic foods store and use as directed. I keep apples and ACV drink by my bed at night for when I wake up in a coughing fit. I sleep on my left side, which absolutely works to pinch the valve at the top of the stomach closed, keeping bubbles trapped. I look up to cough when my back hurts. Limonene helps me avoid all this now. It's wonderful!

Thanks for this detailed review. I am going to try a lower dosage to see what happens...but your review was great. I will add to this remedy if it works. If the lower dosage does not work, then I will do the 1000 mg. Thanks again!

My daughter aged 20 years has been suffering from GERD since one year. We are based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her symptoms are:

- Loose Esophagus Sphincter.
- Prescribed Clintodac one tablet daily after dinner.
- Initially she was vomiting as soon as she takes food.
- Started taking juices, coconut water, Glucose water, milk.
- She cannot take Paracetomol etc due to acidity.
- Started Ayurvedic medicines and after five months she started taking Salads, Curd, Milk, Oats, Bread, Eggs, cereal, Vegetables (without spice). No spicy or oily foods or fast foods. Most of them alkaline foods.
- Due to college activities she may not have taken regularly her medicines or food. She had stomach infection and fever that lasted for 10 days.

- Now she is back to beginning and vomitting whatever she takes. We are again starting with Juices, Coconut water, milk only.

Is there any treatment that would help her eat food without vomiting them?

When my daughter was 8 years old she had this problem and now she is 16 and completely out of it. This is what I did with some ayurvedic medicine. Soak raisins at night and give her that juice in the morning. It is very cooling. Also I gave her sometimes chia seed. You have to soak this seed for couple of hours (This is what they used on top of faluda icecream in India. In Gujarati we called it Takmaria) This is also very cooling. My daughter completely stopped taking any kind of soda or diet soda. I was reminding her to drink lots of water. Also ask your daughter to eat little food one at time not to full stomach. This is a big help. It took my daughter one year to recover complety but she is completely out of it. Also at night we raised her bed so food does not come up. I hope it helps.

Hello Krishna, Looks like your daughter is having low stomach acid. When there is low stomach acid, the Esophagus Sphincter will not close properly. This results in vomiting, burping, indigestion, infection.

IMO, high stomach acid is better than low stomach acid.

Clintodac what your daughter is taking now is a protob pump inhibitor. Which worsens the problems more. Now to increase the stomach acid. First stop cintodac.

After every meal drink lemon juice. Lemon juice made with half lemon squeezed and mixed with jaggery not white sugar in a glass of water, if you don't get jaggery then you can use sugar or honey. If your daughter sees any improvement make this to 1 lemon. If she feels good when taking this, she has to continue this for 1 - 2 months. During this time the stomach may heal and start producing its normal acid. This is like giving rest to your stomach so it can recuperate. If lemon juice works you can notice improvement in the 2nd day.

Alternatively, there is a supplement called Betaine Hcl which provides acid to your stomach. I am not sure whether you can buy in dubai. you can buy it online.

Take 1 betaine hcl capsule with meals. If you are feeling comfortable, then take 2 betaine hcl capsules in the next meal. If you are feeling good then take 3 betaine hcl in the next meal. Now if you are feeling acid reflux or stomach burning sensation then drink a glass of water mixed with half teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize stomach acid.

Now, the result is you have low stomach acid and you have to take 2 capsules with your meal for some time.

Some people are very low in stomach acid for which they have to take 4 - 6 capsules. Try Betain Hcl with pepsin. Betaine Hcl does not cure GERD, it just supplements Hcl, But the idea is lessen the burden of the stomach and give it time to rest and heal. If you don't find Betaine HCL, lemon juice is the simple and best remedy.

Let us know how your daughter is proceeding, it can help many here.

Good Health.

Thanks

Hi - I've been suffering with digestive problems for some time now, belching, pain, and the doctor two months ago prescribed Lansoprozale, which for the first two weeks was very successful in relieving the symptoms and also vertigo which I'd had for three years, but then I started with dull pains in my back and arms, which I attributed to the Lansoprozale. So I had a two week break from it and, of course, the pains in my stomach and the vertigo returned. I tried again with the Lansoprozale and started with a nasty cough which disappeared after I stopped taking it. The doctor then put me on Omeprazole, and after just two capsules my throat felt as though it was swollen and my chest hurt.

I'm now wondering whether I have low stomach acid, though when I mentioned it to the doctor she dismissed the idea. However, today after experiencing stomach pain I took apple cider vinegar and got almost instant relief.

I've also been taking bentonite clay this last week, but I am wondering if I have low stomach acid whether taking the clay would make things worse, by removing what little acid I had from my stomach. Goji

Hi Beryl, If you feel you have low stomach acid, add betaine hcl. You can take tablets when you eat. I read about it here on EC about a year ago and added it in because it just felt like my food would sit in my stomach for such a long time! That alone creates so many problems and according to my Traditional Chinese medicine doctor, is a root cause of many disorders that most people don't even associate with their digestion or lack of, I should say.

