Home Remedies Web

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Find natural treatments and home remedies for acid reflux and heartburn.

Shahzad Malik, Ph.D.
4–6 minutes
Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Heartburn is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus. The most common and persistent symptom of Heartburn is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.

Acid Reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a condition which has many symptoms that are similar to heartburn. In many cases, people suffering from Acid Reflux typically suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days per week. In the long term, this can be very serious since, over time, the reflux of stomach acid can erode or wear away the delicate esophagus lining. This can then lead to scar tissue, which causes swallowing problems. GERD has also been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, some people have Acid Reflux without heartburn. In such cases, symptoms include chest pain, wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis or bad breath. Acid reflux can also lead to regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating or bending down or going to bed right after a meal.

Causes of Acid Reflux

Just like other health conditions, there is not one specific cause of Acid Reflux and Heartburn. However, a malfunction of a band of muscle tissue called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) can ultimately lead to many of the problems and symptoms associated with Acid Reflux and Heartburn. The LES is a complex area of smooth muscles and various hormones, which is responsible for the opening and closing of the lower end of the esophagus when we eat and swallow. It normally keeps the stomach contents from regurgitating, but due to certain physical conditions it can weaken and lose its contraction control. If this happens, the LES fails to close up and cannot maintain the pressure barrier between stomach and esophagus. As a result, acid and pepsin from the stomach can back up and cause acidity and heartburn in the esophagus.

The most common causes of Acid Reflux and Heartburn include:

  • stress
  • some antidepressants and sedatives
  • elevated hormone levels during pregnancy
  • eating before going to bed
  • eating large meals
  • slower emptying of the stomach
  • frequently eating greasy, fried, and fatty foods
  • smoking
  • alcohol
  • drinking lots of bubbly (carbonated) beverages such as soda
  • diseases that weaken the esophageal muscle (such as scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, or hiatal hernias)

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is an amazing remedy for Acid Reflux. It may sound bizarre to drink an acid as a cure for an acid problem, but there are good acids and bad acids and Apple Cider Vinegar is among the good ones.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1/2 glass of water.
  • Sip this glass of water while eating your dinner.

Ginger Root

Ginger Root is an amazing natural herb that is known to absorb stomach acid and have the secondary effect of calming the nerves. For an effective natural remedy from the symptoms of acid reflux, try the following:

  • Purchase ginger root capsules from a natural health food or nutritional store.
  • Regularly take one capsule immediately after dinner.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seed is an aromatic but powerful herb that helps in digestive conditions and has many other benefits. Fennel seeds contain a compound known as Anethole, which is known to suppress spasms of the stomach or gastrointestinal tract spasms. Therefore, it is considered to be an effective remedy for Acid Reflux.

  • Take half a tea spoon of Fennel Seeds and chew them slowly after your meals.
  • Add half a teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 3–5 minutes. Strain, then add a very small amount of honey (optional). Drinking it between meals may help.

Anise and Lavender Tea

Here is a tea that you can make to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn, since it reduces the amount of acid you have in your stomach. Note that some variants of this remedy suggest adding peppermint, but this is NOT recommended since peppermint is known to relax the LES (described earlier), which is exactly what you don’t want to do.

  • Mix together equal amounts of aniseed and lavender.
  • Boil 2 1/2 cups of distilled water.
  • Pour the boiling water over a teaspoon of the herbal mixture.
  • Let this tea sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Strain the tea and add a little bit of honey as a natural sweetener.
  • Drink up to 8 oz of this tea in the morning and 8 oz in the evening to get relief from acid reflux or heartburn.

Aloe Vera

Drinking aloe vera juice or consuming aloe vera gel may help soothe the lining of the esophagus and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Slippery Elm

Taking slippery elm in the form of lozenges, capsules, or tea to coat and soothe the lining of the esophagus, helps reduce irritation from acid reflux.

References

  1. Five benefits of Fennel Tea. Danielle Dresden. Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT.
  2. Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms – Author: Rebekah M. Schulz, et al.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

Keep reading

506 responses

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Michigan

    Charlene if your case is that serious you need a hospital. A sign of blood is a sign of a very dangerous condition and you need to seek proper medical treatment. If your parents cannot afford healthcare they should check into state aid for you. Blood coming up is an emergency situation and by law the hospital should not be able to turn you away.

