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Are There Natural Cures for Acid Reflux Disease?

In short, there are no natural cures for acid reflux disease. Acid Reflux disease is not caused by excess acid secretion. The core of this medical condition is mechanical. The LES or the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged and is unable to close fully in order to prevent the stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. Once the acid reaches the esophagus, it causes pain which is commonly known as heartburn. There are no good medications or natural remedies that can boost the contraction of the LES muscles in order to create a barrier between the stomach acid and the esophagus. Some surgeries have been suggested such as the Nissen fundoplication or more recently the Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication). It involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus – much the same way a bun wraps around a hot dog. There are, however, natural remedies and home nutraceutical combinations that are known to decrease or control the symptoms of acid reflux. Anti-acids production or PPI (proton pump inhibitors) medications such as Omperazole and Nexium are long term agents. They decrease acid formation and production. Short acting antacids neutralize already formed acid. A new dietary supplement called EpisolveGI is the new kid on the block. It is a naturally enhanced anatacid made of an optimal combination of olive oil and antacid. As the name implies, it is a supplement to health products and traditional medicine. It is not meant to replace traditional treatment and medications such as proton pump inhibitors. However, it is commonly known that 40% of patients do not achieve complete relief with proton pump inhibitors and are looking for other options. EpisolveGI acts as a medium acting antacid. It reduces the acid load on the esophageal gastric junction and protects the mucosa by creating a barrier between the esophageal mucosa and the stomach acid. The calcium carbonate neutralizes the acid while the olive oil floats to the top of the stomach (the GE junction). The olive oil is hydrophobic (afraid of water) and sticks to the lining of the esophagus (mucosa) preferentially more than water. The relief is fast and sustained.