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.

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  1. K.C.

    I am so confused! I have found dairy helps my heartburn but it always comes back shortly after. I am heart burn free in the morning and it comes on around 3-5 pm. I just got off my omeprazole because of side effects and want to get rid of it naturally. I don’t do any of the no-no’s (except dairy since it helps). I have started eatting Activia every day along with fresh mangoes. I drink ginger tea by Traditional Medicinals. I don’t know why it comes or how to get rid of it. It doesn’t seem food related…more time related. If anyone has a clue please help me. It has been two weeks off my meds and I am ready to give up. Please help if you can. I also have a spastic colon so apples are out. 🙁 Though I just picked up the apple cider vinegar to try that for relief(whihc it only worked for 15 mins).

    Reply
  2. ron

    CARROT JUICE FOR INSTANT RELIEF!!! 2 TABLETS DGL BEFORE BED FOR HEALING!!! FRESH GINGER ROOT; CUT AND STEEPED IN MARSH MELLOW TEA & HONEY FOR SOOTHING. 6 OZS ALOE VERA JUICE, FIRST THING EVERY MORNING FOR LONG TERM HEALING. CUT OUT: SUGAR, ALCOHOL AND DAIRY. TO GET RID OF GERD COMPLETELY: FAST ON FRESH MIXED CARROT, BEET, APPLE JUICE AND RAW POTATO FOR 20-30 DAYS. THE CATCH IS YOU WILL NEED TO CHANGE YOUR DIET AFTER THE FAST…FOREVER. BUT, YOU’LL WANT TO!! http://www.fasting.ws

    Reply
  3. Steve

    Get off the PPI’s!! The rabeprazole, omeprazole, anything like ranitidine (zantac), tums, pepto, all this stuff will ruin your health even though you find temporary relief from symptoms of GERD. Stomach acid is vital and filled with enzymes, you need it to get the benefit out of your food and to allow your body to withdraw nutrients. You do want the bubbling up to stop so that your esophagus can heal. When you follow simple tips like not eating late at night, limiting the nights you consume alcohol, eating foods not laced with pesticide like choosing organic foods without GMO’s and synthetic chemicals, limit consumption of animal fats to once or twice a week, taking a good probiotic every morning so your stomach is filled with good bacteria, take a digestive enzyme (plant based) with most meals, take a high quality fish oil that’s highest in DHA (EPA isn’t as important, Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil is a good one), take 5,000 IU/day of D3, take a good multi-vitamin wihtout artificial sweeteners and colours like the crap Centrum sells, B complex, E complex (all 8 forms), you will conquer your GERD.

    For more immediate relief of pain until your lifestyle changes kick in I can highly recommend the product “Glutagenics” from Metagenics. It’s a little more expensive and you might blink at first at the price, but my goodness me this product is incredible at relieving symptoms. I had way too much bbq over St. Paddy’s and totally over indulged in various alcohol – my GERD is flaring up right now and I’m going out at lunch to pick up some more Glutagenics, this is the first time I’ve needed it in two years because otherwise my lifestyle changes keep it at bay but I have been slacking off on the exercise recently and that’s not good.

    Reply
  4. lora

    Anyone taking prevacid = Omeprazole or any other prescription should look up the side effects because many can be serious. It says that they should not be taken for long periods of time. Just read the warnings inside the package or ask your pharmacist. You can also find a lot of information on the net. I suffer severly because of my asthma. Good luck to all.

    Reply
  5. Esther

    I realize now that I have had GERD for years and years only I didn’t know what was causing all the symptoms so I thought I had Chronic Fatigue. GP’s are really bad at diagnosing this and prefer you to ‘go away, – I’ve had to do the research myself & tell him what was wrong with me! I’m now on Omeprazole 40mg a day. Before this I was on a vitamin regime including Vitamim D3 and high dose of B vitamins – this was really improving my life. I would like to know whether the Omeprazole clashes with my B vitamin intake negatively – my GP seems unable to answer this!

