1. Filter Your Water
Before you begin taking expensive prescription medications for acid reflux disease or try a million remedies to soothe your heartburn, purchase a water filter which is designed to remove chlorine. Chlorine in our water supply is a necessary evil that helps to keep our bodies free from water-borne bacteria; however, many people are sensitive to this water-cleansing agent. The reaction? You guessed it: heartburn. Add a water filter to your tap and drink only non-chlorinated water for 2 weeks to see if your symptoms are relieved.
2. Fighting Acid With Acid
Contrary to popular belief, gastroesophageal reflux disease is not always caused by an excess of stomach acid, but rather an imbalance of stomach acid. Regulating the pH of your stomach can be a great way to balance your acid levels, whether your stomach is producing too much or too little. One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water before meals will help to regulate pH, as it is very close to the natural pH of the body.
3. Pineapple Prevention
Believe it or not, one of the best natural remedies for GERD is also one of America's favorite fruits, pineapple. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelian which helps to reduce protein, improve digestion, decrease inflammation and speed healing, all actions which can soothe an aggravated stomach and prevent relieve acid reflux. It is important to remember that bottled or canned pineapple no longer contains living enzymes and may make acid reflux worse, so always eat freshly cut pineapple.
4. Citrus Fruit, No, Citrus Peel, Yes
While citrus fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and orange can increase acid levels in the stomach, the peels of these fruits have the opposite effect. You can take 300 mg of citrus peel extract, available in health food stores, three times a day before meals or simple chew on dried peels whenever you need to relieve acid reflux. To prepare peels, spread them on a plate or cookie sheet and place them in a dry, sunny location until completely dry. Store them in an air-tight container or in the freezer and chew when needed.
5. Healing Herbals
Not only is a hot cup of tea soothing to an upset stomach, the right mixture of herbs can help to stop acid reflux or prevent heartburn before it happens. Mix equal parts of peppermint, lavender and aniseed and pour boiling water over the herbs. Allow the tea to steep for at least five minutes before filtering and drinking. As a general rule when making herbal teas, use 1 teaspoon of herb for every 2 cups of boiling water. Drink with meals as a preventative measure or whenever symptoms begin to flare.
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