This Article is Written and/or Reviewed by RefluxMD Medical Authors Team and Reviewers

Everyone with GERD is seeking one thing: symptom relief. But what is the right path to relief for you? With so many acid reflux remedies available, how do you find your optimal path to relief? RefluxMD offers a process that helps you to reduce or end your symptoms with the least risk to your overall health. This is the first of a several part response to help anyone asking this same question.

Since starting RefluxMD in 2012 we have received thousands of questions from our visitors. Although each question is worded differently, the most frequent can be reduced to this: “Which acid reflux remedies do you recommend to stop my GERD symptoms?” For most people, finding relief from their GERD symptoms requires maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a GERD-friendly diet, making the necessary lifestyle choices, experimenting with natural home remedies, and partnering with a GERD expert.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a “one size fits all”: acid reflux remedies are diverse and unique. Since everyone is different, selecting the best treatment plan can be both difficult and frustrating. However, we have some good news for you: there is a process you can follow that will guide your decision-making. But before you can find your path to relief, there are two important questions that need to be asked:

Do you really have GERD? What is your starting point?

First, let’s address these two questions and then discuss acid reflux remedies. Let’s get started!

QUESTION #1: Do you really have GERD?

You may be thinking, “Of course I have GERD! I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” but this is a critical question. Many adults self-diagnose or are diagnosed with GERD by a primary care physician (PCP) or family doctor. Several research studies have found that over 30% of adults using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not have a medical condition that requires these powerful antireflux medications. It is essential to not only get an accurate diagnosis, but to confirm any disease progression such as strictures, esophagitis, dysplasia, Barrett’s esophagus, or adenocarcinoma, better known as esophageal cancer. Only a specialist can perform an accurate evaluation of the esophagus, and we recommend a RefluxMD GERD expert anytime one is available in your area.

Recommendation: Confirm that your symptoms are caused by GERD

If you’re struggling with your symptoms, it’s time to schedule a complete workup with a specialist or a recommended GERD expert. Ask your PCP for a referral or simply use DocMatch , our online tool, and we will recommend an expert near you. This will include endoscopy to evaluate the lower esophageal sphincter, your esophagus, and the upper portion of the stomach. In addition, your doctor may also perform a 24-hour pH test and a biopsy of the esophagus based on your medical history, symptoms, and the results of the endoscopy.

Benefits and Risks

We understand that many adults dislike seeing a physician, including specialists. However, the benefits clearly outweigh the risks of this recommendation. First, if you self-diagnosis your condition, or if your PCP’s diagnosis is wrong, not only will you fail to reduce or eliminate your symptoms, but you will not identify the treatable underlying condition responsible for those symptoms. Second, even if the diagnosis is correct, you cannot determine if you have erosive reflux disease without a full examination of your esophagus. Erosive GERD is a significant issue and should be treated by an expert as soon as possible. Esophageal cancer, if identified early, has a much higher 5-year survival rate than later stage adenocarcinoma.

Suggested Resources to Learn More

RefluxMD agrees with the Mayo Clinic’s recommendations listed below:

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, especially if you have other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms. If you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice a week, see your doctor.

To the Mayo Clinic’s recommendations, we would like to add three more.

First, if you develop any swallowing difficulties , regardless of your symptoms or disease duration, see a GERD expert. Swallowing difficulties can be an indication of advanced GERD, including esophageal cancer.

, regardless of your symptoms or disease duration, see a GERD expert. Swallowing difficulties can be an indication of advanced GERD, including esophageal cancer. Second, if you have had symptoms for more than 10 years, see a GERD expert. Although reflux disease is a slowly developing condition, 10 years is considered an “alarm symptom” for most specialists. This duration of symptoms suggests you should request a full examination and consider a long-term monitoring program.

Finally, if your symptoms are causing you anxiety or fear, regardless of the term or severity, see a GERD expert. An expert will properly determine the cause of your symptoms and your anxieties will subside when you start down the road to the right treatment plan.

In addition, we highly recommend that you read any of the many articles we have written on GERD symptoms and diagnosis . Simply review our list of articles and select the titles that seem the most beneficial to you.

