Although heartburn or acid reflux is very common, if you are having it more than a couple of times a week or using antacids for longer than 2 weeks you may have a condition called GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease).
If you suspect GERD it is important to see your doctor and stop the acid reflux before it is too late. Next to the unpleasant, burning feeling, frequent heartburns can cause inflammation and constriction of the esophagus. In some rare cases, it can even lead to cancer.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available, but when used long-term they can have some nasty side effects. The best route to take is to make permanent lifestyle changes and opt for natural heartburn remedies.
Here are some great natural remedies to stop the acid reflux and make sure your esophagus stays inflammation and damage-free.
Top 10 Remedies For Acid Reflux or GERD
1. Baking Soda
Not very tasty but very effective to stop the burning sensation. Add one tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of water and give it a good stir. If you can’t bear the taste use 1 cup water. Use 3 times a day and no longer than a week straight. Baking soda is high in salts and can cause swelling and nausea when used long term.
ALSO READ: Discover The Amazing All Natural Uses For Baking Soda
2. Aloe Vera Juice
Again not very tasty but works great to soothe inflammation or irritation. Drink ½ cup of aloe vera juice before a meal to avoid acid reflux. If you are going to use aloe juice often you may want to opt for the organic brands which have the laxative compounds removed to avoid a few extra bathroom stops.
3. Chew Gum After Your Meal
Gum stimulates saliva production which reduces the acid levels in your esophagus. Make sure to buy the sugar-free gum to protect your teeth Chew on it for 30 minutes after every meal.
4. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Although it may sound strange to counter acid reflux with an acid, this really helps. Many people think acid reflux is caused by too many acids but actually, in most cases, it is the other way around. Research has shown that too little acids make it unable to digest your food properly and it gets pushed back up.
Add 1 tablespoon raw ACV to a hot cup of tea with honey or plain water to find relief and help your body to digest the food you eat. Take this remedy before every meal, if the condition gets worse, stop immediately. This means low acid levels in your stomach are not the cause of your problem.
5. Raw Almonds
Snack on raw almonds after a meal to help your body balance pH levels and they are a good source of calcium. Do not overdo. Some people report that too much of them can make it worse. 4-5 raw almonds after a meal will do the trick.
ALSO READ: Health Benefits Of Almond Milk (Recipe Inside)
6. Bananas Or Apples
A banana or apple a day keeps acid reflux at bay. Bananas and apples contain natural antacids, especially when they are fully ripe. So eat them after a problematic meal or a few hours before bedtime to avoid discomforts.
Scroll down for more natural remedies for acid reflux and thing to avoid to prevent it.

7. Herbal Teas
Ginger, chamomile, mint or fenugreek tea are the best herbal teas to ease acid reflux. Having a cup of either of these teas 20-30 minutes before you go to sleep or have a meal, will help you to reduce the inflammation and balance acid levels.
8. Start Your Day With Lukewarm Lemon Water
Having lukewarm lemon water first thing in the morning may seem strange to you. But just as with the raw ACV, lemons can balance the acid levels and kick-start digestion. If the burning sensation or acid reflux gets worse, stop at once.
9. Probiotic Supplement
Probiotic supplements with Saccharomyces boulardii help your body to optimize absorption of vitamins and minerals for optimal digestion.
ALSO READ: Probiotics 101
10. Slippery Elm Supplement
Slippery elm capsules, powder, or lozenge help to soothe irritated or inflamed tissues of the digestive tract.
FYI: Tips To Avoid Acid Reflux Or A Heartburn
- Don’t Lie Down After A Meal
Heartburn or acid reflux tends to get worse when you lie down because there is more pressure on your esophageal sphincter. Try not to lie down within 3 hours after eating and elevate the head of your bed with a block.
- Be mindful about the food you eat
Some foods are now to trigger acid reflux r heartburn. Those foods include acid foods, such as tomatoes, coffee, or many citrus fruits, or spicy food as well. Try to eat more fibers to keep your digestive tract moving and be mindful about portion sizes.
- Eat Slowly
Take small bites and eat slowly. This will give your stomach the time to digest and balance acid levels.
- Avoid Smoking or Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are also known to trigger or worsen acid reflux.
- Maintain Healthy Weight
People who are overweight are at higher risk to develop acid reflux or GERD. The extra weight puts pressure on the stomach which makes it more likely to force acids back up. If you need some help to lose or maintain weight the healthy way, CLICK HERE!
If symptoms get worse or persist, make sure to contact your doctor to find out what’s going on.
Get well soon!
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
