Let's begin with the miracle of baking soda:

Have you ever taken a close look at the label on the BAKING SODA in your kitchen? Did you know this stuff is used not only for household cleaning and deodorizing, and as an ingredient in baking, but also as an antacid? In fact, it is our oldest-known antacid, introduced into American society by John Dwight and Austin Church in 1846. The sodium bicarbonate molecules of baking soda interact with chlorine in your stomach to form a mixture of salt and water, plus harmless carbon dioxide gas. This means you can turn your stomach acid into harmless saltwater by using Baking Soda! Half a teaspoon dissolved in 4 oz. of water will provide an antacid elixir for occasional use. You'll have a healthy burp to release the carbon dioxide and then enjoy relative calmness for a few hours. Here is a question for you: which would you prefer for the treatment or prevention of occasional reflux flare-ups: products containing aluminum such as Maalox and Mylanta, or the antacid that predates them by 100+ years and costs less than $1 for a 16-oz. carton? Check with your doctor, and give it a try! Use as directed on the label. Baking soda is an ingredient in bicarbonate chewing gum, another helpful item. The act of chewing stimulates the secretion of saliva to lubricate the esophagus. Chewing baking soda gum will whiten your teeth at the same time. Look for Arm & Hammer "Advance White" Chewing Gum in the toothpaste aisle of your pharmacy.

Similarly, MAGNESIUM has natural antacid properties. You can purchase magnesium tablets at your local pharmacy for as little as $5. Additionally, you may find products containing a mixture of magnesium and CALCIUM. Tums and Rolaids actually contain calcium, but why pay more for them than for tablets containing their active ingredients? Plus, good calcium supplements help to build denser bones. A detailed comparison between supplements and "brand name" antacids would be too lengthy for the purposes of this page, but once again you can consult with your doctor, who will share his or her opinion when you take the initiative to bring up the subject for discussion. As stated previously, remember to be an active participant in your care!

THERE IS ANOTHER WORLD of remedies beyond the aisles of your supermarket and pharmacy. Seek out a product known as Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) that soothes the throat and esophagus and aids in digestion. Licorice is a timeless remedy and is held in high esteem by cultures all over the world. Licorice in its natural form is a perennial herb, and its roots have been used for over 3,000 years to treat a wide range of health conditions. Today, it is available in tablet form. Chew two tablets slowly to allow them to mix together with saliva. Please note this is the variety of licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed (glycyrrhizin has been shown to have undesirable side effects such as elevating blood pressure). DGL is considered completely safe. It increases the mucus coating in the stomach and esophagus. It has emollient properties and a gentle soothing action. Try it and see for yourself what it can do for you but, like any remedy suggested on this website, discontinue its use in the event of side effects or discomfort. Your cost for a 100-tablet bottle: between $8 and $12.50 when purchased from online sources.

Dr. Andrew Weil recommends DGL Licorice at his website, www.drweil.com.

Turning our attention back to APPLES... Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) tastes great in gourmet salad dressings but the extent of its medicinal properties has been disputed in recent years. ACV has helped some people with their reflux, while others claim their symptoms were aggravated by it. The effects can be noticed immediately upon swallowing a teaspoonful diluted in a 12-oz. glass of water. A prolonged burning sensation in the throat is probably NOT a good indication to keep on taking ACV. If you're interested in finding out whether ACV is right for you, a good organic product is made by Braggs. (Incidentally, the Braggs product comes complete with natural sediment which is visible at the bottom of the bottle. Shake before using. Braggs also makes a fine liquid Amino Acids supplement.) Before taking ACV medicinally, you might want to assess your overall acidity level by conducting a simple, at-home pH test.

On the next page, learn more about Apple Cider Vinegar and "pH" testing...