Here is a shortlist of other outside professional articles that we think are informative on this topic:

Acid reflux 101: Common causes, symptoms, and treatments – Dr. David Samadi

GERD, Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Overview – Cleveland Clinic

Definition and Facts on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – NIH

All You Need To Know About Acid Reflux And How To Manage It With Your Diet – Positive Health Wellness

QUESTION #2: What is your starting point?

It seems as if many of our members are on a journey similar to that of Alice in Wonderland:

ALICE: Would you tell me please which way I ought to go from here?

THE CHESHIRE CAT: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

ALICE: I don’t care where.

THE CHESHIRE CAT: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.

ALICE: …So long as I get somewhere.

THE CHESHIRE CAT: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.

– Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Before RefluxMD was even a concept, Tom DeMeester, MD FACS, the leading global expert on GERD, had developed his understanding of this disease’s progression path and its differentiated stages. Dr. DeMeester and RefluxMD’s medical advisors designed a series of questions for anyone to identify and understand their GERD stage. This online tool, RefluxMD’s Stage Finder , to date has been accessed over 200,000 times by our members in only a few years! Those members were informed of their disease stage and they were provided personalized information on all available treatments in a PDF report.

Why is this important? Because like Alice above, to build a path to relief and good health, you need to know where you are today, what acid reflux remedies are available, and define an “achievable” goal. That destination is very different for someone who effectively manages their symptoms with medications, as compared to another individual with Barrett’s esophagus. So let’s look at the various stages of GERD and briefly discuss what treatments are available the effectiveness of each treatment and the associated risks.

Stage I – Early GERD

As is the case with so many chronic conditions, stage I GERD can be easily addressed with natural and safe treatments. Stage I, in simple terms, is anyone experiencing GERD symptoms more than 2 – 3 times a month over a 6-month period AND their symptoms are satisfactorily managed using antacids and H2 blockers intermittently. In general, it is possible that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has lost some of its “barrier” capabilities, but most of the time fine. In some cases, large meals or increasing weight gain are starting to put stress on a healthy LES.

Acid reflux remedies available at Stage I

Of the many purported cures for acid reflux, continued treatment with antacids and H2 blockers, two of the less powerful antireflux medications, should continue to provide relief for some time, and in many cases, indefinitely. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium and Prilosec, are more powerful and can be used, however, they are unnecessary and introduce several potential negative side effects. However, understanding the cause of these symptoms and then treating them is considered the safest and healthiest approach.

There are many potential causes of GERD, but a weakened LES is the definition of GERD. The risks of damaging or weakening the LES are outlined by the Mayo Clinic and are listed below:

Obesity

Bulging from the top of stomach up into the diaphragm (a hiatal hernia)

Pregnancy

Smoking

Dry mouth

Asthma

Diabetes

Delayed stomach emptying

Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma

Of these, the most common today is excess weight and obesity. In fact, the National Institute of Health provides these facts about obesity in America:

More than 2 in 3 adults are considered to be overweight or obese.

More than 1 in 3 adults are considered to be obese.

More than 1 in 20 adults are considered to have extreme obesity.

The best recommendation for many adults to manage GERD symptoms and to avoid disease progression is weight loss and weight management. That is the primary reason RefluxMD created Recipe for Relief: A GERD-friendly food plan and diet program . The acid reflux remedies in this stage include several lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation; reduced consumption of alcohol, and eating three hours before bedtime are highly recommended by most specialists.

Risks To Consider.

The biggest risk is to ignore your symptoms and do nothing to address the underlying causes. Without attention, your acid reflux may progress resulting in more frequent and painful symptoms. Masking your symptoms with antireflux medications will provide short-term relief, but again, your condition may progress to stage II. The lowest risk with the highest benefit is weight management, diet modification, and lifestyle changes.

Stage II – Moderate GERD

As GERD progresses, its symptoms become more frequent, and less powerful antacids and H2 blockers no longer provide satisfactory symptom relief. Generally, those at stage II are experiencing symptoms on a weekly basis and find relief from stronger medications in the form of PPIs. GERD develops slowly and over time the LES may become weaker, resulting in more frequent and often painful symptoms. In stage II, PPI medications are often effective at suppressing these symptoms.

