Over six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of acid reflux. The pharmaceutical companies are making millions of dollars trying to soothe your tummy but their products can have nasty side effects. Severe and advanced cases of acid reflux do require advice and care from a medical professional.

If you are looking for natural acid reflux cures for occasional episodes of reflux, here are some suggestions to try.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar- This can seem like a strange solution to acid reflux at first. It doesn't make sense to add acid when your stomach already has more than enough; however, natural organic apple cider vinegar contains natural enzymes that help digest your food faster. Mix one tablespoon in a glass of water, and drink it with your meal. Do not drink any other liquids with the meal.

2. Fennel Tea- Brew this tea by pouring boiling water over two heaping teaspoonfuls of fennel seeds, and let it steep for a few minutes. Your digestive troubles should be resolved by the time you are finished the cup.

3. Peppermint- You can buy peppermint at the grocery store, or grow your own. Wash the leaves before using. You can either chew the leaves whole, or shred them, and brew as tea.

4. Cold water- A large glass of cold water can provide temporary relief from acid reflux. It will dilute the stomach acid temporarily, while you search for a longer lasting solution.

5. Ginger Root- This is also found at the grocery store. After washing, peel the root, and then shred it. Pour boiling water over the shredded root, and allow it to steep for several minutes.

6. Loosen your belt- A tight waistband can restrict your stomach, and cause the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Loosen your belt, and allow enough room for digestion to take place.

7. Try keeping a food diary for seven days, to discover what foods trigger your attacks. Write down what you ate, when you ate it, and how you feel after about thirty minutes. Many people find that by eliminating one or two foods, their symptoms disappear for good. Some common foods that irritate the symptoms of acid reflux include carbonated beverages, fried and fatty foods, highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol and tobacco. When you track your symptoms, you will be able to identify which foods you will need to eliminate from your diet.

8. Another important aspect of finding a natural acid reflux cure is to monitor your stress level, and how it affects your symptoms. Many people find that drinking coffee during a stressful meeting at work is a definite trigger for acid reflux, but they can enjoy a cup of coffee during a leisurely weekend breakfast with no symptoms at all.

Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid flowing back into your esophagus. This can be caused by a weak muscle at the bottom of your esophagus, or pressure from pregnancy, an over full stomach, or obesity. Many acid reflux sufferers also have a hiatal hernia, which allows the acid to back up and cause these uncomfortable symptoms.

Medications can irritate your digestive tract and cause acid reflux symptoms. Common drugs include aspirin, calcium supplements, ibuprophen, iron supplements and naproxen. Your pharmacist can help you determine if any of your current medications or vitamins could be the cause of your acid reflux. Some natural supplements may also cause digestive irritation. Check with your natural health care provider to see if your supplements are causing your distress.

The symptoms of acid reflux should never be ignored. Your body is using these signals to tell you something is wrong and that you need to pay attention and make some changes in your life. If you find that you frequently have episodes of acid reflux, it is time to see your health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes these same symptoms can signal a more serious condition that requires serious treatment. Only your health professional can make that determination.

It might take some time, and some detective work, but you can discover natural cures for acid reflux. Once you find the cause of your symptom, then you can either eliminate it, or find a good substitute to replace it.