What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when the acid contents inside the stomach reverse, backing up into the esophagus causing irritation and burning. Over time this can cause significant damage and ulcers. Mild cases produce symptoms of heartburn, nausea and regurgitation but in more serious cases an ulcer or strictures may occur. Someone who has acid reflux may also have a cough, asthma symptoms or irritation felt in the throat and larynx. Other symptoms that can occur are sour taste in the mouth, burping, bloating and difficulty swallowing. A diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) might be made.
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Causes of Acid Reflux
The reason for the reversal of stomach acid up through the esophagus occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus weakens or relaxes, allowing the stomach contents to flow upwards. Acid reflux (or GERD) can be caused by various factors including being overweight, pregnancy or by various foods & beverages that trigger acid production, irritating the esophageal lining. Factors that can trigger acid reflux include eating large meals, rich foods, and lying down soon after eating. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can also be the cause of acid reflux as well as bacteria (e.g. heliocobacter pylori), low stomach acid, and a hiatal hernia (see more about this below).
Herbs and Supplements
There are many quick solutions for mild acid reflux, however the source of the irritation should be determined and resolved as well. For example, if foods or beverages are triggering acid reflux then these must be reduced or eliminated from the diet completely. Extra pressure on the stomach can force acid up into the esophagus such as when one is overweight. Therefore, taking measures to reduce weight can be helpful in reducing symptoms. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause the likelihood of increased acid so be sure to read these labels closely.
Herbs to Consider:
- Marshmallow (works well in combination with Chamomile)
- Chamomile Tea
- Ginger (tea or capsules)
- Licorice DGL (Deglycerized)
- Licorice (lozenges)
Products to Consider:
- Digestive Enzymes with or right before each meal
- Hydrochloric acid/Betaine: taken with or immediately after each meal, especially meals with a lot of protein (e.g. dinner). 1 capsule is usually adequate for most , however you may increase to 2 capsules if necessary
- Probiotics (such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria)
- Aloe vera juice (not gel) — Take 1/4 cup juice in the morning upon rising, 10 minutes before each meal and whenever discomfort is felt.
- Liquid Chlorophyll - 1 tsp to 1 tbsp quickly followed by a warm glass of water. Take whenever discomfort is felt.
- Lactic Acid Yeast Wafers (Brand: Standard Process) - 1 chewable wafer with each meal
What if Digestive Enzymes or Betaine HCL cause increased burning?
Decrease the product to a lower dose. If the burning continues, stop taking the product. Do not take digestive enzyme products if an ulcer is present. Digestive enzymes contain protease, an enzyme that helps break down protein which in most people is a good thing. However,in those with ulcers, protease can increase the symptoms of acid reflux and irritate the situation further.
Is Your Acid Reflux Caused by a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the opening of the diagraghm and gets stuck. The symptoms can be identical to those of acid reflux, along with shortness of breath. You can take your fingers and place them at the bottom of your ribcage in the center (where your xiphoid process lies) and push in gently but firmly. If pain is felt in this area, then you may have a hiatal hernia. See your doctor or try the simple trick below.
A Simple Trick to Correct a Hiatal Hernia
Drink as "much" water as you can tolerate (this is done to put weight in the stomach in order to gently pull the hernia out from the diaphragm). Place forearms on top of your head and jump up and down (or off of a low chair) and exhale sharply as your feet hit the floor. This can be even more effective by putting 10 drops of liquid Lobelia in a glass of water before drinking -- Lobelia relaxes the muscles in this area helping to release the hernia more easily. This procedure usually needs to be done every day for up to a month before results are seen. You can also see a chiropractor who performs hernia manipulations.
Foods To Eat and Foods To Avoid
The Following is a List of Non-Irritating and Irritating Foods
Irritating Foods (AVOID THESE)
These foods either increase acid or relax (instead of tighten) the esophageal spinchterwhich allows acid to leave the stomach and travel back up into the esophagus.
- Fruits: orange juice, lemons or lemonade, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and tomato
- Vegetables: french fries, raw onions
- Meats: ground beef, chicken nuggets, buffalo wings, any fast foods
- Dairy: sour cream, milk shakes, ice cream, cottage cheese
- Beverages: any type of liquor or wine, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), tea (regular or decaffeinated), soda or other carbonated drinks
- Grains: macaroni & cheese; spaghetti with sauce
- Sweets/Snacks: most sweets, oils, store-bought potato chips, corn chips, peppermint candy (does not effect everyone), salad dressings; chocolate (contain mehtylxanthines, natural substances which can keep the lower esophageal spincther muscle from tightening and thus allowing reflux to occur)
- Other: greasy, fatty or fried foods; spicy foods, fast foods (e.g. burger and fries)
Non-Irritating Foods
(Note: If you have sensitivity or an allergy to any of the following then you should avoid them)
- Fruits: apples or bananas
- Vegetables: baked potatoes, celery, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and peas
- Meats: extra lean ground beef, chicken breasts (skinless), and fish
- Dairy: feta or goat cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream
- Grains: rice, pretzels, graham crackers, corn bread, oatmeal, bran cereal, multi-grain breads
- Beverages: mineral water
- Sweets/Snacks: baked potato chips, organic baked cookies, red licorice
Meal Ideas
Never Skip Breakfast and Eat Meals Slowly! An empty stomach encourages the production of stomach acid.