Acid reflux remedies available at Stage II.

Less powerful antireflux medications like antacids and H2 blockers are no longer an option, and PPIs are the treatment of choice. Acid reflux remedies include diet, weight management, and lifestyle choices. These are considered very effective and recommended by most specialists. However, most adults ignore these recommendations since it is easier to take a pill than to make behavioral changes.

Risks To Consider.

Unfortunately, the daily long-term use of PPIs has major risks. First, even in the absence of symptoms, GERD can still progress to more serious complications. Although the pH of the stomach is less acidic, bile and pepsin, powerful digestive enzymes, can still reach the esophagus and damage the mucosa. Second, the FDA has cautioned against taking PPIs for more than 14 days due to the potential for serious side effects. RefluxMD will discuss this in more detail in our response to question 5 in this series, but Dr. Tom DeMeester wrote an excellent summary in an article titled Acid Reflux Treatment Problem? The Warning On the Pill’s Label Says Use for 14 Days . As in stage I, the highest benefit to risk ratio continues to be weight management, diet modification and lifestyle changes for many GERD sufferers.

Stage III – Advanced GERD

Over time the LES becomes so weak or damaged that it provides little, if any, barrier function and the severity and frequency of symptoms now have an impact on the quality of life. In stage III none of the antireflux medications provide adequate symptom relief and cures for acid reflux symptoms are difficult to identify. Regurgitation can be a new and distressing symptom, as can difficulty swallowing. Many find that sleeping in a prone position is no longer an option.

Acid reflux remedies available at Stage III.

Most antireflux medications, including PPIs, provide little or no symptoms relief. Diet, weight management, and lifestyle are still recommended, however, their impact may be limited since the LES is unable to stop the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Antireflux surgery is now a viable option that should be considered by any adult experiencing stage III. More frequent endoscopy examinations are recommended to identify further complications of disease progression like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Risks To Consider.

The risk is not only further deterioration in the quality of life but the potential to progress to Stage IV, Barrett’s esophagus. Most gastroenterologists (GIs) will continue to recommend daily PPI use with surveillance via endoscopy, claiming there is nothing else that can be done. RefluxMD GERD experts will outline all the remaining treatment options, including surgery if it is appropriate, and allow you to make the decision.

Stage IV – Barrett’s Esophagus

When the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid, bile and pepsin, the mucosa (the inner lining of the esophagus) can begin a cellular change. According to the National Institute of Health , “ Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining your esophagus.” Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition and, according to the pathology department at Johns Hopkins , the risk of esophageal cancer is 30 – 125 fold-increase for those with Barrett’s esophagus compared to the general population.

Acid reflux remedies available at Stage IV

Effective options are limited, and most GIs will recommend PPI medication to reduce the pH of the stomach contents and increased surveillance via endoscopy. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation, an endoscopic procedure that burns away the damaged tissue, has been getting favorable results since its introduction in 2012. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), less common, has also been used to destroy the affected tissue in the esophagus. Another treatment option is endoscopic mucosal resection or the surgical removal of the tissue. Finally, a more extreme surgical procedure is referred to as esophagectomy, the surgical removal of sections of the esophagus.

Risks To Consider

The risk for anyone with Barrett’s esophagus is the progression to low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and finally adenocarcinoma, or esophageal cancer. Except for surveillance, the remaining treatments mentioned are designed to eradicate the affected tissue in the esophagus. PPI therapy with surveillance is “hopefully waiting and watching”. Although anyone with Barrett’s esophagus has erosive GERD, the probability of progressing to cancer is still very low. Each of the remaining treatment options has some risks and potential side effects that should be discussed with the physician performing the treatment.

Suggested Resources to Learn More

Here are some additional articles on the various stages of GERD at RefluxMD and the available cures for acid reflux:

The Progressive Stages of GERD

What Is My GERD Stage and What Does It Tell Me?

