Acid reflux is a common problem that is all too often treated incorrectly. Conventional doctors treat this problem using prescription medication that reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. While this is effective in controlling the symptoms of acid reflux, it ultimately makes the problem worse by creating dependence on these medications, which can do more harm in the long term, and by not solving the underlying cause of the acid reflux. While acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the best treatment for acid reflux, there are some simple things you can do at home to help with this condition.
- For at least two weeks, maintain a Low carbohydrate diet. Stick to fresh vegetables, and fruits for carbohydrates. Severely limit grains (bread, pasta, cakes, cookies). Limit potatoes (sweet potatoes ok), corn, beans. See: Primal Blueprint Shopping List of ideas. Or visit marksdailyapple.com
- No artificial sweeteners.
- Strictly limit sweets, except for occasional fruit in season
- No fiber supplements
- Do not drink water (or other beverages) with your meal.
- Take one Betaine HCL tablet at the beginning of each meal. After 2-3 days, if there are no problems, increase to 2 tablets at the beginning of each meal. Every two days, add another capsule. Continue to add until you feel a mild burning sensation, then go back to the previous dose, the one that did not cause any sensation. Stay at this dose. A typical dose is between 1,000 and 3,000 mg. Caution: do not take HCL (do not perform this test) if taking any kind of ant-inflammatory such as corticosteroids (prednisone), aspirin, Indocin, ibuprofen (such as Motrin Advil etc) or any other NSAIDS. If unsure ask. These drugs can damage the gut lining; the HCL could aggravate and increase the risk of gastric bleeding or ulcer.
- Take a high quality probiotic, twice a day, in the morning and evening. You can also add other, natural sources of probiotics include yogurt with live cultures (unsweetened, perhaps add a little honey or fruit), Kambucha, raw (unpasteurized) sauerkraut.
- To restore a healthy gut lining, drink homemade bone broth soup.
- To restore a healthy gut lining, take a DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) supplement once a day before a meal.
