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Lemon for Acid RefluxAcid reflux is caused when the stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (entrance to the stomach valve) doesn’t close properly. Heart burn, nausea, vomiting and soreness are few symptoms of acid reflux. Lack of exercise, high intake of table salt, obesity and smoking can trigger acid reflux.

Acid Reflux can be treated at the comfort of home with some home remedies like lemon, baking soda, ginger and honey. Today let’s discuss regarding lemon for acid reflux in detail…

Is Lemon Juice Effective in Treating Acid Reflux?

  • Though lemon juice contains citric acid, when it is mixed with water, it becomes alkaline which helps in neutralizing the stomach acids. Apart from that, it contains potassium and generates calcium carbonate which helps in the same.
  • It contains vitamin C and A, pectin and fiber that body needs to function properly and provides relief from pain and inflammation in the chest and esophagus.
  • It balances the pH levels so the digestive system can function properly.
  • It is naturally antibacterial, so it kills the germs that cause digestive problems.
  • It cleanses toxins and impurities from the gastrointestinal tract.
  • It regularizes the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and bile production in the liver, both of which are essential to the proper assimilation of nutrients from food.

How to Use Lemon for Acid Reflux?

There are several ways of using lemon for treating acid reflux. Before trying any of them, remember consuming lemon juice in large quantities can trigger or worsen acid reflux. So, follow the process and quantities as mentioned in the article.

1. Lemon Juice

  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 8 ounces of warm water.
  • Drink it on an empty stomach or 20 minutes before a meal.
  • Repeat the process regularly.
  • For added taste: Add a teaspoon of honey.

Note: Never drink undiluted lemon juice as it is acidic in nature. Once it is diluted, it becomes alkaline which is effective in treating acid reflux.

2. Lemon and Ginger

The shagoals and gingerols present in ginger soothes the stomach muscles. It tightens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the back flow of stomach acid. The digestive juices present in it improve digestion.

Process 1:

  • Peel, grate and extract juice from 1-inch piece of ginger.
  • Mix ginger juice with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and consume it.
  • Repeat the process whenever required.

Process 2:

  • Bring 12 oz of water to boil.
  • Peel and chop a 1-inch piece of ginger.
  • Add ginger to water.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain.
  • Stir in ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon of honey.
  • Drink it daily.

3. Lemon and Cane Sugar

This method is effective for treating acid reflux in pregnant women.

  • Slice a lemon into paper-thin rounds.
  • Dip 1 lemon slice into organic cane sugar and eat it.
  • Repeat the process daily.

4. Lemon Juice with Baking Soda

Baking soda is alkaline, so it helps to neutralize stomach acid. Together, lemon and baking soda restore the acid/alkaline balance of the digestive system.

  • Stir ½ teaspoon of baking soda and the juice of 1 lemon into ½ cup of warm water.
  • Drink whenever you suffer from heartburn due to acid reflux.

5. Lemongrass and Ginger

Both lemongrass and ginger helps to balance stomach acids and treat various digestive disorders.

  • Boil 2 cups of water.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of peeled, chopped ginger root and 1 teaspoon of chopped lemongrass.
  • Remove from heat and let it steep for 35 minutes.
  • Strain and drink a cup of tea 30 minutes before meals or on an empty stomach.
  • Repeat the process daily.

6. Lemon with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera controls the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It helps to digest the food without producing excess amounts of digestive acids.

  • Into a blender, add 3 inch piece of freshly extracted aloe vera gel, juice of 1 lemon and 8 ounces of coconut water.
  • Blend well and pour the juice into a glass.
  • Add sugar as per your taste and mix well.
  • Consume it.
  • Repeat the process whenever you suffer from acid reflux.

Note: You can add stevia powder instead of sugar.

7. Lemon Zest

The lemon peel contains D-limonene which is helpful in treating heartburn and acid reflux.

  • Freeze a lemon overnight.
  • In the morning, grate the outer part of the lemon.
  • Boil a cup of water and stir in grated lemon peel.
  • Let it steep for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons honey.
  • Drink daily 30 minutes before breakfast.

8. Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH level of LES and stomach which improves digestion.

  • Stir ½ teaspoon of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of baking soda, few drops of organic apple cider vinegar into a 1 cup water.
  • Stir well and consume it.
  • Repeat the process whenever you suffer from acid reflux.

Alternatively: You can add 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar into a cup of water. Stir well and drink it.

9. Lemon and Pink Salt Tonic

Pink salt aids in the production of hydrochloric acid which helps to reduce the acid reflux.

  • Bring 4oz of water to boil.
  • Turn of the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  • Add juice of 1 lemon and a pinch of pink salt.
  • Stir well and drink it.
  • Repeat the process daily in the morning.

10. Lemon Detox

Detoxification helps in flushing out the toxins from the body and losing weight. It improves digestion and prevents heartburn or acid reflux.