    My situation is very very similar to yours. I have had the probs for years, been on many numerous meds, migraines, joint pain, etc. Tried lot of natural remedies and adjusted my diet. When mine got out of control my doc gave me a new drug called KAPIDEX. It worked.

    Best of luck to you..and PLEASE seek medical attention for your condition. Go in there spitting blood if you have to…someone needs to pay attention and help you.

    Reply
  2. Charlene

    Hello, my name is Charlene. I’m 17 years old (as of December 15th 2009), and I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux when I was just an infant. I’ve had it pretty bad all my life, so acid had always been a problem… for a long time, though, when I was fairly young, it was not. Then, about around nearing Middle School–say, 3rd to 6th grade–it got much worse. I have always had a fairly poor diet, but I was put on a prescription and eventually the issue completely went away.

    Years later at the age of 13 (almost 14), I came home with pain one day and a whirlwind of downhill health problems have happened in the last 5 years (or so) since–joint pain, and such, though I had been improving my diet, exercising, and all. My stomach has gotten completely poor these last 4 years especially–at first, it was just joint pain, muscle pain, migraines, but then my stomach messed up. They’ve done every test on me possible (berrium-related things, CT scans, MRIs) and found nothing. No one can be bothered with my illness, whatever it is. A few months ago, though, I experienced the worst possible Reflux/stomach acid episode I’ve had yet: for days (this happened before I came down with H1N1, coincidentally), it just burnt horribly.

    It is happening again now. I can see bits of blood constantly, and nothing I take works. I was put on Nexium recently and my parents couldn’t afford to get it refilled, and it seems this episode happened suddenly, without diet being the reason (I had checked what might cause it, the only common thing was I felt like I had a flu bug), and I am not sure what to do. The Medical Center can’t do anything for me, and I have tried Maalox, Pepcid (pill AND chew), Gaviscon (four of them), Pepto Bismol (the pills), and my usual I have been taking for years–Zantac 150. I know taking the Zantac is bad, but it was all I had that helped the acid. And it USUALLY worked… but this episode and the one before it a few months ago, it stopped, like everything else.

    … Now it’s going on the… fourth day of this, I think? I’ve slept very little. Not even a full hour ago, I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar cure as directed, drank it all, ate a few plain crackers with it (I’ve hardly eaten anything–the blood and acid in my throat is too bad for me. I’d like to say I’d throw up–I’ve tried, it… won’t allow me to), and I *thought* it was helping. … Now I realize it’s starting to come back up, any the other herbal remedies I’ve read about (apples, etc.) that we could afford/do have in my home I have tried, to no avail. We called my Doctor, and I’ll have my Nexium (I hope) if my parents can get the money for it in a week, but I feel like by then it might be too late.

    I realize this is long, but I am at my wit’s end. I have no idea what to do, or where to turn to. For reference I live in the United States, DE, and we’re far from any neighbors here or family help. Is there *anything* left I can do…? Anything at all…? (I’ve cut cola and any and all possible acid-producing foods or drinks out of my diet already, and did so earlier. I’m trying to keep hydrated as well, but it’s hard.)

    Reply
  3. Heidi

    Apple cider vinegar is great I agree as well, along with my Zantac but for instant relief for when the pain is unberable I use PEPTO BISMAL it really coats it pretty quick. I am one who get excrutiating pain in my back and chest and it feels death is upon me! I must sit up and it will slowly slid back down and still persist in smaller waves. Good luck to all I wish one of u were here to hold me while I cry because I’m out of pepto and it’s 130 in the morning.

    Reply
  4. Marty1981

    i have been having symptoms for the past several months that include, hoarseness, sore throat ( both more severe in the mornings)scratchy or itchy throat, itchy chest, burning in the throat and chest. Have had a throat us and came up normal am going to see a ent doc soon, i just want some relief, i keep worrying about cancer, would love anyones feedback.

