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September 6, 2018

Natural Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

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Are there truly natural remedies for heartburn? Can you reduce heartburn naturally or even get rid of it completely? Yes, you most certainly can! 


First, let’s look a what causes heartburn:

We’ve been told by the conventional medical world that too much stomach acid is the cause of reflux and heartburn. This simply isn’t 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, 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, heartburn is caused by too little stomach acid.

You’re probably asking, “Then why do acid-blockers work, or at least take the burn away?”

The acid-blockers lower the acidity in the stomach, so when the food starts to come back up, it doesn’t burn. This doesn’t mean the problem is fixed. The acid-blocker is simply masking the symptoms of a bigger issue.

The way to cure heartburn naturally is to increase the amount stomach acid in the stomach. Kinda crazy, right?! But it’s true.

In the long-run, heartburn can create all sorts of health issues in the body, so it’s imperative that you find ways to cure your heartburn. Here are a list of problems chronic heartburn can cause:

1. Your body can’t utilize the nutrients in your food which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

2. Overgrowth of harmful bacteria can occur which can lead to ulcers and cancer.

3. The proteins that weren’t broken down by the proper amount of stomach acid now irritate the villi and can lead to leaky gut. A leaky gut allows fats and proteins to pass through the gut directly into the bloodstream which overwhelms the immune system.

4. The undigested food heads to the large intestine and can degenerate and weaken the colon, disrupt the flora, and cause inflammation, IBS and colitis.

Enabling the body to use the nutrients in the food you eat is essential to a healthy body, so you can see why this is so important for your overall health!

 

Natural Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Here are 4 natural remedies for heartburn and acid reflux:

Note: I recommend trying these steps in this order. Sometimes it’s just a matter of eating slower, but sometimes you need to take a supplement to help increase production. Trying these different tips in order will help you know which one will work best for you. 

1. Don’t eat when you’re stressed or on the go; and eat slowly. This is the most important piece of the puzzle. When you eat slowly and aren’t stressed, your body will be in the parasympathetic state, and the brain will tell the stomach to produce the correct amount of stomach acid. The parasympathetic state allows your body to release the correct amount of stomach acid, enzymes, etc. to digest your food.

2. Take 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar with a little bit of water before each meal. This will help stimulate stomach acid production. If you try this for several days and don’t see any improvement, try step #3.

3. Take 1 dropper full of digestive bitters before and after each meal (this one is a good choice when pregnant). Bitters are very gentle and stimulate the stomach to produce the proper amount of stomach acid. If you’ve eaten your meal and you get heartburn, take a dropperful of bitters to reduce the heartburn. If you try this for several days and don’t see any improvement, try step #4.

4. If the three tips above don’t get rid of the heartburn, consider taking Thorne HCL with Pepsin at each meal (If you have a history of stomach ulcers, do not use HCL. Instead, try the steps above).

Here’s how you figure out how many you need to take at each meal:
Take 1 HCL when you sit down to eat. Take another 5 minutes later. Continue taking another HCL every 5 minutes while eating until you get a warming in your stomach. If you took 6 HCL and then got the warming in your stomach, then subtract one and now take 5 HCL at each meal.

Most people are deficient in stomach acid, so if you get up to 5-6, don’t be surprised, but I recommend stopping there.

It’s not a good idea to be taking HCL for years and years because you don’t want your body to become dependent on it, so I recommend taking the steps above to train your body to eventually produce enough stomach acid.

In the future, you’ll want to wean yourself off the HCL, but taking this supplement for a while can initially help you digest your foods, reduce the heartburn and support the body while you’re learning to slow down and eat in a relaxed state.

Additional Tips:

If you tried one of the steps above and still got heartburn, then that simply means you need more stomach acid. Taking an additional tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a dropperful of bitters or an additional HCL supplement can stop the heartburn. I’ve also found that eating a few tablespoons of raw sauerkraut can quickly reduce the heartburn.

So, remember, you need stomach acid to cure your heartburn! Eat slowly, in a relaxed state, take some of the steps I mentioned above, and I think you’ll start to see some great results!

Note: Please consult with your practitioner before trying any of these tips (especially if you’re pregnant or nursing).

Note: The purpose of this post is to give an overview of some common root causes of heartburn from a holistic perspective. This information is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice.

