If it's real bad.

Go and get camera down the gullet and see what is and isn't  going on. 

Then take from there.

They already mention it in the first sentence: Fried food is the mother of acid reflux

Another vote for Omeprazole as a Protein Pump Inhibitor that reduces the production of stomach acid. But see a doctor first as it can mask the symptoms of stomach cancer.

 

I also use a couple of chalk tablets to settle it down quickly as Omeprazole takes an hour or two to take effect.

 

When I first saw a doctor about GERD thirty years ago he said most middle aged men got it as the valve at the top of the stomach weakened in middle age, he had a stack of photocopies on his desk explaining it.

 

mine is exacerbated by type 2 diabetes, so get checked for that as well. I only have to take Omeprazole every three days or so, my doctor prescribes it for me. 

On 10/28/2025 at 1:31 PM, daveAustin said:

Cabbage juice works well. 
 

Reflux can also be caused by low acid believe it or not, where it bubbles in the gut and keeps the top valve open. Makes sense that the body would have trouble not making enough acid as we age, but the first thing the docs say is too much acid, take antacids etc. Have a look into it. 

You’re correct, as we age our stomach acids tend to become less acid and more alkaline.  This has the effect that the upper valve doesn’t get the acid signal to close properly.  Some people have had success with organic apple cider vinegar “with the mother”, eg Braggs Apple cider vinegar.  Start with 1 TBSP of this and mix with half a glass of water and drink 20 mins or so before each meal.  The ACV is supposed to  signal to the stomach to start producing stomach acids.  As you get used to the ACV you can up the dose to 2 TBSP with half glass of water.  Rinse mouth after in order to protect tooth  enamel.
PPI’s are NOT “the road to take”.  

7 minutes ago, Globalres said:

You’re correct, as we age our stomach acids tend to become less acid and more alkaline.  This has the effect that the upper valve doesn’t get the acid signal to close properly.  Some people have had success with organic apple cider vinegar “with the mother”, eg Braggs Apple cider vinegar.  Start with 1 TBSP of this and mix with half a glass of water and drink 20 mins or so before each meal.  The ACV is supposed to  signal to the stomach to start producing stomach acids.  As you get used to the ACV you can up the dose to 2 TBSP with half glass of water.  Rinse mouth after in order to protect tooth  enamel.
PPI’s are NOT “the road to take”.  

This is from ChatGTP

 

 

🧠

1️⃣ The common myth

 

 

People often say:

 

“I have acid reflux because I have too much stomach acid.”

 

But in the vast majority of cases — especially in middle age and beyond — the problem is actually too little stomach acid, not too much.

 

 

 

 

⚙️

2️⃣ What normally happens when digestion works well

 

 

When you eat:

 

1. Food enters the stomach.
2. The stomach releases hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the enzyme pepsin.
3. That acid:
   • Breaks down protein
   • Kills pathogens
   • Signals the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the “valve” between esophagus and stomach — to stay tightly closed
   • Later triggers pancreatic enzyme and bile release
4.  

 

 

 

 

 

⚠️

3️⃣ When stomach acid is too low

 

 

• Food isn’t digested properly.
• It sits longer in the stomach, fermenting and producing gas.
• That gas increases pressure in the stomach, which pushes acid upward into the esophagus.
• The LES also relaxes more easily when acid levels are too low (the signal to stay shut is weak).

 

 

So even though acid reflux feels like “too much acid,” it’s often the acid in the wrong place due to too little acidity below.

 

 

 

 

🍎

4️⃣ How apple cider vinegar helps

 

 

Organic, raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is mildly acidic (acetic acid). When you take a little before or during meals:

 

• It temporarily increases the acidity of the stomach contents, helping the digestive process start properly.
• That stronger acidity helps the LES stay tightly closed.
• It improves protein digestion and reduces fermentation/gas.
• The overall result: less reflux and bloating.

 

 

 

 

 

🥄

5️⃣ Typical gentle use

 

 

• Mix 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of organic ACV in a little warm water,
• Sip about 10–15 minutes before meals, especially protein-heavy ones.
• If you feel a warm, comfortable sensation — that’s good.
• If you feel burning or discomfort, dilute more or stop (can happen if there’s gastritis or ulcer).

 

 

 

 

 

🌸

6️⃣ When to be cautious

 

 

• If someone has an ulcer, gastritis, or esophageal irritation, acid can worsen symptoms.
• In that case, focus first on healing the mucosa (e.g., slippery elm, aloe, zinc carnosine, DGL) before reintroducing ACV or digestive acids.

 

6 minutes ago, Globalres said:

This is from ChatGTP

 

 

🧠

1️⃣ The common myth

 

 

People often say:

 

“I have acid reflux because I have too much stomach acid.”