    Reply
  5. Pardeep

    i have had breathing problems, i feel like i have to yawn to get in a full breath of air and it feels like there is a “glob” or something in my throut and chest. I am a sixteen year old girl and this started about 6 months ago and just got worse today. I think i may have avid reflux but am not sure, the shortness of breath is making daily life very hard and i feel like i have the health problems of an old person at the age of sixteen, SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! I AM DESPERATE!

    Reply
  6. Denecia

    you all of you that suffer with acid reflux my prayers are with you-i too suffered with acid reflux i woke up one morning with extreme pain in my upper chest and my back it felt like i had a balloon in me being blown up pushing out my back and upper abs it hurt so bad-this continued to happen for about a couple of weeks-i had all kinds of test done-until one night i prayed that God would send me to a doctor that could tell me what i had-i am thankful to God that the next doctor i saw told me what i had-he prescribed zantac and another medication-as soon as i took it-i had instant relief i am not a meds person either so after finding out what i had it gave me opportunity to pray specificly about acid reflux or GERD-i was told i had a serve case of GERD- i was in my late teens when this started i am now 31 and i have not had another attack since i was 20 and then when i felt it coming i drunk a coke a cola i had a big burp and i yet to show signs and symptoms of having had GERD it baffled the doctors-to all of those who do not want to take meds try prayer first-it does work i took a couple of pills and knew i could not do this the rest of my life -when i began to pray it all started to go away i count myself healed

    Reply
  7. Barb

    Megan, your symptoms sound like my gallbladder attacks. See a doctor and get an ultrasound. I had about 5 attacks before I went, but once I had it removed, it was great…no more pain and I could actualy go back to eating some foods aI had been missing. I also have GERD and take prevacid daily, but those attacks were not fromn the GERD, but my gallbladder.

    Reply
  8. Rob

    I suffered acid reflux for years and was on and off omeprazole during that time. However, I recently discovered the main culprit behind my acid reflux episodes–gluten. After a particularly bad episode of acid reflux after a meal of wheat noodles, I eliminated all foods containing gluten. Now, I very rarely have acid reflux, gas or bloating as long as i stay away from gluten. Some of you may be needlessly suffering from acid reflux because of an intolerance to gluten and you don’t know it. I was also motivated to change my diet so I could get off the proton pump inhibitor. Reducing stomach acid with proton pump inhibitors may have the unwanted side effects of a proliferation of bacteria in the gut (the acid kills the bad bacteria) and reduced absorption of calcium and vitamin B12. I actually came down with an infection in the sigmoid colon that required antibiotics, also my teeth enamel was mysteriously eroding (the stomach acid never came up to my mouth). I suspect the erosion of my tooth enamel was either due to celiac disease (intolerance to gluten) or a side effect of omeprazole, both of which can block absorption of calcium. See your doctor, change your diet and stay off the proton pump inhibitors if you can!

    Reply
  9. larry cortner@att.net

    I laid down to sleep to night ,and was awakened by the worst acid reflux in my intire life.All the way up my throat,coughing and allmost choking.I just stood up took in small amounts of water an a few ice chips a tespoon of honey and latter a cup of green tea with a table spoon of honey sipping it very slowly.I am getting some releaf now but I think I will sleap in the recliner to play it safe.

    Reply
  10. sharyn

    it doesn’t cure it but sipping boiled water PLAIN the minute
    a hint of pain starts will make the gas come up in about 10
    minutes. no meds

    Reply
  11. Megan

    I’ve had Acid Reflex for about a year now.. I don’t get it every night, and it’s pretty inconsistent.. Speaking of which, it’s 5:07 in the morning now and I haven’t gone to bed YET due to the extreme pain.. I took MaaloxMax around 12:30 am and took 3 Tums around 3:30 am.. Still very miserable I took 2 Advil just a few minutes ago.. I’m planning on setting up a doctors appointment tomorrow for this, I’m only 19 and already feel like I’m falling apart!.. The pain I feel is a severe sharp disconfort in my upper abdominan and it feels like it’s in between my chest.. When it gets really bad it radiates to my back and I can’t find any relief in standing or sitting.. Complete misery!.. With all the information I’ve researched it said it’s either GERD or gallstones?.. My father has issues with this as well.. he told me to drink seltzer water and warm water to relieve myself.. but now I read Carbonated drinks are a big no?.. great.. I really want to avoid being put on medication at only 19 so I’m figuring out home remedies… but you see, I thought milk wasn’t good for acid reflex.. cause it seems to me everytime I have chocolate or some kind of dairy I get the pain.. ahh help me! :/

