by Adam Carmen

Living with Acid Reflux (GERD) and relieving it's symptoms is a life long process of trial and error. Staying away from trigger foods, not sleeping on a flat bed, exercise, not overeating etc, all play a role in your overall health, satisfaction and comfort level. It can be too easy to reach for Over the Counter Reflux Medications when Acid Reflux Symptoms strike. However the next time that happens you may want to consider one of the following Home Remedies, many of which you may already have in your house!

Baking Soda

This might sound strange if you have never tried it, or if you have used it for other things like scrubbing a counter or washing clothes. However, if you read the back of any Baking Soda Box they typically recommend using it to help relieve symptoms of Acid Reflux (GERD). Be sure to read the instructions on the box, but it’s about a half teaspoon fully dissolved in a glass of water. This immediately neutralizes your stomach acid. You may also burp, which is usually a sign that it’s working!

Aloe Juice

This also may sound strange or gross depending how you look at it, but it’s the same concept for a sun burn. You already know how it helps your skin when you have a sun burn. When your throat is burning from Acid Reflux it’s the same thing, it’s also a burn. Aloe acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping your body heal the burn.

You can buy this at any health food store. Be sure to get the Juice, not the Gel. It does not taste great so its recommend that you cut it with a non-acidic juice like apple or coconut to taste. This is something best sipped several times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another one that may seem counter-intuitive. If I have Acid Reflux why do I want to drink something that is very acidic? This is not for everyone and it depends on your specific condition. However, it’s worth a try though. Mix a tablespoon in a cup of hot water with honey. Or if you are brave just drink a tablespoon straight! You can also add it to ice water and sip that. Some find it a little tough going down though. It works best for those who are “low acid” and generally have trouble digesting food at a normal pace.

Digestive Enzymes

If you feel extremely full after eating a normal size meal, you may have slow or low digestion. This means that the reflux symptoms you experience are the result of having too little acid in your stomach. As a result, it takes you longer than normal to digest the food you eat. You can find Digestive Enzymes at most drugstores or health food stores. They help your stomach break down the meal you just ate quicker than your body can on its own.

Probiotics

Your Gut Health has a lot to do with how your whole body functions. If your gut health is off, it can wreak havoc on everything else, especially if you have just been on antibiotics. At the very least try eating yogurt, sauerkraut or kombucha at least once a day. If you want to get really fancy with it, you can buy probiotic capsules in most stores. In terms of antibiotics, if you have Acid Reflux and you are prescribed antibiotics, this can really throw your symptoms into a tailspin. Mention this to your doctor, they will typically tell you to take the probiotic several hours after your take your antibiotic so they don't cancel each other out.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

This one is actually FREE and you can do it just about anywhere. Learning how to use diaphragmatic breathing can not only help reduce symptoms of acid reflux, but it also reduces stress when done correctly. Here is a link to learn how.

Sleeping With Your Head Raised

Most doctors recommend that those with Acid Reflux, sleep with their head raised 6-8 inches. There are many ways to achieve this. At home you can put bricks, blocks or books under the head of your bed. This puts the whole bed on an angle. You can also buy a foam wedge, which raised the top half of your body. Or if you are traveling you can try an inflatable bed wedge. Similar to the foam wedges but made for travel. Once you get used to sleeping with your head raised, sleeping on a flat bed in a hotel is torture!

Managing your Reflux Symptoms is a lifelong adventure of trial and error. As with anything having to do with your health, it is always recommended to check with your doctor before trying something new. We are not doctors, just people who suffer from Acid Reflux just like you and through trial and error we have found things that work for us.

Good luck!