10 Natural Cures for Acid Reflux and Indigestion

When I was younger I noticed that after eating I would experience an acidic feeling in my chest. There was a greasy feeling at the back of my throat and my food seemed to be rising back up my esophagus. That was my worst symptom but there were more to come. Whether nausea, heartburn, bloating, or uncomfortable pain, discomfort after eating became an everyday experience for me. Having no Pepto Bismol on hand, I would drink water and eat bread to lessen the feeling. It worked temporarily, but I knew that something was wrong. My doctor diagnosed me as having acid reflux and reoccurring dyspepsia, indigestion. He warned me that acid reflux could lead to chronic cough, laryngitis, or asthma if not treated. The suggested medications left an aftertaste in my mouth. I began looking for more natural cures for my acid reflux and indigestion. These are 10 of my favorite finds!

Fennel tea. This bulbous plant has seeds that can be ground for tea. When plagued with indigestion, I steep ½ teaspoon of ground seeds and steep them in a glass of water. This tea makes my digestive system relax and makes it easier for me to expel gas. This was a remedy that my mom used when her children had colic as infants.

Peppermint. Peppermint makes acid reflux worse, but is soothing for other cases of indigestion. When I feel stomach upset I make a peppermint tea by steeping a teaspoon or two in a glass of water. The tea quiets my rumbling and helps food pass through me faster.

Carrots. I have often grabbed for baby carrots when experiencing heartburn or acid reflux. Chewing a handful of them makes my stomach and esophagus feel better quickly. My doctor explained that chewing carrots leads to more saliva production leads to more enzymes flowing. This means faster digestion.

Baking soda. Baking soda is a wonderful alternative antacid. I reach for it when I need help with gas and bloating. It expels gas, soothing my intestines. However, I feel worse if I take it when my stomach is so full it is about to pop. The fizz in antacids is the production of carbon dioxide, so before you take baking soda make sure there is room to fizz in your stomach.

Garlic.Belching is very embarrassing, especially if it's uncontrollable. Garlic has a million uses and one of those is to prevent the formation of gas that will cause belching. Eat minced garlic in your food or garlic soup if you don't want your breath to sink!

Apple Cider Vinegar. The acidity of vinegar always made me assume that it would produce heartburn or acid reflux. Quite the contrary! I have felt relief from acid reflux, nausea, and heartburn when I drink apple cider vinegar. My doctor explained that the vinegar aids when the stomach doesn't have enough acid. Just a teaspoon or two added to a cup of water brings quick relief.

Ginger. Ginger tea is wonderful for nausea, even that of morning sickness. Just ½ teaspoon steeped in a glass of water is enough to soothe your digestive system from that rocky boat feeling to calm stillness.

Apples. Apples are delicious raw or mashed into sauce. Apples have aided both my constipation and diarrhea. Apples stimulate the digestive juices, add bulk to your stool, and coat the walls of your digestive system. I have learned not to eat apples on an empty stomach or I experience slight heartburn, but otherwise it's a great tasting, nutritious ally for the digestive system.

Acidophilus. I started taking acidophilus when I started having regular indigestion. It promotes healthy bacteria in your intestines, which in turn regulate unhealthy bacteria. It is anti-inflammatory for the intestines and is especially effective toward diarrhea and lactose intolerance.

Aloe Vera. When I am dealing with constipation, my best defense is aloe vera juice. It is virtually tasteless so I mix it 1 part aloe vera juice with 1 part cranberry juice. It is a very soothing laxative.