Four Stages of GERD and Treatment Options – Dr. Elias Darido MD, FACS

Below is a shortlist of other outside professional articles that we think are informative on this topic:

GERD Diagnosis and Treatment – Cleveland Clinic

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment – USC Keck School of Medicine

GERD: Diagnosis and Management – American Family Physician

Acid reflux remedies – find your healthy weight

As we will discuss, there is a relationship between body mass and GERD. Ideally, you will have found a GERD expert to confirm your GERD diagnosis and you have determined your GERD stage. Each of these steps is important to find the best GERD treatment plan for you.

Obesity facts and statistics

The data from the CDC describes a frightening trend; 79 million US adults, or over 1 out of every 3, are obese today. Not even one state has an obesity rate of less than 20% of adults, and 3 states report obesity in excess of 35%. The State of Obesity project, funded by the Robert Woods Foundation developed the following map to highlight obesity by state:

Adult Obesity Rate by State, 2014

Is obesity directly linked to GERD?

Although the relationship between being overweight and GERD is not absolute, the statistics are compelling. I encourage you to read our article, Is excess weight destroying your lower esophageal sphincter?

Jesper Lagergren MD, Ph.D. summarized data in an article titled Influence of Obesity and the Risk of Esophageal Disorders: Obesity and GERD. Dr. Lagergren cited several studies including one from Norway that studied 3,113 adults with GERD and 39,872 without GERD. He found a positive relationship between BMI and GERD, and more importantly, “any increase in BMI was associated with an increase in the risk of GERD, even among individuals whose BMI was within the normal range.

In another study performed in the US, which included 10,545 women, “confirmed the finding that any increase in BMI in individuals of normal weight was associated with an increased risk of GERD, and even moderate weight gain among persons of normal weight might cause or exacerbate GERD.” In his conclusion to his research paper, Dr. Lagergren highlighted an important fact that should not be ignored by anyone suffering from GERD: “Obesity is proportionally associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, Barrett esophagus, and GERD. These three esophageal disorders are intimately related—GERD is the main cause of Barrett esophagus, which in turn is the main risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma.”

The role of excess fat at the waistline

In chapter 13 of RefluxMD’s Recipe for Relief, we discuss the role of belly fat as a potential causal factor for GERD. The persistent pull of gravity on the body fat stored around the stomach will drag the stomach downward, stretching the stomach beyond its normal range. As the stomach is dragged down, it can also pull at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the junction of the stomach and the esophagus. Over time and with enough pressure, the LES can become damaged and weakened, reducing its ability to be an effective barrier. Dr. Lagergren, who cited a US study consisting of over 27,000 women, also noted the relationship between waist circumference and GERD.

Weight loss: The most highly recommended GERD treatment of all

Maintaining a healthy BMI is almost always the top GERD treatment recommendation by GERD experts to their patients who are overweight or obese. It is also an important element of both the nationally acclaimed DASH diet and RefluxMD’s Recipe for Relief. The first step is to determine your BMI using the table below:

For any GERD treatment plan, the goal is to reduce your GERD symptoms and reduce the risks of disease progression. When the LES is compromised or damaged, we recommend that you should achieve and maintain a BMI of 24 or less, slightly less than the general standards noted above.. Therefore, step 2 is to use the table above to find your ideal weight that will result in a BMI equal to or less than 24. It should also be noted that according to NIH guidelines, those at risk of developing more serious health complications include anyone with a BMI of 30 or more, as well as those with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 combined with any of the following risk factors:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)

Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)

High triglycerides

High blood glucose (blood sugar)

A family history of early heart disease

Physical inactivity

Cigarette smoking

In Recipe for Relief: A GERD-friendly food plan and diet program we created a complete program for those with a BMI of between 24.1 and 26.9 to shed pounds (burning more calories than consumed) in a safe and nutritious plan. If you want to manage your body weight down to a lower BMI, be sure to speak with your physician prior to starting any weight loss program and select a plan that is GERD-friendly to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms. For those that are excessively overweight (BMI = 27.0 to 29.9) and those obese (BMI of 30 or more), we recommend our more aggressive GERD-friendly weight loss program, Scale Down for Relief.

