What’s the Bottom Line?

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like heartburn or a burning sensation in your chest or throat, speak to your doctor.

• Your provider may recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments based on your individual symptoms.

• If you’ve been diagnosed with GERD, talk with your doctor before using any additional complementary remedies or therapies.

How Well Do Complementary Methods Work for GERD?

New studies suggest that treatments such as acupuncture, controlled breathing, and alginate supplements from seaweed could help ease GERD and enhance daily comfort.

Physical and Mental Therapies

• Acupuncture alone or with regular medicine could help reduce acid reflux and chest discomfort.

• Preliminary research shows that diaphragmatic breathing may help by strengthening the muscles around the esophagus.

• Small trials suggest that stress-reducing activities like hypnosis may offer relief when used with medications, but more evidence is needed.

Dietary Treatments

• Alginates, from brown seaweed, may prevent stomach acid from rising by forming a protective barrier on top of stomach contents.

• There is limited data on using melatonin as a treatment option, so its effectiveness remains unclear.

What About Safety?

• Acupuncture is regarded as generally safe when performed by trained professionals.

• Breathing exercises don’t pose known risks and are considered safe for most people.

• Alginates rarely cause negative side effects and appear safe.

• Short-term melatonin use seems safe, but the long-term effects are not well understood. High doses may not be safe without medical guidance.

Understanding GERD

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a long-lasting digestive condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus due to a weak muscle at the lower end of the esophagus.

The main symptoms include heartburn and regurgitation—when acid or partially digested food rises into the throat or mouth. Other signs might include a dry cough, asthma-type symptoms, or difficulty swallowing.

Additional Details

About one in five adults in the United States are affected by GERD. While occasional heartburn is common, frequent symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor.

Initial treatment usually involves changes in diet and behavior—like avoiding trigger foods, sleeping with the head elevated, and quitting smoking. Over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers can offer relief, but if symptoms last more than two weeks, prescription treatment might be needed.

Possible complications from untreated GERD include:

• Narrowing of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.

• Changes to esophagus lining (Barrett’s esophagus), which can lead to cancer.

• Increased cancer risk if GERD remains unmanaged.

Mental health issues such as stress might worsen symptoms, especially for people not helped by medication.

About Complementary Therapies

Complementary treatments are typically grouped by how they work:

• Nutritional—diet plans, plant-based remedies, or probiotics.

• Mental—practices like meditation or guided relaxation.

• Physical—this includes acupuncture or massage.

• Mixed methods—such as yoga or mindful eating, which combine mental and other approaches.

Nutritional methods relate to what used to be called “natural products,” while both mental and physical methods fall under “mind and body practices.”

What the Research Says on Effectiveness and Safety

There’s growing evidence that using complementary treatments alongside conventional GERD therapies could be beneficial for some patients.

Physical and Psychological Therapies

Acupuncture

Some data indicates that acupuncture may help ease GERD. One review found combining it with standard drugs improved symptoms and had fewer flare-ups than using drugs alone.

Safety:

• Although rare, using non-sterile needles or incorrect techniques may cause infections or injuries. Using only sterile, single-use needles is essential.

Breathing Techniques

Studies suggest that strengthening the diaphragm through specialized breathing exercises may help reduce symptoms and possibly the need for acid-reducing drugs.

Safety:

• Generally safe and affordable, with minimal risks.

Other Approaches

• Techniques like CBT and hypnosis may help people with GERD and related anxiety issues manage symptoms. One study found CBT relieved troublesome belching symptoms for a year.

Safety:

• These therapies are viewed as safe when managed by professionals.

Nutritional Therapies

Various natural or food-based options show potential, although research is still in early stages.

Alginates

Alginates help reduce reflux by forming a barrier in the stomach. One review found they worked better than a placebo in multiple studies, though less effectively than strong acid blockers.

Safety:

• No serious adverse effects have been reported.

Melatonin

Melatonin, commonly known for aiding sleep, might also help with GERD by supporting digestive tract movement.

• Smaller studies showed that it might be as helpful or better than a commonly prescribed acid reducer. Combining melatonin with medication could increase effectiveness.

Safety:

• Safe in short doses, but data is lacking on long-term safety. Those on other medications, especially for epilepsy or blood thinning, should consult a doctor before use.

• Health experts do not recommend melatonin for people with dementia.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Managing GERD might require a mix of treatments. Work with your provider to tailor a plan for you.

• If considering acupuncture or any alternative therapy, check their credentials and training.

• Be aware that supplements may not always list all ingredients and can interact with other drugs. Always discuss new supplements with your provider, especially when pregnant or caring for a child.

• Keep your doctors informed about any additional therapies you try so your care remains coordinated and safe.

More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

Contact for general information on integrative health strategies.

Phone: 1-888-644-6226

TRS: 7-1-1

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

NIH and NCCIH offer educational tools to help the public understand health research and make informed choices.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Resources about digestive and related diseases.

Phone: 1-800-860-8747

Email: [email protected]

PubMed®

A vast database of health and scientific studies, helpful for reviewing research on complementary health approaches.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to experts from NCCIH, NIDDK, and UC Davis for reviewing the information in this article.

This resource is in the public domain and may be freely shared.

This content is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Discuss any treatments with your healthcare provider to ensure the best outcome for your condition.