    Reply
  6. MARKPAUL

    JUST PRAY AND BELIEVE IN GOD’S MIRACLE YOUR DISEASE WILL GONE AND YOUR LIFE WILL BACK AGAIN TO NORMAL I ALWAYS PRAY AND I KNOW JESUS WILL HEAL ALL OF YOU JUST BELIEVE IN HIM AND OUR MOTHER MARY

    Reply
  7. csk

    I am having severe acidity problem for the last two years. Already had both alopathy and homeo medication. Still that problem persist. Suggest for permanent solution.

    Reply
  8. Grandpa Mick

    Especially for AK’s 7 y.o. daughter (Posted by AK on Jan 11 2012 01:10:21), but any one else can use it, too. I had acid reflux for years -due to hiatus hernia- with little relief from Rx meds, and only some short-term relief from home remedies such as suggested on this site. Five years ago I read an old newpaper that was used to insulate a roof in an attic of a house we were clearing for removal. No date on it, but o-o-l-l-l-ld! It covered this topic well, and suggested that the best remedy over time -for grown-ups, mind you- was to reduce dairy, if possible, and to ABSOLUTELY eat 1/2 to 1 whole Red Delicious apple after each meal, if one suffers in such manner; or, the same, 1 to 1/2 hour before bedtime if one suffers only overnight -as I did. I tried it that night; it worked immediately for me, and is still working. I have since passed it on to friends who tried it with the same results. My wife and two of our children work in education (wife is a middle school secretary, two kids are elementary school teachers) and they have passed this remedy on to parents who suffered same, or who had children suffering same, or, as you described your daughter’s suffering. The only modification we have made, over lessons-learned through time, is for those smaller ones, or those under 10 y.o., to use 1/4 to 1/2 Red Delicious apple,instead; AND, since the apple’s acid softens tooth enamel, to follow up with teeth brushing about 10 to 15 minutes (so the enamel has time to re-harden) after finishing the apple, whether during the day or before bedtime. I am not a grower, distributor, or re-seller of Red Delicious apples, nor will I, in any manner, earn or gain financial or property profit from these comments. Best wishes with it. Grandpa Mick

    Reply
  9. CP

    I have had acid reflux for many years and have been on prevacid all this time. It has helped, but I want to know some natural remedies I can use to stop it completely. I heard papaya pills from a Health Food store work. But anything else you can take each day that will stop the acid in its tracks? Thanks.

    Reply
  10. JF

    I started taking DGL couple of days ago then read about it…The following is from http://www.livestrong.com
    “Regular licorice can cause life-threatening side effects when taken regularly. High blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances and adrenal problems may result from frequent licorice consumption. DGL is less likely to cause severe side effects than the whole variety. Still, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends using licorice products for no more than 4 to 6 weeks at a time”
    I guess I should just use it if my throat hurts and then just keep up with apples and cider? I have been like this for 3 years with any meds available that I can think of, it won’t go away in 4-6 weeks. On the package it says 16 weeks… Any comments are welcome!

    Reply
  11. April

    I have had intigestion for at least 10 years. My doctor put me on Aciphex. They were giving me free samples till last month. When I went to purchase them they were 296.00 for 30 pills. I said no-way. I tried privocex. It works until the pills were gone. Now it’s back and I am in pain. Constantly. I can’t stand the smell of vinager but I’ll try. I feel so ill and lifless from this problem that I really just want to lie down. What about the oragano? I will try and let you know. But what I want is permanent Fix. No more pills and no more intigestion. Any more sugjestions I’ll be happy to here from you.

    Reply
  12. JF

    First off I love this web site, thank you! I just got off PPIs, too many side effects! But I don’t want to go back even near to what it was three years ago…So I’m just trying everything mentioned here…has anyone try Kombucha? Someone from the health store mentioned it, she said it was one of the best product out there for reflux…pretty big statement 😉 Please let me know if anyone knows about this product and thank again!!

