Healing Heartburn Holistically

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

---

Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda

It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that... Read More

Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle

What we do is just as powerful as what we... Read More

Health Benefits of Tea

Tea: It Does the Body GoodStudies that support the health... Read More

Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health

What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful... Read More

Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling?

This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to... Read More

Fibromyalgia Pain: How Using Visualizations May Bring You Relief

There are many theories about what causes fibromyalgia. One is... Read More

Digestive Distress

Step 1: Collect InformationAs the mix of hormones in your... Read More

Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility

The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and... Read More

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More

Green Drink For Constipation

A green drink is a powerful drink that can help... Read More

Check Your Colon Transient Time

Many doctors and others in the health field may tell... Read More

Constipation and Natural Remedies

There are two types of constipation, organic and functional. Organic... Read More

Dopamine Relieves Pain ? Try Encouraging Your Subconscious To Supply It

Dopamine has long been known to be linked to positive... Read More

Natural Remedies for Eliminating Warts Quickly & Safely!

Warts are a type of infection caused by virus called... Read More

Why Most People Dont Really Want To Heal (Part 1)

I recently attended a metaphysical lecture facilitated by Guy Williams,... Read More

How to Cure Allergy Naturally?

When the immune system in our body finds or realizes... Read More

A Morning Smoothie to Help You Stop Constipation

Chronic constipation can be hard to stop or elimination, since... Read More

Learn About Falun Dafa

I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for... Read More

All Natural Shampoo - 5 Tips

All Natural Shampoo - 5 Tips Here are 5 tips... Read More

Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Pt 2

In Part 1 we discussed the fact that alternative medicine... Read More

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a holistic therapy that relies on natural remedies.... Read More

Body Calling: All Natural Cures

Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More

Understanding Massage Therapy

We've all heard of massage and many of us have... Read More

Homemade Bath Products...the Pros and Cons

When you surf the Internet to find proper bath products... Read More

Whipped Shea Butter & Its Many Uses

Shea butter, also referred to as karite, which means "life"... Read More

Home Remedies, Treatment To All Ailments By Herbal Homemade Remedies

Given below the list of Best Home Remedies for all... Read More

What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine?

I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what... Read More

Using Herbs to Relieve Hemorrhoids ? Aloe Vera, Bilberry, Butchers Broom

To relieve hemorrhoids first look for ways to get your... Read More

Feeling Frisky? Herbs for Fertility

For thousands of years knowledge of the herbs and wild... Read More

Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?

Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist... Read More

Concept of Agni in Ayurveda

Being one of the panchamahabhoota, agni (fire) has the characteristic... Read More

Top Ten Reasons Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Works

Studies and research show natural HRT really works. By using... Read More

Foot Reflexology and Detoxification

Do you know why the rich and famous spend thousands... Read More