Are you one of the 60 million Americans who would like to know how to cure acid reflux? Have you been relying on expensive prescription drugs or antacids to alleviate suffering? These drugs contain harmful ingredients which can only be safely taken for a short time. Studies show that those who have taken these drugs for extended periods of time, need to gradually increase the amount taken in order to maintain relief. Serious side effects reported with prolonged use have been increased blood pressure, vision problems and fatigue.

There is a simple reason why antacids can never cure acid reflux. Hydrochloric acid is used by the stomach for digestion. When acid flows up from the stomach into the upper intestines and the esophagus this is known as acid reflux. Drugs made to temporarily remedy this condition drastically reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This temporarily solves one problem but creates another. Hydrochloric acid is essential for proper digestion. If there isn’t enough hydrochloric acid, food doesn’t get digested properly, increasing acid reflux and the need for antacids. Most of the over-the-counter antacids contain large amounts of aluminum, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. If you are using these antacids on a regular basis dangerous mineral imbalances can occur. Excessive sodium leads to hypertension and aluminum is linked to Alzheimer's disease.

You don’t have to risk your health with dangerous drugs and antacids to get relief. There is a better, all natural solution that will heal this condition permanently? Unfortunately, you won’t get an instant fix but with some patience you can not only heal your condition, you can safely and comfortably add more variety to your diet in moderation. I used to suffer with acid reflux on a daily basis but after making changes in my diet, I no longer have any problems with it. The first change I made was to limit my portions.

Overeating can fill the stomach so full that there is no room left for stomach acid, which causes it to overflow into the upper intestine and the esophagus. The next step is to do an internal cleanse. This will help to heal the esophageal sphincter muscle if it is not opening and closing properly. There are several ways you can do this. The most effective would be to go on a juice fast with fresh fruit and vegetables. Another effective method is  to replace two meals per day for several weeks with all natural fruit smoothies with organic plain yogurt, high in bacteria culture, and preferably a vegetable source protein powder.

Going the smoothie route won't be effective if you are snacking on junk food and your one solid meal per day is unhealthy. It is important to avoid foods that promote acid reflux during this time of cleansing. Foods to avoid are products containing caffeine, cheese, carbonated beverages, desserts, sugar, rich sauces, onions, processed foods, tobacco, high seasoned or spicy foods, gravies, eggnog and fried foods).