How to Naturally Combat Acid Reflux (GERD)

Updated: February 27, 2023

Authored By:
Lara Pizzorno – AlgaeCal Scientific Advisory Board Member
MDiv, MA, LMT
Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.

Virtually everyone has experienced heartburn after a meal, particularly too large a meal, one eaten too rapidly, or one containing fast food, fried food, fatty meats like bacon or sausage, or a pepperoni-laden pizza. The resulting heartburn, a.k.a., acid reflux can cause slight or close to unbearable sensations. 

If you’ve ever wondered what causes reflux, and what you can do to prevent it and treat it naturally, this article is for you. We’ll discuss the most common causes of acid reflux, why acid reflux medications may not be your best option, and effective natural remedies you can try before using a proton pump inhibitor, the most commonly prescribed acid reflux drug with a serious drawback: they promote osteoporosis[1][2].

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus that can occur shortly after a meal or when lying down. This causes a burning sensation in the mid-chest. When food is consumed, special cells (called parietal cells) in the lining of your stomach secrete hydrochloric acid, so you can digest it. If the food returns back up your esophagus, so does the stomach acid it contains, producing a burning sensation. 

Normally, acid reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve that is supposed to close tightly after you swallow food and it moves down the esophagus into your stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close, for reasons we’ll talk about below, the stomach acid produced to digest your food can flow back up your esophagus. 

When this happens all the time, it’s called chronic acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and can damage the lining of the esophagus over time as this sensitive tissue isn’t protected against the acidity of your stomach juices[3].

Common Causes of Acid Reflux or GERD

Some of the most common causes of acid reflux or GERD include: 

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of your stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm muscle where the esophagus and stomach join. The diaphragm is a thin wall of muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen. Normally, the diaphragm blocks stomach acid from rising into your esophagus, but when you have a hiatal hernia, the esophageal sphincter’s position is altered, so it doesn’t close completely and can allow food and acid to enter the esophagus, causing heartburn[4]. 

Hiatal hernias are most commonly caused by increased pressure in the abdominal cavity from physical strain, heavy lifting, straining during a bowel movement, coughing, or vomiting. Risk for hiatal hernias is increased when the connective tissue that is supposed to hold the internal organs and barriers in place is weakened. So having been pregnant and given birth, being overweight or obese[5], or having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that results in overly stretchy connective tissue[6], also increase the risk for the development of a hiatal hernia. If you have a hiatal hernia, surgery is typically recommended. This type of procedure is minimally invasive and may completely fix the problem. 

Obesity

Having excess weight around your abdomen can put pressure on your stomach. Ultimately, this may lead to stomach acids moving back up the esophagus, causing heartburn. Some research shows that obese individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience GERD[7].

Infection with Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial infection that is actually quite common. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 50% of the population have some level of H. Pylori in their stomach. Luckily, at low levels, H. Pylori typically does not cause any issues. However, rising levels can produce a range of symptoms, including heartburn, indigestion, bloating, and belching.

Untreated H. Pylori may even result in more serious issues like chronic gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer[3]. 

The good news is that H. Pylori is easily treated, so ask your doctor to order the urea breath test used to identify the presence of this infection if you have unexplained digestive upset[8][9]. 

Insufficient Stomach Acid

It may sound funny but having low stomach acid is actually a very common cause of acid reflux. Why? Because we need stomach acid to help break down food in our stomach, and when food isn’t properly digested, it can create gas bubbles that push food and acid back up into your esophagus[10].

Many people find that as they age, their stomach begins producing less acid, and in fact, research shows that 30-50% of postmenopausal women are not producing adequate stomach acid[11][12].

Common Medications

Medications always come with their side effects, and quite a few medications increase the risk for and have been associated with exacerbating GERD. These include: bisphosphonates, long-term use of NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, HRT (particularly estrogen only), nitrates (used for angina, also in conjunction with calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure and heart diseases), antidepressants (particularly tricyclic antidepressants), benzodiazepines (used as sedatives), and anticholinergics (used for irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder)[13]. 

To pinpoint your cause of acid reflux, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Don’t self-diagnose or treat it on your own without proper health guidance.

Acid Reflux Medication May Cause Bone Loss

While bone loss medication may cause GERD, it also appears that acid reflux medication may cause bone loss. 

One of the most common medications given for acid reflux is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In fact, PPIs account for 95% of acid-suppressing drug prescriptions due to their effectiveness[14].

PPIs work by suppressing acid production in your stomach and thereby mitigating GERD. Unfortunately, research shows that long-term use of PPIs increases the risk for osteoporosis due to its negative impact on bone mineral density (BMD)[15]. 

What’s the connection between PPIs and bone loss?

There are several mechanisms via which PPIs cause bone loss:

#1. PPIs Can Cause Hypergastrinemia

Hypergastrinemia is a condition where the hormone gastrin is higher than normal. Elevated gastrin increases the release of histamine, which impacts bone remodeling by its direct effect on osteoclasts (cells that break down). Specifically, high histamine can increase osteoclast differentiation, resulting in more bone loss than growth[16][17]. 

#2. PPIs May Promote Hyperparathyroidism

Hypergastrinemia is also related to hyperparathyroidism, which is a condition in which your parathyroid glands release high amounts of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Parathyroid hormone causes your bones to release calcium into the blood, depleting your bones of this vital mineral[18].

#3. PPIs May Cause Hypochlorhydria

Hypochlorhydria is a deficiency in stomach acid. This can happen when PPIs are doing their job a little too well. Having the right amount of stomach acid is crucial for absorbing nutrients, including essential bone-building nutrients like calcium. Therefore, when stomach acid is low, it can result in impaired mineral absorption and poor bone health[19].

