Is there a natural way to treat acid reflux?

Q. Is there a natural way to treat acid reflux?

A: First of all, limit the amount of fluids consumed with meals to approximately 4 oz. or less at room temperature. Between meals drink your eight glasses of water. If you're thirsty close to meals, drink no later than ? hour before, and no sooner than ? hour after, eating. Drinking fluids with meals dilutes digestive juices and impairs digestion. Avoid cold fluids with meals. Cold beverages numb the stomach's acid-producing glands inhibiting digestion for several hours. The most important recommendation is to take 1 or 2 digestive enzymes with meals just before eating, with a few sips of water. Digestive enzymes are supplements that help break down foods. Chew all food carefully and slowly. This lessens the amount of churning effort your stomach has to do. Avoid caffeine before and after meals. Caffeine speeds up stomach churning, making it more likely the contents of the stomach are pushed upward. Wear loose clothing when eating, and avoid eating until full. Stop eating when you feel satisfied (80% full). Look into "food combining" - a way of combining foods to improve and simplify digestion. Basically, avoid mixing starch (bread, rice, potatoes, pasta) with animal protein (meat, fish, dairy, eggs) in the same meal. This practice helps the stomach process food faster, and keeps it from lingering in the stomach for too long.