GERD
Natural Remedies

Effective Natural Remedies for GERD Relief - Holistic Approach

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.
Raw Potatoe Juice, DGL Licorice, Probiotics
Posted by Mjake (Ny) on 06/18/2013
★★★★★

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.


Apples
Posted by Truth9 (New York) on 02/20/2013
★★★★★

Organic apples are great for GERD and IBS. To supercharge them, take COLD CHAMOMILE TEA. A couple of cups in between meals or at night. Together, they will save you from doctors and their procedures, medications, pain, anxiety, etc.

Trust me on this one. You can do no better!


Ayurvedic Remedies
Posted by Mahi (New Delhi, India) on 02/17/2013
★★★★★

Re: Gentle Remedies Needed for Daughter With Gerd

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wplush (Honolulu, Hi, United States) on 05/25/2012

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lori (Marco Island, Fl) on 04/23/2015

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Robert (Manila, Luzon, Philippines) on 02/07/2012
★★★★★

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.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Robert (Manila, Luzon, Philippines) on 01/24/2012
★★★★★

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.


Fermented Food
Posted by Blessed Farm (Little Town, Wa, Usa) on 06/25/2011
★★★★★

The BEST pickle juice I've found to work is from fermented pickles, not the vinegar ones. The MAIN problem with GERD is the lack of gut flora balance, I've found, and increasing probiotic foods, especially in the form of ferments, has helped me tremendously. I, too, was having GERD to the point of thinking I was having a heart attack. Cutting out ALL grains, starchy veggies, sugars (other than RAW honey), and processed carbohydrates, taking HCL with pepsin with each meal, plant enzymes after each meal, and drinking and eating LOTs of fermented foods each day is what is helping me.

If I get a flare up, a quick trip to the fridge for a sip of juice from one of the ferment jars, or a cup of Kombucha, often does the trick. If not, then I know I have TOO much acid for some reason, and I reach for NOW brand's Acid Comfort. It's a blend of vitamins, minerals and enzymes to help calm the effects of the acid.


General Feedback
Posted by Mike (England) on 06/05/2014

Trammi....when you have excess acid it bloats you and presses on you vagus nerve ..this causes heartbeat craziness..and pain in centre of chest..there is nothing wrong really with your chest heart just pressure on the nerve causing th e symptoms....omeprazole with COLD water first thing in morning 15 mins before breakfast /cups of tea /coffee cure mine .. when in dire straits I use half tea spoon bicarbonate soda with half glass cold water mixed twenty minutes later relief...bicarbonate soda is an alkaline and dilutes the acid that is causing the bubblingin your gut which causes the probs....when you put alka seltzer in glass of water it fi=zzes like hell ..this is what is happening in your gut ...the bicarbof soda neutralise this fizzing


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deedee67 (Conshohocken, Pa) on 03/20/2011

I have been suffering from GERD for about 10 years and been taking Nexium that long. I feel like the Nexium is having bad effects on my body so I wanted to get off of it. After seeing this site, I ordered ACV. Started taking it today only to discover that I feel like vomitting after it goes down. I have a bad gag reflex and I am not sure I can tolerate it any more. Any suggestions?

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jtoz54 (Morris Plains, Nj) on 04/18/2011

The reason that the ACV made you feel nauseous could be that you are Salicylate Intolerant. I am. I am allergic to aspirin. Aspirin is a salicylate. It comes from the bark of the willow tree. All plants produce salicylates as a natural insecticide. So I am allergic to all fruit except bananas n peeled pears, most vegetables, coffee, tea, all vinegar ( except rice and malt) olive oil (I can have canola n sunflower oil) Mints, almonds and especially tomato sauce. So for my acid reflux I take 1/2 tsp baking soda in 1/2 glass water at night. After I gave up salicylates in two days all my symptoms were all better: migraines, dizziness, nausea, asthma, arthritis, dry eyes, nosebleeds and foggy headed feeling. A good book about this is "Salicylate Intolerance and The Healthier I Ate the Sicker I Got".