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Once you have effectively pinpointed the cause of your acid reflux or GERD, there are a number of things you can try to relieve your symptoms and ultimately heal your digestive system — before turning to acid reflux medications.

Relax

Stress can exacerbate almost every physiological imbalance in your body, including heartburn. When you’re stressed, it directly affects your digestion due to the impact on your parasympathetic nervous system, and research shows a direct correlation between increased stress and increased symptoms of GERD[20].

Finding ways to relax and give your body and mind a break is crucial for overall health. Some tried and true stress-reduction techniques include physical activity, deep breathing, and yoga.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Yoga for Osteoporosis or How Osteoporosis Affects Mental Wellness for more science-backed, stress-reducing techniques.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Just as extra weight around your abdomen can put pressure on your stomach and cause acid reflux, the same is true for tight clothing. Anything that constricts your stomach can change the way you digest your food, so when you’re experiencing heartburn, bring some awareness to your clothing; if it feels tight around the abdomen, consider trying looser-fitting outfits. 

Eat Smaller Portions and Sit Up

The more you eat, the more acid your stomach will need to produce to break down your food. When your stomach is filled with food and acid production is ramped up, it’s a recipe for heartburn. If you tend to eat large meals, try eating smaller portions throughout the day to give your stomach the space it needs to digest your meals with a moderate amount of acid production. 

You can also help your digestion by sitting up straight at your meals or going for a short walk after you eat. Whatever you do, don’t lay down – lying down can trigger heartburn as your body has to work against gravity.

Sleep On Your Left Side

While it’s never a good idea to lay down directly after a meal, research shows that when you do go to bed, lying on your left side may be the optimal position for digestion, while sleeping on the right side can aggravate GERD symptoms. 

This may be related to the positioning of the lower part of your esophagus (gastroesophageal junction)[21].

Stop Smoking

Smoking is not only detrimental to bone health, but it can also increase acid reflux. When you smoke, it can damage your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is responsible for preventing stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus. As your LES muscles become weaker, you may experience more intense bouts of acid reflux[22]. 

HCL with Betaine

If the cause of your acid reflux is low stomach acid, this can be easily remedied with a supplement containing HCL (hydrochloric acid) with betaine. Everyone’s HCl needs will be different, so finding the right dose takes a little trial and error, but following these guidelines can ensure that you’re getting the right dose for you:

  1. Begin by taking just one tablet or capsule containing 600 mg of HCl with betaine after consuming a few bites of food at your next meal.
  2. If this does not aggravate your symptoms, then at every subsequent meal of the same size as the first one, you take one more tablet or capsule. One at the next meal, two at the next meal after that, three at the next meal, and so on. *When you take several tablets or capsules, don’t take them all at once; space them out throughout your meal. Just as your body would normally be producing the hydrochloric acid for you throughout your meal, you want to space out your supplemental hydrochloric acid.
  3. You can continue to increase the dose until you reach seven tablets or you experience a feeling of warmth in your stomach, whichever occurs first. If you feel any acid reflux from taking your HCl, then it likely means you’ve taken too much, so at the next meal, try backing off by one tablet. The goal is to take just enough HCl to improve your digestion.   

Note: A warm feeling in your stomach means you’ve taken too many tablets for that meal. Try the same level of HCl at a similarly sized meal to rule out any factors, such as the type of food you ate. More stomach acid is needed to digest protein than carbohydrates, so a meal containing meat will require more HCl than a vegetarian meal. Try different doses with larger meals until you determine which dose works best, i.e., eliminates your symptoms of indigestion. Obviously, you’ll need smaller doses with smaller meals.

Taking supplemental HCl with betaine can help improve your digestion and your digestive tract’s absorption of nutrients. As your digestive tract receives the nutrients it needs, the parietal cells in your stomach lining, which secrete HCl naturally, will also heal, regaining their ability to produce HCl for you naturally. As this happens, you may find you need less supplemental HCl to assist you.

You may need a bit more HCl when eating bigger or more demanding meals, for instance, if you’re ever going for an “All You Can Eat” buffet or holiday meal. You may also find you need a bit more HCl assistance as you grow older. In most of us, the ability to secrete HCl (at least in the same amounts) drops a little. Try taking an extra capsule and see if your digestion is better or if you get the warm feeling in your stomach. If it’s the latter, you didn’t need extra.

Probiotics for Acid Reflux

Probiotics work to restore and improve the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria in your gut’s microbiome. This can help improve overall digestion and fight off H. Pylori and other pathogens. You can repopulate your system with healthy bacteria by consuming fermented foods along with probiotic supplements. Probiotics have also been shown to benefit brain function and your bones! For more, read our in-depth post on Prebiotics and Probiotics.

Magnesium for Acid Reflux

Magnesium may help lessen acid reflux because it is essential for a well-functioning digestive system.  Magnesium relaxes muscles, including those of the intestines, and also prevents hyper-excitability of our nervous system, including the extensive nerve supply to the intestines. Constricted muscles and hyper-excitable nerves can, literally, cramp your digestive style! 

However, it’s important to properly balance your intake of magnesium with that of calcium, its partner in many cellular activities. The optimal balance is a calcium: magnesium ratio of 2:1 (or about half as much magnesium as calcium). Consumption of too much magnesium can produce a laxative effect. 

Acid Reflux (GERD) Takeaways

Acid reflux is a very common condition. Unfortunately, the drugs used to manage reflux do not address its underlying causes and cause other problems, including mineral insufficiencies that increase your risk for bone loss and set the stage for osteoporosis[23].