I don't think the bentonite clay would add to the low stomach acid. As a matter of fact, the benefits of bentonite clay are amazing! It always needs to be taken on an empty stomach and will help regulate your intestines, whether it is constipation, diarrhea, indigestion or even ulcers. Clay works to help heal the whole body so its benefits I think outweigh your fear of it causing low stomach acid. One thing you must be aware of though is that because it has such powerful binding abilities, you must separate any medication use from clay use by 3-4 hours.

Hope this information helps you make an educated decision. Take care, Lisa

Hi Beryl... There is a very simple way to improve digestive problems. First, take both betaine HCL and pancreatin enzymes at mealtimes.

If you are low in stomach acid then keep increasing your bretaine hydrochloride tablets until you feel your stomach is too acid. Then cut back by one tablet and stay at this dosage until you again feel an acid feeling in the stomach. Keep cutting back like this until you no longer have to take the betaine.

Secondly, taking half a teaspoon of Sea Salt twice a day with water outside mealtimes will help to supply the the necessary chloride to help regenerate your stomach acid to proper levels again.

Bentonite clay should normally be taken outside mealtimes. It has a gentle action (I've used it) which helps to remove pathogens, heavy metals and toxins electrically from the intestines. The Bentonite clay particles have a negative charge which attracts positively charged heavy metals, pathogens etc which are thereafter safely excreted later.

Hello Biil, In one of your posts you suggested that a reader use Colostrum for healing Leaky Gut and Betaine for Gerd etc. According to another site I've looked at, it says that using Colostrum for any length of time causes over growth of cells because IGF-1 being pro growth can cause rapid cell division and thus cause cancer.Bengreenfieldfitness says that goat colostrum is better than taurine? But then he sells it on the web...... so how long would I need to take it safely for it to heal the gut and not cause cancer? At the moment I'm using Ted's formula of ginger, turmeric and cumin with each meal followed by bicarbonate of soda/baking soda about an hour after each meal and have done this for nearly 3 weeks and seem to have very few strong symptoms. Just a bit of palpitation sometimes in the morning and the occasional burp. But nothing compared to how it was before. I've tried slippery elm, cayenne pepper etc but they don't seem to help. I'd really appreciate your feedback on this as you seem to be very well informed. And thank you in advance for your valuable time. Earth blessings on you.

Hi Green Augustine...If you're low on stomach acid or have GERD then you're body is probably low on chlorides. Your body needs chlorides(different to chlorine) in order to produce or manufacture sufficient amounts of stomach acid or hydrochloric acid. That's why taking Betaine HCL with protease enzymes should help you. The full protocol that I recommend for GERD/Low Stomach Acid problems is shown here. But if you have other digestive or intestinal issues as well then I would recommend that you take all the vitamins and minerals that are recommended in the above link. I also recommend Ted's method of taking bicarb + water an hour after meals. And if you also have palpitations then both the iodine and the magnesium recommended in the protocol should also help this problem.

Colostrum is well-known for healing a damaged or over-permeable intestinal wall. This is how it can heal Leaky Gut and cure allergies -- because it helps to heal the intestines. See the research on colostrum here.

A while ago I wanted to know exactly how well nutriceutical companies processed their colostrum products and which ones were the best because if their colostrum processing includes high heat and frequent use of chemicals then it will be an inferior product. The only company I found that actually published details about its colostrum processing method was Sovereign Labs brand(bovine colostrum) who appear to use minimal chemicals and low heat only in their processing. Here is their process details page. I have also looked up the Mt Capra brand of goats colostrum -- I couldn't find anything about how they(and many other brands) process their goat colostrum so that's why I do not recommend it.

Hi Bill,

Thank you so much for explaining all about Colostrum and why you recommend Sovereign. Living in the UK and seeing the postage charges from The U.S, I did a bit of research using your guide lines and have had some great information from Neovite about their manufacturing processes which are well within your recommendation. I note that Sovereign also refers to Professor Playford's research in their reference section. He was commissioned by Neovite to do research on the product. The cows they use are free for heavy metals, chemicals and other nasties and the colostrum is processed at below 40 degrees And freeze dried so I hope it will be good. So thank you again for your time and patience in answering my queries. I also tested positive for colostrum and Betaine when my kinesiologist tested me though not for slippery elm, ACV or Kefir! Just goes to show one size doesn't always fit all.

