If you've been living on antacids, scared of onions, or told to just “eat bland food,” I want to offer a different perspective—one that actually helps you heal, not just manage symptoms.

**Mariu Cabral, NTP**, is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who specializes in chronic gut disorders, including GERD and acid reflux. Through her personalized, root-cause approach, she helps women get off reflux medications, heal their gut, and finally enjoy food again without fear. Her work focuses on restoring digestive function naturally—without extreme diets or supplement overload. Mariu is the creator of **The Acid Reflux Solution Masterclass.** A Masterclass / workshop to DIY your acid reflux healing journey.

Let’s dive into how I help clients heal acid reflux naturally—step by step.

Step 1: Understand That It’s Not About “Trigger Foods”

You’ve probably been told that coffee, citrus, chocolate, or garlic are the reason you have acid reflux. But here’s the thing: those foods are not the cause—they’re just irritants in an already inflamed system.

The root issue in most chronic reflux cases? Low stomach acid, not too much.

This surprises people because the symptoms feel like excess acid. But in reality, many people with GERD aren’t producing enough stomach acid to digest food properly. This leads to delayed emptying, fermentation, gas, and—acid pushing back into the esophagus.

So while eliminating certain foods can reduce flare-ups, true healing requires addressing the root cause: healing the stomach acid through food, lifestyle, and nutrients AND restoring proper acidity so you don’t experience reflux even after eating the fattiest of meals.

Step 2: Taper Off Acid-Blocking Medications (Safely)

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other acid blockers were never meant for long-term use. They interfere with nutrient absorption (especially B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium) and can even increase the risk of gut infections like C. difficile over time.

If you’re on PPIs, it’s important to wean off slowly—not stop cold turkey. A sudden stop can cause severe rebound symptoms, inflammation, and even ulceration. In my practice, I use a gentle tapering protocol over several weeks, paired with healing nutrients and soothing foods.

This is where a nutritionist for acid reflux can be a game changer—because a personalized plan can mean the difference between a painful crash and a smooth transition.

NOTE: Tapering off antacids is a very personal decision that can only be made between you and your doctor.

Step 3: Heal the Gut with Cabbage Juice or Vitamin U

One of the most overlooked but effective acid reflux remedies is cabbage juice. Sounds weird, I know—but cabbage contains a compound called Vitamin U (S-Methylmethionine), which is known to repair gastric and esophageal ulcers.

In one 1952 study from Stanford University, ulcer patients drinking fresh cabbage juice saw relief in as little as 7 days—faster than conventional meds of the time.¹

I typically recommend starting with 12 oz a day of freshly pressed green cabbage juice. If that’s too intense, you can take Vitamin U in supplement form.

For this and actually delicious acid-reflux friendly recipes, check out my recipe e-book:

Over 20 Recipes for Acid Reflux and Gut Health

Step 4: Nourish with Acid Reflux Nutrition

When we think of reflux healing, most people focus on what to remove from their diet. But healing also requires adding the right nutrients back in—especially the ones depleted by years of inflammation and low stomach acid.

Key nutrients I include in any acid reflux nutrition plan:

L-glutamine & zinc – to support the repair of the gut lining
Protein – especially from easy-to-digest meats like chicken thighs, slow-cooked beef, or lamb
Omega-3 fatty acids – from sardines, oysters, salmon, and other small fish
Collagen-rich foods – like bone broth to support mucosal healing

Most of my clients have undereaten protein for years—either because of taste aversion (a symptom of low stomach acid!) or fear it will make reflux worse. But the truth is: protein is essential for rebuilding your gut lining and restoring proper stomach function.

Step 5: Rebuild Tolerance Over Time

After 6–8 weeks of supporting digestion and healing the gut lining, you’ll likely notice something magical: you can tolerate foods again.

This is the phase where we reintroduce foods slowly and strategically, using tools like:

Digestive bitters before meals
Gentle HCL (stomach acid) support—if tolerated
Smaller, more frequent meals
Post-meal walks to improve motility

Healing is not just about minimizing acid reflux symptoms—it’s about restoring the function of your entire digestive system. When stomach acid, bile, and enzymes are flowing properly again, reflux stops happening in the first place.

Final Thoughts: Healing Takes Time, But It’s Possible

Acid reflux doesn’t happen overnight—and neither does healing. But it doesn’t have to take years, either.

You can heal your reflux naturally. You can get off medication safely. You can go out to dinner without fear of regretting it later.

And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’re ready to Stop Managing and Start Healing:

For a clear, proven plan to heal acid reflux naturally, The Acid Reflux Solution Masterclass is for you.

Inside, I walk you through the exact protocols I use with my private clients:

How to taper off PPIs safely
Gut-healing foods and supplements
When to use cabbage juice, bitters, and other supplements
Which foods to keep and which to eliminate.

Want to skip the DIY part and go straight to doing? Then get personalized 1:1 support here.

How to Heal Acid Reflux Naturally: What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You