    Reply
  13. Kris

    I have been suffering severely with acid reflux for over 2 years…at times it gets so bad that the nausea has caused me to miss work and a few months ago I was in bed with a bucket beside me for 3 weeks in a row!!! I have been taking Tecta and tried Nexium and I was also taking ranididine(sp?) several times a day. I recently tried a blend of probiotics and digestive enzyemes…(at least 30 billion active cells a day) and after a month I reduced my prescription drugs to half of what I was normally taking and now I have totally gone off all my prescription meds. I also use ACV when I have a little flare up…and I eat lots of yogurt. I am totally amazed at how well the probiotics worked for me…..

    Reply
  14. Terry

    This Site is Awesome!I have been Struggling for about 13 months with what the doctors Diagnosed as Esophagitis i think it is,where i have inflammation in my Esophagus which was most likely caused by the Hiatal Hernia which gave me bad Acid reflux i had which was really bad last winter.Has been much better the last 5 months or so but every so often i get a bad outbreak. I am still working on the diet part and figuring out which foods affect me,but i do know that honey works very well.Take a teaspoon when symptoms start and it will feel better.There are some other remedies here that i will keep trying like the ACV and the ginger and also the oregano leaves.I do agree that you need to STAY AWAY FROM DAIRY!! I have had terrible outbreaks from consuming Dairy. Not always the same but can be very bad. I drink a lot of Coffee and it does not seem to bother me much as long as i drink it black.Also i drink Gourmet premium Coffee which is freshly ground and that seems to affect me a lot less then the cheap brands which are of lesser quality.Hope this info helps for others as i know it sure helps me to read these posts!

    Reply
  15. justice

    my acid reflux is very bad . it scary i cannot eat bananas and other acid foods . sometimes i lose my pills and my nurse gives me crackers …… it doesnt work . any suggestions ???>> what should i eat while in school im onLy 15

    Reply
  16. madhav

    more examples of GERD cured by ginger roots

    Reply
  17. Betty

    I have had acid reflux for 3 yrs. and sometimes I thought I was having a heart attack. You name the tests, I did them! Even nexium has no help, the side affects from this drug was supper bad after 2 days on this cr–. I am going to try ACV or even red apples..I take enough drugs without taking ONE more. Thank you for your help.

    Reply
  18. Sue

    I was diagnosed with acid reflux couple months ago and was on medication for 14 days. After 14 days the doctor told me to stop the medication and see if the symptom would come back and sure it did. I found out about the acv and honey and gave it a try. Not just acid reflux is gone, my health in general is improved. I took it twice a day for a month then reduce to once a day in the morning and in the evening I just take one tea spoon of honey. The best thing that I am very happy about is my sleep. I have not be able to sleep through the night for years, but now, I can sleep very deep and long period of time. One important thing to keep in mind is to be careful of what you eat. Any food that doesn’t agree with your stomach,avoid it.

    Reply
  19. renee

    try cutting up 1/2 thumb sized ginger in little pieces. place in 8 oz cup of water and microwave for 2 min. Let sit and add 1 teaspoon honey. Drink and chew ginger as you drink with water in your mouth. Your heartburn will be relieved. also take digestove enzymes and probiotics. This helps me

    Reply
  20. Debby

    Does Prilosec (Omeprazole) make anyone else out there extremely sleepy other than me? I feel like just falling asleep within an hour of taking it, which you might think it would be good to take it at night to help me sleep. However, when I take it at night, I cannot fully wake up the next morning for hours. In the afternoon I finally feeling more alive, but then it’s almost time to take the Prilosec again. Any other medication on the market that is effective for AR that wouldn’t make me feel half dead all the time?

    Reply
  21. vince

    to those who do the ACV,i understand some of you dont want to take this route do to the enamel deterioration,but one thing you can do is drink it slowly through a bendy straw.place the straw half way in your mouth so the ACV goes directly to the throat,avoiding your teeth,so now you can take care of your indegestion and bad breath w/o worrying about the teeth issue.let me know how it works for ya.

    Reply
  22. John

    I have been suffering with acid reflux for several years now and been on 40 mg of Nexium with good results. I heard about ACV and tried organic acv with very good results…HOWEVER…I now understand that the acv will eat the enamel from your teeth. I don’t want to give up my teeth soooo I’m back on nexium. Any responses to the enamel delima???

