Some medication may help your acid reflux, but there are some that can actually make the problem worse if you stop taking them. There is a type of medication called PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) which inhibit the acid production.

But if you stop taking PPIs, your body responds by bouncing back and producing even more acid, a process known as rebound hypersecretion. Because of this, even if you are considering alternative methods of treating your acid reflux, it’s not a good idea to suddenly stop taking PPIs.

There are several herbs that are often used as heartburn remedies. Tea made from caraway seeds, chamomile, coriander, fennel, anise, and angelica can offer relief after a meal. Spearmint and peppermint teas are also known to help. You can also get capsules containing caraway seed and peppermint oils, which some people also get good results from.

There are specialists who rely on roots and herbs. Ginger root is one herb that’s used in Ayurveda, and taking it regularly can help reduce acid reflux.

Eating enough fiber can also help reduce the symptoms. Fiber helps your body to digest the acid in the foods as well as keeping you regular. If you don’t like eating foods containing fiber, there are pills and powders you mix with water available.

Stop smoking. Nicotine causes a relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, allowing fluids to swish around freely. Sometimes smoking and stress are related, and both need to be reduced, as both affect your digestion.

You should avoid raw onions, citrus fruits, ice cream, spicy foods, coffee, tea, cheese, potatoes, ground beef and spaghetti as well.

Some of the other alternative treatments that people have success with include licorice, meadowsweet, some digestive enzymes such as papain, and chamomile. Even marshmallow, which together with chamomile can work as an anti-inflammatory, has helped some people with their acid reflux.

At the end of the day, lifestyle changes, good diet, weight control, and healthy stress relieving habits are all what acid reflux treatment is all about.