Has anyone heard of something natural for Acid Reflux

[SaraSara]

My name is Sara and I have been searching for a natural product for Acid Reflux with all the negative side effects of doctor prescribed medications. I did come across a natural product called Acidcalm. I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of it or what anyone thinks about it. I don't want to waste my money but I am desprite to find something that will help me.

[needaremedy]

Hi Sara,
I looked up the Acidcalm product you mentioned. It looks like it's similar to other products available at the health food store. However, I noticed that the ingredients listed licorice extract and not DGL (which is deglycyrrhizinated licorice.) From all that I've read, licorice extract can have negative side effects such as hypertension and lowering potassium levels. DGL has the "bad stuff" removed so you can get the healing benefits of licorice without the harmful side effects.
DGL came highly recommended for its healing properties by my naturopathic doctor. I am using the chewable tablets by Enzymatic Therapy. I chew 2 tablets 20 minutes before each meal and, if needed, in between.
I'll be honest...I think they taste horrible. But knowing that they help to heal makes them easier to swallow.

Also, I've heard that chewing these tablets can stain your teeth so make sure to swish with some water after you use them.

I've never used the Acidcalm product so I can't speak to its effectiveness. But if I had to base my opinion off of similar products, I'd say it is "so-so" as a "cure"... It's temporary relief- a lot like we're already getting, right?

[Shgar]

Hi,

I get acid reflux whenever I have to take antibiotics. They kill all of the good bacteria that you need in your stomach. One thing that you can do is eat lots of yogurt 3-4 servings a day until you feel better. Yogurt and other cultured food products contain the good bacteria. This can fix my problem if it is not too severe. Once I had a severe attack and had to take a ppi first, then I stopped the ppi and continued the yogurt. I had to take levaquin (antibiotic) a few months ago and afterward my stomach and intestines were completely out of whack. I had acid reflux symptoms and diahrea. However, I caught it before it got really bad and started eating the yogurt and in about a week I was okay.

Once I am feeling better I can cut down to one serving a day. Eventually I guess I could stop eating it, but I like it and it is good for me.

You can also buy pro biotics at a health food store. You can get much more of the good bacteria this way, but I prefer to get it in my food.

Hope this helps you.

Sue

[scott1360]

Originally Posted by Shgar

Hi,

I get acid reflux whenever I have to take antibiotics. They kill all of the good bacteria that you need in your stomach. One thing that you can do is eat lots of yogurt 3-4 servings a day until you feel better. Yogurt and other cultured food products contain the good bacteria. This can fix my problem if it is not too severe. Once I had a severe attack and had to take a ppi first, then I stopped the ppi and continued the yogurt. I had to take levaquin (antibiotic) a few months ago and afterward my stomach and intestines were completely out of whack. I had acid reflux symptoms and diahrea. However, I caught it before it got really bad and started eating the yogurt and in about a week I was okay.

Once I am feeling better I can cut down to one serving a day. Eventually I guess I could stop eating it, but I like it and it is good for me.

You can also buy pro biotics at a health food store. You can get much more of the good bacteria this way, but I prefer to get it in my food.

Hope this helps you.

Sue

Hey Sue. WHat kind of yogurt do you eat? I've heard it should be "high quality" yogurt whatever that means. Or do you just eat regular yoplait or dannon yogurt?

[Mike In NY]

It's not yogurt you should be using but the cousin to yogurt which is KEFIR. It comes in a 32oz container (about $3) and is very rich in PROBIOTICS. Look for it in the dairy section near the yogurts. PROBIOTICS can also be purchased in capsule form. I recommend using both Kefir and capsules.