Fortunately, you can do much to naturally and safely deal with the causes of reflux and avoid the more dangerous side effects that can occur when it’s left untreated without sacrificing the health of your bones. 

Sign up for the AlgaeCal Newsletter to stay informed about the latest research on all things bone health and healthy aging.  

FAQs

1. What is acid reflux caused by?

Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus that can occur shortly after a meal or when lying down. Several potential causes of acid reflux include hiatal hernia, obesity, infection with H.pylori, insufficient stomach acid, and common medications. 

2. How do you relieve acid reflux?

You may find relief from acid reflux by eating smaller portions, avoiding tight clothing, sleeping on your left side, or taking supplements like HCL with betaine. Stress can also exacerbate acid reflux, so try to find ways to reduce stress if you experience heartburn. 

3. Is acid reflux serious?

Acid reflux is not life-threatening, but when left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus due to ongoing inflammation and irritation. This could turn into esophageal cancer. Acid reflux may also be a symptom of another issue, like a hiatal hernia or H. pylori, so it’s important to get to the root of your reflux.

4. What are the 4 types of acid reflux?

#1 is mild acid reflux, which is the first stage accompanied by mild heartburn. #2 is moderate acid reflux, where symptoms become a bit more frequent and pronounced. #3 is severe acid reflux, characterized by extreme symptoms daily. And #4 is esophageal cancer, which is the result of long-term untreated acid reflux. 

5. What does a proton pump inhibitor actually do?

PPIs prevent the proton pump enzymes in the lining of your stomach from making acid. By suppressing acid production in your stomach, they mitigate acid reflux. 

References 

  1. Andersen, Bjarne Nesgaard, Per Birger Johansen, and Bo Abrahamsen. “Proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis.” Current opinion in rheumatology 28.4 (2016): 420-425.
  2. Ghebre, Yohannes T. “Proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis: is collagen a direct target?.” Frontiers in endocrinology 11 (2020): 473.
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8098-hiatal-hernia
  5. Tack, Jan, and John E. Pandolfino. “Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease.” Gastroenterology 154.2 (2018): 277-288.
  6. Nelson, A. D., et al. “Ehlers Danlos syndrome and gastrointestinal manifestations: a 20‐year experience at Mayo Clinic.” Neurogastroenterology & Motility 27.11 (2015): 1657-1666.
  7. El-Serag, Hashem B., et al. “Obesity is an independent risk factor for GERD symptoms and erosive esophagitis.” Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG 100.6 (2005): 1243-1250.
  8. Alzoubi, Hamed, et al. “The use of 13C-urea breath test for non-invasive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in comparison to endoscopy and stool antigen test.” Diagnostics 10.7 (2020): 448.
  9. O’Connor, Anthony. “The urea breath test for the noninvasive detection of Helicobacter pylori.” Helicobacter pylori. New York, NY: Springer US, 2021. 15-20.
  10. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochlorhydria
  11. Sipponen, Pentti, and Matti Härkönen. “Hypochlorhydric stomach: a risk condition for calcium malabsorption and osteoporosis?.” Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology 45.2 (2010): 133-138.
  12. English, Jim. “Gastric Balance: Heartburn and Gastritis Not Always Caused by Excess Acid.” Nutrition Review. Retrieved March 30 (2018): 2022.
  13. Mungan, Zeynel, and Binnur Pinarbasi Simsek. “Which drugs are risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease?.” (2017).
  14. Thong, Benjamin Ka Seng, Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana, and Kok-Yong Chin. “Proton pump inhibitors and fracture risk: a review of current evidence and mechanisms involved.” International journal of environmental research and public health 16.9 (2019): 1571.
  15. Chen, C-H., C-L. Lin, and C-H. Kao. “Gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton pump inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis: a nationwide population-based analysis.” Osteoporosis International 27 (2016): 2117-2126.
  16. Biosse-Duplan, Martin, et al. “Histamine promotes osteoclastogenesis through the differential expression of histamine receptors on osteoclasts and osteoblasts.” The American journal of pathology 174.4 (2009): 1426-1434.
  17. Nakamura, Sanae, et al. “Effect of rabeprazole on histamine synthesis in enterochromaffin-like cells of mast cell-deficient (Ws/Ws) rats.” European journal of pharmacology 394.1 (2000): 9-16.
  18. Gagnemo-Persson, Rebecca, et al. “Growth of the parathyroid glands in omeprazole-treated chickens.” Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology 29.6 (1994): 493-497.
  19. Thong, Benjamin Ka Seng, Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana, and Kok-Yong Chin. “Proton pump inhibitors and fracture risk: a review of current evidence and mechanisms involved.” International journal of environmental research and public health 16.9 (2019): 1571.
  20. Naliboff, Bruce D., et al. “The effect of life stress on symptoms of heartburn.” Psychosomatic medicine 66.3 (2004): 426-434.
  21. Kaltenbach, Tonya, Seth Crockett, and Lauren B. Gerson. “Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease?: an evidence-based approach.” Archives of internal medicine 166.9 (2006): 965-971.
  22. Parente, F. M. O. S. G., et al. “Cigarette smoking, gastric acid secretion, and serum pepsinogen I concentrations in duodenal ulcer patients.” Gut 26.12 (1985): 1327-1332.
  23. Koyyada, Arun. “Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors as a risk factor for various adverse manifestations.” Therapies 76.1 (2021): 13-21.

