Last Updated on June 2, 2026 by Deliciously Organic Editor
If you’ve been dealing with heartburn or acid reflux, you’ve probably been told to take an antacid or a prescription acid blocker. But what if that advice is actually making things worse? There are real acid reflux natural remedies that get to the root of the problem, and they work. Here’s what you need to know.
What Really Causes Acid Reflux?
We’ve been told by the conventional medical world that too much stomach acid is the cause of acid reflux and heartburn. This isn’t exactly correct. Stomach acid is incredibly beneficial to the body and an increase in stomach acid can actually reduce, and many times cure, issues like acid reflux or heartburn and improve common issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut, colitis, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Let’s break this down. . .
Stomach acid (also known as hydrochloric acid or HCL) is a necessary part of the digestive process. The acid is our first line of defense against pathogens, bacteria, parasites, etc. It also helps us digest our food properly.
When the body is relaxed and in the “rest-and-digest” state, stomach acid is released into the stomach and it breaks down fats into fatty acids, carbohydrates into glucose, and proteins into amino acids. This breakdown is very important because it allows the body to use the nutrients in our food.
When the food in your stomach has been mixed with the correct amount of stomach acid, enzymes, and other digestive secretions, it will reach an acidity between 1.5-3.0 on the ph scale and then move into the small intestine to continue the digestive process.
When there isn’t enough stomach acid, the pyloric sphincter – the valve that releases the broken-down food from the stomach into the small intestine – doesn’t want to open. This leads to food sitting in the stomach for much longer than intended. Because the stomach can’t release its contents into the small intestine, it eventually sends the food back up the other way. Ironically, because the food has been bathed in some stomach acid it burns when it comes back up the esophagus.
So, to put it simply, acid reflux is caused by too little stomach acid.
“But wait,” you might be thinking. “My antacids work!”
They do reduce the burning sensation, because lowering the acid level means the food coming back up does not burn as much. But the acid blocker is not solving the overall problem. It’s just masking the symptom while the root cause goes unaddressed.
Why Chronic Acid Reflux Is a Bigger Problem Than Just Heartburn
Left unaddressed, ongoing acid reflux can create a chain reaction of health issues throughout the digestive system:
- Nutrient deficiencies. When your food is not broken down properly, your body cannot absorb the vitamins and minerals in it, no matter how well you eat.
- Harmful bacterial overgrowth. Without the right level of stomach acid to protect you, bad bacteria and parascites can thrive, which can lead to ulcers and other serious problems.
- Leaky gut. Proteins that were not properly broken down can irritate the lining of the small intestine, eventually allowing undigested particles to pass into the bloodstream and strain the immune system.
- Colon and gut problems. Undigested food that reaches the large intestine can disrupt your gut flora and lead to inflammation, IBS, and colitis.
This is why finding real acid reflux natural remedies matters so much. Your digestion is the foundation of your overall health.
Can You Get Rid of Acid Reflux Naturally?
Yes, absolutely. I have used these methods with hundreds of nutrition clients, and they work every time. The goal is to support your body in producing the right amount of stomach acid so your digestion can do its job correctly.
What’s the Fastest Way to Get Relief from Acid Reflux Naturally?
If you need quick relief right now, try one of these:
- Raw sauerkraut juice – Drink a few tablespoons straight. WildBrine and Barrel Creek are two of my favorite raw sauerkraut brands.
- Raw apple cider vinegar – Take an extra tablespoon mixed with a little water.
- Digestive bitters – Take a dropperful right away. This brand is my favorite.
- Zypan – Take 1 to 2 tablets.
- HCL supplement – Take an additional capsule with your meal. Thorne has a great HCL supplement.
Here are 4 natural remedies for acid reflux and heartburn:
These steps are designed to be tried in order. Start with step one, and if you’re still having symptoms after a few days, move to the next step. This approach helps you figure out exactly what your body needs.
Note: Do not use steps 2-4 if you have a history of stomach ulcers. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Step 1: Slow Down and Eat Without Stress
This sounds too simple, but it is the most important piece of the puzzle. Your body has two modes: fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest (aka: sympathetic and parasympathetic). Stomach acid is only produced properly when you are relaxed and in rest-and-digest mode.
When you eat on the go, while stressed, when standing up, on your phone, while working, or too fast, your brain does not send the signal to produce enough stomach acid. The result? Undigested food and heartburn.
