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

---

Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States

At the end of 2004 results from a study on... Read More

Bring Peace and Serenity to Your Life Through Hypnosis!

Hypnosis: It happens to everyone, young and old, in everyday... Read More

Magnetic Therapy, How And Why Magnets Effect The Body

Have you ever read or have been told that "it... Read More

Whipped Shea Butter & Its Many Uses

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

How To Find Your Way To Healthy Longevity

As the old saying goes, are you "a picture of... Read More

Top 3 Reasons Why You Suffer From Pain In The Back Of The Knee

Pain behind the knee is something many of us have... Read More

Once You Discover and Act on This ?Secret? to Health and Energy, You May be Changed for the Better

I discovered something completely, 100% amazing about 5 years ago.... Read More

Do You Have Difficulty in Waking Up On Dark Winter Mornings?

Our daily internal body clocks or circadian rhythms synchronise the... Read More

Chypre

EcologyChypre belongs to the evergreen plant family with needle-like leaves.... Read More

Ethical Guidelines For Hypnotherapy

The study of ethics concerns moral choices, generally in the... Read More

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

The evening primrose oil which we use is extracted from... Read More

Alternative Medicine & Herbal Preparations

Alternative medicine is gaining more attention every day. The idea... Read More

Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Hypnotism, and the Truth about the Funky Chicken!

Over two hundred years after this momentous event the world... Read More

Evolution of Aromatherapy

The Origin of AromatherapySince the beginning ? from the time... Read More

Green Apple: Refreshing Taste, Uplifting Fragrance

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"A common fruit,... Read More

ReFidolize: The Majic Missy Mix Includes Medicinal Mushrooms

Autoimmune disorders, lupus, Sjogrens, MS, IBS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia... Read More

Superb Skin Disorder Relief found in Common Diaper Rash Ointment

"Accidental" discoveries are made each day. Common substances can sometimes... Read More

Urinary Tract Infections Helped with Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which... Read More

An ADD Case Study: What Does it Mean to Fail?

Josh is a client of mine who is a junior... Read More

The Whys and Habits of Anxiety & Panic Disorder

Just about everyone asks themselves why? Why did I get... Read More

Ayurveda - Principles & Practice

Ayurveda which has been evolved around 600 BC, apart from... Read More

Alternative Health Treatments for People Who Give Too Much

Being a modern traveler, you probably get onto an airplane... Read More

Can I Be Hypnotised?

If you are conscious, have an IQ higher than about... Read More

Why Detox?

For most of my life I considered myself fairly healthy.... Read More

Acupressure

Developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is an... Read More

Herbs and Essential Oils ? Powerful Medicine

We can find many beneficial uses for natural herbs and... Read More

Aromatherapy - a World of Frangrance

The ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy thousands of years ago. Aromatherapy,... Read More

Discover 5 Scents That Will Turbo Charge Your Energy, Mood, Brain Power, and More

Control AppetiteIn studies of 105 subjects, it was found that... Read More

Emotrance & Well-Being

Are you ready to easily release worry, pain or fear... Read More

Constipation Relieved Naturally

Constipation is a problem that affects many Americans every day.... Read More

Migraine and Feverfew

Many people today will tell you that they suffer from... Read More

A Constipation Remedy Using Potassium and Prunes

Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you... Read More

Stuttering Treatment, Stammering Treatment

There are many different treatments for people who stutter/stammer. In... Read More