    Reply
  12. Csaba

    Forgot the website:

    http://www.salvus.hu/

    Reply
  13. Csaba

    I’m 27 , and couple of years ago I was diagnosed with acid reflux 4 years ago, back then I was living in Hungary. The doctor started me on medication but since I hate taking pills I was looking for an alternative solution.

    Hungary is rich in thermal(spa) water, and these can be purchased bottled as well to drink for their health benefits, and some of them do/did MIRACLEs! One small glass in the morning helped to reduce the acid in my stomach and get rid of all the symptoms.

    Now I live in Canada and didn’t have symptoms for a year, but 3 days ago it started to come back and now I feel fucked, don’t know what to do…

    I wish this natural remedy was available for anyone, if you would like to know more about this method (maybe look for something similar in your area) look at this website (it’s in hungarian, english, french and german)…

    With drinking this water didn’t have to give up any of my favourite foods!drinks because of this damn disease.

    Reply
  14. Toni

    I’m sorry, I got the generic acid reducer from FAMILY DOLLAR. Anyway, I had heartburn symptoms that were bad, but not always super severe. Major flare ups were rare. I seem to be doing better, and the generic tablet helped a great deal with my latest heartburn issue.

    Reply
  15. Toni

    I don’t know about Zantac, but I just got an acid reducer from Dollar General and my stomach feels so much better. 🙂 I am so happy. After buying bananas (which didn’t really work for me), and Pepto (which only worked a little after a few doses), the one genetic tablet did the trick. No pain.

    I don’t know if this will work for anyone else, but it did for me. Of course my symptoms were not nearly as severe as some of what I’ve read and I kind of doubt some people have acid reflux. Some of it looks like severe stomach ulcers or some other type of issue.

    In any case, drinking a serving of vitamin water and the tablet combined with eating small meals (rather than big meals and overeating) seems to be doing the trick for now. I’m also going to try and drink chamomile tea and see how that helps.

    Reply
  16. susanne

    2 months ago I have been diagnosed with acid reflux. I went to a pulmonologist thinking that something was wrong with my lungs because of the pressure/ discomfort in my back. He prescribed omze…20mg which worked great. However, my mom urged me to have an endoscopy to make sure it’s really reflux. The GI doc switched me to Nexium 40mg and another medication for the night. Nexium actually worsened my symptoms. My throat became so hoarse and itchy that I could not sleep at night. I discharged myself from Nexium finishing the other meds. I’m not against meds and I know that many people have been taking them for years. Reading this thread has been interesting for me. I just feel so frustrated because my diet is not bad. I do not eat processed food, junk food, etc. However, I haven’t been able to give up coffee entirely. I don’t smoke, take drugs, drink etc. but I really like my coffee and an occasional glass of wine with dinner and most of all chocolate. Will this ever go away. I’m only 43yrs old!!!

    Reply
  17. Lana

    heather, get checked for a hiatal hernia.

    Reply
  18. *heather*

    I have been suffering from severe acid reflux for 8 yrs now. When I was 15 I was taken to the ER because the pain in my chest was so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. Of course I kno what causes this…red sauce, mexican food, fried or greasy foods, alcohol, and the list goes on and on. I have constant heartburn but the biggest issue I am having is the attacks that cause so much pain it feels like someone is pulling my ribs apart. It is unbearable, and I often throw up all the contents of my stomach, drink a cold glass of milk and sit on my couch and cry for a few hours until it goes away. I am planning on trying the apple cider vinegar, I realize it works for heartburn but for the pain I do not kno. I am wondering if it may be my gallbladder because of the intense pain, or some other kind of acid deficiency. is nice to kno other people go through this,( people often do not believe this pain is so intense) though I would not wish this pain on my worst enemy. If anyone knows a relief for the pain it would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  19. me

    you should NOT take peppermint if you have reflux. this is a well-known trigger of reflux. just google “peppermint” and “reflux” to find out all about it.