Article Comments

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  1. Jan Lemire

    March 3, 2018 , 9:28 am

    I’ve been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and the doctor said I need to take ranitidine twice a day to stop food from coming up my esophagus, which could help cause cancer. I’m 73 yrs old, still working fulltime, ride my Harley, do 15 mins of chair exercises every day and 10 mins (at least 1/2 mile) on my treadmill at least 4 times a week. Any suggestions?

  2. Lara Pizzorno

    March 4, 2018 , 2:37 pm

    Hi Jan,
    Congratulations! You are obviously very active, and your vitality level is excellent. I manage to hang on behind my husband when we go on motorcycle trips (he has a Suzuki VStrom), and just remaining on the bike is quite a work out!
    You can try eating smaller meals and not eating close to bedtime to see if this helps. If not, your best option is to ask your doctor for a referral to a competent surgeon who can perform the minimally invasive surgery needed to repair your hiatal hernia. Your worst option here is taking ranitidine (trade name Zantac). This drug, a PPI, will not heal your hernia, It will simply suppress your ability to produce stomach acid for up to 24 hours, which will greatly lessen your ability to digest your food and absorb its nutrients. As explained above in this article, PPIs promote bone loss. In addition, these drugs have a number of other very unhappy side effects, including increasing your risk of bacterial and fungal infections in the digestive tract (C difficle and H.pylori infection, or example). The reason for this is that one of stomach acid’s jobs is killing pathogens that manage to reach the stomach.
    Do keep me posted on how you’re doing. It’s possible that just eating smaller meals (more frequently so your intake of food remains sufficient) and being careful not to eat for 3-4 hours before bedtime may control your reflux. One more suggestion, sleeping on your left side may also help.
    Please do keep me posted on how you’re doing. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping to hear that your concerns will soon resolve — safely.

  3. Mala Cohen

    January 31, 2023 , 9:02 am

    Lara
    I am wondering why you recommend magnesium oxide for GERD/heartburn, rather than more absorbable forms. Magnesium oxide is known to be the least absorbable form of magnesium, so that even though you get more mg’s in a smaller capsule, you don’t get as much magnesium, because it still doesn’t absorb as well as forms such as magnesium glycinate, malate, and taurate. Magnesium oxide is a cheaper form of magnesium and so, along with the fact that you can get more mg’s of it in a smaller space, is widely used in supplements for bone health. It also can lead to diarrhea, which is why I stay away from it. Please reconsider your recommendation of this form of magnesium. I dislike having to choose the basic form of Algaecal to avoid it, which means purchasing and taking K2, D3, etc separately as well as a better form of magnesium.
    I would rather have 1 or 2 or 3 good capsules of a high quality magnesium added to the Algaecal box, even at a higher price. Or eliminate the non algae magnesium from your formula and advise users to take magnesium separately.

  4. Chelsea Dugas

    February 1, 2023 , 8:26 am

    Thank you for sharing your concern, Mala! This is a common misconception. Research shows magnesium oxide is as effective, if not more, than other forms of magnesium at maintaining and restoring magnesium in your bones and cells. For an in-depth explanation of why we chose this superior form, please click HERE. That said, it’s also important to understand that magnesium is a natural osmotic laxative and too much can cause loose stools. If you’re taking other supplements in addition to AlgaeCal, check to see if they also contain magnesium. If this isn’t the case, magnesium malabsorption could be the cause. Our bodies require the active form of vitamin B6 – pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) – to properly absorb magnesium. Approximately 1 in 4 people have a genetic inability to efficiently convert vitamin B6 to P5P and this interferes with magnesium absorption. Symptoms of magnesium malabsorption include loose stool, muscle cramps, and headaches. To determine if this is the case, you could try supplementing with 50mg of P5P daily. P5P is a very inexpensive and safe supplement and can be found in any health food store. We hope this helps! Please don’t hesitate to call our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184 (USA & Canada) or email [email protected] for further support. Hope this helps!

    – Chelsea @ AlgaeCal

  5. Cindy

    March 5, 2018 , 11:19 am

    The other night I woke up and I could feel a burning liquid coming up. It promptly went back down when I sat all the way up. I have never had that happen before, but I do seem to burp quite a bit after meals. I do take Magnesium at night before I go to bed, and I did use probiotics for about 2 months, but found that I started to have stomach discomfort/ full feeling, when I stopped using them, the discomfort slowly subsided after a few days. There are foods I used to eat like onions, which I can no longer and have not been able to eat for several years now as they cause stomach discomfort. I am 60 old now and after reading your blog am wondering if the problem is that I am not producing enough stomach acid.

  6. Lara Pizzorno

    March 8, 2018 , 11:31 am

    Hi Cindy,
    Yes, insufficient stomach acid production could definitely be what’s going on. You could try the protocol I explain in the article and see if it helps. Also, you need to eat dinner reasonably early and not go to bed/lie down for at least 4 hours after eating her evening meal. Having an adverse reaction to probiotics suggests (1) your gut flora is NOT in healthy balance OR (2) the probiotic supplement you took was NOT a good one – a number of probiotic supplements were tested and many were found to not only not contain the probiotics they claimed to and also to contain pathogenic bacteria. It is REALLY important to only buy these supplements from a trustworthy company! We use Bioclinic Naturals Probiotic Pro12 — Joe is paid to design this line of supplements; he does NOT get paid when people purchase them. If (1) then what’s happening is that the healthy bacteria from the supplement are duking it out with the unhealthy bacteria that have set up residence in the digestive tract. If this continues, you should have a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis run to determine what’s in your gut. Here’s a link to this test: https://www.gdx.net/product/comprehensive-digestive-stool-analysis-cdsa

  7. Tracey Vivar

    March 13, 2018 , 12:54 pm

    Have had great success w/drinking aloe vera juice to combat acid reflux. It’s not exactly tasty but a few drops of honey makes it quite nice.

