Acid reflux is a pain. Literally, it really is. Fortunately, there are many homeopathic remedies that we can use to alleviate the symptoms and sometimes even cure the problem.
The remedies that I prefer to solve my heartburn problems are the following: calcium citrate, digestive enzymes, DGL and apple cider vinegar.
Calcium citrate is relatively new to the world of acid reflux. People often ask: why would I take ACIDIC Calcium Citrate to solve my acid reflux problems? Well the answer is that its method of action is actually on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES valve) and not on the stomach acid pumps. The reason you feel heartburn isn’t necessarily due to excess stomach acid, it’s usually because your LES valve isn’t working properly and not preventing stomach acid from reaching your esophagus or throat. The idea behind calcium citrate is that the increased flow of calcium in the blood works with smooth muscles to help them function properly.
Digestive enzymes are a natural substance that you can take to help speed up digestion. Your body already makes these enzymes, but sometimes conditions in your stomach (especially if you’re taking PPIs) aren’t conducive for these enzymes to work the way they should and you’re not digesting as fast as you should. Ensuring proper digestion will help empty your stomach contents sooner, meaning there is less chance of reflux occurring.
DGL is a form of licorice root extract that does an amazing job of promoting tissue healing and forming a protective layer in your digestive tract. It doesn’t necessarily act on the acid or the LES valve itself, but it will certainly make you feel better if you have harsh reflux at night.
Apple cider vinegar is, along with digestive enzymes, another method to ensure proper and rapid digestion. Sometimes the cause of your reflux is not due to too much acid, sometimes it is due to having too LITTLE stomach acid. The logic is: your LES valve will stay closed in high acid conditions, but in low acid conditions it will open. So by increasing the acidity in your stomach, you effectively communicate to the LES valve that the door to your stomach needs to close. Typically, you’ll want to drink about 8 ounces of water with a tablespoon of vinegar, adding a little honey to taste. Of all the homeopathic remedies for acid reflux, I have to say that ACV is probably the most popular.
Sometimes I dread eating (even though I love food!) because I know that about an hour after eating I’m going to have all sorts of unnerving symptoms: bloating, heartburn, possibly even a sore throat if the acid refluxes into your mouth (which can happen). But I am not afraid of eating anymore because these homeopathic remedies have really helped me solve my reflux problems. Since starting the above regimen, I can comfortably say that I have my reflux under control.
Certain diet and lifestyle changes are obviously needed to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES valve). It’s the usual doctor’s spiel: Avoid tomatoes, onions, chocolate, and mint. Do not drink alcohol and stop smoking. Yes, this does help, but it never really stops the onset of acid reflux completely. Many times we are prescribed medications like Nexium or Protonix, which are proton pump inhibitors that focus on blocking the production of stomach acid in the stomach. But I can’t help but feel like we’re ignoring some home remedies that work almost as well (if not better) than any PPI.
The problem here is that too much stomach acid most of the time is not the problem. The problem is a weak LES valve. Address that problem and your problems will be solved.
