What Is Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or GERD, is a common condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) and may lead to a chronic sore throat, sharp pain, and nausea, especially when lying down.
The stomach produces strong acid necessary for digestion, and just above it, the LES sphincter, a muscle valve, opens to let food in and should otherwise stay closed to prevent acid from rising. However, this valve weakens and fails to close properly in many people, allowing stomach acids and digestive enzymes to flow back into the food pipe and throat.
Signs Of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux causes a burning sensation in the chest, especially when lying down, as stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. You may feel a lump in your throat, taste sour stomach fluids, and experience inflammation that makes swallowing difficult, leading to a sore throat and mucus buildup.
This condition arises from an imbalance in stomach acid levels, which should be between 1 and 3 on the pH scale. If it becomes more alkaline (4+), the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) loosens, allowing acid to reflux. Untreated acid reflux (GERD) can result in ulcers, food pipe damage, and an increased risk of throat cancer.
Antacids might provide temporary relief, but they raise pH levels, neutralizing essential stomach acid and worsening the problem over time.
Here are 5 Vitamins To Stop Acid Reflux Permanently
1. Betaine HCL (with Pepsin)
Betaine HCl is one of the most effective supplements for alleviating acid reflux by addressing its underlying causes. To initiate gastric pH acidification, taking 2 to 4 capsules of 1300 mg of Betaine HCl before meals is recommended. This action can enhance food digestion and facilitate the proper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), subsequently preventing reflux.
It is advisable to adhere to this protocol for 2 to 3 days, and if required, individuals may gradually increase the number of capsules taken with each meal until relief is achieved. Over several weeks, one can expect an increase in stomach acid levels, leading to the normalization of the digestive system’s functioning.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy that can help alleviate discomfort from acid reflux, especially at night when it can disrupt sleep. Chewing on a fresh slice of ginger root may provide immediate relief, as it contains compounds that soothe the esophagus and reduce inflammation.
For thousands of years, ginger has been used to ease gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and indigestion. Dehydrated ginger powder capsules, typically taken after meals, can also prevent reflux.
Fresh ginger can be incorporated into salads and stir-fries or made into a spicy beverage by mixing it with ice and cold water.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts in your large intestine, aiding digestion and producing neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which influences the gut-brain axis. This helps regulate the LES valve, improving digestive function. A healthy population of friendly microbes can reduce the risk of acid reflux, indigestion, ulcers, gastritis, IBS, SIBO, and autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, antibiotics, medications, artificial sweeteners, and junk food can harm these beneficial bacteria. To replenish them, regularly consume fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and pickles, or take a liquid probiotic supplement mixed with water for a quick boost to your microbiome.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Most people know apple cider vinegar can help with heartburn, indigestion, and other stomach issues.
You can drink raw, organic apple cider vinegar with a straw before each meal by adding one tablespoon to a glass of water.
Acetic acid helps keep your stomach’s pH level in check, improving digestion and stopping acid reflux and GERD.
Acetic acid is a type of SCFA. It also helps the cells in your gut by giving them energy to break down food and properly absorb vitamins and nutrients.
Apple cider vinegar is often considered the easiest and most effective way to treat acid reflux. However, if your throat or food pipe is sore, take two to three apple cider vinegar pills before each meal.
5. Zinc L-Carnosine
Zinc is a chemical your body needs to heal tissues, especially the cells lining your body’s inside.
This is a substance called Zinc L-carnosine, which the Japanese made and have used for 30 years to treat stomach ulcers.
It’s also great for fixing ulcers and other damage or swelling in your food pipe, stomach, or intestines.
It restores the protective mucus barrier in your gut to help your digestive system heal and repair itself.
Zinc also keeps dangerous microbes like H. pylori from growing too much in your stomach.
If you want to, you can take 75 mg of Zinc L-Carnosine every day as a vitamin.
Men need 11 mg of zinc daily, and women need 8 mg. You can also get zinc from healthy foods like pumpkin seeds, shellfish, and grass-fed red meat.
Causes Of Acid Reflux
On the other hand, let’s dig a little deeper and look at what caused this problem in the first place.
6 Root Causes Of Acid Reflux
Lack of Chloride and Potassium: The first and most common reason is that your body doesn’t have enough chlorides and potassium, which it needs to make stomach acid in the right amount.
Stress: When you’re under a lot of mental stress, the part of your nervous system that controls rest and digestion stops working. This keeps the LES valve above your stomach open.
Medicines for antacids: Common antacids, such as PPIs, Tums, and H2 blockers, are supposed to help, but they worsen acid reflux over time by blocking it.
H.Pylori: Helicobacter-pylori is a dangerous bacteria that can infect your stomach lining if damaged. To stay alive, this bacteria lowers your stomach acid.
Grains and Vegetable Oil: Consuming refined grains containing gluten, which irritates the gastric lining in many individuals, in addition to sugar and inflammatory vegetable oils.
Pain relievers and Antibiotics: Lastly, if you have previously taken antibiotics or other painkillers, these drugs can destroy your friendly bacteria and the mucous layer in your stomach, resulting in acid reflux.
How To Stop Acid Reflux
Now, let’s bring everything together and explore
Some simple lifestyle changes you can make to stop acid reflux permanently.
How To Stop Acid Reflux Permanently
1. Stop taking antacids, which neutralize stomach acid.
Instead, take Betaine HCL or Apple Cider Vinegar before every meal. These naturally repair digestion and shut the valve to prevent acid reflux (GERD).
They also restore the stomach’s pH equilibrium, allowing you to absorb more vitamins and minerals.
2. Begin consuming raw, shredded cabbage daily. Use red, purple, green, savoy cabbage, or sauerkraut to create a delectable salad.
Cabbage contains glutamine, chlorophyll, and Vitamin C, which can heal the stomach lining, esophagus, and intestines from acid reflux.
3. Reduce your intake of refined grains and vegetable oils, such as bread, biscuits, cereals, pasta, pastries, maize, soy, and canola.
Replace processed foods with nutritious whole foods, such as pasture-raised eggs, wild seafood, grass-fed meats, extra virgin olive oil, and steamed vegetables.
4. Start adding Himalayan or Celtic sea salt to your meals. This supplement contains sodium chloride, which aids in producing HCL in the stomach.
Consuming potassium-rich foods such as avocados, leafy greens, wild salmon, beet tops, squash, and Brussels sprouts can help stimulate cells that produce stomach acid.
To improve digestion, chew your meal more frequently.
5. Start the day with a big glass of carbonated mineral water. This hydrates your digestive tract and strengthens your stomach’s pH with slight acidity.
Reduce your intake of tea and coffee to manage acid reflux.
6. If you have stress or difficulty sleeping, finding techniques to relax and regulate your sympathetic nervous system is important.
To increase oxygen intake and relax your nervous system, take at least 45 minutes of gentle walks in nature daily. Consuming probiotic-rich meals daily can also reduce stress and promote intestinal health.
