Acid reflux is a pain. It literally really is. Fortunately, there are many homeopathic remedies that we can use to alleviate the symptoms and sometimes even cure the problem.
The remedies 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 stomach acid pumps. The reason you are experiencing heartburn is not necessarily due to excess stomach acid, it is usually because your LES valve is not working properly and is not preventing stomach acid from reaching your esophagus or throat. The idea behind calcium citrate is that increasing the flow of calcium into the blood works with smooth muscles to help them function properly.
Digestive enzymes are a natural substance you can take to aid faster digestion. Your body already produces these enzymes, but sometimes the conditions in your stomach (especially if you are taking PPIs) are not conducive to these enzymes working as they should and you are not digesting as fast as you should. Ensuring proper digestion will help empty your stomach contents sooner, which means 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 work 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 fast 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 remain closed in high acid conditions, but in low acid conditions it will open. So by increasing the acidity in your stomach, you effectively tell the LES valve that the door of the 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 it at mealtimes (even though I love food!) because I know that within an hour or so of eating I’m going to have all sorts of symptoms that are bewildering: bloating, heartburn, possibly even a sore throat. if the acid manages to reflux into the mouth (which can happen). But I don’t fear it at mealtime 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.
Obviously, certain dietary and lifestyle changes are 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 completely stops the onset of acid reflux. Many times we are prescribed medications such as 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.