Ginger is very effective at soothing the inflammation caused by acid reflux. For heartburn, chew a slice of fresh ginger. Ginger contains powerful phenolic compounds that soothe the tissues of the esophagus and stomach lining. You can also take capsules of dried ginger powder after meals or add fresh ginger to your salads, stir-fries, or infusions.
Probiotics
are friendly bacteria and yeasts that live in the large intestine and aid in food digestion. They produce neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which regulate the opening and closing of the lower esophageal sphincter. Regularly eat fermented foods rich in probiotics, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and pickles, or take a probiotic supplement to improve your gut microbiome and reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Apple cider
vinegar is a well-known natural remedy for indigestion and digestive problems. Mix one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and drink it before each meal. This will help adjust your stomach’s pH and prevent acid reflux. If your throat is extremely inflamed, consider taking apple cider vinegar capsules before meals.
Zinc L-Carnosine
: Zinc is an essential mineral for tissue healing, especially internal tissues. Developed in Japan, Zinc L-Carnosine treats stomach ulcers and helps heal inflammation or damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Take 75 mg of Zinc L-Carnosine daily as a supplement or consume zinc-rich foods such as seafood, grass-fed red meat, and pumpkin seeds.
Underlying causes of acid reflux
Chloride and potassium deficiency: These minerals are necessary to produce adequate levels of stomach acid.
Stress: High mental stress prevents the parasympathetic nervous system from functioning properly, causing the lower esophageal sphincter to open.
Antacids: Antacids worsen acid reflux in the long term by neutralizing stomach acid.
H. pylori: This bacterium can infect the stomach lining and decrease stomach acidity.
Refined grains and vegetable oils: These foods irritate the stomach lining and increase inflammation.
Antibiotics and pain relievers: These can damage the intestinal lining and kill beneficial bacteria, promoting acid reflux.
Lifestyle changes to stop acid reflux
: Stop taking antacids: Replace them with betaine HCl or apple cider vinegar before each meal to restore digestion and close the sphincter.
Eat shredded raw cabbage: Cabbage contains glutamine, chlorophyll, and vitamin C, which are great for healing the damage caused by acid reflux.
Reduce refined grains and processed vegetable oils: Replace them with whole foods like free-range eggs, wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, and steamed vegetables.
Use Himalayan pink salt or Guérande salt: This provides the chlorides needed to produce hydrochloric acid.
Drink sparkling mineral water in the morning: This hydrates the digestive system and improves stomach acidity.
Reduce stress: Find ways to manage stress to calm the nervous system. Take 45-minute walks in nature to bring in oxygen and soothe nerves. Foods rich in probiotics will also help manage stress.
