Q&A for How to Treat Acid Reflux Naturally

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  • Question
    Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to alleviate heartburn?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    Try eating small, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. Also avoid eating high fat meals and eating late at night.
  • Question
    Can I drink water if I have acid reflux?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    Yes! Drinking water is both safe and healthy for people who have acid reflux.
  • Question
    Would it help to drink milk at bedtime?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    I would not recommend eating or drinking anything right before bedtime since that can create more pressure on the LES.
  • Question
    I have had acid reflux for many years,and have been taking Omeprasole for this condition. However, these last 2 weeks, I have awakened at night with horrific pain in my chest. No heart problems. What should I do?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    The first step would be to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Sudden chest pain should be addressed right away.
  • Question
    I've been getting acid reflux after eating cereal before going to bed. Is it possible the milk is upsetting my stomach?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    I would not recommend eating or drinking anything right before bedtime since that can create more pressure on the LES
  • Question
    What can I eat if I am diabetic, have chronic kidney disease and also developed acid reflux?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    I would aim for a whole foods diet that does not have a lot of spicy foods, tomato products or other GERD trigger foods (see above). Also, trying to eat frequent small meals also helps. You may benefit from working with a nutritionist for more specifics.
  • Question
    How effective is Gastro Guardian?
    Lisa Bryant, ND
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.
    Licensed Naturopathic Physician
    Expert Answer
    According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, the ingredients listed in Gastro Guardian are listed as Possibly Effective: This product has some clinical evidence supporting its use for a specific indication; however, the evidence is limited by quantity, quality, or contradictory findings. Products rated "Possibly Effective" might be beneficial. I haven't used this particular product with my patients, but the ingredients are herbs commonly used for acid reflux. I typically use DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) on its own.
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