    Reply
  23. GreatRedDragon

    I had AR for over ten years, and my doctor eventually put me on Nexium 40s. After a while he put them down to 20s and said this was the best way of managing it for the rest of my life. I went along with it for about 18 months then by pure coincidence met a vegan girl who convinced me to go vego. During this spiritually taxing process I of gave up dairy, and one day during a busy week I realised I had run out of nexium a few days prior and was starting to stress about getting a repeat script, as previously missing my dose for more than a couple of days resulted in terrible night-time burning. But this time, it didn’t seem to be happening. I thought ‘it surely can’t be that simple?’. So I tested my theory and had a dairy-fest of milk on my cereal, plenty of cheese, full-cream lattes. Sure enough, the burning returned. I gave up dairy there and then, and actually went full vegan, realising of course that I had been lactose intolerant for probably most of my adult life – a condition that is the norm for over 70% of adults. I have not taken nexium or any form of acid medication since, and can now enjoy all those spices my doctor told me to quit! Honestly, give up dairy first (for all the reasons you herat about – seriously, you do not need it) and see if it helps you before investing in a life-long remedy, alternate or otherwise. The cows will thank you and so will your gut!

    Reply
  24. Jason

    I also want to add that through my research, exercise plays a role in the amount of acid reflux as well. Try pacing the floor, warm sugar water does help (enough to taste the sugar), star anise seeds can be chewed (has the flavor of licorise), ginger pills have helped some people.
    I make all natural items, so if anyone would like to test some remedies, please let me know. I do not have anything for acid but will start immediately. Please email me at thepowerofearth@yahoo.com. I want to help since I suffer myself.

    Reply
  25. Jason D

    I am always having problems with acid reflux. I have not found an answer for acid reflux but I did however find a temporary solution. 5 gum “rain”, the spearmint will help along with the chewing. It has worked for me but I think I did it a little too much and now it does not work for me anymnore. So if you plan to do this, do not do it all the time or your body will adjust to the spearmint. Someone Help me.

    Reply
  26. Lee

    I tried apple cider vinegar after reading this site and within two days the problem was infinitely worse. I definitely did not use too much and I took it diluted. It does not work for everyone.

    Reply
  27. AK

    Hi,
    Went through all the comments here. My seven yera old daughter is suffering from acid refux. The doctors first told me she had wheezing and when nothing worked, I switched to Homeo, where the doc told me that the problem was not wheezing but acid reflux whih causes all these. I find all the symptoms with the throat and cough that you mentioned here, in her. The poor child is unable to sleep well, play, and do all the things that other kids of her age seem to do and this is affecting her. Please let me know if there is any proven home remedy for kids, for this problem! Can I give the Apple Cider Vinegar to her, Is it okay to buy this from the stores? please help!

    Reply
  28. melanie

    Hi everyone! Just wanted to share my experience with having acid reflux. I’ve been having a moderate case and one of the symptoms of which is a horrible bad breath (as embarrassing as that sounds).

    My dentist always gives me a clean bill of dental health (I go at least twice a year), I brush my teeth at least twice a day, but after only a few minutes the bad breath comes back. It really affected the way I socialized with people. I was afraid to open my mouth when people are close to me.

    So I’ve been trying to find ways to deal with it. For the past few weeks, I’ve been trying to avoid being hungry, and eat something every couple of hours to make sure my stomach acid have something to digest. This has seemed to work very well. Whenever I feel hungry, I eat something light right away. I also try not to drink too much liquid after meals so I’m not too full. My bad breath has been constantly subsiding. And I’m hoping that I will eventually be rid of this horrible smell in my mouth so I will feel confident again in social situations.

    I’ll be giving an update every week or so. I just felt compelled to write this so it may help other acid reflux sufferers as well.

    Reply
  29. frank

    What ever you do stay away from ppi ‘s. It seems good at first but you start feeling bad late eat apples after eating and take enzymes. Try herbs like slippery elm and mastic gum.

