Acid Reflux or GERD may have nothing to do with high stomach acid levels, and if anything might involve low stomach acid, especially in Irish and Native American populations. When your food ferments instead of digesting, gas bubbles will force open up the valve that keeps the stomach contents in check. This geyser will blow hydrochloric acid (again, high levels do not necessarily come into play) on to sensitive tissue and erodes the valve. Now the irritated valve cannot heal properly and lesions keep it open so more hydrochloric acid flows upward. Stop the cycle of bubbly fermentation geysers, and heal the valve.

1. Stymie fermentation by taking mixed digestive enzymes with major meals, OR specific enzymes when the food predominates, like amylase for starch, protease for protein, lipase for fats, lactase for milk and cheese.

2. Consider Candida overgrowth in the G.I. tract as a major culprit, as it is endemic in a population which is dosed with Candida-breeding Antibiotics and hormones, like cortisone, birth control pills, meat and dairy products. In the morning take Caprylic Acid (mixed mineral caprylates) on a 3 days on, 4 days off schedule, and supplement with friendly gut flora like Bifida on off days. Amount isn't as important as doing this regularly over a long period--this is a persistent parasitic overgrowth. Lower or eliminate sugar, sugary fruits except bananas that feed friendly gut flora as that found in yogurt, and eliminate sweet vegetables like corn. Chose crackers to yeast breads. Lay off heavy tannin drinks like coffee and brown and green tea that keeps the valve dehydrated and stripped of protective mucus, although herbal teas are fine.

3. Take 1/2 teaspoon, just a little swig, of olive oil before bedtime every evening. This will help heal the valve over a month or so. So now the fermentation gas is eliminated with digestive enzymes breaking down food, Caprylic Acid whacking back the ferment-loving Candida, and the valve is healed so it stays shut. Eliminate any scarring with aloe vera and VOILA! It's a new you. Be sure to get a doctor's evaluation of any esophogeal erosion and treat accordingly as this is not a do-it-yourself matter if it has been unresponsive to self-help. God bless!