Have you had heartburn lately? Believe me, I have – especially during my most recent pregnancy, heartburn and acid reflux became common occurrences. And when it comes to digestive problems, these issues can throw a wrench in your plans or take your night on a total left turn.
However, if you are like me, you are probably looking for natural remedies to indigestion and irritation. If throwing back a handful of Tums isn’t quite your style, you’re in the right place. A few months ago, I embarked on a quest to find the best supplements for acid reflux and heartburn and now you can experience them too!
In this article, I will cover the ins and outs of acid reflux symptoms and how to treat them with herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and other natural remedies to prevent these pesky issues. These treatments may be a good option for you if you have been struggling with heartburn symptoms and stomach pain.
What Is the Cause of Heartburn?
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a burning pain that sufferers typically experience just behind the breastbone. Often, this pain gets worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down and bending over. For most people, occasional heartburn should not cause alarm – over-the-counter medications such as antacids are available and accessible, and while it is annoying, heartburn typically is not indicative of anything more serious.
If you are struggling to find acid reflux relief and relieve heartburn, however, you might be suffering from something calling “GERD.” Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, involves more than just occasional heartburn. People with GERD often suffer from upward movement of stomach acid in the esophagus, leading to a sensation that is commonly known as heartburn. Symptoms include:
- irritation and inflammation in the lower to mid chest
- burning pain in the lower to mid chest and behind the breastbone
- discomfort in the digestive tract as well as the esophageal area
For individuals with GERD as well as those who simply want relief from acid reflux, supplements and natural remedies can be an effective solution to ease your digestive symptoms. There are many supplements that can help reduce heartburn as well as supplements that may cause your digestive tract to relax and address symptoms at the source.
There are also minor lifestyle changes you can make to relieve acid reflux. Eliminating foods that may cause heartburn can be an effective strategy for some people. Heartburn medication is often not good for long-term use, so sometimes, changing your diet can be one of the best natural solutions.
Why Use Herbs to Help With Acid Reflux
When it comes to treating symptoms such as heartburn and occasional acid indigestion, it’s best to take supplements that may help ease your discomfort rather than choosing an over-the-counter medication that might be full of other toxins and unknown ingredients. There are many herbs that can be used as a natural remedy for symptoms of acid reflux. You can find these herbs in health food stores in different forms, including teas, oils, and capsules.
Vitamins and supplements for acid reflux relief are a natural alternative for traditional remedies for heartburn and acid reflux. The symptoms of GERD can also be treated using these naturally occurring items, and you do not have to rely on western medicine. In my case, I like to have a holistic understanding of everything that I put into my body as well as the bodies of my husband and children.
God created our plentiful Earth with all of the herbs and vitamins that we need – his offerings to us are there for the taking, so I try to rely on his expertise and knowledge as I build a natural herbal-based home. And the best part? You probably already have some of the supplements for GERD that can reduce acid reflux right at home in your kitchen! These supplements may help with treating acid reflux… so what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the catalog of home remedies and vitamin supplements to prevent acid reflux.
The Best Herbs and Supplements for Acid Reflux
There are many all-natural solutions for chronic acid reflux, so let’s start with a few that you might find in your baking cabinet:
- Apple cider vinegar has been known to help with symptoms of reflux.
- Baking soda is a natural alkaline that can help neutralize excess stomach acid. When acid reflux occurs, stomach acid travels up into your esophagus… and this stomach acid may cause discomfort.
- Honey can help your body increase mucus production and good bacteria, which can reduce the risk of reflux esophagitis.
- Ripe bananas are full of potassium, which can help to treat GERD symptoms.
- Licorice also increases mucus and protects the esophagus. Licorice candies can have an effect, but licorice root is the best option in treating acid reflux.
All of these common kitchen items are great for heartburn and reflux symptoms, but they are far from your only options. There are numerous herbs and vitamins that can also be effective.
#1: Pepsin
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme in stomach acid that breaks proteins into smaller units. One Healthline study found that 97% of people with indigestion experienced reduced symptoms when they took pepsin combined with amino acid hydrochloride. Pepsin is also commonly sold with Betaine HCl, a compound used to increase stomach acid. Betaine HCl stands for betaine hydrochloride, or hydrochloric acid.
#2: B Vitamins
Research suggests that these are some of the best supplements for GERD. B vitamins are essential in general, and some of them – including vitamin B6, riboflavin, and folate – can help with laryngopharyngeal reflux. One study even compared the effectiveness of over-the-counter drugs to supplements including vitamin B, and these homeopathic remedies were significantly more effective.
#3: Iberogast
Iberogast is an over-the-counter supplement that is commonly used to treat acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. It is made from a blend of herbal extracts that includes milk thistle fruit, licorice root, and peppermint. You can get it at your local drugstore and even on Amazon.
#4: Probiotics
A type of bacteria located in the digestive tract, probiotics can help with symptoms occurring due to acid reflux. They play a key role in gut health and help lessen acid production, leading to low stomach acid levels and more comfortable living for those who suffer from GERD. You can find probiotics at your local drugstore or online, but make sure to choose a reputable and known brand such as Nature’s Bounty.
#5: Aloe Vera
Products made with aloe vera, such as juice, drops, or essential oils, can be helpful for treating the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn due to high levels of gastric acid. Aloe vera is a soothing remedy for many different ailments.
#6: Ginger
Ginger root is a spice as well as a herbal supplement, and it is often used to soothe stomach upset and address issues like indigestion and nausea. You can pair it with other herbal extracts such as perilla or artichoke leaf that can also help alleviate these symptoms.
Building Your Herbal Home
Heartburn and acid reflux are common ailments – but they do not mean that you have to turn to modern drugs and pills. Instead, there are plenty of herbal remedies and natural supplements and solutions to help you and your family navigate digestive issues.
Looking for more ways to build your herbal home? I’ve compiled handy cheat sheets for many different ailments to help you find the herbs you need to succeed. For instance, herbs can help with congestion relief, migraines, sleep, and so much more.
