Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
Do you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion frequently? Are you searching for effective home remedies but every web search leads you to the same answers? That is exactly where I was a few years ago. Somewhere deep in the forums of the internet, I read a comment about an age-old folk remedy – potato juice, that was just so odd I had to try it. Sure enough, this natural remedy works. In fact, it gave me fast relief from my chronic acid reflux! In this blog post I’m going to dive into my process of easily making potato juice at home. I’ll go over reasons why potato juice works as an effective acid reflux remedy, and how to minimize the symptoms of acid reflux while helping your body heal itself naturally.
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Is there any evidence to support this age-old folk remedy?
Through research, I have found that potato juice is primarily an accepted remedy for stomach complains in Europe. When I mentioned I was drinking potato juice to help my late pregnancy acid reflux to my naturopath, he actually laughed at me! Despite the bad name potatoes get for being so carb heavy, there was actually a research study done in 2006 about the therapeutic effects of drinking potato juice in dyspeptic patients.
The Study: 44 patients were required to drink 100mL of Biotta potato juice twice daily for 1 week. By the end of the week long trial, almost 2/3 of the participants rated the effectiveness of the treatment as very good or good. This was recorded through a number of different questionnaires. After just one week, 2/3 of the patients saw positive results! I can personally testify as well, that I drank potato juice for a few months, and noticed a significant improvement of my acid reflux symptoms and had to drink it less often over time. The effects were even better than over-the-counter medication options. While this short study was very positive, studies conducted over a longer period of time need to be done to confirm the effectiveness of potato juice as a home treatment. But I think the results of this study were very informative and encouraging.
Another study on the Antioxidative Activity and Protective Effect of a Potato Protein Hydrolysate against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage was done on rats in 2003 . They isolated the Po-P from potatoes and administered it to rats with induced gastritis symptoms. The Po-P compounds from potatoes successfully reduced the gastritis symptoms for the rats.
Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief – Why It Works:
- Alkalizing: Studies have shown that potato juice is alkalizing for the body, reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. This alkalizing effect is thought to lower inflammation throughout the body, and particularly in joints. Gout patients may find some relief from drinking potato juice. The alkalizing effect may also reduce these common symptoms: Heartburn symptoms, stomach ache, burning sensation, sore throat, or chest pain from acid reflux, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, feeling of fullness, digestive tract problems, GERD symptoms.
- Soluble Fiber: Potatoes also have a high amount of soluble fiber which absorbs stomach acids and keeps them from splashing into the lower esophageal sphincter. Potato juice can have a slight diuretic effect and may help reduce constipation
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are also high in vitamins and minerals which can help to aid digestion, including magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Anti-Oxidant: Potatoes contain a compound called potato peptides ( or Po-P) which act as an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidant compounds can help protect your body cells from damage and inflammation.
Potato Juice to Heal the Stomach Lining: H.Pylori Studies
Phenolic derivatives: Several fruits and vegetables have shown anti-H. Pylori activity in experimental studies. Potato juice contains Phenolic derivatives, and has been considered to have potential to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infections. H Pylori is a type of bacteria that is in the lining of your stomach – it often goes unnoticed if kept in check by sufficient stomach acid. If however, given the opportunity to multiply, this bacteria can cause stomach problems such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Conventional treatment for reducing H. Pylori is a round of antibiotics. However, the threat of antibiotic resistance and worse gut health side effects are a grave concern, so effective natural alternatives are important. Research shown in 2013 at the Society for General Microbiology Spring Conference, tried to investigate if potato extract had any anti-bacterial activity against H. Pylori. Not so surprisingly, results from the study showed that potato extract was bactericidal against H. Pylori, and even better, at a faster rate than two types of modern antibiotics. These results show that potato juice could, in fact possibly work on the effects of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
How Does Potato Juice Taste:
I’m going to be completely honest, potato juice doesn’t taste great. Basically, it tastes how a raw potato smells and has a slight grittiness to it. BUT that shouldn’t stop you from trying this amazing natural remedy! If you can not possibly drink potato juice alone, you could try to add a small amount of a different fruit or vegetable juice or even an herbal teas to mask the flavor. Do be cautious to not be pick a very acidic juice though, like juice from citrus fruits , as it can cause the potato juice to be less effective.
Some important notes about Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
- It is important to note that drinking potato juice, like taking conventional antacids, does not cure the underlying cause of acid reflux. It is however, a great natural remedy to relieve the discomfort of acid reflux caused by poor digestion and stomach acid imbalance. Potato juice does also have many other health benefits, some of which do seem to have lasting effects on gut lining issues.
- It is best to use raw potatoes for potato juice as the antioxidant effects will be reduced when cooked.
- Only white or yellow potatoes should be used for potato juice / water. Do not use sweet potatoes or yams.
How to use Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
I am going to explain 3 different ways to process a potato into potato juice. Use whichever method you have the tools for.
Where to Buy Potato Juice
If you want to try potato juice but don’t want to make it I recommend this brand.
Potato Water – Grater Method
This method extracts the least amount of nutrients from the potato. As a result, this method may not be as effective as the other 2 methods but I have personally had good results by doing it this way.
Tools:
Drinking glass
Ingredients:
1 large or 2 small potatoes
Water
How to make potato water with a grater:
Peel the potato
Wash potato after peeling
Shred potato on larger side of grater
Add the shredded potato to the glass
Pour the water over the potato
Let sit for 10-15 minutes
Strain the potato out of the glass, catching the potato water to drink
Drink right away.