I will probably look into the test for the pylori bacteria in stomach and the pills with hydrochloric acid sounds plausible too.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Horrorvacuii (Brooklyn, Ny, Usa) on 09/27/2011

Michelle! I'm another Michelle from NYC, also 26, also diagnosed this summer (with LPR/silent reflux). I feel slightly better knowing there are two of us. ;)

I've made insane dietary changes. I have basically been reduced to smoothies and basic non-acidic foods. I drink green smoothies with banana and also 2 tablespoons of olive oil each morning/night, followed by a combo of honey and tumeric paste. The olive oil is anti-inflammatory and helps sooth the throat, though my symptoms are less about soreness and more about the lump-in-throat feeling and excess mucus.

I take ginger, garlic, and echinacea pills each day, drink tons of water, and have started light dance classes again to relieve stress. Since being diagnosed my anxiety has gone through the roof (long process of not knowing what it was/being misled by doctors/being misdiagnosed and put on the wrong meds... horrible summer) and that doesn't help the healing process.

My mother had some version of this at my age and she recommended the ACV. I am now drinking 3 cups of water with 2 TBSP per day, and 90% of my symptoms are gone including pain in my throat and the burning sensation in my chest after eating. I hope that's enough relief for my body to start healing--but I don't plan to change my diet back to normal any time soon.

I did buy one awesome book that shed so much light on this condition for me, and has a ton of GERD/LPR friendly recipes that are really delicious. It's called "Dropping Acid" and it's a cookbook/text book. Easy for people who aren't scientists to understand exactly what's going on inside of them.

I know how miserable this condition is (I work in nightlife and fashion, and it's made me feel like an isolated lab experiment). Good luck to everyone. Xx


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Cupertino, Ca) on 10/07/2011
★☆☆☆☆

ACV can not cure acid reflux. It makes it worse. I personally expericed it. It makes the buring sensation even worse. Indigestion is due to low acid in the stomach so ACV may help. Acid Reflux is the opposite, too much acid in the stomach, ACV is really bad for it.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erika (Arlington, Virginia) on 10/21/2011

I was unexpectedly diagnosed with silent reflux after going to an ENT for a regular voice checkup in August of this year '11. (I'm a singer) I was also just beginning to see a little blood when I brushed my teeth in the morning. All this time I thought the bleeding came from my gums not my esophagus. He diagnosed it as a severe case of acid reflux and put me on a high dosage of Lansoprazole (before meals) and Ranitidine (bedtime).

After about a week I began to develop symptons e.g. numbness in fingers, high heart rate etc. Someone introduced me to "Dropping Acid- The Reflux diet Cook book and Cure" by Koufman, Stern & Bauer. The book gives the acid and ph levels of many foods so I followed their guidelines. I eventually dropped the medication for symptoms stopped and I was afraid the meds may have a detrimental effect. The book is absolutely wonderful!! I plan to stick with this regiment for the rest of my life. I have never felt better and I am losing weight without trying. It revealed not only the usual culprits e.g. caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes etc. but also revealed less known culprits such as peppermint, carbonated drinks and sometimes cucumbers (depending upon your personal makeup) Everyone's toleration is at different levels when eating certain borderline foods such as cucumbers. I determined cucumbers were not good for me during this healing stage because it was the only thing I ate one evening and then side effects occurred that night.

I had a setback last week when I travelled out of town for 4 days. I ate airport food and my host's food. I had just started Mag Relax (powder form), which is great by the way, for muscle spasms and didn't realize it was loaded with acid. I also failed to follow the directions to mix with 'cold' water instead of room temperature. Yesterday, the old acid symptoms returned again. Lesson learned.... know the content of your vitamin supplements and prepare for out of town trips.

Thru my previous victory, I am still so very encouraged that I and many others can beat this! The jury is still out on ACV. I've tried it off and on. Some say to drink it diluted WITH a meal while others say to drink in the morning or in between meals. Again, I need a scientific explanation to fully embrace the idea.

Thank you all for your postings. This site is wonderful!