Exercise to reduce belly fat

If you have excess belly fat than exercise should be another element of your GERD treatment plan. There are two types of exercises that can help to reduce weight and may also impact the fat found in the midsection. One is a cardiovascular workout – exercises that increase the heart rate and maintain it at a high, targeted level for a specific period of time. Repetitive and consistent cardiovascular workouts might include jogging, swimming, elliptical training, and walking at a brisk pace. This will burn calories and over time, fat will begin to disappear.

Other activities to reduce excess fat that may have more impact on the midsection are direct abdomen exercises that are designed to increase and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Many who embark on this exercise program can get frustrated because a stubborn layer of fat seems to hang on even after several weeks of workouts. Even though immediate results may not yield a “beach-body look,” the stronger abdomen muscles will result in less stomach sag and less pressure on the LES.

For those with an “inner tube” size layer of fat on the abdomen, more time and effort will be required to realize results. Many have succeeded in reducing their weight and impacting the largest “inner tube” by working with a personal trainer and setting realistic and achievable waistline goals. Before beginning any exercise program, it is wise to consult your doctor about your exercise plans. Most physicians will make certain that your overall health can support your goals and provide you with additional ideas as well.

Acid reflux remedies – follow a GERD-friendly diet

GERD and your diet

At RefluxMD we frequently discuss the relationship between diet and GERD. As we were working on our tips for starting a weight loss program, we realized there were a few recommendations to highlight concerning a GERD-friendly diet.

ALL people with GERD should modify their diet.

People who have GERD and are NOT overweight still need to modify their diet to manage their disease. In fact, the relationship between GERD and diet is closer than the relationship between GERD and being overweight. Diet changes are difficult, but you might consider our 5 steps to an effective acid reflux diet if you are thinking about getting started with your diet.

Every meal is critical.

While it is true that losing weight is an excellent way to help control GERD, it is even more important to control the way you eat at every meal, regardless of your weight. Every meal is a critical event for a person with GERD for two reasons:

Avoiding trigger foods.

Certain foods seem to trigger reflux for some unknown reason. Triggers are different for every person (although there are some foods commonly thought to trigger reflux), but they should be avoided as much as possible to prevent reflux. We cannot tell you what foods will trigger your reflux. You must identify these yourself and learn that avoiding them can prevent reflux.

Controlling the volume and type of food.

Much more important is the volume of food and type of food consumed during a meal. In essence, the stomach has a certain capacity. If you eat within that capacity at every meal, you will not put any pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and reflux will not happen. If your stomach distends beyond its capacity, then pressure is put on your LES, causing reflux. Distension of your stomach happens in a few ways:

You eat too much food at each meal,

You eat quickly rather than slowly (slow eating permits some emptying of the stomach during a prolonged meal that prevents distension),

You eat fat-rich meals, which delay emptying of the stomach

You drink carbonated drinks where the gas distends your stomach.

Controlling all of these factors during each meal can help you control your reflux.

This is different than trying to lose weight.

A GERD patient who is not overweight can control his reflux simply by splitting his meals, eating smaller meals (snacking) more frequently. In Scale Down for Relief, we found that our participants reduced their symptoms within 10 days of starting their program. Although they had not lost more than a pound or two, eating six small meals a day had a big impact on their GERD symptoms.

A personal note

Our Scientific Director, Dr. Chandrasoma MD, offered an interesting personal observation,

I am not a GERD sufferer today, but I was a GERD sufferer in the past. About 10 years ago, I began getting heartburn after heavy meals about once a month. I knew that my sphincter function had started to deteriorate. I had very mild GERD, but I knew that the heartburn was a sign that I was doing things that were harmful to my sphincter. I stopped eating heavy meals. My sphincter is still damaged to the same extent that it was 10 years ago, but I am sure that controlling my diet either stopped or slowed the progression of my sphincter damage. The objective of my dietary change was not weight loss (I am thin); it was not control of heartburn (I could have easily taken antacid drugs to do this); it was the prevention of progression of my sphincter damage. I have succeeded. I live within the limits of my slightly damaged sphincter and do nothing to cause further damage.