    Reply
  30. revo 3010

    I have been using the ACV remedy for two days and have noticed a great improvement in my stomach acid levels/pain. I was prescribed medication to reduce stomach acid levels about 6 weeks ago and noticed no real changed, I had all the tests, heart test, CT scan and gastrocopy. The pharmaceutical/medical industries are a scam when a simple remedy of ACV can give fairly immediate results and at a fraction of the price but not one doctor or pharmacist knows(or wants to) recommend ACV as a remedy. Thank god for these websites for giving us our long needed relief which we have been searching for from the medical/pharmaceutical industries but they could not provide

    Reply
  31. Ben

    Hey its only been one day but I’ve been using ACV and it seems to be working I hope to god this keeps on helping cause I was tried of the burn in my chest.. this is such a great thing to have tried.. thanks to this site I’m feeling much Much better

    Reply
  32. gourangabasak

    I was suffering a huge acid reflux desease at the same time I was reading the post. I visited lots of doctor, specially ENT specialist(USA & India also) & made a lots of test of my throat, X-ray,barium swallow x-ray, ultrasound, scan etc. But no result. They prescribe me high power antacid for a month or two month for several time. After completion of my medicine,,,,,,,,, the same problem starts again. Really I was frustrated & prying to God for some solution of my problem by which I suffering from last 3 years. The day was 8th august 2011, I read this information & from the same day I start to take Apple Cider Vinegar. after few days I realize that it is working & feeling better,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,better,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,better.
    Now I am 95% cure from the disease “Acid reflux”.
    I have no words to thanks again to doridro.com for posting such a wonderful information. I will suggest to all those are suffering the same can take a try to keep away the horrible disease by having 2 teaspoon ACV with half cup of water through 2 or 3 times a day, at least 10 to 15 days to get the result & continue up to 2 to 3 month if you totally remove the problem.

    Reply
  33. Brian

    After suffering terrible indigestion for over 25 years to the extent where my Doctors have tried just about every remedy available and even sent me for an Endoscopy to check my guts and after personally trying all sorts of “remedies”, I have the solution which does not include massive diet changes! I am taking a product called ‘Fivelac’. It is quite expensive unfortunately but WOW, what a difference. There is also a similar product called ‘Threelac’. I am not suggesting where you can buy it because I do not want anyone to think I am promoting it for any personal gain. Just search the internet as prices do vary. When I first started taking it my intestines felt uncomfortable for about 8 days and I was bloated, but now I cannot believe the difference. If you can afford it, I would try it – brilliant.

    Reply
  34. Fred

    I forgot to mention that I live in Costa Rica. Maybe not everyone has a live plant available, and I have no other experience to offer.

    Reply
  35. Fred

    My acid reflux is with me when I get up. If it’s bad, I can’t swallow. If not it’s still very painful and bothersome. I casually read the oregano was good for it, so one morning I went outside and got about 5 leaves off an oregano plant here. I just chewed them, not really knowing what to do. they are pretty bitter, but I chewed them and swallowed them. They hardly hit my stomach when the reflux is GONE. I don’t mean better. I mean GONE. Do you believe that? Incredible. I now do that several times a week, always with the same result.

    Reply
  36. Ebony Hatcher

    Its been about a month since I noticed some severe symptoms. One morning I woke up, and my salivary glands were swollen! I also noticed that I had an earache. Everyone told me that I was fine, so I decided to ignore the symptoms. Then I started noticing other things like, dry mouth, rapid tooth decay, even though I was brushing my teeth twice, and day. I feel as if there is a lump in my throat. I have sharp chest and upper back pain, headaches, neck pain, and trouble concentrating. Sleeping at night is impossible. I wake up constantly. I swore one time I was not breathing one night, other times I feel my tough is numb. Sometimes i wake with arm and leg numbness. I am tired all the time, but unable to fall asleep. The lymph nods in my neck seem to be swollen. They’ve been swollen for a while (but its no big deal to everyone else). I feel that I have a fat face. I’ve also experience weight loss, loss of appetite. After going to the emergency room with chest pains, I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. I’ve been to three doctors without treatment. I’m beginning to think they are on the wrong path. I don’t have diarrhea, but constipation. I just want to give up! I’ve been trying to gain weight since I’m 5’10 110llbs, but everything I eat seems to make my symptoms worse! No one will listen. Its been over a month and my salivary glands are still swollen, so are my lymph nods! My eyes started itching also! I don’t know what to do!