 

But in the vast majority of cases — especially in middle age and beyond — the problem is actually too little stomach acid, not too much.

 

 

 

 

⚙️

2️⃣ What normally happens when digestion works well

 

 

When you eat:

 

1. Food enters the stomach.
2. The stomach releases hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the enzyme pepsin.
3. That acid:
   • Breaks down protein
   • Kills pathogens
   • Signals the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the “valve” between esophagus and stomach — to stay tightly closed
   • Later triggers pancreatic enzyme and bile release
4.  

 

 

 

 

 

⚠️

3️⃣ When stomach acid is too low

 

 

• Food isn’t digested properly.
• It sits longer in the stomach, fermenting and producing gas.
• That gas increases pressure in the stomach, which pushes acid upward into the esophagus.
• The LES also relaxes more easily when acid levels are too low (the signal to stay shut is weak).

 

 

So even though acid reflux feels like “too much acid,” it’s often the acid in the wrong place due to too little acidity below.

 

 

 

 

🍎

4️⃣ How apple cider vinegar helps

 

 

Organic, raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is mildly acidic (acetic acid). When you take a little before or during meals:

 

• It temporarily increases the acidity of the stomach contents, helping the digestive process start properly.
• That stronger acidity helps the LES stay tightly closed.
• It improves protein digestion and reduces fermentation/gas.
• The overall result: less reflux and bloating.

 

 

 

 

 

🥄

5️⃣ Typical gentle use

 

 

• Mix 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of organic ACV in a little warm water,
• Sip about 10–15 minutes before meals, especially protein-heavy ones.
• If you feel a warm, comfortable sensation — that’s good.
• If you feel burning or discomfort, dilute more or stop (can happen if there’s gastritis or ulcer).

 

 

 

 

 

🌸

6️⃣ When to be cautious

 

 

• If someone has an ulcer, gastritis, or esophageal irritation, acid can worsen symptoms.
• In that case, focus first on healing the mucosa (e.g., slippery elm, aloe, zinc carnosine, DGL) before reintroducing ACV or digestive acids.

 

Final words from ChatGPT

 

 

🧠

1️⃣ What reduces stomach acid (HCl)

 

 

Several very common things slowly turn down acid production:

 

a. Age

 

• Starting around age 50, production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) by the stomach’s parietal cells naturally declines.
• By 70–80, many people produce half or less of what they did in youth.

 

 

b. Chronic stress

 

• The fight-or-flight nervous system suppresses digestive secretions.
• Under stress, the body prioritizes survival (heart, muscles, brain) — not digestion.

 

 

c. Medications

 

• Antacids, H₂ blockers (like famotidine), and PPIs (like omeprazole) all directly suppress acid.
• Even NSAIDs (painkillers) and steroids can irritate the lining, causing reflex suppression.

 

 

d. Nutrient deficiencies

 

• Zinc and B vitamins are needed to make HCl; low levels mean low acid output.

 

 

e. Low salt intake

 

• Stomach acid is made from chloride in salt — too little dietary salt can slightly impair HCl formation.

 

 

 

 

 

⚙️

2️⃣ What happens when stomach acid stays low

 

 

• Incomplete protein digestion → bloating, fullness, gas
• Poor mineral absorption → low magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc
• B12 deficiency → fatigue, nerve symptoms (needs acid + intrinsic factor)
• Microbial imbalance → overgrowth in the upper gut (SIBO-like symptoms)
• Reflux and burping → due to fermentation and valve relaxation

 

 

It’s a domino effect — the stomach sets the tone for everything downstream (pancreas, bile, microbiome).

 

 

 

 

🍎

3️⃣ How to gently restore healthy acid

 

 

Here are the gentle, holistic ways that don’t shock the system:

 

✅ Apple cider vinegar (as you already do)

 

• 1–2 tsp in warm water before meals, especially heavier ones

 

 

✅ Eat in “rest & digest” mode

 

• Deep breathing before meals, relaxed posture
• Avoid eating while stressed or rushing

 

 

✅ Zinc-rich foods or gentle zinc supplements

 

• Pumpkin seeds, oysters, or a low-dose zinc carnosine supplement

 

 

✅ Bitters (herbal or food-based)

 

• Dandelion root, gentian, arugula, or digestive bitters before meals
• They signal the vagus nerve to stimulate acid and enzyme release

 

 

✅ Avoid chronic antacid use unless medically essential

 

• They relieve symptoms but worsen digestion long-term

 

 

✅ Adequate real salt

 

• Sea salt or pink salt supports chloride availability for acid synthesis

Hope this info helps! 😊

Don't sleep on your right side.  That puts your stomache on top where it is easier from the gastric juices to flow back down.