  8. Jenna AlgaeCal

    March 14, 2018 , 10:08 am

    Hi Tracey,

    Thank you so much for sharing, we love hearing what works for our readers! 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  9. Vivian

    March 5, 2023 , 8:51 pm

    Tracy, you might want to look into “George’s Aloe.” It’s made in a small town in Texas and I have found it very beneficial AND it simply looks and taste like water. Just research it for yourself if you’re interested.

  10. Susan Price

    March 15, 2018 , 7:49 am

    I recently had a very uncomfortable bout of heart burn and gas with everything I ate for several days. I found my remedy in drinking some Aloe Vera juice, drinking 1 portion of Power Greens, and eating green salads for dinner, doing this for a couple of days.

  11. Carol Walsh

    May 16, 2019 , 5:22 pm

    What kind of Aloe Vera juice? Brand name? Can you get it at the regular store? When do you take it? Thank you for any help. ?

  12. Jane

    June 17, 2019 , 12:02 pm

    I am going through heartburn and acid reflux currently. I used in the past and should have kept taking as it helps with chronic constipation. I use George’s distilled 100% Aloe Vera which really helps with symptoms and it naturally soothes overtime. All other Aloe juice products contain preservatives that are a bit too acid for me. It is important to know the cause. I will see my gastroenterologist tomorrow. I think that my main triggers are eating late and stress. I’m a worrier! I have seen many great reviews from George’s Aloe Vera. They sell at Health Food stores and online.

  13. Lucia A Gonzalez

    March 15, 2018 , 11:04 am

    Thanks for sending me this very complete and useful information on GERD. I will try HCL with betaine supplement because I think this may work for me. I will keep you posted on my results. Thanks a lot for your help.

  14. Lana Miller

    April 13, 2018 , 5:25 am

    I have been prescribed PPI twice a day and followed this religiously for a few months. My symptoms aren’t typical in that I don’t have burning or burping. I have dry mouth and throat. Sometimes really bad and I must have water with me 24/7. I also have osteopenia so this medicine is of great concern. I have now decided to only take it first thing in the morning and plan to take it every other day soon. I don’t have the funds for algaecal and wonder about a different approach. I have not been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia but it does run in my family. Any thoughts (help /advise) would be appreciated. Thank you.

  15. Jenna AlgaeCal

    April 25, 2018 , 11:18 am

    Hi Lana,

    It’s wonderful to see you’re doing your research and looking for the best approach to resolve your acid reflux and strengthen your bones! We suggest first working with your doctor or naturopath to determine if a hiatal hernia is the root cause of your symptoms, or perhaps something else! This will help determine the next steps for you. If a hiatal hernia is the cause, Lara included some excellent suggestions on treating/managing this in her response to Jan below.

    Lana, did you know weight-bearing exercise and a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your bone health? Our blog is an excellent free resource for bone healthy recipes, exercise, and nutrition information. Find it here. If you have any questions feel free to email [email protected] or call our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184 🙂

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  16. KarlaJ

    June 12, 2019 , 12:03 pm

    My ENT told me to take my PPI at night, just before bed. This is to help with the GERD as the medication wears off at night! He said the acid was irritating the base of my tongue & tonsils! It’s working fine so far!

  17. Jenna AlgaeCal

    August 28, 2018 , 2:23 pm

    Hi Sandy,

    This is a great question! Antacid medications can affect the absorption of any vitamins & minerals that you are consuming at the same time. So to allow for maximum absorption, we recommend separating these medications at least 3-4 hours apart from AlgaeCal Plus & Strontium Boost. This will help to limit any potential interactions and give you the best benefits.

    We would also like to share this article with you. It provides some excellent insight on prescription medications (including antacids), and the effects they can have on your bones in the long run. In light of this prescription medication intake, however, we would still expect wonderful results for you!

    If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected] or call our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184.

    – Jenna @ AlgaeCal

  18. Jeannette Yanez

    June 12, 2019 , 12:31 pm

    Thank you, I see my question has already been answered.

  19. Loraine

    August 1, 2020 , 1:41 pm

    I take AlgaeCal plus.. so whats good for heart burn

  20. Megan AlgaeCal

    August 4, 2020 , 1:44 pm

    Hi Loraine!

    Feel free to read some of the tips in the article for natural approaches to help combat reflux. We would encourage you to work with a health professional to first identify the cause of your reflux and heartburn so that you can most effectively treat it. ❤️

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  21. Suzy Smith

    July 3, 2019 , 12:46 pm

    I have been told in the past by naturopathic doctor that my bodily doesn’t absorb nutrients well. I am going to look for HCL supplement. Do you recommend a certain one?

  22. Megan AlgaeCal

    July 5, 2019 , 2:32 pm

    Hi Suzy!

    Thanks for sharing & reaching out! There isn’t a particular brand we recommend, but we do recommend an HCL supplement with betaine. You can find these in health stores or online. For example, Amazon has a number of different options here.

    Hope this helps! If you have any other questions or concerns let us know. 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  23. Jackie Carr-Brown

    October 5, 2019 , 5:02 am

    Hi, Thanks for the info on acid reflux and GERD. Very timely for me as a recent CT scan has revealed hiatus hernia AND interstitial lung disease. The thing is the doctors are wondering if GERD is the cause of the lung scarring. I’m 72, using algaecal plus and strontium boost to increase bone density, trying not to think about progressive, incurable, lung disease but attempting to deal with the GERD I never suspected I had. I get heartburn maybe once a week, but must admit that excessive belching has been a constant and bothersome problem. I thought it was ‘oldladyitis’. So thanks again for the informative article.