    Reply
  37. Gloria

    Apple cider vinegar with mother is the one that really helped me. I suffer for three years with acid reflux and numerous hospital visit in the middle of the night, i was going crazy and depress. I changed my diet to vegetables (boiled or grill) eating chicken (boil or grill)I cook the chicken and after 20 minutes, I rinse the chicken to take all the fat and I add more water and vegetables to finish cooking. The fat triggers acid reflux. I drink apple cider every day, I add two tablespoon to a half of gallon and I u drink it all day.It made me sick at the begining but after two weeks i sarted to feel better and better. I stoped taking the nexium and now I can eat everything. But I try to drink apple cider vinegar with mother at least once a
    month. after five years of a battle my life is normal,finally!

    Reply
  38. Tahir

    Hi all,
    There is ready made formula, which have Mastic Gum as main ingredient. The name is ” Jawarish-e-Mastagi”, by Hamdard Laboratories both in Pakistan and India, Perhaps Bangladesh also. This is for info for all needing a mastic gum preparation.

    There is another preparation by Same Hamdard Laboratories, Which contain Licorice as main ingredient, the name of the product is ” Qerheen”, and its variation for peptic ulcers is “Endemali”. These Product are available throughout the world. Here is a link for hamdard. Details about few products are available on site…. Pray for my Father and mother.

    http://www.hamdard.com.pk/

    Regards

    Reply
  39. Ryan Flynn

    thanks rick and steve, i love apples and thanks for the advice, i have had three problems today, ill try it

    Reply
  40. Deedee

    I have had acid reflux for years but it has been bad for the past 2 months now. Although I dont feel the pain in my chest, I def. feel the burning in the back of my throat and sometimes in my mouth and lips…its a numbing burning sensation. I dont have issues at night except for the very dry throat. The burning is only during waking hours. I’ve tried EVERYTHING. The apple cider vinegar, the apples, the baking soda, etc., etc., etc. I’ve tried nexium. I’ve had every test done including H-Pylori, barrium to check the esophagus, blood work to test for allergies, hidda scan, endoscopy, colonoscopy, etc., etc., etc. I was diagnosed with GERD and put on Nexium (which did nothing for me but make me lose tons of hair). I’ve given up coffee (all caffeine for that matter), fried foods, etc. and nothing helps. I’m at my wits end. Its so depressing to not have a normal life. I am married with two little girls and b/c of my heart palpitations, headaches, bad taste in mouth (due to GERD?), I cant enjoy my time with them. I am going to do a fruit/veggie juice flush for 5 days and see if that helps. After that, I cant see what I can possibly do. Can someone PLEASE help me? Please email me step by step instructions to get my body back.

    Reply
  41. Rick Rankin

    I know you guys are going to think I am absolutely crazy but I have tried every remedy listed here and all work over time but the absolute best I have tried is eating two red delicious apple before going to bed and I had chronic acid reflux, took meds and still had reflux and finally gave up to live a life of misery… The red delicious apples are the ticket…

    Reply
  42. Steve Mertson

    Great comments. I had heartburn and acid reflux for years and suffered symptoms such as burning, chest pain, and acid regurgitation. I tried proton pump inhibitors, acid blockers and over the counter medications but nothing offered a permanent solution. Eventually I found this site that helped cure my acid reflux for good:

    http://www.therefluxsolution.com

    The best advice is to modify your diet and lifestyle, which will treat the root cause of acid reflux. Basically, you try to eat whole foods and stay away from junk foods as much as possible. Eat small meals more often and exercise even a few minutes a day.
    Best of luck.