    Reply
  20. LyrikalSykness

    I have had Acid reflux for 5 to 15 years. FENUGREEK will coat the lining in your stomach, and esophagus, preventing damage from excessive acid. GINGER ROOT will soak up acid, and help prevent ulcers, and stomach pain. PLAIN YOGURT will help regulate your digestive system, as will DATES, BANANAS, and PAPAYA.

    Reply
  21. Brian

    Lisa, The reason your acid reflux is worse in the summer may be due to allergies. The drainage that can come from allergies cause acid reflux or make it worse. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia several years ago, but if I treat my allergies, I do not have too many problems. Diet is a huge part, but things have also gotten better since I’ve seen a chiropractor. My chiropractor explained if the area of the spine between the shoulder blades is out it can make symptoms worse. I take no meds at all now and it has all been due to diet, chiropractor visits, and controling my allergies.

    Reply
  22. Lisa

    Hello guys. I’ve had acid reflux for over ten years.I’m not on any meds but i can tell you what has helped me. First when I get an onset I pray. Then I take apple cidar vinegar or enzymes. Mine normally comes if I’ve eaten spicy food or if I’ve lied down before food digestion. It mainly hits me in the winter time.As long as the air is warm for some reason, I don’t get it.In the winter I leave the heater on,keep my neck covered with a scarf,and try to sit up high when I’m sleeping.Sometimes I can catch the erosion coming up and I hop up out of bed before it gets worse.It’s important to sit up right away.I pray each and every one of you is healed from this.God bless you guys and I hope I offered some helpful methods.

    Reply
  23. Linda

    I\\’m 58 and just found out the acid reflux I have is from the Actonel I was taking. Has anyone tried the calcium citrate 250mg which supposedly tightens the valve to the stomach. I was put on protonics but I decided to take myself off of them because of the issues people have in the future. Can I use the Apple cider with the meal even after I drink a cup of ginger tea? Are you trying more than one remedy at a time?

    Reply
  24. Candy

    Alyssa, when I read your post, I thought of me. I too was diagnosed with acid reflux years ago. Vomiting became a daily issue for me. When I was pregnant with my second child I had morning sickness for the entire 9 months, and it continued on daily until she was 16 years old. Yes, you read that right. I threw up daily, sometimes several times a day for 17 years and Drs. could never figure out why. Mine too was of mixed colors, sometimes whole foods, you name it. Three years ago, I met an herbologist. After talking to her, she suggested the problem may be my gallbladder. I went to Dr. Hulda Clarks website, and read how to do a gall bladder cleanse, as I did not want to go to a Dr. and have it removed. It took me 5 cleanses, 3 weeks apart, but after the 5th cleanse, I was no longer vomiting at all, let alone daily, and my acid reflux was gone. Just recently has it come back and is giving me trouble, so this past weekend, I did another gall bladder cleanse. It will take a few more I know, because I am once again, passing gall stones. Last night I was up all night with HORRIBLE acid reflux, and vomiting. That is what brought me to this site, to see if there was some herbal remedies I could try while I am in the midst of these gall cleanses again. You may not have the same problem I did, yours could be completely different. However, it might be, so I felt compelled to share my story. I hope you find relief soon, I know how “lovely” this condition is. good luck

    Reply
  25. Anonymous

    Hi Alyssa, your condition seems serious than an acid reflux. Any kind of blood or tissue vomiting means something is going wrong. you should take it seriously and definitely go for an internal ultrasound because it will pinpoint the problem. You should look for some better place for checkup if you are not comfortable with the clinic you went to. Eat very mild and non fried food AND GO for a thorough checkup!

