Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and GERD: A Holistic Approach

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and GERD: A Holistic Approach

Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affect millions of people daily, causing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and discomfort after meals. While over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief, they often don't address the root cause — and in some cases, long-term use can lead to unwanted side effects.

At Ahimsa MD, Dr. Simoni Baid takes a different approach. As a holistic and integrative physician in Miami, she helps patients understand the deeper imbalances behind their symptoms, offering natural, lifestyle-driven solutions that promote lasting healing and wellness.

Let’s explore how diet, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes can naturally relieve reflux — and why the integrative path often leads to more sustainable results.

Understanding the Root Causes of Acid Reflux

Conventional medicine typically treats acid reflux as a simple problem of too much stomach acid. But in integrative medicine, we ask why reflux is happening in the first place. Acid reflux often results from a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach contents from flowing back up. When it relaxes inappropriately, acid travels into the esophagus, leading to that burning sensation we call heartburn.

But what weakens the LES? The causes vary: chronic stress, poor diet, excess weight, low stomach acid (yes, not high!), gut dysbiosis, and food sensitivities can all play a role. Identifying and treating these root causes — rather than simply neutralizing acid — is the foundation of lasting relief.

Integrative care means not just managing symptoms, but restoring balance to the body systems involved.

Best Dietary Changes to Reduce GERD Symptoms

Food is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce GERD symptoms naturally. At Ahimsa MD, Dr. Baid often recommends an anti-inflammatory, mostly plant-based diet tailored to each patient’s needs.

Some key dietary strategies include:

• Avoiding trigger foods such as fried or fatty foods, spicy dishes, caffeine, chocolate, mint, carbonated beverages, and acidic fruits like citrus or tomatoes

• Adding healing foods like steamed vegetables, oatmeal, leafy greens, ginger, chia seeds, and aloe vera juice

• Eating smaller meals and stopping at least 2–3 hours before bedtime

• Mindful eating: chewing slowly, pausing between bites, and eating in a calm environment

These shifts can dramatically reduce reflux episodes while supporting overall digestive health and healing.

Herbal and Natural Supplements for Acid Reflux Relief

Nature offers a variety of herbal remedies that can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce reflux symptoms — especially when used under the guidance of a trained practitioner like Dr. Baid. Some of the most commonly recommended include:

• Slippery elm: coats and protects the esophagus

• Licorice root (DGL): supports the mucosal lining of the stomach and esophagus

• Chamomile tea: calms the nervous system and reduces inflammation

• Ginger: reduces nausea and supports digestion

• Aloe vera juice: soothes and cools inflamed tissues

While these can be powerful supports, not every supplement is right for every body. It’s important to work with a practitioner who understands your full health picture, potential medication interactions, and optimal dosages.

Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Heartburn Naturally

Beyond food and herbs, your daily habits can have a big impact on acid reflux. Some powerful integrative practices include:

• Elevating the head of your bed to keep acid down while you sleep

• Practicing stress reduction through yoga, meditation, or breathwork

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the stomach

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid compressing your midsection

• Avoiding late-night eating and giving your body time to digest before lying down

At Ahimsa MD, lifestyle medicine is central to our work — because small, intentional changes often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Empowered Healing Starts With the Whole You

If you’re tired of treating your reflux with pills that only cover up the symptoms, know that there’s another way. At Ahimsa MD in Miami, Dr. Simoni Baid helps patients uncover the underlying reasons behind their digestive struggles and supports them with personalized, holistic strategies for healing.

Whether it’s through plant-based nutrition, gentle herbal therapies, or lifestyle redesign, Dr. Baid works with you — not just your diagnosis — to achieve real, sustainable wellness.

👉 Ready to explore a natural, root-cause approach to acid reflux relief? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Baid today.