Dr. Edward F. Group – Acid reflux is painful. Food and acid splash into the esophagus and cause belching, heartburn and, in some severe cases, chest pains. Some individuals have experienced pain so intense they thought they had a heart attack. If a person experiences acid reflux on a regular basis, the acids will irritate the esophagus, which may advance to scarring, ulceration, swelling, or hemorrhaging. What is the risk of acid reflux? Many experts agree, if acid reflux persists, it may lead to esophageal cancer.[1]
If you suffer from acid reflux, you need to take inventory of your life and determine what’s causing or exacerbating the problem. Start off with a review of dietary habits. Foods that contain living enzymes are crucial in eliminating and preventing acid reflux.[2] There are other measures you can take — here are six of them.
6 Natural Remedies for Balancing Acid Reflux
1. Balance Your Hydrochloric Acid Levels
Increasing natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is the first step to preventing acid reflux. Replace cheap table salt with high-quality sea salt. I use and recommend Himalayan crystal salt because it contains chloride and dozens of trace minerals the body needs.
I also recommend taking a plant derived Betaine HCL supplement before meals.[3] This is extremely effective at preventing acid reflux.
2. Change Your Diet
Processed foods and sugars are almost a guaranteed way to exacerbate acid reflux and create a bacterial imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. To combat this, eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables. An apple a day keeps big pharma away! Check out my brand new body cleansing diet! Taking a probiotic supplement like FloraTrex will also help balance the gut with good bacteria.
3. Take a Digestive Enzyme Supplement
Enzymes are found in abundance in raw food, but the act of cooking food over 116° Fahrenheit destroys the health-promoting enzymes. Only living and raw foods are high in nutrient values and the enzyme levels that are crucial to combat acid reflux. There are many good enzyme supplements available, and the one that I recommend is VeganZyme.
4. Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
I recommend taking one tablespoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar mixed in about 4 ounces of purified water before each meal. This will help calm the stomach and supports digestion; it’s also my favorite, fast-acting home remedy for acid reflux.
5. Take Organic Baking Soda
Bicarbonate is a wonder product. Mix a spoonful in a glass of water, stir, and drink before it stops fizzing.[4] Some doctors are skeptical so if you have high blood pressure or if you are on a sodium-restricted diet it’s best to get advice first.
6. Take Organic Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly used to calm an upset stomach, diarrhea, and redness associated with bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.[5, 6] Inner Aloe vera leaf gel supports digestion and is another great alternative for soothing acid reflux.[7]
Additional Tips
I also suggest a full body cleanse, beginning with a comprehensive colon cleanse. Accumulated toxins from processed foods and sugars can disrupt digestion and lead to acid reflux symptoms. A regular full body cleanse can flush out your system and help promote acid balance.
Eliminating the discomfort of acid reflux can be done without expensive over-the-counter medications. There are many natural remedies readily available. Feel better naturally; your body will thank you!
References
- Jesper Lagergren, M.D. et al. “Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux as a Risk Factor for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.” N Engl J Med (1999): 825-831.
- Saritas Yuksel, Elif, and Michael F. Vaezi. “New Developments in Extraesophageal Reflux Disease.” Gastroenterology & Hepatology 8.9 (2012): 590–599.
- Sugimoto K, Makihara T, Saito A, Ohishi N, Nagase T, Takai D. “Betaine improved restriction digestion.”
- Sun, J. et al. “Randomised Clinical Trial: The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of an Alginate?antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) versus Placebo, for Decreasing Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in China.” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 42.7 (2015): 845–854.
- Cock IE. “The Genus Aloe: Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Uses Including Treatments for Gastrointestinal Conditions and Chronic Inflammation.” Prog Drug Res. (2015): 179-235.
- Wan P, Chen H, Guo Y, Bai AP. “Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside.” World J Gastroenterol. (2014): 14099-11404.
- Kines, Kasia, and Tina Krupczak. “Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report.” integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal 15.4 (2016): 49–53.
SF Source Wake Up World Mar 2018
One personal remedy that helped me: Eat one or two apples if you are having acid reflux. It takes about up to one hour to get better, but you will fully recover.
Try it out, you won’t regret it.
In my opinion, taking baking soda is too radical a move. I prefer apples nowadays, if acid reflux were to happen.
Great! Thanks for commenting – g