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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.
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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
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