Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is caused by lactic acid, a warning sign for too low of a concentration of hydrochloric acid, causing incomplete digestion of food. Acid reflux needs to be treated by increasing hydrochloric acid, not antacids which will neutralize hydrochloric acid, making reflux worse as well as other health consequences.
See also :

• Barrett's Esophagus
• Heartburn
• Hiatal Hernia (Hiatus Hernia)

Symptoms and causes

• Certain drinks can stimulate the release of more acids in the stomach. Beverages like tea, soda and coffee and other caffeinated beverages can increase your likelihood of getting heart burn and acid reflux that may result to indigestion. Drinking coffee and tea can be healthy, but try to keep it moderated and limit your intake to one to two servings in a day. But if you’re very prone to getting heartburn and GERD, it may be advisable to totally avoid these drinks.
• Stop with the antacids : Acid reflux is usually a symptom of too LITTLE stomach acid (by aging or sodium chloride deficiency) that results in poor digestion, gas, boating and elimination problems. Without enough digestive acid in the stomach, proteins and minerals are not properly broken down, pathogenic bacteria that is normally burned up by hydrochloric acid slips past the stomach and into the bowels while fungus that normally resides in the intestines overgrows the stomach, esophagus and mouth. To make matters worse, without enough stomach acid, the pancreas and gall bladder are also inhibited, bringing on a real health crisis.

Home remedies

• try sucking on a lemon wedge or drinking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar right after a meal. If the acid problem goes away, this means that you don't have enough stomach acid to do the job. If the acid problem worsens, there may be an ulcer or other inflammatory process going on that needs attention.
• Take probiotics to keep the beneficial bacteria in your intestines thriving.
• Digestive enzymes will help proper digestion.
• Taking an HCL supplement like Betaine HCL with the morning and noon meals will help provide the stomach with the acids necessary to break down nutrients and also help lower the body's pH. Don't take it though if the HCL gives you heartburn.
• Taking to 1 teaspoon of aluminum free baking soda in the late afternoon will also stimulate the production of more hydrochloric acid.
• table salt : Since HCL and sodium bicarbonate are made from salt, low salt diets and processed-demineralized table salts drive the body into acidosis while starving the stomach of what it needs.
• Apples produce an alkaline, or non-acidic, environment in the stomach so that excess acids are counterbalanced and digestion can function normally.
• Manuka Honey : it'antibacterial nature appears to have effects on internal problems such as: Acid reflux, Infections in the stomach and digestive tract, Ulcers (both in the stomach and peptic), Diarrhea.
• Unrefined, organic honey is very soothing and may reduce burning pains. Honey helps adjust the body's pH, neutralizing stomach acids almost immediately. A spoonful of honey at bedtime will promote an easier, symptom-free sleep.
• Meadowsweet seems to be an effective stomachic, which is used in the treatment of gastritis, heartburn, hyperacidity, and Peptic Ulcers.
• Calendula Tea soothes inflamed tissue and reduces inflammation.
• Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Chewing a fresh leaf or making tea from fresh basil soothes the digestive tract.
• Licorice root creates a thin film of protective mucus called mucilage that coats the lining of the esophagus and prevents damage from stomach acids.
• Indian gooseberry heals the digestive tract and protects against stomach acids.
• slippery elm (like licorice) coats the lining of the digestive tract, protecting delicate tissues. Additionally, it relieves coughing and throat pain from regurgitated stomach acids.
• Gentian Tea, an age-old digestive aid, prevents heartburn. Simmer one teaspoon of gentian in a cup of water for 30 minutes. Sprinkle just a pinch of ginger and cayenne in the tea. Drink one-half hour before meals.
• Chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural remedy for digestive conditions. Drink a cup of chamomile tea up to four times a day, between meals.
• Cinnamon helps calm and soothe the stomach.
• chewing a chunk of raw red (purple) cabbage.
• Foods with high levels of potassium may help prevent or resolve acid reflux.
• Aloe Vera juice is good for heartburn and Stomach Ulcers.
• Cayenne : half or full teaspoon of 40,000 heat unit (minimum) cayenne powder in water. Many claim it works. Master Herbalist John Christopher cured his stomach ulcer this way.
• Eat smaller portions of food
• try to eat food slower.
• zinc L-carnosine is used to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, ulcers, leaky gut, and IBS.
• An acid reflux wedge pillow will relieve discomfort by elevating the upper body.

Warnings

It's a proven scientific fact: Persistent acid reflux sometimes turns into cancer. If the symptoms doesn't disappear ask for an investigation from a professional stomach specialist.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.