    Reply
  43. Ryan Flynn

    i have had (GERD) since i was a baby and i have tried almost everything there is to try. It makes a constant problem in school, too.

    Reply
  44. Ryan Flynn

    Sometimes when i wake up in the morning, i wake up and cant breath because of acid that gets trapped in my throat. One morning i almost passed out, it happens randomly and don’t know when its going to happen. does anyone have any advice for me?

    Reply
  45. mitch26

    i was diagnosed with GERD at 2009.i have to stop so breastfeed my baby just to take alot of medicine, until i discover probiotics that will fassify my reflux, but lately it did not worked. by now,want to try apple cider vinegar. is it really good? or any home remidy or herbal medicine that is available here in the Philippines? Coz i dont want to stop breastfeeding my 2nd baby, cant take medicines for GERD. need help from u guys….

    Reply
  46. Elizabeth Rodrigues

    I wish I will improve I have a severe problem in my mouth, painful non-bleeding gums and supposedly esophagytis.I loved your site.Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  47. Gerd Self Help

    Indeed a nice post. I use to suffer with gerd and acid reflux for years and got myself treated. I really love to read the most latest and informative content on this subject over the web. I just came across your blog and found it so good that I have subscribed the same. I do hope you will be posting this sort of stuff for the guys like us and others over the coming days. Thanks

    Reply
  48. Tome

    A wedge pillow is simply a foam pillow, cut on an angle, higher at the top and tapering to a thin edge that should elevate your head, shoulders and torso. It uses gravity to keep stomach acid and food down, drain sinuses and open airways. Just elevating your head on pillows or sleeping on a short wedge actually makes many of these sleep problems, especially acid reflux, worse. When you just elevate your head, you cause your body to bend in the middle, allowing acid to go part way up the esophagus and get trapped.
    Wedge Pillows Can Ease Acid Reflux or GERD While You Sleep

    If you are one of the more than 80 million people with a sleep disorder, sleeping on a wedge pillow may be just what the doctor prescribed.

    Problems ranging from acid reflux to snoring and nasal congestion often make it difficult to sleep comfortably through the night. Sleeping on a wedge pillow can provide a drug-free, effective, simple, inexpensive and physician endorsed solution.

    Firm polyurethane foam. Used to elevate the head for breathing comfort, circulation, pressure relief and for the treatment of hiatal hernia. Also used to elevate the feet for relief of swelling. cover has zipper closure for easy removing and washing. can be used for reading, relaxing or watching TV. Available in different size and colors.
    Quilonland Trading Est.
    Mob:9446123573

    Reply
  49. Jay

    To all,

    Drink two teaspoons of COLD PRESSED – OLIVE OIL (Extra Virgin Pompeian). This will reduce acid reflux completely. Make sure you purchase olive oil that is COLD PRESSED. Extremely important!

    Reply
  50. Ceevee

    I have been suffering from Acid reflux for more than 9 months. I tried lozenges to clear my sore and painful throat but to no avail. I tried every method to make this better. My voice was just not coming right and it was an effort for me to start talking because each time i wanted to I was worried of the voice coming out right and the attendant pain in my throat. Then I took arrow root powder and put this into 200 ml of water and slowly boiled it till it became thick like a porridge. I had this every night just half an hour before my dinner. Of course I cut down on my smoking and even stopped drinking for many days so that I could help my condition. Believe me I have never slept so well in years like I did after starting this medicine. It is important to try and avoid oily, fried stuff etc when you suffer from reflux. Make your night meal as simple as possible. In fact any alkaline food is advised for dinner and better to eat a bit less. You can have arrowroot even as a powder just take a tea spoon of in your mouth and chew slowly take care that you do not choke on it as it solidifies in the absence of sufficient saliva. In India we get pure arrow root which is made at home and is definitely better than commercially sold arrowroot. The commercially sold arrowroot is not a patch on the freshly ground one.
    Good luck to all of you suffering from GERD. LOLEECEG

    Reply