Natural Remedy for Acid Reflux

By Jessica Campbell, MS, FNTP

When my throat was burning from the most embarrassing involuntary action that could ever happen at a dinner party, I knew I had to do something about it. It started in college, when my stress was high, my diet was poor, and drinking at dinner parties was frequent.

I had the occasional indigestion or heartburn, but mostly attributed it to swallowing too much food, too fast, and never thought it would end up like this. I just threw up in my mouth, and it tasted like bile. 🤢

I wish I knew then, what I know now, and could have helped prevent a 15 year trial of invasive medications that not only made the problem worse, but created a new set of problems.

Noone ever told me that taking a PPI reduces your chance of absorbing Vitamin B12 and could lead to depression, instead they just offered me an antidepressant.

Nobody explained that I would absorb less calcium and could possible be at more risk for fractures. Uh, I was dancing 5 days a week, that could potentially be a huge problem… and it was.

No doctor ever explained to me that taking antacids with aspirin in them, on top of the ibuprofen I was taking for my new headaches, could cause more erosion in my gut and eventually ulcers.

Why was I all of a sudden having migraines and menstrual cramps? And most importantly why was I developing allergies to things I had never experienced allergies to in the past? I grew up in the country with all the weeds, pet dogs, cats, birds, chickens, peacocks, and I never had allergies then.

It was a frustrating journey that led me into alternative medicine, the world of nutrition, and one that drives my passion to help others skip the pain and suffering.  I learned in pharmaceutical courses the mechanism of actions of all of the drugs used in GERD treatment and I learned how to research comparative evidence-based holistic treatments. They tasted great, felt great, and the most exciting part was that these natural remedies not only helped me heal from the myriad of symptoms, but they worked synergistically with my body to improve all of my other health outcomes. Instead of hopping from specialist to specialist to solve 1 symptom, an integrative approach solved all of my symptoms. It was an amazing process and one I’m so excited to share with you.

For acid reflux, heartburn, or even the occasional indigestion, this little combination of only two fibers can help you heal from ulcerations by supporting the new growth of a mucosal layer. The mucousy coating on your gut, throat, and intestines protect it from the acid that might otherwise burn. Even better, the fibers act as prebiotics or food to your beneficial bacteria in the gut and can improve your microbiome which governs absorption, mood, weight gain, immune responses, and allergies.

Slippery Elm and Marshmallow root are both mucilaginous fibers that coat the lining and soothe the pain. These fibers are safe for pets; once my veterinarian gave me the OK to use it on my cat, she stopped vomiting after her meals were too cold or too offensive to her sensitive stomach.

They are safe for kids and for pregnant mommies however, do remember that this is educational and not medical advice. Please ask your doctor if these plants are appropriate for you. Fibers can bulk around medications in the intestines and make some less effective. A practitioner will be able to tell you if there are any contraindications for you.

You can order these plants in bulk or sometimes find them at your local health food stores. Marshmallow root often comes in a tea and slippery elm is often found in throat lozenges. They are both part of the Traditional Medicinals Tea Throat Coat and many other teas for a sore throat.

Try my quick video to help you learn how to make it from scratch, which is the most therapeutic form. It’s not complicated, and I hope you love it. Let me know if you have any questions.

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Try my "No More Acid Reflux" Protocol!

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Other articles you may like:

How to Stop Inflammation -- Best Tea For Acid Reflux -- Better Health With Simple Movements