Heartburn/Acid Reflux

Overview

Heartburn and acid reflux are conditions characterized by a wavelike, burning sensation in the upper chest and esophagus that generally happens inside an hour of eating. At times, heartburn and acid reflux can be extremely uncomfortable, and even mimic sensations of heart disease. In most instances, nevertheless, heartburn and acid reflux signs have a tendency to be fleeting and are not severe in nature.

Typical physicians generally suggest over-the-counter antacid medicines for heartburn and acid reflux. Although this type of medication can supply short-term relief, they can be dangerous if utilized for long periods of time, with each use decreasing stomach acids which are essential for correct digestion. These medications also wreak havoc on the body’s internal PH. Ironically, antacids are intended to neutralize extra acidity, yet their continued use creates over-acidity in the physique, helping to produce a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, all of which thrive in an acidic atmosphere.

Caution: Although occasional heartburn or acid reflux is generally harmless, recurring episodes might be an indication of a more severe condition, such as enzyme imbalances or deficiencies, hiatal hernia, tension, or imbalances in adrenal gland, liver, or spleen performance. Should you suffer from persistent or recurring episodes of heartburn and/or acid reflux, seek your doctor.

Signs of Heartburn/Acid Reflux

The most typical heartburn/acid reflux symptom is burning pain in the upper chest and esophagus, which may come in waves and be very painful. Belching may also accompany heartburn/acid reflux.

Causes

The most typical cause of heartburn/acid reflux is overeating, and consuming foods which are predominantly acid-forming and abundant in unhealthy fat, spices, and are commercially processed. Heartburn can even be brought on by low levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl), deficiencies in the body’s manufacturing of enzymes, poor adrenal or spleen performance, and diminished liver performance due toxicity. Hiatal hernia, tension, or smoking, can trigger heartburn and acid reflux, as well.

Additionally, food allergies result in poor digestion which may also contribute to heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn/ acid reflux can be brought on by consuming extra fluids throughout mealtime, eating too quickly, or eating in a stressful environment. Heartburn/ acid reflux can be connected to constipation, comparable to a backed up septic system. In this situation, the body has a difficult time digesting and processing food if previously eaten food isn’t moving through the system.

Pure Cures

Aromatherapy: The essential oil of cardamon can relieve heartburn acid reflux signs.

Diet plan: Steer clear of all commercially processed foods, sugars, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fat, caffeinated items, chocolate, sodas, non-herbal teas, alcohol, spicy foods, orange and grapefruit juice, tomato products, dairy items, and meals that contains peppermint and/or spearmint. Get screened for food allergies and avoid all foods for which you test positive.

Emphasize a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid red meat but consume free-range poultry and wild-caught fish. Additionally, be certain to drink plenty of pure filtered water throughout the day.

Avoid overeating and consuming foods late at night. To stop and reverse heartburn/acid reflux signs, consume foods which are predominantly alkalizing in nature, particularly greens. (For much more information regarding alkalizing meals, see PH). Consume generous portions of refreshing leafy salads, bare or with light dressing, lightly steamed greens and steamed, baked, broiled or carefully grilled chicken or fish. Cook and season with organic oils such as raw coconut butter/oil, extra virgin olive oil, and high-lignin flax seed oil. Steer clear of all fried foods, and all hydrogenated fat and oils. Select raw nuts and seeds, rather than roasted. Uncooked almond butter is a much better choice than peanut butter, and is an excellent snack when spread on apple slices.

Reduce your intake of coffee and black tea, as well as alcoholic beverages. This is essential if heartburn/ acid reflux is a problem.

Foods that may frequently rapidly resolve heartburn/ acid reflux issues are apples, raw cucumbers (peeled), brown rice, and walnuts. Sipping a glass of pure, filtered water with 2 tsp. of uncooked natural apple cider vinegar or baking soda (1tsp. to every 8oz. of water) may also rapidly neutralize heartburn/ acid reflux attacks.

Natural Medication: Helpful herbs for heartburn/ acid reflux are agrimony, aloe vera, angelica, fennel, garlic, gentian, goldenseal, licorice root, marshmallow root, parsley, and slippery elm.

Homeopathy:

Arsenicum album — for heartburn/acid reflux accompanied by anxiousness, chills, thirst, and abdominal cramping.

Nux vomica — for heartburn/acid reflux brought on by fatty or sour meals and/or accompanied by feelings of irritability.

Sulfur — for heartburn/acid reflux brought on by overeating and/or accompanied by burping, late morning hunger, or early morning diarrhea.

Juice Treatment: Refreshing squeezed cucumber juice can frequently quickly resolve heartburn/acid reflux signs.

Lifestyle: If you smoke, stop, and avoid all contact with second hand smoke. Additionally, learn how to successfully cope and manage with stress. A normal physical exercise plan is of the utmost importance as is a healthy diet. Steer clear of overeating and consuming foods late at night. Allow a minimum of 3 hours in between foods, unless blood sugar issues are a problem, in which case, consume smaller more frequent meals.

Dietary supplements: The most helpful dietary supplements for treating and stopping heartburn/ acid reflux are digestive enzymes (taken with each meal) and calcium carbonate.

Probiotics such as acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, can be useful, as can fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and soil-based organisms. FOS is an all-natural carbohydrate microorganism that has been proven by researchers to serve as a fertilizing agent to enable Bifidobacteria to thrive within the large intestine, where it assists to fight against dangerous bacteria.

Soil-based organisms are advantageous microbes discovered in soil. Taken as a supplement, they go to work to detoxify the gastrointestinal tract by eliminating fungi, molds, parasites, viruses, and yeasts. They also help to enhance absorption of nutrients and increase immune and overall cell performance, such as increasing the manufacturing of RNA and DNA. Additionally, they act as pure antioxidants.

Stress Relief: Stress relief methods are frequently useful for relieving heartburn/ acid reflux brought on or exacerbated by tension and unresolved emotions such as anger, anxiousness, depression, and irritability. Holistic practitioners help their patients relieve stress via the use of numerous mind/body medication methods, such as biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and relaxation methods.

Meditation is an additional type of stress management known to be extremely efficient. There are plenty of methods of meditation. The easiest way is to sit comfortably in a chair with your eyes closed as you focus on your breathing. Do this for 5-10 minutes twice each day, gradually extending each session until you reach 20-30 minutes. To improve your efforts, concentrate on mentally repeating a peaceful phrase every time that you inhale and exhale, permitting all other thoughts to rise and pass without becoming involved in them. At first, this might appear challenging, but with committed practice you will ultimately discover yourself experiencing higher levels of joy and self-awareness.

Optional Expert Care

The following therapies may help prevent and treat heartburn/ acid reflux: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training and Neurotherapy, Detoxification Treatment, Environmental Medication, Enzyme Treatment, Flower Essences, Mind/Body Medication, Naturopathic Medication, Chinese Medication, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these optional therapies).