Alternative Cures for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach and small intestine travel back up the esophagus. This causes a number of symptoms including heartburn, burping, nausea, vomiting, coughing, chest pain and sore throat. A number of natural treatment options are available to you to manage this condition. It is important to let your doctor know about any natural supplements you are using. Consulting with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in alternative medicine can help you design a long-term treatment plan to deal with acid reflux.

Nutritional Therapy

Monitoring your diet is a vital first step in reducing occurrences of acid reflux. Nutritional supplements can also relieve symptoms.

Certain foods can reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Include antioxidant rich foods in your diet like fruits and vegetables. Berries are an especially good choice for fruits. Foods rich in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains and sea vegetables, are also beneficial. Cook with healthy oils like canola and olive. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

Certain foods and beverages can aggravate acid reflux and should be limited or avoided. Coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages contain substances that increase acid production and contain chemicals that irritate the stomach lining. White breads and pastas as well as sugar can aggravate this condition as well. Reduce your consumption of meats and other animal products and up your intake of other protein-rich foods like cold-water fish, tofu and beans.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can decrease inflammation. Take one or two capsules of fish oil or 1 tablespoon of oil two to three times daily. Probiotics support general gastrointestinal health by replenishing the body's supply of "good" bacteria. Melatonin and L-glutamine also promote gastrointestinal health; take 2 to 6 mg daily at bedtime and 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily respectively. Resveratrol decreases inflammation; take 50 to 200 mg daily.

Herbal Treatments

Green tea provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support; take 250 to 500 mg daily. Cat's claw eases inflammation and acts against bacteria, which can contribute to acid production; take 20 mg three times a day. Licorice has a long history of use for treating gastric problems; take 250 to 500 mg three times daily, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Mastic acts against H. pylori, a form of bacteria found in the stomach that contributes to excess acid production; take 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily.

Homeopathy

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research is limited regarding homeopathic treatments for acid reflux. Treatments are commonly recommended by professional homeopaths to address symptoms of this condition.

Pulsatilla treats heartburn, queasy stomach and an unpleasant taste in the mouth triggered by rich foods and fat. It works best for people whose tongue is covered with white or yellow film. Ipecacuahna treats severe nausea brought on by consuming too much rich or fatty food. Carbo vegetabilis is for bloating and indigestion accompanied by flatulence and fatigue. Nux vomica addresses symptoms of heartburn, dry heaving, and sour burps. It works best for people who are agitated and sensitive to noise and light.