I have acid reflux for many years now and take Miracid 20mg capsules daily, just one first thing in the morning very occasionally I need to take a second one if I have a little too much alcohol. I don’t worry about or watch what I eat but if I don’t take a capsule in the morning I suffer later in the day. Miracid is available in all the chemist shops in a green box with two weeks supply and around 100 baht a box.

have been on NEXIUM  esomeprazole 20 mg mixed with famotidine (1 before bedtime) for the past 3 years, Nexium 1 day every morning 1 hour before meal, omeprazole didn't work for me. 

I was on Patoprazole for years and it worked, until I stopped. I take magnesium because I sweat heavily. This helps with the acid but also calms the nerves to reduce anxiety which can cause GERD. Been off all medication since.

Nexium, 20 mg, 1 per day. Have been using these for the last 20 years. The only side effects I feel are the uncontrollable urge to f__k every woman I see. It;s somewhat of a downside to the good effects of the Nexium but it does help keep my mental well being on the upside!

2 minutes ago, Rig Pig said:

Nexium, 20 mg, 1 per day. Have been using these for the last 20 years. The only side effects I feel are the uncontrollable urge to f__k every woman I see. It;s somewhat of a downside to the good effects of the Nexium but it does help keep my mental well being on the upside!

 

 

Bu99er.....I've been taking the wrong PPI.

On 10/28/2025 at 1:31 PM, daveAustin said:

Cabbage juice works well. 
 

Reflux can also be caused by low acid believe it or not, where it bubbles in the gut and keeps the top valve open. Makes sense that the body would have trouble not making enough acid as we age, but the first thing the docs say is too much acid, take antacids etc. Have a look into it. 

"Reflux can also be caused by low acid believe it or not …"
Agree !  Possible cause.
Note also stomach acid tends to weaken with age.
Acid is needed for protein digestion and protection against pathogens.
Animals that consume carrion have much stronger stomach acid than humans.

 

https://fherehab.com/reflux/low-stomach-acid 

54 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

have been on NEXIUM  esomeprazole 20 mg mixed with famotidine (1 before bedtime) for the past 3 years, Nexium 1 day every morning 1 hour before meal, omeprazole didn't work for me. 

Did you try 40mg of Omeprazole? 20mg not enough, Dr said that in UK, he was right

Yes, see a doctor to make sure no other issues.  Omeprazole and its previous drug has worked for me for 35 years.  Here is a bit of history, a story from Australia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Marshall

THis is interesting.

watch from 3:57.

 

 

Like quite a few others on this thread, I suffered from gastric reflux for quite a few years until a gastroscopy showed up a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, in which the oesophagus has been damaged and can lead to cancer (although this is somewhat disputed).

 

Stress was definitely the cause as I was in a highly stressful job managing many hundreds of millions of dollars of investors funds and looking after a team of investment specialists. My doctor recommended omeprazole and it worked, taking 40 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night and staying away from spicy food, onions and tomatoes etc as well as alcohol, which was difficult because I am an avid red wine fan.

I tried just about every remedy mentioned here and elsewhere and although the omeprazole worked most of the time, it wasn't the be all and end all, so I took early retirement from my job and moved to Phuket in order to relieve the stress.

 

At the same time I happened upon a capsule called d-limonene which had shown some good results in fighting GERD, so I bought some and started on them and within a few days I could feel the effects and after a few months my condition had abated, and when I went back to New Zealand for a checkup, my Dr/surgeon was amazed because there was no trace of Barrett's oesophagus and because of this he got on to the Internet and checked out this d-limonene, which had some reports of  combating GERD and he was surprised at what he found.

 

This was more than 10 years ago now and ever since that time I've been eating spicy foods, which I love, drinking red wine and port, although not a heavy drinker per se, and eating just about anything I want and I've never had a repeat of my condition since.

6 minutes ago, Thailand J said:

THis is interesting.

 

 

A pharmacist friend of mine in NZ had the Nissen Fundoplication procedure, but although the procedure was fine, the results were not and he still has GERD unfortunately.

Removed

On 10/31/2025 at 1:39 PM, pub2022 said:

They say omeoprazole/pantoprazole cannot be taken for many years continuosly, isn't that true?

That's why I stopped it.

That consideration has been rethought and long term use is accepted now.

On 10/10/2025 at 12:06 PM, Pdavies99 said:

 

 

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Did you try 40mg of Omeprazole? 20mg not enough, Dr said that in UK, he was right

did try 2 x 20 mg as instructed by the gastro doc it helped for a couple days then back to not being able to swallow, started Nexium 10 mg but again not enough, doc suggested 20 mg and for the past 3 years all good, recently decided to take 1 every other day only and it did work but depending on the food I eat it has to go back to everyday 20 mg, if I stay  away from garlic, onion and fried chicken it's safer

On 10/28/2025 at 8:04 AM, Yagoda said:

20mg Omeprazole. Years of experience. Works great.

