I Had Acid Reflux for a Year: Here's How I Finally Fixed It

Drink Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

In addition to its antimicrobial properties, organic apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar, aid weight loss, and improve gut health. "ACV is an alkalizing food, which balances the body's pH level," Park adds. "Slightly alkaline (7.4) is the ideal state you want your body to be in to be able to fight off microbes and cancerous cells."

As for methodology, make sure to buy organic, raw, unfiltered vinegar that comes in a glass bottle. Down a teaspoon or two each morning, and chase it with water. "Try holding it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing," Park advises. "This stimulates the saliva production and initiates the stomach in producing digestive acid."

Add Fennel Seeds to Your Diet

Rich with vitamins and minerals, fennel has been used as a digestive aid all over the world for centuries. That's thanks to its source of anethole, a compound that relaxes the stomach. Park suggests seeping some crushed fennel seeds in boiling water to make a tea and sipping it after a meal.

Make Kudzu a Daily Ritual

One of Trattner's go-to natural remedies for acid reflux is a combination of unfiltered apple juice and kudzu, a vine that's been used in Chinese medicine for millennia. Kudzu, blended with the pectin in apple juice, works to settle the stomach gently. Trattner recommends mixing a tablespoon of kudzu with 32 ounces of unfiltered apple juice in a pot, stirring every minute with a wooden spoon. After 10 minutes, have a few spoonfuls, and save the rest in a glass container for whenever you experience a bout of acid reflux.

Soothe Your Stomach with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that not only works on sunburns but also, when ingested, soothes an inflamed esophagus and stomach lining. Just mix two to three ounces with eight ounces of coconut water or fruit juice, and drink it 15 to 20 minutes before eating.

Add More Fruit to Your Diet

Citrus fruits are a definite no for acid reflux, but the digestion-promoting pectin and pH-balancing tartaric and malic acid found in apples are a definite yes. The papain in papaya (that's an enzyme that dissolves carbs, speeds up the metabolism, decreases inflammation, and treats constipation) is great for acid reflux, as well. So are bananas, which coat the lining of the stomach to soothe it and have a natural antacid effect.

Relax with a Cup of Ginger Tea

"Ginger is one of the oldest Chinese remedies for digestive issues and is a main ingredient for digestive herbal formulas," says Trattner. Try winding down with some ginger tea whenever your acid reflux strikes.

Try Peppermint

Something that soothes my acid reflux every time is peppermint, which Trattner says is one of the most prescribed herbs for digestion. "It helps with nausea, upset stomach, and all digestive disorders," she says. Plus, peppermint tea cools that burning throat. Peppermint Throat Coat tea is my favorite, and Trattner is a fan of peppermint oil capsules.

Sleep Upright

Sleeping totally flat (my position of choice) was definitely a primary cause of my personal acid reflux. Park suggests sleeping as upright as possible and on your left side. "This position does not allow stomach acid to empty back into the esophagus," she says.

Eat Smaller Meals

It's harder for your digestive system to break down larger meals. If you fill up too much, your stomach acid will likely bubble back up the esophagus. "Chew slowly and more frequently before swallowing; digestion begins in the mouth," says Park. "The more you help your body from the beginning, the easier it'll be later on."

And avoid eating right before bed, waiting at least two to three hours after dinner to lie down.