    Reply
  26. alyssa

    I have been diagnosed with acid reflux for four years now- now that I know all of its sympoms, I know it has been way longer. I remember when I was younger always throwing up a little in my mouth… never thought too much about it- thought it was normal!? I also developed asthma about two years ago (which is awesome when your twenty haha). I did not have time to read through all of these comments, but I am wondering if anyone else throws up as often as I do? Ive never ever meant anyone who has had these symptoms. Once in a blue moon i get heartburn. When it comes to the vomiting it is horrible, I have thrown up every color of the rainbow, some things look like scabs, some looks like fresh blood, some looks like just insides, like tissues, and one time when it was really bad it looked and tasted like pepper corn…. i know gross. It ended up getting so bad that I had to get an ultra sound, during the ultra sound she said I had to get an internal one right away, and also said it was pretty standard- I just don’t buy that, why wouldn’t a young girl be told prior that something so violating would be happening? I never found out the results, the receptionist decided to be crazy and call me and my boyfreind repeatedly, screaming at each of us because I had missed an appointment- which was thier fault bc they gave me a gallon of water to drink quickly befor the appt. and surprise surprise I ended up throwing it all up! Anyways, has anyone else ever been through this, or know why they would need to do internal?

    Reply
  27. Feli

    Last night I went to a party & had a couple of wine coolers, some tamales with chile & chips. Then when I got home & went to sleep I woke up in the middle of the night with a huge lump in my throat. It felt like it was holding back fire. My throat was tight & I had to sit up 2 breathe right even though I had a fan right in my face. I stayed up all night dealing with the pain & now it still hasn’t gone away idk if I have acid reflux but now I’m starting to cough & I keep swallowing I feel like I need to burp, but cant. I get nauseated a lot & am sensitive to most foods, but the heartburn & sore throat usually only happens after I vomit. Does this sound like a mild case of acid reflux or something else?

    Reply
  28. Katie

    I’ve found that a change in diet and trying to destress has done me more good than the Nexium 40mg I was perscribed has. Not to mention, I found the long term effects it can have so I’ll be sticking to the natural stuff and personally am going to try calcium citrate. It tightens the valve that lets the acid out of the stomach. You’re supposed to take 250mg after each meal and before bedtime.

    Reply
  29. nana

    i was just daignosed with acid reflux, did a bit of research, the water and apple cider seems to be working along side tahitian noni juice its a micracle it helps your digestive system work properly,i eat a lot of bannanas, dring a lot of water eat low fat plain yoghurt and stopped eating all the spicy stuff and i know im gonna be ok! try it!

    Reply
  30. Jer

    olive oil cures heartburn i don’t know if it cures acid reflux but i would try it. i have had heartburn for nearly ten years sometimes it’s pretty bad. about a month ago i stated taking a tablespoon of olive oil after i eat and i have never gotten heatburn since. i feel free from my acid stomach. for more information google olive oil for heartburn.

    Reply
  31. Leslie

    I am nearly eight months pregnant and out of nowhere two days ago I was suddenly struck with acid reflux. My throat was on fire, I was salivating and gagging and I could not lay down or it got worse. I slept sitting up all night. It reoccured last night and I know it will be here again tonight. I tried drinking tons of water and milk and taking extra strength tums….. I want to try the apple cider vinegar just want to know if its okay to take if your pregnant and also here any other safe for pregnant people remedies PLEASE HELP I miss sleeping

    Reply
  32. amie

    It is comforting in a good way to know that all of you understand what we go through! I feel like doctors and other people dismiss GERD as not being a big deal. When I have big flare ups, I am crying from so much pain! I am also glad to know that effects the medicine can have on you over time. I did not realize this! I am going to try all the remedies you folks have suggested and pray to the Lord that He can help me change MY DIET!! Thank you so much for the feedback and suggestions! It’s comforting to know you understand!

    Reply
  33. Ashley

    Just like many of you I am suffering from GERD as well. I recently went to the doctor for my problem after suffering with heartburn for a few years. It just started to get worse.. trouble swallowing, breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeats, and sore throat. My doctor prescribed to me a new drug called Kapidex. I have only been on it for a month and it seems like its starting to help. I don’t want to be on medicine for the rest of my life (i’m only 23!!) so i want to try and get it under control with stress management, eating slower, and smaller meals. Plus the help of some of these remedies. Going to get some apple cider vinegar and try that tonight.Thanks for the help. Glad to know I’m not the only one..

