Alternative Cures for Acid Reflux and Indigestion

Acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) probably has more natural cures than any other condition. Back before we had the antacid tablets, liquid antacids and prescription drugs for the problem, people were curing their heartburn with what they found in nature. I'm sure many of the remedies actually cured acid reflux instead of just controlling it like many of the medicines we use today. There are two separate paths you can take in your treatment. The first is with conventional medicines which are great for treating GERD or acid reflux symptoms but not as an actual cure for the disease. If you stop taking the prescribed medication in all probability your symptoms will return within a short while. The Cleveland Clinic stated that most conventional medicines used to treat indigestion or acid reflux have some type of side affect or that they can only be used for a short time. Many conventional means of treating acid reflux actually make you sick according to naturalcures.com. The second path is the alternative or natural cure route. In this case we need to look at acid reflux and try to solve the cause and not just combat the symptoms.

Herbal remedies for indigestion and acid reflux have been used for centuries and don't have the same side effects you may get from conventional medicines. Herbs are some of the safest home remedies to reduce acid and stomach inflammation and include fennel, mint herbs, liquorices, chamomile, meadowsweet, cancer bush, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root, aloe vera and other botanicals.

Demulcents are herbs that contain digestive enzymes which aid the digestion of food. They include slippery elm, bladder wrack, and marshmallow all of which aids digestion by reducing the inflammation and soothing affected areas.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the most popular acid reflux cures. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water 3 times a day is the normal dose. It's also available in capsule form. Use natural or organic vinegar if possible. I found that it really does a good job.

Cinnamon is considered to be a powerful natural cure for acid reflux. It normalizes the activity of the stomach and controls the amount of gastric acid it produces. I use cinnamon in my tea and coffee. Cardamom, Mace and Nutmeg are other spices that people have found helpful for acid reflux,

Raw almonds taken in the morning and/or after meals, chewed very well, have been hailed as the new miracle treatment for heartburn or acid reflux by some people.

Unflavored Yogurt has bacteria that help tighten the stomach walls and improves your immune system. I put the recommended fruits in mine.

Lemon Juice and lemonade citric acid to treat acid reflux sounds wrong, but this really works. Your body produces an alkaline response to the citric acid which overwhelms the reactions of acid reflux. Drink a glass of lemonade in the morning.

Fruits such as fresh apples and bananas are good natural cures for indigestion along with fresh pineapple, papaya and dried figs which are rich in enzymes and help the process of digestion. I heartily agree with this.

Vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are efficient natural cures for acid reflux and can control the secretion of gastric acid inside the stomach. I eat a lot of these vegetables which I believe has helped me go from indigestion almost every day to none now.

Pickle juice, sauerkraut and baking soda are some offbeat cures but a number of people swear by them.

Natural honey has also been used as a remedy for indigestion and as a cure for acid reflux. Simply take 1 teaspoon on a small piece of bread before meals and bedtime. It will be transported to the lower part of the esophagus where it will coat the lower esophagus and protect it from irritation by acids. Honey in tea also works for my occasional indigestion.

A glass of milk is what many people say is a good remedy for heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux and I have to agree.

With all of these natural remedies you should be able to find one that will help you control or cure your indigestion, acid reflux, heart burn or GERD. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find the one that works for you.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/acid_reflux/dd_overview.aspx

www.naturalcures.com/Natural-Cures/acid-reflux-indigestion.aspx

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/acid_reflux.html

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/pages/acid-reflux--ten-home-remedies-for-immediate-relief