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Healing Heartburn Holistically
By Dr. Rita Louise
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.
© 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
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