If you want to learn more about GERD and diet, please consider Recipe for Relief: A GERD-friendly meal plan and diet program. You can do this!

Acid reflux remedies – lifestyle changes for relief

Lifestyle changes are a very effective way to control mild gastric acid reflux symptoms. To be effective, these changes should be incorporated into your existing lifestyle; however, they shouldn’t be so stringent that they are too difficult to adopt.

We have already talked about diet and portion control, but it is important to highlight specific trigger foods. Although everyone is unique, this is a good list of foods to avoid:

Carbonated beverages

Chocolate

Citrus fruits

Drinks with caffeine

Garlic and onions

Mint

Spicy foods

Fatty or fried foods

Tomato-based foods

If you smoke – stop immediately

Smoking contributes to the weakening of the LES that encourages gastric acid reflux. Smoking has been proven to be a risk factor for multiple cancers, including esophageal cancer and lung cancer.

Avoid tight-fitting clothes

Tight clothes or tight belts put pressure on the abdomen. This mimics the same issue that exists with an obese or overweight individual as noted above.

Diaphragm exercises for lower esophageal sphincter (LES) augmentation

The LES is the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus that prevents reflux. The LES is augmented by the diaphragm that surrounds the lower esophagus. Unlike the LES, an involuntary muscle that cannot be strengthened by exercise, the diaphragm is a voluntary muscle that can be strengthened. Although clinical research has not yet proven that exercising the diaphragm will improve the LES’ barrier capabilities, the following exercise can do no harm and may provide some symptom improvement.

Diaphragm exercise is a conscious technique of breathing using the diaphragm, rather than using the lungs and the chest, to create each breath. This means expanding the abdomen to inhale and then contracting the abdomen without exhaling. Do this abdominal exercise 5 – 10 times, then exhale. Repeat this process 10 times. It may help to place your hands on your abdomen to maintain the focus on the expansion and contraction of your stomach. This exercise can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. However, caution should be taken initially since excessive and deep breathing can induce hyperventilation. Hyperventilation may occur, so if you feel light-headed at any time, stop the exercise and attempt it again the next day.

Sleep and GERD symptoms

If your GERD is impacting your sleep, there are several recommendations that you should consider:

Try sleeping on your left side rather than on the right side or on your back or stomach.

Raise the head of the bed by placing books or a brick under the headboard. The upper part of the bed only needs to be elevated 5 or 46inches to be effective. Extra pillows tend to work poorly since they tend to bend the neck rather than elevating the entire chest. If you’re looking for a commercially available product, RefluxMD has reviewed several and we highlight two for your consideration.

Stay in an upright position, sitting or standing, for at least 30 minutes after dinner.

A short walk after a meal will improve digestion

Eat an early dinner and do not go to bed for at least 3 hours after dinner. Although this may be a difficult recommendation to follow, it has proven to be very effective in reducing heartburn symptoms.

Consider alkaline water before bed or when you have symptoms.

Acid reflux remedies – natural home remedies

Home remedies to treat heartburn

It is important to note that since every individual is different, everyone reacts to these home remedies differently. What works for one may not work for others. That is why we encourage “experimentation”.

Chewing gum to treat heartburn

Many adults find relief from heartburn with the help of non-mint chewing gum. Chewing gum improves saliva production, which has neutral pH and will dilute the acid in the stomach. More importantly, this saliva will also naturally coat the lining of the esophagus and add some short-term protection from small regurgitations of stomach contents.

Licorice for the treatment of heartburn

When people refer to taking licorice for heartburn relief, they’re usually talking about an herbal supplement and not the candy. In fact, most of the licorice candies you find in the grocery store aisle don’t contain any licorice extract, as discussed in an article by Dr. Para Chandrasoma MD. DGL Licorice (de-glycyrrhizinate licorice) was developed for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, and chewable DGL Licorice tablets can be purchased locally. We recommend that anyone starting on DGL discuss this therapy with their doctor since excessive use can have some adverse side effects (see Dr. Chandrasoma’s article).

