Ginger Root Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with any esophageal swelling and irritation.[1] Sip on ginger root tea before meals to maximize the benefits but avoiding drinking too much (2-3 cups per day is ideal) as excessive ginger may cause mild digestive issues like diarrhea. Ginger Root Tea Ingredients: 1 tbsp. Fresh grated ginger 2 cups filtered water Raw honey (optional) Directions: * Peel the skin off the fresh ginger with a peeler then grate the flesh using a grater or zester * Add the water to a saucepan and bring to a boil * Once the water is boiling, add the grated ginger and turn off the heat * Pour through a wire mesh strainer into a mug * Add desired amount of honey for sweetener ⇒ For an extra boost of flavor and alkaline-properties, try adding chamomile flowers or milk thistle to the boiling water as well as they are often used in ayurvedic medicine to alkalize the body and treat gastrointestinal issues.[2] Turmeric Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has been praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are especially helpful in treating gastrointestinal problems.[3] Turmeric can be taken in pill form or used in various recipes. Try sprinkling ground turmeric on rice, roasted vegetables, and meats. You can even add it to popcorn, soups, and nut-milks! Vitamins A, C, and E Consuming these antioxidant vitamins in fruits, vegetables, or supplements has been shown to prevent GERD and other complications from excess stomach acid.[4] Here are a few vitamin-rich, low-acidic foods to incorporate into your diet: (A) Cantaloupe, mango, squash, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots (C) Sweet red peppers, broccoli, potatoes (E) Sweet potatoes, asparagus, turnips, spinach Melatonin Melatonin is a naturally-occuring sleep hormone released during the onset of sleep. While some studies have shown melatonin to have a positive effect on reducing GERD symptoms, benefits were primarily seen with a combination of melatonin and other acid-reducing medications and/or supplements.[5] B-Vitamins Studies have shown that a mixture of B-vitamins (as well as other supplements) had a positive effect on reducing symptoms acid reflux caused by excess stomach acid.[6] Participants who took the following combination of supplements reported 100% relief (versus 65% reported by participants who only took an over-the-counter drug for acid reflux): Vitamin B-6 Vitamin B-12 Vitamin B-9 (folic acid) L-tryptophan Methionine Betaine Melatonin Licorice root Licorice may increase mucus production which can protect the stomach and esophagus from acid.[7] However, there are few clinical studies that have shown licorice to be truly effective in decreasing stomach acid on its own. ________________ [1] https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/melatonin#4 [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/ [3] https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/turmeric-acid-reflux [4] https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/vitamins-for-acid-reflux#vitamins-a-c-and-e [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20082715 [6] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-079X.2006.00359.x [7] https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/dgl-for-acid-reflux#benefits