    Reply
  34. Livya

    David–can you direct us further to websites or places to “do our homework” about this? Thanks.

    Reply
  35. Mia

    Been suffering from severe acid reflux for about a month now. I constantly feel a lump in my throat and swallowing is painfull. I have nausea and burping nonstop. EVERYTHING gives me heartburn even water. I go to sleep with heartburn and wake up with heartburn even though my last meal of the day is @ 6 p.m. I avoid spicey foods, stopped drinking, stopped smoking, no caffeine. Went on Prilosec and that didn\\’t work. Dr. gave me Zantac to take along with Prilosec and that didn\\’t work. Dr. then gave me Nexium 40mg and still nothing. Doubled the dose to 80mg which somewhat works but I started having these episodes where I breakout in a cold sweat, my heart starts beating really fast and I feel really anxious. NEVER felt like that in my life. Someone recently suggested taking Persimmons tea and it works great. I take a shot of it 2x a day and no heartburn. You make it from persimmons ginger root and cinnamon. Must try!

    Reply
  36. Claris Macdonald

    Okay… really don’t know what is going on ….. but the cost was thirty dollars.

    Reply
  37. Claris MacDonald

    Something happened to part of my comment, but my cost for a 30-day supply of Zegerid, after insurance and the coupon, was .

    Reply
  38. Claris MacDonald

    I have recently started on a medication called Zegerid. It inhibits the production of acid in the stomach. It is expensive, but you can go on zegerid.com and get a coupon that comes off your out-of-pocket expense. That brought the cost for me for a 30-day supply, after insurance and the coupon, down to . Getting relief from this feeling of a lump in my throat and having to clear my throat all the time until it is raw is priceless!

    Reply
  39. David

    This is going to sound extremely counterintuitive considering many people in america experience acid reflux but the problem in many cases lies not in that you are producing too much acid but that your stomach is not producing enough acid to digest food. Hypochlorihydria (i belive thats how its spelled) is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in america and many people are not aware of it< even your doctor is probably not aware as they rarely test for it. The proliferation of antacids (meds and over counter) merely exacerbate the problem long term as they shut off the stomachs ability to effectively produce acid which then can lead to malabsorption of food which believe it or not can easily go unoticed. One indicator that you may not produce enough acid is vertical ridges in the fingernails (among many others). Its a very interesting topic. A zinc deficiency alone slows the bodys production of acid as well as a B vitamin deficiency. Stress and a host of other conditions also contribute and of course its not enough for example to just take B vitamins as they require HCL to activate them so that they may be absorbed ( activated or methylated forms of B-complex are available which bypass the need for stomach acid and go straight to the liver for processing) whats also interesting is that most people are also deficient in magnesium which ALSO requires enough stomach acid to apply a "charge" to the mineral so that it may be absorbed and interesting enough magnesium is an integral player in insulin production and usage. theres much more to it but some of you will be able to infer the cascade of events that can happen from low acid production. incidentally diabetics are almost always deficient in magnesium. Im not a doctor or medical person and there is A LOT of info ive left out as this is definitely not a complete guide by any means on the matter so my suggestion is to do your homework and see if you may be able to benefit by getting your acid levels right. its more critical than you think.

    Reply
  40. Hilda

    I have been diagnosed with poorly regulated GERD and now realize, in hindsight, that I’ve had unrecognized symptoms for many years. I even lost a molar to it! I just tried the apple cider vinigar yesterday with wonderful results. Does anyone know if there is a limit to how much vinigar you can ingest? Can it hurt me if I do it 3 times a day? Thanks for your comments as I am finding this sight very informative even though it sounds like it will be a lifelong struggle. Hilda

    Reply
  41. jorge

    For the past 6 months Ive been waking up startled with a tightness on my chest when Im trying to doze off.Its the worst experience ever.Im only 37 and 185lb. Ive been taking apple cider vinegar with water for the past 4 days and its working fine..Im finaly able to go to sleep without feeling that preassure on my chest.

