Do you suffer from acid reflux?

You are not alone. 50% of Americans do.

The good news is that there are many natural ways to get rid of acid reflux once and for all.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn
• A burning sensation in the throat
• Bloating
• Unrelenting hiccups
• Narrowing of esophagus
• Irregular burping
• Chronic sore throat

What Causes Acid Reflux?

A healthy human stomach contains an extremely powerful acid called hydrochloric acid.

After food passes through the esophagus, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes, preventing food or acid to move back up.

If the LES doesn’t close, it allows acid from the stomach to travel back up into your esophagus.

Often, acid reflux is a sign of Helicobacter Pylori infection. This is estimated to affect ½ of the world’s population! H. Pylori is a sign that the stomach is unable to produce enough acid to combat infection.

Heartburn can also be caused by pharmaceutical medications or a diet full of food triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and processed foods.

What Is The Problem With Medications For Acid Reflux?

PPIs are the most commonly prescribed drug for acid reflux. Basically, they work by blocking acid production in the stomach. The problem is that people with acid reflux are actually producing too little acid. By reducing this acid even more, instead of solving the issue, it actually contributes to acid reflux. You may (or may not) feel relief for the first few times after taking your medication, but soon you will experience no benefits, in fact, your symptoms will likely get worse. Try natural methods instead to increase your stomach acid and reduce acid reflux.

How To Reduce Acid Reflux

Eat Unprocessed Foods

Eating lots of processed foods exacerbates acid reflux. They disturb the bacterial balance in your stomach AND intestine. Eat lots of greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes instead. Green juices and smoothies are also your friend.

Take Probiotics

To balance the bowel flora in your stomach, you need to be getting enough daily probiotics. Your gut bacteria changes every 20 minutes! Keeping your gut bacteria healthy and balanced is the KEY to good health. Take a daily probiotic capsule with 50 billion IUs.

Eat Fermented Foods

To further support your gut flora, eat probiotic-rich foods, such as saurkraut, yogurt, kefir and kimchi.

High-Quality Sea Salt

High-quality sea salt provides your body with the chloride it needs to produce hydrochloric acid. Use Pink Himalayan Sea Salt or Celtic Sea Salt when cooking in place of cheap salts. These are full of over 100 trace minerals and have been shown to have some seriously amazing benefits.

Eliminate Food Triggers

Food triggers can lead to acid reflux in some. Eliminating processed foods, processed sugar, alcohol, nicotine, preservatives and additives is a safe bet. Keep a food diary to notice other possible triggers.

Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of the best remedies for quick relief that also has long-lasting benefits. Take a teaspoon or a tablespoon in a glass of water and symptoms should improve quickly. Apple cider vinegar is also great for your digestive system and improves the acid content in your stomach naturally.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has an extremely high pH and if taken internally, neutralizes stomach acid. This is also a good remedy when quick relief is needed. Mix ½-1 tbsp with a glass of water and drink. Baking soda is high in sodium, however and shouldn’t be used for heartburn more than once a day. Save it for the most serious episodes and use apple cider vinegar for regular relief.

Astaxanthin

This is an extremely potent antioxidant you can take in supplement form. Astaxanthin can reduce symptoms of acid reflux, especially in those with H. Pylori infection.Take daily doses of 40 mg for best results.

Juicing

Juicing is hands down one of the quickest ways to heal the body and provide the micronutrients needed to thrive. The live enzymes in green juice aid digestion and absorption of nutrients and ultimately help to heal the gut. For acid reflux, include foods like carrots, cabbage, celery, apples, ginger, turmeric aloe, parsley, etc.   

As you can see, you don’t always need pharmaceuticals. You can get rid of acid reflux naturally. Try these simple methods and see for yourself.

Do you have other tips to improve acid reflux and your digestive health? How will you create a healthier body today? Share away in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.

And remember, we're in this together.

Kat Gál is a multi-passionate writer, world traveler, nomad, runner, and cat-person. She is a lifelong learner who lives outside of her comfort zones stretching her boundaries and discovering beauty around the world. She is a Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach who encourages others to embrace their unique authentic selves, follow their heart and find their own version of freedom in life.