Filed Under: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease | 39 Comments

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39 Comments

  1. Debbie

    September 6, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    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!!
    to Debbie" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Debbie'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 7, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      You're welcome! I'm glad you've found the info helpful! I would recommend ACV, bitters or HCL over aloe.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Heidi

        May 20, 2021 at 6:04 am

        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?
        to Heidi" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Heidi'>Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          May 20, 2021 at 11:09 am

          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.
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
          • Peatl

            January 10, 2022 at 11:33 pm

            You can do a gastrogram. You may need to travel to a city where it’s offered.
            to Peatl" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Peatl'>Reply to this comment
    • Judy

      April 2, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      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.
      to Judy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Judy'>Reply to this comment
  2. Noelle

    September 12, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    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.
    to Noelle" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Noelle'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 13, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Legally, I can't give you any advice regarding starting or stopping any medications.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
    • Kim

      June 19, 2019 at 6:53 am

      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?
      to Kim" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Kim'>Reply to this comment
      • Deliciously Organic

        June 19, 2019 at 10:29 am

        The absence of a gallbladder usually doesn't affect stomach acid.
        to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Kathy

        December 14, 2020 at 7:13 pm

        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.
        to Kathy" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Kathy'>Reply to this comment
  3. Peggi

    September 12, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    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?
    to Peggi" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Peggi'>Reply to this comment
  4. Donna

    September 12, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    How long is it safe to continue with Acv? Should it be taken before every meal? Thanks for all your advice!
    to Donna" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Donna'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      September 13, 2018 at 9:51 am

      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. :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  5. Yadwinder

    May 19, 2019 at 3:17 am

    Hi , do we need to take all three supplements together ; (before or after meal ) and the bitters should be taken without water ? Thanks
    to Yadwinder" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yadwinder'>Reply to this comment
  6. Yadwinder

    May 20, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    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 .
    to Yadwinder" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yadwinder'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      May 21, 2019 at 9:34 am

      Yes, if you find you need 2 at each meal, then take 2 at the beginning or middle of each meal.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
      • Yadwinder singh

        May 30, 2019 at 2:15 pm

        Thanks a lot
        to Yadwinder singh" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yadwinder singh'>Reply to this comment
        • Brittany

          June 11, 2019 at 4:46 pm

          Any suggestions for a breastfed reflux or heartburn baby? Natural suggestions? Thank you
          to Brittany" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Brittany'>Reply to this comment
          • Yadwinder singh

            June 16, 2019 at 4:55 pm

            Should we follow one of the steps i mean either take apple cider or digestive bitters or take everything all together
            to Yadwinder singh" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yadwinder singh'>Reply to this comment
      • CAMILLE

        April 28, 2020 at 1:30 pm

        What if you get heartburn 2hrs after you've eaten and done all the above. Can you take more of each?
        to CAMILLE" aria-label='Reply to this comment to CAMILLE'>Reply to this comment
        • Deliciously Organic

          April 30, 2020 at 12:02 pm

          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.
          to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  7. Anne

    June 13, 2019 at 5:02 am

    Have any of you with heartburn been tested for the most common gut bacteria helicobactor pylorie
    to Anne" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Anne'>Reply to this comment
    • Yadwinder singh

      June 16, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      I was tested for this one
      to Yadwinder singh" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yadwinder singh'>Reply to this comment
  8. Lynn

    June 13, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Hi Carrie! Would this protocol also help with gall bladder pain?
    to Lynn" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Lynn'>Reply to this comment
  9. Yad

    June 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Should we follow one of the steps i mean either take apple cider or digestive bitters or take everything all together.
    to Yad" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Yad'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 17, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      Follow each step-by-step. You do not take all 3 at once.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  10. Britney Bouldin

    June 27, 2019 at 8:20 am

    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?
    to Britney Bouldin" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Britney Bouldin'>Reply to this comment
  11. Denise

    November 23, 2019 at 8:23 am

    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?
    to Denise" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Denise'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      November 25, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      Some people don't do well with ACV. You might want to give bitters a try. They are very gentle!
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  12. JoAnn

    December 11, 2019 at 2:11 pm

    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!
    to JoAnn" aria-label='Reply to this comment to JoAnn'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      December 12, 2019 at 9:53 am

      I'm so glad you saw such quick improvement! :)
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  13. Mary

    April 15, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    I'm guessing bicarb soda not a good option for treating reflux?
    to Mary" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Mary'>Reply to this comment
    • Ellen

      June 27, 2022 at 7:49 am

      Did you ever find an answer to the question about baking soda? I use it all the time and find it very helpful
      to Ellen" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ellen'>Reply to this comment
  14. Ashleigh

    June 18, 2020 at 10:34 am

    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!
    to Ashleigh" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Ashleigh'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 18, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      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/
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment
  15. Lydia

    September 2, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    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???
    to Lydia" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Lydia'>Reply to this comment
  16. Sarah

    June 25, 2022 at 7:14 am

    Now that there are ACV gummies, are they an alternative for the liquid?
    to Sarah" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Sarah'>Reply to this comment
    • Deliciously Organic

      June 27, 2022 at 10:44 am

      Those are not the same as drinking a tbs of vinegar in water.
      to Deliciously Organic" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Deliciously Organic'>Reply to this comment

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Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, FNTP
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Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

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