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Acid Reflux

Almost everyone gets heartburn once in a while, especially after eating a really big meal. If your symptoms, however, occur frequently, you may have GERD or what is also called acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the sphincter in your esophagus, otherwise known as the valve separating the esophagus and stomach, does'nt close all the way which allows the stomach acid to shoot up into the esophagus.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux, Heartburn or GERD

• Heartburn and acid coming up into the throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Feeling that you have food stuck in your throat
• Tightness of the throat
• Dry cough
• Pain in the chest
• Bad breath
• Hoarseness
• Upset stomach

What Can Cause Acid Reflux?

• The slowing down of esophageal peristalsis due to aging.
• Cigarette smokers are more prone to heartburn.
• Eating large meals that overfill the stomach and force acid into the esophagus.
• Lying down right after eating.
• Eating deep fried foods such as French fries and processed foods.
• Not enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
• Overweight people often experience heartburn as abdominal fat leads to a pressure in the abdomen.
• Pregnancy can put pressure on the abdomen and can cause relaxation of the muscle valve.
• Wearing tight fitting clothing.
• Other conditions: Hiatal hernia often causes heartburn. Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that affects its ability to move food toward the stomach.

Diet Tips For Acid Reflux

• Eat a light dinner and eat about three hours before going to bed.
• Cut down on coffee. Try to drink no more than two or three cups of coffee each day.
• Avoid fast foods and processed foods. Try to eat a diet of natural whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, nuts, legumes, eggs, yogurt.
• Milk is not always helpful and actually can cause acid in the stomach. I used to try milk for my heartburn and it only helped for a couple minutes and then the acid was back and sometimes worse.
• Eating apples can help lower stomach acid.
• Instead of three big meals a day, eat small, frequent meals or snacks. It takes less acid to digest smaller amounts of food and is easier on the stomach.
• Stay in an upright position for at least 45 minutes to an hour after eating.
• Drink one tablespoon of unpasturized apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water a couple times each day. This doesn't work for everyone but it does work for most people.

Natural Cures and Remedies for Acid Reflux

Green Drinks (particularly barley grass) -- This is my favorite way to stop acid reflux. I personally had heartburn for many years. I started drinking barley grass and the heartburn went away, and I've had almost no trouble with it since. I now drink a combination green drink called NOW PhytoFoods with spirulina, chlorella, barley grass , wheat grass, etc, and it's also working. Green drinks help alkalinize the body reducing acidity.

DGL or Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice -- DGL is a chewable extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice and the amino acid glycine. It's in a chewable form because saliva promotes absorption. Studies have shown DGL stimulates and/or accelerates the natural protective factors in the digestive tract, which helps relieve stomach discomfort immediately.

Article about DGL and Acid Reflux

Mastic Gum -- Mastic gum is a resin produced by the pistacia lentiscus tree and has been used for a variety of gastric ailments in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. It is effective in treating acid reflux as well as ulcers. Mastic gum is mentioned in the article below.

Apple Cider Vinegar -- I have found a lot of people in the forums saying that ACV has worked very well for them. Don't use the capsules or tablets as they are not nearly as effective. Be sure to get unpasteurized, certified organic apple cider vinegar with the mother. Vinegars containing the mother contain enzymes and minerals that other vinegars may not have due to over-processing, filtration and overheating. I have used ACV for my heartburn and it gets rid of it every time in about ten minutes.

How Interesting Is Vinegar?

Pickle Juice -- For quick relief, pickle juice should get rid of your heartburn temporarily. Just a little home remedy that might help you in a pinch.

Orange Peel Extract -- I heard about this product in the article below and in several forums. Studies have shown that almost 90% of participants reported resolution of heartburn symptoms in two weeks after starting orange peel extract. According to research it may also prevent cancer,

Slippery Elm Bark -- Slippery elm bark has a wonderful soothing and healing effect on irritated or inflamed mucous membranes and can be helpful in dealing with heartburn.

 

Additional Resources and Information About Acid Reflux:

Here's a terrific article about how you can eliminate your acid reflux in five easy steps using some of the remedies mentioned above. It's an article called "Eliminating Chronic Acid Reflux And Indigestion" by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.

Helpful Books:

Why Stomach Acid is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD

No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30 Days--Naturally! : The Safe, Effective Way to Prevent and Heal Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders

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Acid Free-Flux
Homeopathic remedy temporarily relieves acute acid reflux and heartburn

Gastronic Dr.
Promotes healthy digestion and encourages comfort after meals

Digestion Tonic
Homeopathic remedy temporarily relieves digestive discomfort, improves systemic detox and metabolism

 

Your Favorite Cures or Remedies:

From Annette --
Mustard out of the grocery store for acid reflux.

 

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