I switched from  lanzoprazole after reading a survey that most people found omaprazole more effective. The difference is the latter should be taken twice a day. But because I constantly forgot to take the second dose I discovered that I do not need it. Occasionally I take the second dose if I'm feeling a bit burpy early evening. I drink beer No problem, but try to avoid chili, and high fat food in the evenings.

51 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Like quite a few others on this thread, I suffered from gastric reflux for quite a few years until a gastroscopy showed up a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, in which the oesophagus has been damaged and can lead to cancer (although this is somewhat disputed).

 

Stress was definitely the cause as I was in a highly stressful job managing many hundreds of millions of dollars of investors funds and looking after a team of investment specialists. My doctor recommended omeprazole and it worked, taking 40 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night and staying away from spicy food, onions and tomatoes etc as well as alcohol, which was difficult because I am an avid red wine fan.

I tried just about every remedy mentioned here and elsewhere and although the omeprazole worked most of the time, it wasn't the be all and end all, so I took early retirement from my job and moved to Phuket in order to relieve the stress.

 

At the same time I happened upon a capsule called d-limonene which had shown some good results in fighting GERD, so I bought some and started on them and within a few days I could feel the effects and after a few months my condition had abated, and when I went back to New Zealand for a checkup, my Dr/surgeon was amazed because there was no trace of Barrett's oesophagus and because of this he got on to the Internet and checked out this d-limonene, which had some reports of  combating GERD and he was surprised at what he found.

 

This was more than 10 years ago now and ever since that time I've been eating spicy foods, which I love, drinking red wine and port, although not a heavy drinker per se, and eating just about anything I want and I've never had a repeat of my condition since.

thanks for the detailed info.....but, but you forgot to mention where to buy, was it in Thailand, price please and thanks

For most people Acid Reflux is a issue with the Esophohogas muscle, ie your throat muscle does not remain closed and reflux occurs.

 

Simple actions are: Do not sleep on your right side, elevate your bed head end (Important), do not eat after say 9pm.  Change what you eat, less acidic, eat smaller portions.

 

Buy some PPI's to reduce acid creation in the stomach, start with Omeprazole, after a year or so you may need to try Lansoprazole and eventually Pantoprazole.

 

You could consider an operation to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, when it doesn't close properly, but this is not guaranteed!

 

However for me the best answer was the IQORO method,  a game changer, please read below.  It really works!

 

https://refluxuk.com/education-hub/what-is-iqoro

 

 

39 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

thanks for the detailed info.....but, but you forgot to mention where to buy, was it in Thailand, price please and thanks

OOPS sorry about that and I bought mine online (iHerb?) and they weren't that expensive from what I can remember.....around 250 baht for 60 softgels, made by Swanson although there are other makes online. I would suggest taking 500mg and I did post on this a short while ago. Hope this helps.

PS. Back then I did try Nexium and that seemed to work but was very expensive in NZ and also it was a bit "hit and miss"', so that's when I searched for other "remedies" and was lucky enough to find d-limonene......there are some articles on it if you search them out.

8 hours ago, KhunLA said:

@Mason45

For calming an acid stomach, just mix 1 tsp of baking 'soda' with water.   A few burbs later and you sleep with no problems.

But you have loose bowels too

I take one 20mg Rabeprazole every two days. Works fine for me if not I am chewing Tums all night.

19 hours ago, xylophone said:

OOPS sorry about that and I bought mine online (iHerb?) and they weren't that expensive from what I can remember.....around 250 baht for 60 softgels, made by Swanson although there are other makes online. I would suggest taking 500mg and I did post on this a short while ago. Hope this helps.

PS. Back then I did try Nexium and that seemed to work but was very expensive in NZ and also it was a bit "hit and miss"', so that's when I searched for other "remedies" and was lucky enough to find d-limonene......there are some articles on it if you search them out.

thanks, will try that store, I did read about it because as I found something on Shopee but it was a liquid they use for food or beauty products but had the same name, price not too bad,  Nexium  here in Thailand cost 800 baht for a 20 mg box of 14 pills but it works for me and now I am on 1 every other day.

 

 

https://www.wellnessresources.com/news/the-power-of-d-limonene-remarkable-health-benefits-of-citrus-peel-oils

 

https://vitalibrary.com/d-limonene-digestion-detox-benefits/

1 hour ago, Mavideol said:

https://www.wellnessresources.com/news/the-power-of-d-limonene-remarkable-health-benefits-of-citrus-peel-oils

 

https://vitalibrary.com/d-limonene-digestion-detox-benefits/

Thanks for the links as I don't remember reading those before.........what I also failed to mention is the fact that since taking d-limonene a few years ago I have never had GERD problems although I did keep some on standby, just in case!