Natural Effective Method to Eliminate Acid Reflux (GERD/Heartburn)

Symptoms:

 

Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or dyspepsia, acid reflux causes stomach acid to back up as the stomach fails to properly close.  The acid can damage the tissue and cause pain.  This can result in dry cough, bad breathe, hoarseness in the morning, and eventually can cause esophageal cancer.

 

Medical Prescriptions:

 

Antacids: temporarily neutralize stomach acid for short term relief.  These may cause constipation and diarrhea.  Many antacids contain aluminum which is not healthy as accumulation is toxic to the brain and nervous system.

 

H2 Blockers: these work by blocking histamines which help produce stomach acid.  The side effects are constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, impotence, rash, visual changes, allergic reactions and hepatitis.  Long term use can cause mental degeneration like dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life.  Adverse interactions happen with caffeine.  Nutrients and vitamins are also depleted when taking these types of drugs.

 

Proton Pump Inhibitors: these drugs alleviate heartburn by blocking stomach acid production in a different manner than H2 blockers.  The common side effects are headaches, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and rash.  Major concerns are increased risk of pneumonia and bone fractures.

 

Prom-motility Drugs: this is not very effective at treating the symptoms.  It is usually prescribed in addition to other drugs as it strengthens contractions of the esophagus and speeds the emptying of the stomach by mildly increasing the pressure.  

 

The side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, restlessness, muscle spasms, suicidal depression, and others.  Major cautions are many and your medical history and daily life should be well reviewed by a competent doctor before ever taking this.

 

Foam Barriers: these are foam antacids that form a barrier on top of the stomach acid.  The side effects are loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, weakness, and headaches.  Major precautions are for those with kidney disease and the fact that these contain aluminum.

 

The Natural Doctors’ Prescriptions:

 

Moving to a healthier more raw foods and taking the time to thoroughly chew the food makes a huge difference.

 

Nux Vomica: This is the most common homeopathic natural prescription as it relieves symptoms quickly and without side effects for many people.

 

Lowest Price: $3.19 at iHerb.com 

 

Dosage: 2 tablets of a 30C potency twice daily until symptoms are gone.  If there are no improvements within 1 week, stop using it.

 

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root: this natural extract is often prescribed to treat GERD and acid reflux as it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the lining of the digestive tract and is very soothing and heals membranes of the esophagus.

 

Lowest Price: $2.66 (tea) at Vitaglo.com and $4.60 (caps) at HouseOfNutrition.com

 

Dosage: chew one or two 400 mg tablets 3 times daily, 20 minutes before meals.  Licorice is also available in powder form.

 

Aloe Vera: this herb has a soothing and healing effect on the membranes of the digestive tract and has always been prescribed for treating stomach acidity.  Consult a doctor if you are on diabetic drugs.

 

Lowest Price: $2.49 at vitacost.com

 

Dosage: 600 mg in capsule form or 2 tablespoons of the liquid form, or 2 teaspoons of the powder form in water 20 minutes before each meal (3 times daily).  

 

Slippery Elm: this plant has a long tradition of use for acid reflux.  It’s soothing to the lining of the esophagus and stomach.  It also acts as a barrier against the damaging effects of acid on the esophagus.

 

Lowest Price: $1.95 at vitamincountry.com

 

Dosage: suck on lozenges after each meal or as needed.  It also is available in capsule form.  Take 500 to 1,000 mg after each meal.

 

These natural prescriptions have been tested and are effective on their own, but sometimes they are even more powerful when combined into formulas.  You can check out the natural formulas by clicking on the links below.

 

Natural Formulas:

 

Alocid is the low price.

 

And DigestAssist seems to be an effective formula.

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