Natural Strategies For Heartburn Relief

Photo©GonzaloCalleAsprilla/123rf

Acid reflux occurs when contents from your stomach back up into your esophagus, causing stomach acid to irritate the lining of your esophagus. Other common names for this condition include acid indigestion, acid regurgitation, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If you experience acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week, you very likely have reflux disease or GERD, which involves bloating, burning pain in your chest and gut discomfort. Acid reflux is typically caused by a deficiency in stomach acid, not excess. As explained by A Midwestern Doctor:¹

“The lower esophageal sphincter is pH sensitive and only closes once sufficient acidity is present in the stomach (which makes sense since otherwise food would not be able to get to the stomach in the first place, but once it’s there, you need a way to keep it from getting back into the throat).”

As for why you may have stomach acid insufficiency, stomach acid is made from hydrogen and chloride, and ultra-processed foods frequently do not contain the dietary sources of these components. Certain autoimmune conditions can also attack acid-producing cells in your stomach, causing production to decline. Stomach acid production is also known to decrease with age.

H. pylori infections in your stomach will lower acid production as well. Mitochondrial dysfunction may also be a major part of the puzzle. As explained by A Midwestern Doctor:¹

“Stomach acid production is an energy intensive process (hence the cells which make stomach acid having a large number of mitochondria), and I have long suspected that mitochondrial dysfunction … is partly responsible for declining stomach acid levels.”

In addition to optimizing your mitochondrial function, consuming hydrogen-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains,² and chloride-rich foods, such as salt, seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery and olives,³ provides the dietary sources for your body to make stomach acid.

Non-Drug Alternatives For Heartburn Relief

Instead of PPIs and OTC antacid medications, consider the following nondrug alternatives for occasional heartburn relief:^4,5,6,7,8

Aloe juice — The juice of the aloe plant naturally helps reduce inflammation, which may ease symptoms of acid reflux. Drink about one-half cup of aloe juice before meals. To avoid its laxative effect, look for a brand in which the laxative component has been removed.

Apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered) — Take 1 tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water before or directly after meals.

Astaxanthin — When compared to a placebo, this potent antioxidant was found to reduce symptoms of acid reflux, especially for individuals with pronounced H. pylori infection. ⁹ The researchers concluded a daily dose of 40 mg of astaxanthin was effective for reflux reduction.

Baking soda — One-half to 1 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in an 8-ounce glass of water or orange juice will help neutralize your stomach acid and ease the burn of acid reflux. While I do not advise this as an ongoing remedy, it is effective on an “emergency” basis when you are in excruciating pain.

Ginger root — Ginger has a gastroprotective effect by suppressing H. pylori. It also accelerates gastric emptying which, when impaired, contributes to heartburn. Add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to 2 cups of hot water and let it steep for several minutes. Drink it about 20 minutes prior to your meal.

Sauerkraut — Consuming sauerkraut or cabbage juice will stimulate your body to produce stomach acid.

Glutamine — The amino acid glutamine has been shown to address gastrointestinal damage caused by H. pylori. Glutamine is found in many foods, including beef, dairy products, eggs, fish and select fruits and vegetables. L-glutamine is widely available as a supplement.

Ripe papaya or a papain supplement — Papaya contains papain, an enzyme useful for breaking down both protein and carbohydrates.

Fresh pineapple or bromelain supplement — Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple that helps digest proteins.

Pepsin supplement — Like bromelain, pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme involved in protein digestion. ¹⁰

Betaine HCI supplement — Betaine HCl is the hydrochloride salt of betaine, not to be confused with betaine or trimethylglycine (TMG). As noted in a 2020 review paper: “… the most common recommendation for the use of betaine HCl supplements is usually implemented using an empirical test for low stomach acid whereby increasing doses of betaine HCl are given during sequential meals until such time as an uncomfortable sensation is noticed by the patient.

Along with improvements in symptoms of dyspepsia (or laboratory analysis of improved protein digestion), the lack of side effects acts as an empirical confirmation that low gastric acid production was contributing to poor digestion and/or dyspeptic symptoms.”¹¹

Bitters — Bitters have a long history of use in herbal medicinal traditions to promote digestion and/or to relieve digestive complaints. ¹²

Slippery elm — Slippery elm coats and soothes your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, and contains antioxidants that may help address inflammatory bowel conditions. Because it stimulates nerve endings in your gastrointestinal tract, it is useful for increasing mucus secretion, which has a protective effect against ulcers and excess acidity.

Vitamin D — Vitamin D is important for your gut health. Once your vitamin D levels are optimized, you will benefit from your body’s production of about 200 antimicrobial peptides that will help eradicate gut infections.

Zinc — Your stomach needs zinc to produce stomach acid, so make sure your body has the necessary raw ingredients. The recommended daily amount for adults is 8 to 11 mg. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, lobster, beef and raw yogurt. A zinc supplement can be used if you rarely eat these foods. ¹³

– Sources and References

Find holistic Centers in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.