The American College of Gastroenterology

The American College of Gastroenterology reports that over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 15 million as often as daily.



That's twice the population of New York City!

Medical explanation of Acid Reflux,                     Heartburn and GERD

Some Surprising Symptoms of Acid Reflux!

Horrible Heartburn
Chest Pain
Pain worsens at rest or reclining
Post-meal pain
Bitter Taste
Hoarseness -  seeping stomach acid can irritate vocal cords
Sore Throat after meals
Chronic Cough
Asthma
Nausea
Extra Saliva
Trouble Swallowing

What Causes of Acid Reflux?

Natural Remedies
  • Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
  • Fried foods
  • Snacking close to bedtime
  • Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
  • Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
  • Smoking
  • Being pregnant
  • Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications
Needless to say, long term relief is to address what your particular causes (listed at the left) may be.  

When an acute attack occurs, here are some things to help:

-  Amish remedy of apple cider vinegar, ginger and garlic juice
-  Baking soda (1/2 tsp. in small glass of water)
-  Chewing gum after eating to stimulate saliva
-  Peppermint or Licorice Root tea

If you are over 50 years of age, your stomach can fail to secrete enough acid to properly digest some foods.  I have found that supplementing after a meal with Betaine hydrochloride (Betaine HCL) helps tremendously.  This may seem counter-intuitive, but when there isn't enough stomach acid secreted, what little there is tends to bubble up into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Digestive enzymes are also beneficial.

Relief for a Hiatal Hernia