For the past year, I've been suffering from what I believe is acidosis. My medical doctors initially thought it was GERD, but couldn't find any significant evidence of GERD. I tried all medicines for GERD and even went through surgery to fix it with no avail. In the past year, I began breaking out in Eczema for the first time in my life. My current symptoms are a dull/burning pain in my stomach, throat, mouth, tongue, and lips. It's pretty constant throughout the day. I've read so many good things about ACV so I decided to try it. I've been using 2tps in water 3-4 a day for the past 10 days. My skin is slowling improving amazingly as my dermatologist just gave me a steriod cream which barely helped. The dull/burning pains in my stomach, throat, and mouth still remain but I believe it is linked. It could be inflammation or something similar. But the skin changes and digestive issues happened around the same time so that's why I think they are linked.

People of Earth Clinic, what do you think? Do you think my issues with my skin and the burning pains are related? How long do you think it will take for my body to get the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar? Thank you.

Wild guess:

1] you are addicted to milk and drink it every day.

2] your body is in-tolerant of milk, and gives you a burning gut syndrome. [= inflamed intestines]

Acidosis can be a pretty serious diagnosis. Why would you think you have acidosis (metabolic acidosis I presume)? The symptoms you describe could be many, many things, but do not seem to relate to the symptoms of acidosis. I think you should ask your physician to rule this out with blood work.

At this writing, I am happy to report that I am still gerds and cough free. The ACV has worked well for me. I am no longer taking any of the prescribed medicines. My energy level is returning to its normal state.

I use two tablespoon of ACV, six to eight sodium Bicarbonate pills disolved in eight ounces of water with two table spoons of Honey added. I use local honey in hopes that it will help with my allergies.

Thank you Earth Clinic and to the Lord for answering prayers.

It has been over two weeks since I came to this site seeking help. I am happy to report that it has been a pain free weeks starting the first day of Apple Cider Vinegar and Sodium Bicarbonate. I am still afraid to stop the expensive meds entirely but I am down to taking them one time at night rather than three times a day. I will wait several more days and stop them entirely.

I put two tablespoon of ACV in a eight ounce glass of water and eight sodium Bicarbonate pills. I add two tablespoon of local honey direct from the bees. Does not taste bad and is effective.

I also control my diet. No colas, no caffeine, no fats, mostly steamed vegetables and chicken breast. For drinks, I put fresh bananas, papaya, apples, Korean pears in blender and blend them to a liquid. Makes a drink. Thank you Ted.

Hi, I have problems with my throat for years, when I swallow acidic food or alcohol it is hard to swallow and it hurts and burns in my throat but also my back and my chest. My doc says it is GERD, but does the throat really hurt in that case?

I have GERD for a few years now. It makes me feel like I can't get a deep breath when it flares up. I was taking zantac before bed each night. It has stopped working. I was wondering if Lemons (fresh squeezed) will have the same effect as the ACV? I prefer the lemon with BS. I was doing the ACV a few years ago but felt like I burned my esophagus. I was just drinking it straight-- now it scares me. Or should I try this diluted? Also, have been trying to eat the apples to help with the acid reflux. It helps somewhat but still waking up after 4 or 5 hrs sleep and feeling heartburn. Any help appreciated.

I have suffered from GERD for about a year. Recently I read online that chewing sugarless gum right after a meal for about half an hour could help and I have found that to be true for me. Happy it works but I still hope to find a permanent cure.

Most common information in the internet is, GERD is because of the high stomach acid.

The real truth is if there is low stomach acid then the lower esophageal sphincter valve LES VALVE that is connecting the esophagus and the stomach opens and cause the food juices to flow upwards causing GERD or ACID Reflux.

The best emipirical test to confirm low stomach acid is the Betaine Hcl test. The test is done as:

Take 1 betaine hcl capsule with meals. If you are feeling comfortable, then take 2 betaine hcl capsules in the next meal. If you are feeling good then take 3 betaine hcl in the next meal. Now if you are feeling acid reflux or stomach burning sensation then drink a glass of water mixed with half teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize stomach acid.

Now, the result is you have low stomach acid and you have to take 2 capsules with your meal for some time.

Some people are very low in stomach acid for which they have to take 4 - 6 capsules. Try Betain Hcl with pepsin. Good Health

I have tried it ALL. Prilosec, Zantec, Nexium, Apple Cider Vinegar just to name a few.

I have found IT! Digestive Enzymes with Betaine HCl. It works. I doubled the dose for the first week per my natural doctor I see, and then brought it down the next week to normal dosing. Take with every meal. Give this at least a week to do its thing! Oh and along with that take NO GERD, that contains Licorice Root Extract... double that dose for a week as well.

In the meantime to relieve the pain, try 1tsp Baking Soda in a 1/2 glass of water.

Hi, how are you now? I hope your GERD is cured.

Better But With Side Effects

So, I started taking Apple Cider Vinegar for my gerd and in 4 days it seems to working well areadly I take 2 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tbs of honey in 160oz mountain water an sip it all day. My only problem is that tounge feels a lttle burnt and looks teared up and white is this normal?