Acid reflux is a pain. Literally it really is. Fortunately, there are many homeopathic remedies that we can use to relieve the symptoms and sometimes even cure the problem.
The remedies that I prefer to use 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 should I take ACIDIC Calcium Citrate to solve my acid reflux problems? Well, the answer is that it actually works on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES valve) and not on your stomach acid pumps themselves. The reason you experience heartburn isn’t necessarily due to too much stomach acid, it’s usually because your LES valve isn’t working properly and isn’t preventing your stomach acid from reaching your esophagus or throat. The thinking behind calcium citrate is that the increased flow of calcium in your blood works with your smooth muscles to help them function properly.
Digestive enzymes are a natural substance that you can take to speed up digestion. Your body already makes these enzymes, but sometimes the conditions in your stomach (especially if you’re taking PPIs) aren’t conducive to these enzymes working as they should and you don’t digest as quickly as you should. Good digestion helps empty stomach contents sooner, which means there is less chance of reflux.
DGL is a form of licorice root extract that does an amazing job of promoting tissue healing and creating a protective layer in your digestive tract. It doesn’t necessarily work on acid or the LES valve itself, but it will certainly help you feel better if you have rough reflux at night.
In addition to digestive enzymes, apple cider vinegar is another method to ensure good and fast digestion. Sometimes the cause of your reflux isn’t too MUCH acid, sometimes it’s because you have LACK of stomach acid. The logic is: your LES valve stays closed under highly acidic conditions, but opens under weakly acidic conditions. So by increasing the acidity in your stomach, you are effectively telling the LES valve that the door to the stomach needs to be closed. In general, you should drink about 8 ounces of water with a tablespoon of vinegar and add some honey to taste. Of all the homeopathic remedies for heartburn, I have to say that ACV is probably the most popular.
Sometimes I dread eating (although I love food!) because I know that an hour or so after eating I’ll be hit with all sorts of troubling symptoms: bloating, heartburn, possibly even a sore throat if the acid is the case manages to reflux all the way to your mouth (which can happen). But I’m no longer afraid of meals because these homeopathic remedies have really helped to solve my acid reflux problems. Since starting the above regimen I can safely say that I have my reflux under control.
Obviously, certain diet and lifestyle changes are required to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter (LES valve). It’s the usual doctor game: avoid tomatoes, onions, chocolate, peppermint. Don’t drink alcohol and quit smoking. Yes, this stuff actually helps, but it never really stops your acid reflux from happening. We’re often prescribed medications like Nexium or Protonix, which are proton pump inhibitors that focus on stopping your stomach from producing stomach acid. But I can’t help but feel like we’re missing out on some home remedies that work almost as well (if not better) than all PPIs.
The problem with this is that too much stomach acid is usually not the problem. The problem is a weak LES valve. Address this issue and your problems will be solved.
Thanks to Andy Weaver