Baking soda to treat heartburn

Many adults find that a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps to cure heartburn naturally and quickly by neutralizing stomach acids. A mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda with an 8-ounce glass of water is an easy and cheap solution to heartburn.

Aloe vera juice for the treatment of heartburn

Aloe Vera juice helps to reduce inflammation in the esophagus. For some heartburn sufferers, it offers an effective treatment. To use aloe juice as a remedy for acid reflux, try drinking 2-3 ounces when you have symptoms or drink it about 20 minutes before meals to prevent symptoms. Aloe juice can also be used as a thickener in recipes. Like DGL licorice, Aloe Vera juice may have side effects and it can have interactions with certain drugs, so it is best to discuss this with your doctor before you start using this home remedy.

Slippery elm to treat GERD symptoms

Slippery Elm is a recommended herb to cure GERD symptoms. It thickens the mucus lining in the stomach, creating a barrier to protect the surface from acid. The suggested use is blending one tablespoon of Slippery Elm powder with water. You may use Slippery Elm up to three times per day. Like other natural home treatments, we recommend discussing this with your doctor as well.

Ginger tea for heartburn treatment at home

Ginger Tea has anti-inflammatory properties to prevent irritation in the stomach and promote the digestive process. You can add a few pieces of ginger into a glass of water and boil it. It is suggested to strain this liquid after 20 minutes and add honey for taste. It is recommended to drink this liquid twice daily before your meals.

Fennel seeds to treat heartburn

Fennel seeds promote digestion and can reduce acid along with stomach bloating. As a result, fennel is believed to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. You can eat fennel raw by cutting thin slices and mixing that with a green salad, or it can be cooked at high temperatures to make it crispy and crunchy, then added to various dishes.

Apple cider vinegar to reduce acid reflux symptoms

Apple Cider Vinegar is the best-known home remedy to treat acid reflux. Many visitors to RefluxMD’s website have noted its benefits, and our featured article, Apple cider vinegar for acid reflux, discusses many essential aspects of this home remedy. Using apple cider vinegar straight can be a challenge for some, so we put together a list of 11 ways you can add apple cider to your daily diet.

Honey to treat heartburn

Although there is not much scientific research supporting honey as a heartburn or GERD treatment, many believe that it can be an effective means of relief. It is believed that honey coats the lining of the esophagus and works as a healing agent for any damage from acid reflux. It’s also thought that the enzymes in honey help with digestion, and improved digestion will result in fewer GERD symptoms. We encourage you to read Heartburn home remedies: can honey help?

Acid reflux remedies – partner with a GERD expert

Unfortunately, 70% of those with GERD symptoms self-diagnose and determine their own treatment plan – usually with powerful medications that have potentially severe health risks. Of the remaining 30%, two-thirds of those only see their family doctor. Since family doctors and internists cannot perform the basic tests to diagnose GERD, most of their patients are put on the same powerful medications.

That means that only 10% of adults with GERD symptoms see a specialist that can properly diagnose acid reflux disease and properly treat it. This may explain why over 30% of all adults on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) do not have any medical condition requiring the medications.

At RefluxMD, our medical advisors recommend diagnosis and treatment from a GERD expert. This is a smaller list of specialists that follow our advisors’ best practices. This includes:

Performing all necessary diagnostic tests including 24-hour pH testing and biopsies when appropriate.

Recommending all treatment options, including weight loss, diet changes, and surgery when appropriate.

Discussing medications and highlighting their shortcomings and health risks

Committing to being a lifetime partner with the goal of developing a path to relief and good health.

RefluxMD has a few of these doctors on our website and we have lists of others know to follow these practices. To find a GERD expert near you, please visit our Find-A-GERD-Expert page.

YOUR acid reflux remedies – It’s up to you now

We hope that this discussion will help you develop an acid reflux remedy plan to reduce your symptoms and usher in good health. But as you can see, there is a lot for you to do. We believe in a comprehensive approach to treating this disease – there is no silver bullet or quick solution. Get started today and visit us often stay on your path to relief.

Resources used in the development of this article