Erika


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/22/2011

Erika, I had a quick read of the reviews of the book you mentioned. I don't think they are giving you the right advice at all. Acid Reflux is caused by a LACK of acid in your stomach not too much acid. If as told in the book you eat lots of alkaline foods you are still not fixing the problem. If you don't have enough acid in your stomach the acid won't be able to digest the foods properly and your body won't be able to absorb nutrients properly.

Iodine regulates acid in your stomach. You are probably deficient in iodine and that is why you have a problem in the first place. Iodine is needed by the whole body. Deficiencies cause many many problems including acid reflux.

Google Dr. Flechas on youtube talking about the lack of iodine and how it relates to stomach acid. The lack of iodine is what causes the throat cancers and stomach cancers according to Dr. Flechas. It also causes endometrial cancer (which starts off as endometriosis)...

The reason ACV works is because it puts back acid into the stomach which helps digest the food. It then breaks down to an alkaline after digestion but it still doesn't fix the deficiency. The same with lemons. Google "why stomach acid is good for you"...

You will get lots of problems down the track if you don't fix what sounds like an iodine deficiency.

If the author Dr. Kaufmann has been studying reflux for decades why does she not mention iodine deficiency or that reflux is caused by a lack of stomach acid?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tina (Virginia Beach) on 05/11/2017

Try it with some organic honey. It makes a bit more palatable.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anchorman (Lanc., Pa) on 05/25/2010

Joanne, Been on meds for 20 years. I started taking half the meds 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with the 2 Tablespoons of ACV and 8oz. water after every meal and take a ginger capsule once a day. Try introducing everything slowly. Some people are giving up too quick. Aloe drink might help. Good luck.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joanne (Keller, Tx) on 06/29/2010

Hi.. back again. I figured out what set off my attack. I was taking some eye vitamins. They are a good product and my eye dr. liked them..He is great and hates those gerd pills...Well, I really got sick with my intestines etc...I read the replies and decided tonight to start on my unpurfied acv again before bed. I have had an ultra sound of my gut..seems spasms and stress...I am having the stomach test where they put the camera down me...I have done alot of reading. anyone hear about orange peel extract for gerd...cant use with uclers tho. Acidophilus I read is supposed to be good for gerd too. I read about breathing with abs area too. I know the vinegar worked for me before. I started drinking it in june of 09...Then I reached a point I didnt drink it all..I thought I was cured. This last sunday, when I took the eye vit, it burned. And it was then when it hit me....What had I changed in may...today is the first day of no eye vit, and I am drinking my vinegar as I type this out.

I want to thank you for responding to me. I am not going to say much to the specialist when I see him. Someone just suggested let your primary doctor know and leave it at that.. I dont understand why so many allopath drs refuse to believe in anything but pills.


Apples
Posted by Aara (Washington, Dc) on 12/27/2009
★★★★★

I'm pregnant 32 weeks, and had started to feel GERD-like discomforts from 2 weeks before. (I didn't know it was GERD then of course - until yesterday) I thought it was gas, as that was what the Ob-Gyn had said it was, and abstained from eating my favorite Fuji Apples - (apples supposedly cause more gas) only for the reflux to become increasingly worse, especially at night when bile and acid would travel from my stomach up through the esophagus and lodge its acidity into my throat. (Sleeping on both left or right side didn't matter at this point)

It had gotten so bad at one point that I thought I was drowning from my own acidic bile/saliva that would travel up my mouth and nose. I didn't know what was happening to me and the fear was immense, when I decided to research on the exact things I was feeling (not assume it was gas, but acid taste in throat) when I was led to this Earth CLinic site and realized GERD is what I have and NOT just plain ol' pregnancy-belching-gas.

I had of course tons of apples at home, and ate 1/2 a Fuji delish apple and for not having slept for two days, I was exhausted, and not only was I able to just sleep (with head raised a little on left side), the acidic taste in throat and esophagus was gone by the time I fell asleep, and the next morning I'm as good as new!