Try sitting down for meals, taking a few slow breaths before you eat, and putting your fork down between bites. Give this a few days. If heartburn persists, move to step two.
Step 2: Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals
Take one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar mixed with a little water before each meal. The vinegar helps stimulate your stomach to produce more of its own acid.
Try this consistently for several days. If you’re still experiencing heartburn, move to step three.
Step 3: Digestive Bitters
Take a full dropperful of digestive bitters before and after each meal. Bitters are a gentle, traditional remedy that signals the digestive system to get to work. This brand can be a good option if you are pregnant.
If you finish a meal and heartburn kicks in, take a dropperful of bitters right then. Give this several days. If symptoms continue, move to step four.
Step 4: Zypan Supplement
If the first three steps haven’t resolved things, your stomach acid levels may need more direct support. Zypan is a good option. Here’s how to find your right dose:
Take 2 at each meal and see how you feel. If you’re still having heartburn while eating slowly and in a relaxed state and taking 2 Zypan, try increasing to 3 pills at each meal.
A note on long-term use: HCL supplements are a support tool, not a permanent fix. The goal is to use them for a season while you also work on eating slowly and in a relaxed state. Over time, you can gradually taper down as your body learns to produce enough acid on its own.
The Bottom Line on Acid Reflux Natural Remedies
Heartburn is not a sign that your body is making too much acid. It is usually a sign that it is not making enough. The acid reflux natural remedies above work by supporting your body’s own digestive process, not just masking the burn.
Start with the simplest step first: slow down and eat without stress. Add in apple cider vinegar, bitters, or HCL as needed. You may be surprised at how much better your digestion feels when it is finally getting the support it needs.
Note: Please consult with your practitioner before trying any of these tips, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of stomach ulcers. This post is meant to give an overview of common root causes of acid reflux and heartburn from a holistic perspective and is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice.
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I saw somewhere that drinking aloe vera gel (Lily of the Desert) helps with acid reflux. Is this considered a safe alternative?
My husband took Prilosec for over ten years but I convinced him to ween off of them over a year ago. He still gets heartburn but not as bad as before. He usually takes a couple Tums, which I don’t like, He says its caused by certain foods such as tomato suace and fried foods not because he eats fast. What do you think?
Thanks for all your info on instagram!!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you’ve found the info helpful! I would recommend ACV, bitters or HCL over aloe.
HCI and teeth. I have hashimotos, type 1 diabetes(42 years), fibromyalgia, very dry skin, yellow sensitive teeth. My teeth are so sensitive and although I do eat GF and clean they are eroding. I am only taking 1 HCI with just meals I have protein. Is there bloodwork I could do on stomach acid?
I don’t know of a blood test that will show if you have low stomach acid. But, nutrient deficiencies can often be a sign.
You can do a gastrogram. You may need to travel to a city where it’s offered.
I take Slippery elm and find that it has always worked for me.Recently I modified my diet and now have some natural organic yoghurt now My problem is almost gone.It is a natural product.
Carrie, I’m so appreciative for this article! I have tried recently to get off my acid blockers and the heartburn came back despite following my doctor’s advice to taper the medicine. Do you suggest stopping the acid blockers without tapering and then trying these things? It’s hard to power through.
Legally, I can’t give you any advice regarding starting or stopping any medications.
Thanks for this information, Carrie. I’ve had my gallbladder removed. I’m doing ACV and bitters but still get heartburn. I have HCL but didn’t know the protocol for determining how many to take so have only been taking one capsule. Do you have any information or ideas about whether or not the absence of a gallbladder further complicates the heartburn issue or if increasing the HCL will take care of it anyway?
The absence of a gallbladder usually doesn’t affect stomach acid.
Thank you so much for your post. How much exactly is 1 dropper full? I would like to try this method (in particular the bitters) for my 2 yo.
I’ve been taking Nexium for many years but every time I stop taking it the reflux comes back with a vengeance. Any advice on how to wean myself off?
How long is it safe to continue with Acv? Should it be taken before every meal? Thanks for all your advice!
Yes, it should be taken before each meal. It’s safe to take long-term, but of course, you’ll want to work on reducing stress and eating slowly so eventually your body can make enough stomach acid by itself. 🙂
Hi , do we need to take all three supplements together ; (before or after meal ) and the bitters should be taken without water ? Thanks
Hi , i just want to know After i check how much hcl tablets i need , should i take 5 hcl tablets each after 5 minutes or all together at the starting of my meal .
