Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form of heartburn. Often, what we notice is a bitter, sour or acid taste in our mouths. At times, we may feel as if partially digested foods or liquids are moving from our stomach back towards our mouth. Sometimes we may also experience chest pain that increases when we lay down. Each of these is an indication of heartburn.
Before we move on, however it is important to note that heartburn is only an indicator of a potentially larger digestive disorder called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is neither a serious disorder nor life threatening. This is especially true for those who only experience it occasionally. There are nonetheless millions of Americans that encounter the discomfort associated with acid reflux monthly, weekly and for some daily.
But what causes acid reflux? Well, when we eat, food moves from the mouth through the esophagus and into the stomach for further digestion. At the end of the esophagus there is a circular band of muscles that relax and allow food and liquids to pass into the stomach. It then tightens and prevents foods and stomach juices from traveling back up into the esophagus. If, however, food or digestive juices escape the stomach and travel back up the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining, this is when many people experience heartburn.
For some, acid reflux is due to a mechanical disorder where the sphincter muscle at the end of the esophagus becomes weak or doesn't close correctly. This can cause them to experience acid reflux when lying down as well as when standing up. In addition to mechanical issues that can cause the sphincter muscle to relax, alcohol, smoking, prescription medications and certain foods such as chocolate, onions, spicy foods and mints can also lessen the gripping power of this muscle.
Other reasons people experience acid reflux includes eating large meals. A large meal increases the pressure on the stomach. This pressure can cause stomach contents to literally be pushed out of the stomach and back into the esophagus. In addition, lying down right after a large meal increases your chances of experiencing acid reflux because digestive juices can more easily move in the wrong direction. Pregnancy and obesity can also increase abdominal pressure and increase your risk of experiencing acid reflux as well. Other digestive disorders such as a peptic ulcer or insufficient digestive enzymes in the stomach can also cause stomach acid to build up and back up into your esophagus.
In addition to heartburn, individuals with acid reflux can experience difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat or feeling a lump in the throat, coughing or wheezing. In more severe cases, the individual may regurgitate blood or notice that their stool is black, which can indicate that it contains partially digested blood.
Recommendations for Wellness
Eat a number of smaller, more frequent meals instead of one or two large meals daily.
Avoid lying down right after eating. Give your body a couple of hours to digest the food you've just eaten.
If you experience acid reflux at night, elevate your head or the head of your bed 4-6 inches.
If you are overweight, begin a diet and exercise program to help you shed a few pounds.
Take a good look at what you are eating. If you are consuming chocolate, alcohol, fried or fatty foods, foods flavored with peppermint or spearmints or acidic beverages such as certain juices, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages, they may be contributing to your acid reflux and should be avoided.
If you are taking prescription medications or suffer from a peptic ulcer, discuss your concerns with to your doctor to help you rule them out as the true cause of your acid reflux.
Reduce your stress level. Sing, dance, meditate, practice deep breathing or do yoga to help your body relax. This will help to reduce the pressure on your stomach.
Carminatives such as chamomile, fennel, ginger, peppermint and sage can work to sooth stomach muscles, increase the secretions of digestive juices as well as promote bile flow.
Similarly, digestive bitters improve digestion through enhanced secretion of digestive juices
Soothing herbs such as aloe vera, marshmallow and slippery elm have traditionally been use to combat the irritation often associated with heartburn.
If you feel as if the foods you are consuming are not being digested properly, try taking digestive enzymes before each meal to help break down foods in the stomach and improve digestion. Food enzymes come in many forms. There are broad spectrum food enzymes that can help to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats. There are also specialized enzymes that help digest specific types of foods such as fats, proteins and milk.
About The Author
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved.
Dr. Rita Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, and it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within: A Psychic Healing Primer", Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. a can help you identify what is really going on and provide you with straightforward guidance and advice. She can be reached by calling 972-475-3393 or visiting her website at http://www.soulhealer.com; rita@soulhealer.com
Do you know why the rich and famous spend thousands... Read More
What is something that goes up but never comes down?... Read More
You are about to embark on a journey that only... Read More
Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?That's what I recently asked... Read More
Can you prevent the flu? or is it just luck... Read More
The liver is the second largest organ in the body... Read More
I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More
If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find... Read More
Did you know every year 25 Million people in the... Read More
Naturopathy is a holistic therapy that relies on natural remedies.... Read More
It is a sad fact that most people pay little... Read More
Do you remember your teen years? Remember that schoolmate that... Read More
Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which... Read More
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are... Read More
Everything begins with your consciousness. Everything that happens in your... Read More
Low back pain is one of the most common pain... Read More
Getting quality sleep has, for many, become an elusive goal... Read More
FENG SHUI BASICSFeng Shui (literally "Wind and Water" in Chinese),... Read More
The chakras are an important part of our energy anatomy.... Read More
The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today... Read More
Ten Simple Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your... Read More
HYPNOSIS is a state of induced but conscious sleep through... Read More
When thinking about alternative medicine, most people picture plants, crystals,... Read More
#1 Use Antibiotic SoapAntibiotic soap helps to clear up and... Read More
Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More
Your husband always seems tired. Your son is always hungry.... Read More
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More
Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to... Read More
America is undergoing a dramatic shift in healthcare. Actually, ten... Read More
Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and... Read More
Bach Flower remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies... Read More
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken... Read More
Why do the Japanese have the longest lifespan? Last month... Read More
Here's a simple exercise that anyone can do, even if... Read More
Lavender is wholly spent with us, for to perfume linen,... Read More
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are... Read More
The eucalyptus is a popular Australian remedy that was first... Read More
Hello!Alan Allard here?You have my respect for taking action to... Read More
Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?That's what I recently asked... Read More
Snoring is noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during... Read More
a) WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM ? - Essential... Read More
Music, more than entertainment, has played an instrumental role in... Read More
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized... Read More
Abuse of any kind is difficult to deal with. Types... Read More
"Open your heart to me, my own," whispers Grandmother Growth... Read More
Problems with sinuses, give rise to headaches, so you have... Read More
Being one of the panchamahabhoota, agni (fire) has the characteristic... Read More
Everyone with a medical condition or allergy should have a... Read More
Dandelions are not weeds! They are wild vegetables. In Greek... Read More
Stories are powerful. How many times have you heard a... Read More
Menstruating or pregnant women should not use Aloe Vera, in... Read More
As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find... Read More
Magnetic Advantage Newsletter FEATURED TOPIC... Read More
Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled... Read More
Chemical reactions move pain signals along a pathway from your... Read More
Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More
You have seen and heard the warnings. You know what... Read More
Your FUTURE is NOT in a doctor's office or a... Read More
If you want to use hypnosis for therapeutic reasons, there... Read More
Did you know every year 25 Million people in the... Read More
Introduction to A Healing Crisis An increasing number of people... Read More
Comfrey Herbal SalveHere is an herbal combination that contains herbs... Read More
Sunlight is a vital nutrient, which regulates the activity of... Read More
Asian HerbsI have found Chinese herb formulations quite effective in... Read More
Through the simple process of touch, Reflexology is so effective... Read More
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More
Alternative Medicine |