    Reply
  42. 5327

    I’ve had acid reflux for a very long time I’m tired of this when I feel something in my throat my dad said there’s nothing there,and alot of times in the past I always gag or feel like I might throw up!! I feel like this now I feel bad….=.= I take this red desert clay and it helps alot (not much as it used to) I take pepsid (can’t spell it) and it works better on it….but I still get this yucky feeling in my throat again everyday some1 please help!! I’m sick of this 🙁

    Reply
  43. M I C H E L L E

    TRY BAKING SODA IN A LIL WARM WATER, DRINK IT DOWN, ITS NASTY BUT IT WILL DO THE TRICK IN GETTING RID OF THAT NASTY ACID REFLUX, TEMPORARILY!!!

    Reply
  44. SUES

    ACID REFLUX HAS NEARLY RUINED MY LIFE. I DARE NOT GO OUT ANYWHER WITHOUT WHAT I CALL MY CHOKE BOWL. I RECENTLY HAD A NEW FLARE WITH ACID REFLUX. NOW I AM HAVING T HAVE TEETH PULLED, ROOT CANALS & CROWNS. I AM ON MEDICARE DISABILITY & HAVE HIT THE GAP WITH MY Medicationd. My Dr. gave me a sample of Aciphex & it works wonderfully. 1st 30 day supply 9.00.Couldn’t afford this with all the other med I have to take. WISH I Had paid that & now wouldn’t be facing 5-6 root canals with crowns & mega pain in my mouth as well. Careful folkes if asomething isn’t working for you, try something else before it affects your throat & teeth.I AM USUALLY VERY CAREFUL AS TO WHAT I EAT. HAD A BAKED POTATO & THREWW UP FOR SEVERAL HOURS & I KNOW THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE REASON.BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU. I WILL TRY SOME OF YOUR SUGGESTIONS, BUT FOR NOW WILL HAVE TO STICK WITH WHAT WORKS.
    SUE S

    Reply
  45. vijay

    Hi.
    I was suffered from very bad acidity and ulcer due to h.pylori bacteria. I had taken too much antibiotic and antacid medicines, but i was not able to eat little heavy. After all cource, i went to Ayurvedic Doctor, He suggest me to avoid all fermenting foods, like yorghut, cheese, cake, bakery food, breads and such. Just try to drink lots of milk. I was wondered that my allopathic doctor told me to not to drink milk. I have tried as per ayurvedic doc. and all 6 month of pain gone in 1 week. Today when ever i feel little acidity i drink lots of milk and water. I don’t know this will work for all, but it is good option

    Reply
  46. tish

    Try eating a red-delicious apple instead of the OTC GERD medications – it even works with nausea. For the h-pyloric bacteria in the stomach, 2 tbs of natural honey for 2 weeks is supposed to get it under control

    Reply
  47. wizade

    digestive enzymes

    Reply
  48. Maja

    hi. im also suffering fr reflux for about 6mos now. i was advised to take pantoloc but it doesnt help. im afraid it might just affect my liver. i\\’ll try natural remedies for this. i feel like dying everytime im getting acid attack. was rushed to the ER 3x this year. im almost to quit my job because of this condiiton. is Apple cider vinegar really works? pls help.

    Reply
  49. Becca B

    I had an allergic reaction to some hair care products. The welts took over my body. I was put on steroids on the 2nd day of pills I was rushed to the Emergency Dept. Come to find out the steroids had damaged my upper GI tract and know I have had acid reflux for a week know. I have tried the potato and milk. I also was taking zantac and using the malox. Om my goodness I am in so much pain, and the least to say the welts are still in control of my body.

    Reply
  50. joe

    i two have the constant feeling that i cant swallow sometimes i also have the lump in my throat. i also have problems breathing were i fill i have to take deep breaths all the time. my stomach kills the left side, and pain now and again below my nipples lol i have not been diagnosed yet i have a barum swallow next week, as above tho this is really effecting my life feeling out of breathe all the time and constant pain

    Reply