  24. Megan AlgaeCal

    October 8, 2019 , 9:05 am

    You’re more than welcome, Jackie!! ?

    Sorry to hear about your recent health challenges – we hope your doctors will be able to figure out what’s going on and that some of the strategies in this article will help with your heartburn! ❤️

    It’s definitely easy to confuse symptoms of medical conditions with oldladyitis – glad you went in for a checkup! ?

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  25. Annette

    November 16, 2019 , 1:05 pm

    I’ve been having gut issues for a long while, I’ve just had an endoscopy where a 3cm hietal hernia was found (dr told me they don’t do any thing for them and to sit up to sleep) also a single erosion in the pylorus and a duodenitis in the first part of the duodenum, which I have been told is inflammation, I asked my dr what causes this, he shrugged his shoulders and said he didnt know. Have been prescribed a ppi but would rather the cause be treated and not the symptom but how can I find the cause? I take gaviscon which does help for a while but my stomach is so sore i could cry. I really am at a loss as to know what to do, is it to much acid or to little. I’m 60 years old and feel I’m still menopausal. I also asked for a referral to see a gastroenterologist but that’s not happening but will be referred to a dietician, I weigh just under 9 stone. Any advise would be appreciated thank you.

  26. Megan AlgaeCal

    November 19, 2019 , 1:48 pm

    Hi Annette,

    We’re so sorry to hear about the health challenges you’ve been going through and the pain you’re in ❤️ It sounds like you could benefit from the care of a functional medicine practitioner. You can search for certified practitioners in your area at this link.

    Annette, have you tried some of the approaches we mention above? Sometimes simply avoiding trigger foods may help reduce symptoms. If your doctor hasn’t already done so, you may want to ask them about testing you for H.pylori infection (using a simple breath test) and checking your ability to produce HCl (stomach acid).

    Hope this information helps, Annette, and that you’re able to identify and address the cause of your symptoms soon!

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  27. Jan Byington

    April 30, 2020 , 6:39 am

    I had globus sensation when I started to eat but suddenly it changed to needing to burp which seems better. I now get heartburn if I bend over or at night. My mother had a hiatal hernia. Physician seems uninterested. I have been on Algae Cal 11 months and it helped heal a foot fracture. Any thoughts about throat and gut issue?

  28. Megan AlgaeCal

    April 30, 2020 , 11:44 am

    Hi Jan,

    Sorry to hear that your physician seems uninterested – it may be helpful to get a second opinion from another physician if possible. If you’re interested in looking for a functional medicine doctor, you can search for one in your area here.

    Any other questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-820-0184 ❤️

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  29. Danna Street

    May 1, 2020 , 7:43 pm

    I suffer from chronic gastritis. I know t is stress related. I also have MS. Taking antacids does help temporarily, but I would like to find a natural remedy. I do take AlgaeCal, Strontium, and Triple Power. Any suggestions?

  30. Blaire AlgaeCal

    May 4, 2020 , 12:37 pm

    Hi Danna,

    Thanks for reaching out and sharing a bit about yourself! We’re so sorry to hear what you’re going through.

    If it is stress-related, you might find exercises such as yoga to be beneficial! You can view exercises on our blog here. Having said that, we recommend speaking to your doctor regarding any medical conditions ❤️

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  31. June

    July 6, 2020 , 4:45 pm

    Yes I have been diagnosed with reflux disease and currently having to take a PPI which I try not to take all the time as I’m worried about possible side effects as a senior!
    What is your advice on this?

  32. Megan AlgaeCal

    July 7, 2020 , 9:58 am

    Hi June!

    Feel free to try some of the tips mentioned in this article. If you haven’t already, you may want to speak with your doctor about determining whether you have too much stomach acid, or too little stomach acid, as this will change how you tackle your reflux!

    Hope this helps 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  33. Annemarie Lafreniere

    July 13, 2021 , 11:31 am

    I also have been taking a PPI, sadly for years, after Gallbladder removal. Now I find out from my nephrologist this and other PPI’s are damaging to kidneys. I have stopped taking the PPI and trying smaller meals, eliminating much of the list Liza provided above. My bed is a platform that I can raise the head, which I do now every night and when pain in my esophagus becomes uncomfortable I chew one Tum and then another if one doesn’t help. I drink lots of water. Some years ago, I had an endoscopy which showed a lot of damage. I wish there were something that would heal the damage; hopefully my new diet will go a long way to helping.

  34. Megan AlgaeCal

    July 14, 2021 , 11:42 am

    Hi Annemarie, sorry to hear this.

    Hoping your new diet will go a long way in helping as well ❤️ Limiting fatty foods may be especially beneficial for you.

    – Megan @ AlgaeCal

  35. jamie

    September 26, 2020 , 9:57 pm

    There are some amazing remedies for GERD/Acid/Silent Reflux. I’ve had it for five years and tried about everything. George’s Aloe Vera Juice isn’t bitter but taste like Spring water. Just don’t drink too much. 4oz a day. Mastic Gum is an amazing supplement. If you’ve got a lot of esophagus/throat damage try some Manuka Honey.

  36. Megan AlgaeCal

    September 29, 2020 , 9:50 am

    Thanks for sharing, Jamie!!

    Great to hear that you’ve been able to find relief with natural remedies 🙂

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  37. Mike

    December 6, 2020 , 5:31 pm

    When experimenting With a HCL what should I expect if I’ve taken too much with a meal will it be harmful? And if so what should I do in that case? Flush with the water or continue eating Until it subsides?

