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.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author
of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The
PowerWithin". It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive
and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr.
Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into
your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification
training classes are now forming. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com
or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.