  • Pour 4oz of cool water in a glass.
  • Add juice of ½ a lemon, 2 tablespoons of 100% pure maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cayenne pepper or ground ginger into the cool water.
  • Mix well and drink it.
  • Repeat the process daily.

11. Lemon, Cabbage and Carrot Juice

  • Mix the juice of half a lemon into a glass of freshly-made carrot or cabbage juice.
  • Stir well and drink it throughout the day.
  • Repeat the process daily to reduce acid reflux.

12. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil contains all the properties of lemon juice in potent form. So, you have to be very careful with the quantity you consume.

  • Add 1 drop of lemon oil into a glass of water.
  • Stir well and drink it.
  • Repeat whenever required.

13. Lemon Salad Dressing

If you suffer from acid reflux frequently, add the lemon salad dressing to your salads. Prepare this an hour before serving in order to let the ingredients incorporate together.

  • In a bowl, whisk juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
  • Now, add 6 tablespoons of minced chives, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper.
  • Whisk until the ingredients are well-combined and the dressing begins to emulsify.
  • Add enough amounts of dressing to your salad and consume it.
  • Repeat regularly to prevent acid reflux.
  • You can store the remaining mixture in an air tight container in a refrigerator for a week.

14. Lemon Zesty Squash

Using the below process, you can prepare a zucchini dish. You can replace this dish with your meals whenever you are suffering from acid reflux.

  • Wash and dry 2 lemons. Grate the skin of the lemons.
  • Steam 2 cups of zucchini for 10 minutes until they become tender.
  • Drain it and transfer it to a serving bowl while it is still warm.
  • In a bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Add the steamed zucchini, lemon zest, 1/4 cup of basil, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of crushed oregano.
  • Toss and consume it.

Is Lemon Juice Actually Good for Acid Reflux?

This has been a controversial question for years. Lemons contain about 1.44 grams of citric acid per ounce of lemon juice. The acidic nature of lemon juice turns into alkaline when combined with water or other ingredients. However, the effects of lemon juice can vary from one person to another. For some people who are allergic to citrus, lemon juice can be the trigger for acid reflux. So, they should avoid following the above methods.

Tips and Precautions:

  • Don’t use lemon juice in excessive amounts as this may cause esophageal irritation.
  • Always use freshly-squeezed lemon juice rather than store-bought bottled juice.
  • Avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks (except lemons and lemon juice).
  • Always dilute lemon juice before drinking. As undiluted lemon juice can trigger or worsen acid reflux.
  • Drink lemon juice through a straw to prevent tooth enamel damage.
  • For best results, use warm or room temperature filtered water.
  • Different people will react to lemon juice differently, so try these methods for a week before drawing any conclusions.
  • Before using these treatments, consult a doctor to find out whether your digestive system is more acidic or more alkaline.
  • If the acid reflux problem persists even after 3 weeks of using these treatments, consult a doctor.
  • After having meals, wait for at least 2 – 3 hours before going to sleep.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeinated and aeriated drinks.
  • Try to eat small meals for 4 – 5 times in a day instead of large meals 3 times in a day.

Have you tried lemon methods to treat acid reflux? Which ones worked best for you? Share your experience and suggestions in the comment section below.

12 comments
    1. Juice of 1 lemon should be more than enough for 16 oz of water. Don’t consume juice of more than 2 or 3 lemons.

  1. Has any one experienced using lemon for an infant of 10 months?
    For as old as she is its bad. I’ve tried prescriptions and natural remedies and have been hesitant to try lemon because she’s still an infant.

    1. The above mentioned remedies are not recommended for infants. Please consult your paediatrician to understand the problem behind the reflux.

  2. I have a wedding in a couple wks, I’ve bought & tried soo many masks, scrubs, peels, etc. None have really done the trick for those few stubborn heads on my nose! In your opinion, which of these lemon remedies is the best MOST EFFECTIVE blackhead remover? There are soo many listed, my head is spinning! LoL

    (I’m thinking the lemon, honey & sugar one, or the lemon & egg white mask)
    Thanx!

  3. Oh my! I just have to share. I suffer from GERDS and also tale Omaprazyl (aka prilosec) for my heartburn so it’s not recommended I take Tums or anything like that. So I searched for natural remedies. It gets so bad to the point I am vomiting. Now, I just use about half a cup of lemon juice, 2 tbs of sugar, and the rest water in about an 8 in glass and sip it slowly- INSTANT RELIEF!! MUST TRY! ?

  4. its natural i have been suffer for many i tried once and it does its job i have been hospilized once for this problem

    1. The atomic structure of lemon is similar to the digestive juices present in the stomach. It tricks the liver into bile production which helps to keep the food moving through the GI tract smoothly. It improves overall functioning of digestion and strengthens it.

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