Introduction:
Stop acid reflux naturally with these effective remedies. Acid reflux is a common condition that causes a burning sensation in your chest, often referred to as heartburn or GERD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease). This condition can make it difficult to digest foods properly, leading to chronic sore throat, sharp pain, and nausea, especially when you lie down to sleep at night. If you want to know how to stop acid reflux naturally, keep reading as we explore five vitamins and natural remedies that can help you find relief.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
To understand how to stop acid reflux, it’s essential to understand what’s going on inside your body. Your stomach naturally contains strong stomach acid, which is needed to break down and digest the foods you eat. Just above your stomach, there is a small valve made of muscle called the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter). This valve opens up when you eat, allowing food to enter your stomach.
Normally, the LES valve remains closed to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your food pipe and throat. However, in many people, this valve becomes weak or relaxed and fails to close properly, allowing stomach acids and digestive enzymes to travel upwards. This results in the burning sensation known as acid reflux.
The Role of pH in Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is often caused by an imbalance in your stomach’s pH level. Stomach acid should ideally be between 1-3 on the pH scale (very acidic). If the pH becomes more alkaline (4+), it can cause the LES valve to relax, which leads to reflux. Over time, if left untreated, acid reflux can result in ulcers, damage, scar tissue, and even raise the risk of throat cancer.
Therefore, if you’re wondering how to stop acid reflux, addressing the pH balance is key. The very last thing you want to do is take antacids, as they neutralize stomach acid and make the problem worse. Instead, there are natural ways to restore the pH balance and heal your digestive system.
5 Natural Vitamins to Stop Acid Reflux
1. Betaine HCL (with Pepsin)
Betaine HCL is one of the best supplements to help stop acid reflux by restoring the normal pH of your stomach. This supplement helps your stomach acids build back up, tightening the LES valve and preventing reflux.
To use Betain HCL, take 2-4 capsules (1300 mg) before eating. This will help acidify your stomach and improve digestion, and over the course of a few weeks, you’ll feel the difference. Start with a lower dose for 2-3 days, and if necessary, gradually increase the number of capsules until your reflux symptoms subside.
2. Ginger: for Reflux
Ginger is a well-known remedy for soothing gastrointestinal irritation. It contains powerful phenolic compounds that help soothe the tissues in your food pipe and stomach lining, easing inflammation caused by acid reflux. Ginger has been used for thousands of years to alleviate nausea, acid reflux, and indigestion.
For quick relief, try chewing on a fresh slice of ginger root when you experience heartburn. Alternatively, you can take dried ginger powder capsules after a meal. You can also add fresh ginger to your salads, stir-fries, or make a refreshing drink with cold water.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics, the friendly bacteria and yeasts found in your gut, can significantly help to stop acid reflux. These beneficial microbes help stimulate acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls the opening and closing of the LES valve. If you have enough friendly microbes, you are less likely to experience acid reflux and other digestive issues.
Unfortunately, many people don’t have enough friendly bacteria due to antibiotics, medications, or poor diet. To restore balance, incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and pickles. You can also opt for a liquid probiotic supplement to quickly boost your microbiome.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy for stopping acid reflux. It helps to correct the pH of your stomach and improves digestion. Simply mix one tablespoon of organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with water and drink it before meals. This remedy contains acetic acid, which balances your stomach’s acidity and helps prevent acid reflux and GERD.
For those with severe throat inflammation, you can try apple cider vinegar capsules instead of the liquid form. Many people find apple cider vinegar to be an effective solution for acid reflux.
5. Zinc L-Carnosine
Zinc L-Carnosine is a compound that’s been used for decades to treat stomach ulcers. It works by restoring the protective mucus barrier in your digestive system, promoting healing and repair. Zinc also prevents harmful microbes like H. pylori from overgrowing in the stomach.
If you want to use zinc L-carnosine, take 75mg daily in supplement form. Zinc is also found in foods like shellfish, grass-fed red meat, and pumpkin seeds. It is essential for overall tissue repair and can play a key role in stopping acid reflux.
How to Stop Acid Reflux: Lifestyle Changes
In addition to using the right vitamins and supplements, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help you stop acid reflux permanently.
1. Stop Taking Antacid Drugs
Antacid medications, such as PPIs and H2 blockers, neutralise stomach acid and can worsen acid reflux over time. Instead, focus on using natural remedies like Betaine HCL or apple cider vinegar to restore your stomach’s pH and promote healthy digestion.
2. Eat Raw, Shredded Cabbage Daily
Cabbage is rich in glutamine, chlorophyll, and Vitamin C, which help heal your stomach lining, esophagus, and intestines. Include raw, shredded cabbage in your daily diet, or opt for sauerkraut in a salad. This can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
3. Eliminate Refined Grains and Vegetable Oils
Refined grains (like bread, pasta, and cereals) and vegetable oils (such as corn oil and soybean oil) can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux. Instead, replace these processed foods with whole, nutritious options like pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, and olive oil.
4. Add Himalayan Salt or Celtic Sea Salt
Sprinkle Himalayan or Celtic sea salt on your meals. These salts provide chlorides, which are essential for building stomach acid. Additionally, include potassium-rich foods in your diet, such as avocados, leafy greens, wild salmon, and squash.
5. Drink Carbonated Mineral Water
Drinking carbonated mineral water in the morning can hydrate your digestive system and slightly acidify the stomach, helping to strengthen its pH balance. Limit tea and coffee until your reflux is under control.
6. Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep
Stress can weaken the LES valve and exacerbate acid reflux. Practice relaxation techniques, such as taking long, slow walks in nature or engaging in deep breathing exercises. Aim for at least 45 minutes of outdoor activity daily to lower stress levels and support digestion.
Conclusion: Stop Acid Reflux for Good
By using the right vitamins, supplements, and lifestyle changes, you can stop reflux naturally and permanently. Betaine HCL, ginger, probiotics, apple cider vinegar, and zinc L-carnosine are all excellent tools to restore your stomach’s pH and promote healthy digestion. Combine these remedies with healthy dietary changes and stress management techniques to experience lasting relief from reflux.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with others who may benefit from natural ways to stop reflux.
References:
- ScienceDirect: Acid Reflux Overview
- Nature: Role of Gut Microbiota in GERD
- PubMed: Efficacy of Betaine HCL in Digestive Disorders
- ScienceDirect: Therapeutic Uses of Ginger
- Nature: Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Health
- PubMed: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
- ScienceDirect: Zinc L-Carnosine in Ulcer Treatment
- Chinese Journal: Traditional Remedies for Acid Reflux
- ScienceDirect: Lifestyle Modifications for GERD
- Nature: Dietary Interventions for Acid Reflux
Frequently Asked Question: F.A.Q
The top 5 vitamins and supplements include Betaine HCL (with Pepsin), Ginger, Probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Zinc L-Carnosine. These help restore stomach pH balance and improve digestion.
Betaine HCL restores the normal pH of your stomach by increasing acidity, tightening the LES valve, and preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus.
Yes, ginger contains phenolic compounds that soothe gastrointestinal irritation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate nausea caused by acid reflux.
Probiotics promote a healthy gut microbiome, stimulate acetylcholine production, and help regulate the LES valve, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux episodes.
Apple cider vinegar helps correct stomach pH and improves digestion. However, it should be diluted in water before consumption to avoid throat irritation.