While some may be looking for a cure for acid reflux disease, acid reflux is a general term that does not describe a disease or syndrome. It describes the escape of gastric contents from the stomach back (hence, reflux) into the throat.
Equally, to treat heartburn as if it were a disease is generally overkill. Despite how painful heartburn itself can be, it can lead to worse effects if it continues over long periods. GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is damage to the lining of the esophagus (the throat) or chronic symptoms resulting from an abnormal amount of the stomach's acids getting into the throat over time.
When stomach contents escape the stomach back into the throat as a result of changes, either permanent or temporary in the barrier between throat and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES), this is known as acid reflux. Some acid reflux is normal. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn, at least in a mild, occasional form. It's when the spill back into the throat becomes more frequent that we start earnestly looking for a way to treat heartburn.
Some of the ways used to cure acid reflux disease involve medications and even surgery. A major problem with many medications used, in particular the antacids and the proton pump inhibitors, is that they can create other problems. Antacids don't actually cure heartburn, they mask the symptoms. If acid reflux continues, so does the need for the medications. Some antacids contain aluminum and a number of medical publications indicate aluminum is associated with Alzheimer's, so long-term use may be a very bad idea. There is also some recent indication that antacids can lead to food allergies.
Antacids which contain calcium, when taken near bedtime, may actually increase night time acid reflux.
Proton pump inhibitors act to bring the production of gastric acids to a halt. Of course, you need gastric acids to digest food, so these drugs can lead to other problems.
The real first level approach to a natural cure for acid reflux has to do with diet and lifestyle. There are foods that seem to contribute to the problem and reducing consumption of those foods can help you treat heartburn.
Coffee, alcohol and large doses of vitamin C can stimulate acid production. High fat foods and smoking can reduce the strength of the barrier (the LES). Chocolate, peppermint and spicy foods may increase acid reflux. Oranges and tomatoes are acidic and while fresh tomatoes are usually OK, canned or processed foods containing tomatoes (such as pizza) and some dry foods such as peanuts should also be avoided. Certain vegetables such as onions, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower should also be avoided. Ice cream, butter and other high or full fat dairy products can also be a problem due to their fat content. In particular, you'll want to avoid them close to bedtime.
Since people vary a great deal in their reaction to foods and in the seriousness of their heartburn or acid reflux, you can not simply rely on a food list to treat heartburn or as a natural cure for acid reflux. You will need to identify those foods you react to particularly strongly. And remember not to lay down after eating nor eat within 2 hours of bedtime.
Along with these measures, elevating the head of your bed can assist you in reducing acid reflux. The bed must be elevated at least 6 to 8 inches, though a greater elevation may be even more successful. One caution - some mattresses do not elevate well and you need to make sure you aren't letting yourself in for chronic back pain. Usually, foam mattresses, which bend better, are recommended.