  38. Lara Pizzorno

    December 14, 2020 , 2:21 pm

    In #6 in my GERD post where I explain how to use HCl with betaine, I mention that if you take more than you need, you’ll get a warm, slightly burning sensation in your stomach, just as you would if you naturally produced an excess of stomach acid. To correct for this, just take some bicarbonate – dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a 4-ounce glass of water and sip slowly. At your next meal of comparable size, cut back the amount of HCl with betaine you take.
    As an individual’s stomach heals, s/he may experience this slight burning sensation with the dose of HCl that was previously used but is no longer required. It’s a good sign. Again, just cut back slowly on the amount of HCl taken.

  39. Teena

    February 18, 2021 , 6:14 am

    Thanks for the great info. Do you have a brand of HCL/Betaine that you prefer? thx

  40. Blaire AlgaeCal

    February 22, 2021 , 9:05 am

    We’re so glad you enjoyed the information, Teena 🙂

    That’s a great question. There isn’t a particular brand that we recommend — you may want to visit your local health store, and they should be able to guide you to an appropriate one for you.

    Let us know if you have further questions!

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  41. Lesley

    February 22, 2021 , 3:46 pm

    Just wondering if Silicol Gel would be helpful

  42. Megan AlgaeCal

    February 23, 2021 , 10:28 am

    Hi Lesley!

    We apologize as this isn’t an option we’re familiar with. We’d recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider about giving silicol gel a try! ❤️

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  43. Marsha

    April 10, 2021 , 12:35 am

    I just started algaecal plus and strontium bone booster 4/10/21 woke up twice with I hope heart burn hurting but, finding it hard to belch currently having some sharp pains not sure what to do

  44. Blaire AlgaeCal

    April 13, 2021 , 8:59 am

    Hi Marsha,

    We’re so sorry to hear, this is unusual and not something you should be experiencing with AlgaeCal!

    Please email [email protected] or call our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184 – we would love to work with you to determine the cause of what you’re experiencing and make sure you’re feeling 100%. Remember, we’re here to support you along your bone health journey! ❤️

    – Blaire @ AlgaeCal

  45. Rita Haby

    May 29, 2021 , 1:32 pm

    A bite of sauerkraut works wonders. I always keep a container of it in the fridge (fresh,not the canned stuff).

  46. Inyol Moore

    June 1, 2021 , 6:19 pm

    I have GERD and have been taking medication 20 mg for 4 months now. With all the tests I have gone through I had gastritis and treated and also my Gallbladder is Calcified and sludge was seen. But GI Doctor said it does not necessarily cause my symptoms which is abdominal pain. The HIDA scan which tested my Gallbladder function test showed it measures 92 % so it showed normal (35% and above is considered normal). So I don’t know what I need to do next. Mean time I try to improve my bone density, it is so hard since I am on medication. Thank you for your great information on GERD and all other help you are giving us.

  47. Megan AlgaeCal

    June 2, 2021 , 11:20 am

    Hi Inyol, thank you for reaching out and we’re happy to be able to share any information that might help you!

    If you’re currently taking AlgaeCal, we recommend taking it at least 4 hours apart from reflux medications for maximal absorption. If you’re interested in working with a functional medicine doctor to try and identify the cause of your reflux, you can search for one in your area here.

    Hope this helps and if you have any bone health questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at 1-800-820-0184 (USA & Canada toll-free) ❤️

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  48. Marlene

    June 15, 2021 , 2:25 pm

    I have been suffering from GERD when I eat. Sometimes the pain is like a knife. Since I have been taking AlgaeCal, I do not have the discomfort. Do you think the magnesium is helping?

  49. Megan AlgaeCal

    June 21, 2021 , 3:15 pm

    Hi Marlene, great to hear your reflux has resolved!

    Yes, it’s possible that the magnesium in AlgaeCal is helping, especially if you were previously low in magnesium.

    Thanks for reaching out! 😀

    -Megan @ AlgaeCal

  50. Annette Mcinnes

    November 4, 2021 , 6:01 pm

    Lara,I have been seen at Cleveland Clinic and by a functional medicine doctor nearby —-both for a number of visits, but you have been most helpful. Thank you!

    Question: Is Magnesium Glycinate as helpful as M. Oxide?
    Also, I am having terrible gas and bloating, which affects my heart rate. I had a gastric ulcer which my doctor said was from too much acid. I have been tested for both H. Pylori (neg) and had the stool test. Was diagnosed with IBS and Sibo. Have taken about any supplememt you can name! I still do not know if I have too much acid or too little. Should I try the HCL? Thanks!
    Annette Mcinnes

  51. Ishneet AlgaeCal

    November 15, 2021 , 12:52 am

    Hi Annette!

    Thanks for reaching out! We’re so sorry to hear about the discomfort that you have been experiencing ❤️ It sounds like you could benefit from reaching out to Lara and the best way to reach out is is by posting in the AlgaeCal Community here. Hope this information helps, Annette, and that you’re able to identify and address the cause of your symptoms soon!

    -Ishneet @ AlgaeCal

  52. Michael delrussi

    November 16, 2022 , 3:01 am

    Been dealing with it for over20years. Have been a vegan for:30 no fried foods dairy no meat no tomatoes coffee on rare occasion drink tea latest information tells us that most heartburn medications can actually cause gastric cancer. HAve tried probiotics digestive enzymes . For the most part no results. It’s very frustrating .

  53. Shelby AlgaeCal

    November 16, 2022 , 12:54 pm

    Hi Michael,

    Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about your battle with acid reflux – thank you for reaching out and sharing this with us! I can certainly understand how frustrating it can be to try everything and still have no relief.

