Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

Aloe Vera may be very helpful for people with Acid Reflux Disease (GERD).

Before going further on this, please note that you are advised to seek professional medical help and not self-diagnose or self-treat.Damage to the esophagus may result from untreated acid reflux problem. Severe damage may even lead to cancer if left undiagnosed and untreated. It is imperative that your medical professional be aware of your condition, and involved in its treatment.

GERD is common among people with digestive and bowel problems who may not even realize it. People with occasional acid reflux, or the more persistent GERD, absolutely should be drinking Aloe Vera. The drinks found in the recommended page are all excellent for GERD people, except for the "Forever Freedom". It's added sulfates (which are ideal for people with joint, cartilage, and bone problems) may cause slight discomfort initially for people with GERD.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED would be the plain "Aloe Vera Gel" drink. For details, see the section just to the left. The taste is initially strong . . . but you'll get used to it. And the benefits are impressive. (The first sign of burn, have a small glass as long as your medical professional approves. Also, have a small amount about an hour before laying down.)

Here are some tips (NOT medical advice) for people with Acid Reflux problems:

1) Avoid drinks with carbonation or acid (ie: tea, coffee, sodas). If you can't bring yourself to totally avoid such drinks, at least don't drink them 3 or 4 hours before bedtime (or a nap).2) Stop smoking.3) Avoid eating/drinking a great deal of citrus or other foods which have high quantities of acid. (One orange a day is okay if symptoms are mild.)4) Prop the head of your bed up several inches higher than the food of the bed. (Use cans filled with sand, or blocks under the two "feet" of the head of the bed to prop it up.) You want the head of the bed to be about six (6) inches higher than the foot of the bed.Acid reflux is most devastating when the body is in a reclining position. (Acid leaks out of the stomach and travels up the esophagus, doing its worse damage.) By keeping your head about 6" above your feet when you are sleeping, you are allowing gravity to work with you by helping to keep the acid down in your stomach.5) You may need an over-the-counter medication (such as Zantac) as well as Aloe, depending on the severity of your acid problems. Consult with your medical professional.6) Do not eat anything at least two hours before laying down. (Ideally, even up to 3 hours.)