Natural Remedies for Acid Heartburn
A growing number of people suffer the pain and discomfort of heartburn or reflux on a regular basis. It has been estimated that up to 20% of the population is affected at least once a week. Acid reflux and heartburn occur when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) allows the acid content of the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube like structure that connects the mouth and throat to the stomach. The LES is a valve which naturally protects the delicate esophagus from harmful acids. It is almost like a trapdoor which opens up to allow the food you eat to enter the digestive system. When the food gets there, hydrochloric acid is produced by your body to help break these substances down.
When heartburn or acid reflux strikes it is an indication of the LES temporarily relaxing or in more serious cases, just plain malfunctioning. If a person suffers from more regular or even constant heartburn and reflux it may be a symptom of a far more serious condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.)
The symptoms of GERD are heartburn, chest pains (especially at night), regurgitation of foods and liquids, a feeling of sourness in the mouth and at times a sore throat, coughing and wheezing. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms on a regular basis, you should call your doctor for an appointment as soon as possible. GERD can lead to severe medical complications like cancer and should not be ignored.
Pregnancy can be the cause of acid indigestion in women. If you are pregnant, always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn or acid reflux remedy. Both OTC antacids and herbal treatments can be harmful to an unborn child. If you only experience occasional heartburn or acid reflux there are many natural remedies which can help to ease your symptoms. These include;
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Chewable DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
- Marshmallow root tea
- Peppermint tea
- Aniseed or anise
- Lavender
- Digestive enzymes that contain pepsin or betain
- Papaya digestive enzymes
- Chicory root
- Pineapple juice which contains an enzyme called bromelain (bromelain can also be bought in tablet form)
Taking herbal remedies rather than antacids to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or reflux can be extremely beneficial. But herbal remedies can also have side affects especially if you are taking prescription drugs. You can always consult with an reputable herbalist to see what herbal remedies are right for you. Certified herbalists can be found in your local business directory or on the Internet.
Herbal remedies include herbal teas, aloe vera juice and digestive enzymes that you can buy in health food store. Typically these are viewed as not having many side affects. Always speak with a store assistant before you purchase a treatment. They often have a vast knowledge of herbal remedies as well as their appropriate uses and effects.
The most common causes of heartburn and reflux are the foods we eat. So changes in your diet can play a major role in getting rid of acid reflux. Here are some foods and beverages to avoid until you determine exactly what is causing your symptoms:
- Spicy foods
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Fatty foods
- Coffee
- Carbonated drinks (sodas)
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Black peppers
- Chillies (hot and spicy capsicums)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fatty foods
- Foods high in sugar
- Bread
- Raw onions
There are several other foods which can cause a reaction. Some people are more sensitive than others and may even have food allergies. If you think you might have an allergy to food the best course of action is to consult your doctor or a dietician before you modify your diet. To achieve optimum health eat a sensible balanced diet and try not to consume too much food in one sitting.
Meals that contain lot of carbohydrates, meat, processed foods, sugar and fats can aggravate the symptoms of acid heartburn and reflux. Also try to eat slowly and make sure that you chew each mouthful completely. Undigested food can create excess acid in the stomach producing gases that can put pressure on a weakened LES and result in a painful bout of heartburn or reflux. This is not the place any of us want to be.