APPLES REALLY work! and I'm back to my happy-easy-pregnancy again!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Becca (Oakland, California, Usa) on 09/08/2009
★★★★★

After going to the emergency room twice in one day due to EXACT symptoms of a heart attack and getting no help from Dr.'s, I turned to the internet and found that my GERD that I've had for about five years, was mimicking symptoms of a heart attack (back/jaw pain, headache, numbness/tingling in face and shooting left arm pains). The Dr.'s I spoke with at the hospital told me I was experiencing "complicated migaines". One went as far as to say I was having panic attacks due to marijuana smoking. Once I came home and searched online I discovered this cite and the ACV mixture. I tried it the next day, drinking a 12oz glass of water with 2 tsps.organic ACV 10 mins prior to meals. I had great success and haven't experienced any painful symptoms since. I've been drinking it every couple days and rarely experience heartburn and only after eating really spicy dishes. I was taking DGL (licorice) which wasn't helping much and tasted awful. Prior to that I was taking Pepcid Complete daily with little success and much more costly. I can't thank this cite enough for blessing me with such a simple cure for my horrible and frightening pain. Thanks to all, stay healthy, and God bless!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Hemet, CA) on 05/21/2009
★★★★★

I am amazed at what I am reading. I have been the ACV Queen for 15 - 20 years! My doctor told me that I contributed to my Gerd by taking the ACV. He also told me not to eat apples. He put me on 20mg of Prilosec Jan. 2009 and I have changed my diet to the point that I am afraid to eat anything and what I do eat has no flavor. I just started to take an additional pill in the late afternoon. I am in shock over what I am reading. I even requested a homeopathic doctor and he looked at me like I was stupid! I drank 8oz.water with 1-2 tsp. ORGANIC ACV with or without the honey. There were many times that I did not drink it daily. I believe in ACV more than I believe in the doctors! But I experience such great pain when having an attack that I am afraid to try the ACV for my Gerd. My pains are also in my back, neck and chest and last up to 4 hours without relief. Similar to heart attack symptoms. ORGANIC ACV to me is the answer for most everything. Have any of you mentioned the positive response to your doctor? And if so, what they had to say re: ACV? Usually I am the one convincing everyone else the amazing benefits of ACV. I guess I am just really hoping to clear this up? Anyone - please, I am so against Meds. and I miss my ACV.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sam (Manila, Philippines) on 03/29/2009

I have GERD for like 5 months now and i just started using ACV just today with 2 tsp and 8 oz water and 1 tsp of honey. This natural remedy sounds very interesting, Thank God!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Richard (Bishops Stortford, Herts UK) on 03/08/2009
★★★★☆

I have just started to use ACV, and the early signs seem good (2TBS 8oz). However, it is early days yet, so I am not counting my chickens yet. I have long history of GERD, and have been diagnosed with a Granuloma, on my vocal chords. At the same time this arrived a weird itching sensation arrived too. Usually at the base of my neck, but also in my cheeks top of chest, and sometimes on my tummy. It is not like a normal itch, it feels like something is movin in my skin, and it goes red too. Could this be part of the effects of the acid? Or is this something else? Any advice gratefully received.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by MK (Washington, DC) on 03/03/2009
★★★★★

I have been on some type of GERD prescription for at least 10 years. I was getting desperate because I haven't been able to sleep through the night lately, even with maximum stomach meds. So I started doing some research online and found out about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). My Chiropractor mentioned it before, but I never tried it. Well, I've been off my Protonix/Zantac for 5 days. And it's even better than the medicine because since I've been using the ACV, when I lay down I don't feel stuff come up into my esophagus. I'm still playing with the ACV dosage and the timing, but I'm so much better already and sleeping better, WITHOUT the drugs. I take 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water at mealtime 3 times a day and 1 teaspoon before bed. If I wake up in the middle of the night with any heartburn, I eat 1 or 2 apple slices and it stops it right away and keeps it from coming back up better than the drugs. It is amazing!!!!!!!!!!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by S (Novi, MI) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★

I get GERD occasionally by eating too much sometimes. I take 2 tablespoons of ACV or red wine vinegar and down it, within minutes I burp and the mucous feeling goes away. The vinegar makes me hypersalivate which I think helps a lot.



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