How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when gastric contents rise into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation, often described as heartburn. Acid reflux can cause esophageal erosions if allowed to persist. Several medications, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec and Nexium, can treat acid reflux. However, you can also treat acid reflux holistically with aloe vera.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe vera juice
• Aloe vera latex capsules

Instructions

1. Go to your doctor to be properly diagnosed. You can see your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist for an acid reflux diagnosis.

2. Take a capsule of aloe vera latex 2 to 3 times daily with a full glass of water. Experiment with taking the aloe with meals and on an empty stomach to determine how your body responds to the treatment.

3. Drink aloe vera juice as an alternative to the aloe vera latex. Not everyone enjoys the taste of straight aloe vera juice. Mix it with a non-acidic fruit juice, such as apple or grape juice, to improve the taste particularly when given to children.

4. Heal esophageal erosions with the coating properties of aloe vera juice. Even if your acid reflux has subsided, you can still experience discomfort from past esophageal erosions. Keep drinking aloe vera juice to treat these erosions, even after the symptoms diminish.

5. Use your diet to control acid reflux symptoms. Avoiding acidic foods, fatty foods, large meals, cruciferous vegetables, coffee, alcohol, dairy and other foods can reduce and prevent acid reflux symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a small dosage of aloe vera and work your way up to a larger dosage as your tolerance grows. This can help you prevent the diarrhea that is often a side effect of taking aloe vera.

• Elevate your head when lying down and sleep on your left side. These types of positional therapy have been shown to be beneficial in curbing acid reflux symptoms.

• Don't take or use aloe products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Don't use aloe vera if you have kidney disease or failure.

• Aloe vera causes diarrhea in some people. Mint or lemon tea can help with that side effect, but if it doesn't subside, discontinue aloe treatment.

• Not all heartburn is caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux is chronic, but heartburn can often be caused by what you eat.

• Avoid eating late at night or lying down after a meal. Lying down with food in your stomach can trigger acid reflux when you are prone to the condition.