Yes, if you find you need 2 at each meal, then take 2 at the beginning or middle of each meal.
Thanks a lot
Any suggestions for a breastfed reflux or heartburn baby? Natural suggestions? Thank you
Should we follow one of the steps i mean either take apple cider or digestive bitters or take everything all together
&what about drinking some baking soda in water to deal with this issue of heartburn?
That will raise the alkalinity of the stomach and not help the issue long term. It’s the same as taking an anti-acid as I explained above in the article.
What if you get heartburn 2hrs after you’ve eaten and done all the above. Can you take more of each?
I don’t recommend taking all 3 of these remedies at a time as that can be too much for the body. I recommend trying each one individually. If you’ve tried some of these tips and still have heartburn, I recommend talking to your practitioner.
Have any of you with heartburn been tested for the most common gut bacteria helicobactor pylorie
I was tested for this one
Hi Carrie!
Would this protocol also help with gall bladder pain?
Should we follow one of the steps i mean either take apple cider or digestive bitters or take everything all together.
Follow each step-by-step. You do not take all 3 at once.
I have tried digestive bitters and apple cider vinegar and is seems to burn my throat and cause increased mucus in my throat. Is this normal? Just curious because I really want to reverse my reflux and food sensitivities. Just wondering if it will go away. Wondered if it was the alcohol/vinegar? Can you get bitters without alcohol/vinegar? Also, do you have to do this for the rest of your life or will it eventually reverse where you don’t have to do it anymore?
Dear Carrie,
I’ve had severe heartburn for over 25 yrs. I’m now 46. I’ve tried ACV but it only causes the worst kind of heartburn I’ve ever felt in my life. Is this some kind of phase I need to power through before it gets better or do you think there might be something more serious wrong?
Some people don’t do well with ACV. You might want to give bitters a try. They are very gentle!
I followed your suggestions and felt relief right away with ACV. Sometimes early on I would have to drink a little more at onset of reflux. Seriously I was amazed. My teeth are super sensitive and was starting to be concerned so I bought pill form ACV and some gummies. I take 2 tablets daily in the am. On a rare occasion I need a gummy or 2 at night. Still amazed that I’ve kicked the ranitidine use (Nexium use 15 years prior to) thank you!
I’m so glad you saw such quick improvement! 🙂
I’m guessing bicarb soda not a good option for treating reflux?
Did you ever find an answer to the question about baking soda?
I use it all the time and find it very helpful
Hi,
I came across your article while browsing ways to help cope with low stomach acid. You mentioned in your blog not to rely or become dependent on HCL but what if my low stomach acid is caused by autoimmune atrophic gastritis? My condition is chronic (permanent and from what I understand, inherited) and symptoms are quite severe because I also have methane dominant SIBO on top of this. I’m looking for any kind of substantial relief and not sure how long I should take HCL for once I start? Thanks so much for your informative blog, I have read quite a few articles here now and I’ve been doing the ACV for years, sometimes it brings relief other times it doesn’t and sometimes feels as if it gives me heartburn. Looking for something that might bring more relief. Thanks!
Legally, I can’t give personal health advice unless you’re a client. At our practice, we have some excellent protocols for SIBO, gut dysbiosis, etc. Here is more info on our services: https://www.biodynamicwellness.com/our-services/
Thanks so much for all your info , and sharing lots with US, I just discover that I have LPR Reflux, or “Silent Reflux” I eat healthy for many years , I just make a change like 4 months ago , going more plant base , and choosing more fiber in diet , as ” Fiber Fueled Book ” mention , I feel much better since i change my diet , but I still have LPR reflux , I also have Hashimoto too. The supplements that’s you mention , I stop doing it first because I have SIBO , so AC , not good for now even though I use AC for several years on my early morning water routine . Also LPR is different from Heartburn …
Any advise on LPR REFLUX???
Now that there are ACV gummies, are they an alternative for the liquid?
Those are not the same as drinking a tbs of vinegar in water.
Not everyone can do this for acid reflux. People with methane HCL and ACV feeds bacteria make methane worse.
This is why I always recommend talking to your practitioner before using any kind of supplementation.
Heartburn or reflux symptoms could also be from a Hiatal Hernia. When stomach has pushed above diaphragm into esophagus. A common condition. I’ve had it for decades & get it “pushed back down” with gentle chiropractic type bodywork. Surgery is too drastic and hernia can happen again.