    Michael, if you’d be interested our Bone Health Expert Lara Pizzorno has done a wonderful interview with Dr. Liz Lipski on the topic of healing the gut, and you may just find some of the information helpful! I have linked the interview HERE for your convenience. Do let us know if you have any questions!

    – Shelby @ AlgaeCal

  54. Carol Fudyma

    March 4, 2023 , 12:56 pm

    I eliminated wheat and gluten. All of my gastric reflux issues disappeared completely!

  55. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 6, 2023 , 4:29 pm

    Hi Carol,

    This is great news! I’m so glad to hear that your gastric reflux discomforts have disappeared completely :). Thank you for sharing!

    – Yoori @ AlgaeCal

  56. Barbara Dooley

    March 5, 2023 , 9:57 am

    Would you comment on these recommendations and those dealing with Barrett’s Esophagus?

  57. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 6, 2023 , 5:31 pm

    Hi Barbara,

    As Barrett’s Esophagus results from long-term exposure to stomach acid, it would be ideal to combat acid reflux with these tips. When you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. This frequent acid exposure causes inflammation and damage to the cells in your esophagus. We also recommend working with your doctor on this as your health is utmost important!

    To your health

    – Yoori @ AlgaeCal

  58. Mary Ellen Cota

    March 5, 2023 , 8:15 pm

    I have found an amazing solution for me, as well as for a few others in my extended family! It’s simply eat a red delicious apple. Apparently it has the most pectin. Before the apple is gone, so is the reflux! YAY!

  59. Yoori AlgaeCal

    March 6, 2023 , 5:22 pm

    Hi Mary,

    I’m so glad to hear that you’ve found a solution that worked for you and your family members! Thank you for sharing this tip with us :).

    – Yoori @ AlgaeCal

  60. Ghislaine

    March 7, 2023 , 9:37 pm

    I experienced acid reflux during menopause … I did not like the side effects of the medication (brain fog). So I visited another doctor who suggested tests for food sensitivities. Processed sugar turned out to be the main cause of the acid reflux. When I stopped eating sugar, my hot flashed stopped!! Occasionally I eat a little sugar … it is hard to avoid!… If I take just a little too much, the hot flash appears again, and I know it is time to stay away from sugar for the rest of the week! I am so glad to have this warning system. Thanks to it, I haven’t had acid reflux issues since 2008!! And I don’t do the meds! (Food is Medicine)

  61. Manja

    March 8, 2023 , 8:11 am

    Hi Ghislaine! You’re so right, food IS medicine and we are what we eat. Staying in tune with our body is a great tool that helps us avoid the most common triggers. It’s great to hear you have found what this trigger is for you! Keep listening 🙂

    – Manja @ AlgaeCal

  62. Sabine M.

    March 18, 2023 , 9:14 pm

    Hi Lara,
    I just found this website and found your article on GERD very helpful. I started having GERD symptoms in September of 2022, after a very stressful event. I consulted a gastroenterologist who put me on 15 mg (over the counter) Prevacid. My symptoms were managed but didn’t go away. I decided to see a functional medicine doctor who did a genetic stool test (Biome FX). The results showed that my gut biome was not optimally balanced. H. Pylory and Celiac’s desease were ruled out with an endoscopy. However, it seemed like all the supplements that the functional medicine doctor put me on made me feel worse and I had to discontinue her treatment. I have tried several quality brands of probiotics after that (Klaire Labs, Ther-Biotic, Omnibiotic AB 10), per suggestion of my endocrinologist. I don’t know what I don’t seem to tolerate any probiotics. I have succesfully used the Klaire Labs Probiotic in the past and it helped me a lot. Do you have any suggestions for me? I would really appreciate it.

  63. Chelsea Dugas

    March 20, 2023 , 1:55 pm

    Oh, Sabine, you’ve been down the rabbit hole and back it seems. So sorry to hear this. Your question has been forwarded to Lara, though she is terribly busy, and it may take up to a week for her to answer, she will get to it as soon as she can. Best of luck to you! 🙂

    – Chelsea @ AlgaeCal

  64. Karen Woodard

    March 25, 2023 , 11:08 am

    Do I take additional calcium and vitamin D with Algae CalPlus and AlgaeCal Strontium Boost..?

  65. Sallie Russell

    May 3, 2023 , 6:33 am

    I take a PPI and this information is extremely useful to me.

  66. Manja

    May 3, 2023 , 9:35 am

    Thank you for your comment, Sallie! You may also be interested in the interview that is available on our YouTube channel HERE. In this video, Dr. Liz Lipski meets with Lara Pizzorno & The AlgaeCal Community to share natural, bone-friendly solutions for common digestive complaints. We hope you find this helpful as well.

    – Manja @ AlgaeCal

  67. Myrna

    June 12, 2023 , 2:00 pm

    How do you convert from Nexium to natural supplements for hiatal hernia and acid reflux?

  68. Brianne AlgaeCal

    June 13, 2023 , 7:31 am

    Great question, Myrna, and I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. Definitely speak to your medical professional before modifying any of your medications. It may be beneficial to reach out to a Functional Medicine Practitioner, who could help guide you along how to do this, as everyones body is a little different. I hope this helps!

    – Brianne @ AlgaeCal

This article features advice from our industry experts to give you the best possible info through cutting-edge research.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Loren Fishman
MD, B.Phil.,(oxon.) - Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Founder of the Yoga Injury Prevention Website.,
Prof. Didier Hans
PHD, MBA - Head of Research & Development Center of Bone Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Switzerland,