Acid reflux and GERD are essentially the same condition. Therefore, when it comes to GERD medications also referred to acid reflux medications.
There are several reasons to look at alternative methods for controlling severe heartburn symptoms. One is that some people want to avoid pharmaceutical products altogether. A second is that… The long-term use of GERD medications is addictive and potentially damaging.
Unfortunately, when you enter the world of alternative remedies opens a new series of difficulties. There are several recommended solutions, schools of thought, and little legitimate research. In many cases, the only way to know if something is working is to use yourself as a guinea pig.
As with acid reflux and heartburn, a simple search on the internet for natural remedies will discover hundreds of possibilities. Some of the solutions proposed seem illogical. For example, apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful natural remedies. Besides the fact that the bad taste of vinegar (in itself), is also very acidic. Spilling acid doesn’t seem to make much sense. But there are many supporters singing the praises of apple cider vinegar. Personally, I tried it and it didn’t work for me. Based on the experience of others who swear by it, there is a possibility that it will work for you. If you can get a taste… give it a try.
Closely related to apple cider vinegar is… pickle juice. Now, from Pickles are made in a variety of ways the question arises: “What kind of pickle juice?” Advocates strongly favor pickled cucumber juice fermented juice. I didn’t know there was such a thing… but I’ll take the floor for it. However, others suggest dill pickle juice or fresh cucumber. And if you can’t stand to drink the straight stuff… just suck a pickle… or eat one. So they say.
Probably a more natural solution in the long term requires a change in the diet. The idea is to keep the system in the correct alkaline acid balance of the PH. What we eat that controls balance and most of us, because of our very acidic modern diet leans too much on the sour side of the scale.
For these changes in the diet to work you need to decrease the consumption of acid triggers such as chocolate, caffeine, sugar, alcohol and soft drinks. Annoying are also fatty, spicy and greasy foods. Alkaline foods are mostly vegetables and are better eaten raw. Raw vegetables provide powerful enzymes that are needed for proper digestion.
Since I’m on the subject of diet… It is important to recognize that obesity is an important factor of GERD. If you have a weight problem, then you can anticipate that acid reflux goes hand-in-hand with it. I know it’s easier said than done, but weight loss is one of the most effective natural heartburn remedies found.
Apples are also often recommended as a natural remedy for reflux. They are rich in enzymes and can help calm the fire in its belly.
One of the first natural remedies suggested to me actually came from my grandmother. He believed in the efficacy of baking soda. Many people agree with the recommendation. Again, it’s not a panacea, but it can give you immediate relief that you seek.
The Aloe vera juice is another natural remedy that some people feel good about. Once past the taste, which is worse than vinegar, can provide temporary relief.
Also on the list of potential remedies are milk, licorice root Extract, acidophilus, and mustard. There are others… many more. But if you want an alternative remedy that exceeds all GERD medications have the biggest success with changing your diet and losing weight.