This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Potato Juice – Blender Method:
Tools:
Peeler
Drinking glass
Strainer
Knife
Ingredients:
1 large or 2 small potatoes
Water
How to make potato juicE with a blender:
Peel Potato
Wash potato after peeling
Cut potato into large cubes
Add potato and water into the blender and blend on high 30 seconds to 1 minute
Position funnel into drinking glass, then strainer over the top of the funnel and strain the potato mixture.
Drink right away
This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Potato Juice – Juicer Method:
Tools:
Juicer
Peeler
Drinking glass
Ingredients:
2 large or 4 small potatoes
How to make potato juicE with a Juicer:
Peel Potato
Wash potato after peeling
Cut potato into large cubes
Juice the potato following your juicer instructions
Pour potato juice into glass
Drink right away
This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Possible Side Effects of Drinking Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief:
If taken in large quantities, potato juice can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea.
Potatoes can increase sugar in the blood and should be used with caution by people who need to maintain stable glucose levels, especially diabetics.
Lifestyle Habits to Help Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms:
It is important to note that drinking potato juice, like taking conventional antacids, does not cure the underlying cause of acid reflux. It is however, a great natural remedy to relieve the discomfort of acid reflux caused by poor digestion and stomach acid imbalance. Potato juice does also have many other health benefits, some of which do seem to have lasting effects on stomach acid.
Acid reflux is a very common condition with such a wide variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Getting to the root cause of stomach acid imbalance can take a lot of time. In the meantime, while natural remedies definitely can help heal your stomach acid production, there are also dietary and lifestyle changes that can be made along with the natural remedies to help reduce acid reflux symptoms:
Consuming digestive bitters or herbs before a meal to promote proper acid production and improved digestion. (like Dandelion or arugula)
Avoid spicy foods if they trigger a heartburn reaction
Drink alkaline water regularly
Eat high-fiber foods often
Sleep Elevated at night
Sleep on your left side
Avoid soft drinks
Eat small meals before lying down
Avoid eating within 2 hours of sleeping
Lie down in an elevated position
Consume mostly low-acid fruit especially before bed
Avoid high-fat foods if they trigger a reaction
Avoid trigger foods – especially before bed
Sipping warm water with a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the morning (if you have low stomach acid)
Drinking ginger tea or peppermint tea (see which one helps more)
Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
Potato juice is an age-old folk remedy that is alkalizing for the body, reducing the symptoms of acid reflux, Heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, digestive problems.
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small potatoes
- 8 oz. Water
Instructions
How to use Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
I am going to explain 3 different ways to process a potato into potato juice. Use whichever method you have the tools for.
Potato Water - Grater Method
This method extracts the least amount of nutrients from the potato. As a result, this method may not be as effective as the other 2 methods but I have personally had good results by doing it this way.
Tools:
Kitchen grater
Peeler
Drinking glass
Strainer
Ingredients:
1 large or 2 small potatoes
8. oz Water
How to make potato water with a grater:
1. Peel the potato
2. Wash potato after peeling
3. Shred potato on larger side of grater
4. Add the shredded potato to the glass
5. Pour the water over the potato
6. Let sit for 10-15 minutes
7. Strain the potato out of the glass, catching the potato water to drink
8. Drink right away.
9. This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Potato Juice - Blender Method:
Tools:
Blender
Peeler
Drinking glass
Strainer
Knife
Wide mouth funnel
Ingredients:
1 large or 2 small potatoes
8oz. Water
How to make potato juice with a blender:
1. Peel Potato
2. Wash potato after peeling
3. Cut potato into large cubes
4. Add potato and water into the blender and blend on high 30 seconds to 1 minute
5. Position funnel into drinking glass, then strainer over the top of the funnel
6. Pour blended potato mixture into the glass
7. Drink right away
8. This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Potato Juice - Juicer Method:
Tools:
Juicer
Peeler
Drinking glass
Ingredients
2 large or 4 small potatoes
How to make potato juice with a Juicer:
1. Peel Potato
2. Wash potato after peeling
3. Cut potato into large cubes
4. Juice the potato following your juicer instructions
5. Pour potato juice into glass
6. Drink right away
7. This juice can be consumed daily, preferably on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.
Notes
Possible Side Effects of Drinking Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief:
If taken in large quantities, potato juice can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, or nausea.
Potatoes can increase sugar in the blood and should be used with caution by people who need to maintain stable glucose levels, especially diabetics.
Some important notes about Potato Juice For Acid Reflux and Indigestion Relief
- It is important to note that drinking potato juice, like taking conventional antacids, does not cure the underlying cause of heartburn. It is however, a great natural remedy to relieve the discomfort of acid reflux caused by poor digestion and stomach acid imbalance. Potato juice does also have many other health benefits, some of which do seem to have lasting effects on gut lining issues.
- It is best to use raw potatoes for potato juice as the antioxidant effects will be reduced when cooked.
- Only white or yellow potatoes should be used for potato juice / water. Do not use sweet potatoes or yams.
- If you can not possibly drink potato juice alone, you could try to add a small amount of a different fruit or vegetable juice or even an herbal teas to mask the flavor. Do be cautious to not be pick a very acidic juice though like juice from citrus fruits , as it can cause the potato juice to be less effective.
Have you ever heard of using or used potato juice for acid reflux?
Please share your experience the comments below!
Want to know more about my health journey? My story.
References:
3. Berry phenolics: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action against severe human pathogens
4. Adeyemi TA, Roberts IS. Poster Abstract GM/11, Society for General Microbiology Spring Conference 25-28th March 2013; Potato extract: a potential treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.
5. Is Potato Good for Gastritis: Evidence from Research
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy here.
Donveyfarms.com offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read on this Website Donveyfarms.com. Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility. Effective as of 12/10/2024