Breakfast:
- Example #1: Plain bagel with light cream cheese
- Example #2: Whole wheat toast with jelly
- Example #3: Whole-grain cereal
- Example #4: Papaya, mango or low-acid orange juice if they don’t trigger reflux symptoms.
- AVOID: Citrus fruits, coffee and tea
Lunch:
- Example #1: Whole-grain bread sandwiches with sliced turkey, ham or chicken (not smoked or cured). Top with low-fat mayonnaise. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pepper and mustard should be used sparingly as they may trigger symptoms in some.
- AVOID (as increases stomach acid) the following: greasy, fatty or fried foods; fast foods like burger and fries; soda or other carbonated beverages
Dinner:
- Example #1: Salads made with lettuce or spinach & lean cuts of meat (chicken, beef, etc).
- AVOID: Do not overeat or consume food 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- AVOID: Do not lie down after eating as causes acid from the stomach to travel to the throat.
- AVOID: Avoid eating chocolate or peppermint, especially at bedtime.
Quick Relief of Acid Reflux
The Following Foods Have Been Shown To Alleviate Symptoms Quickly
- Apples (Red, Delicious variety): Eat a few slices each morning, throughout the day as needed, and at bedtime.
- Raw Celery: Eat 1 celery stalk after a meal if discomfort is felt; You can cut it up to put in salads -- will also help improve digestion.
- Cabbage Juice -- very healing to the GI tract
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) -- Take 2-3 tsp (mixed in warm or hot water). Use only high-quality brands for consumption, such as organic brands
- Honey (Raw, Organic ): Take 1 teaspoon when discomfort is felt; Take at bedtime if needed.
- Raw Honey with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) - see mixing instructions below.*
- Baking Soda in water: Stir 1 teaspoon baking soda into water and take as needed for discomfort. Baking soda is for short-term use only. *
- Pectin & Grape Juice: Stir 1/2 spoonful of pectin into 1 or 2 ounces of 100% grape juice, as needed for discomfort.
- Papaya enzyme chewable tablets (take as directed).
* Mixing Instructions for Honey and ACV:
Adding honey not only helps with the sour taste of the vinegar but also will help to relieve reflux as well. You can take the ACV first (2-3 tsp) and follow it with a 1 teaspoonful of honey in warm or hot water. Or simply mix the warm water, honey and ACV together in a glass.
What if ACV causes burning?
Apple cider vinegar can be very helping in providing relief for acid reflux sufferers. However, it’s important to choose a high quality, organic brand for consumption. If ACV does work to relieve your reflux symptoms, this typically means that you do not have enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is hindering the digestion of your food. However, in a few people, ACV may increase the symptoms of reflux (burning) instead. This is less common, but usually means that too much acid is being produced in the stomach and you should not take ACV.
* Don't use Baking Soda regularly.
Many cases of acid reflux are caused by too low of stomach acid and since baking soda "alkalinizes", excessive intake may lead to side effects such as metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances.
Prevention of Acid Reflux
The Following Can Help To Prevent the Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Avoid skipping breakfast
- Avoid Overeating - Don't eat until you feel full--Stop when you are about 1/2 full.
- Avoid Eating Before Bed
- Avoid lying down after a meal.
- Avoid foods and beverages which increase stomach acid
- Avoid stressful situations whenever possible as stress can increase stomach acid production.
Medication Alert
Long-Term Use of Prescribed or Over-the-Counter Acid Reflux Medications May Exacerbate Symptoms
If you are taking medication for acid reflux or GERD, please be aware of the side effects which may occur with these medications. However, deciding to stop acid reflux medications "cold turkey", especially proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium may cause what is termed 'rebound reflux". This is where stomach acid can actually worsen, leading to even more irritation. This might be due to the fact that these medications have been continually blocking the production of your stomach acid, when in fact, most people actually have low stomach acid to begin with. The symptoms of high stomach acid are very similar to the symptoms of low stomach acid. The presence of stomach acid is critical for the digestion and breakdown of proteins and other important nutrients, as well as for the prevention of bacterial overgrowth. These medications were initially designed to be taken only for a short time, i.e. a few weeks, and may be helpful when there is ulceration in the stomach present.
Other medications taken for acid reflux are over-the counter products called H2 Blockers such as Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac which work to block histamine which is stimulating stomach acid secretion. Prokinetics, considered to be stronger than all the others (e.g. Reglan), causes the stomach to empty faster. Reglan has the most undesirable list of possible side effects, including seizures, confusion, suicidal thoughts and tardive dyskinesia, which are involuntary movements of the face, mouth, jaw, trunk and extremities.
When coming off or lowering the dose of any acid-reducing or acid-blocking medication, be sure to do so "very" slowly and do so only under the supervision of the prescribing doctor. Use the information in this section to help reduce the possiblity of discomfort or undesirable effects.