Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. Individuals with acid reflux may experience numerous symptoms including burning pains in the chest, fullness, belching, coughing and possible interruption of sleep. There are a variety of treatments, both alternative and conventional, that may be helpful for acid reflux. Although there is no significant scientific evidence to support the claims for the efficacy of apples for treating acid reflux, some people swear by it and claim apples work to reduce the pain and lessen the recurrence of acid reflux.
Step 1
Eat a few slices of red delicious apple for dessert, which may control acid production in the stomach for some people. The apples are acidic by nature, although create alkalinity in the stomach; they stimulate digestive juices in the mouth, signaling the stomach to reduce additional acidity, according to Dr. Theodore Baroody in his book, "Alkalize or Die."
Step 2
Snack on sweet apples between meals, which may settle the stomach. Red delicious or other sweet apples are best for this purpose, adds Baroody.
Step 3
Mix apples with yogurt and honey, a good snack or dessert, which may help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Avoid using yogurt if you are lactose intolerant, as it may irritate digestive tract causing additional upset.
Step 4
Have a slice or two of sweet red apple or a bowl of unsweetened applesauce before going to bed to balance the pH during the night, preparing the body for sleep, suggests Baroody. During the night, the body tends to become more acidic, aggravating any acid reflux problems that are present.
Step 5
Drink freshly made apple juice. Use a power juicer to prepare homemade apple juice, which contains all of the nutrients and enzymes from the fruit. Drink the juice immediately after juicing to obtain the best results for settling the stomach during attacks of reflux. This is also a good snack to have before bedtime.
Step 6
Use organic apple cider vinegar, a fermented apple derivative, to treat acid reflux. The vinegar may be helpful for some people and is widely reported to bring relief from acid reflux, according to the Earth Clinic. Combine 2 tbsp. vinegar in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink as needed throughout the day. If the mixture is too strong, reduce the vinegar to 1 tbsp. or less and build up to the 2 tbsp. quantity over time.
Tips and Warnings
- The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating apples and other foods containing flavonoids to prevent the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria that is responsible for causing ulcers. Acid reflux may lead to the development of an ulcer due to the excess acid present in the stomach, which acts as an irritant weakening the stomach wall. Yogurt must be live, with active cultures, to provide probiotics, which assist in restoring helpful bacteria in the bowel and soothe the esophagus. Honey is thought to help balance the pH and calm acid production in the stomach according to the book, "The pH Miracle." Apples are absorbent and retain many of the poisons sprayed on them to keep them healthy on the tree. Organic apple cider vinegar is recommended due to the absence of impurities like pesticides and herbicides.
- If symptoms of acid reflux persist or worsen, stop using the apple treatment and contact a health practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Red delicious or other sweet apples
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Applesauce
- Power juicer
- Organic apple cider vinegar
References
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peptic Ulcer
- Earth Clinic: Cure Acid Reflux
