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What is a Good Nonprescription Remedy for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition caused by the weakening of the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach. The weakened muscle allows stomach acid to splash upward into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Acid reflux is very uncomfortable and, over time, can lead to damage of the esophagus and further damage of the sphincter muscle.

  1. Over The Counter Remedies

    • Many medications for acid reflux that were once only available through a prescription are now available over the counter. Remedies such as Prilosec, Pepcid AC, Zantac and Prevacid have all been prescribed for the treatment of acid reflux. All of these medications work on acid reflux by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. This helps to calm the discomfort of acid reflux and, in many cases, will help the body over time to heal damage caused by acid.

    Natural Remedies

    • Acid reflux sufferers who choose natural treatments recommend a wide variety of remedies for the pain. One of the simplest is to drink a glass of milk. The milk soothes the acid reflux pain and the liquid washes acid back down into the stomach. Water will also help to wash acid back down as well. Other sufferers recommend apple cider vinegar, a natural treatment that has had some scientific study with regard to other conditions and been shown to be effective in some patients, according to Web MD. Eating an apple can also help.

      Herbal remedies for acid reflux include chamomile tea, which is known for its calming effects on various digestive upsets. Mint teas, including peppermint and spearmint, are also recommended by some sufferers. Ginger is a proven nausea treatment and may also help with acid reflux. Fennel seed, aniseed, lavender and aloe are other herbs that might help with acid reflux. Most herbal treatments for acid reflux are used in tea form, steeping the herbs in hot water. This allows the herbs to work and has the added benefit of washing acid back down into the stomach where it belongs. Herbal tea formulas are available at health food, drug and grocery stores.

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