So you have once again that burning sensation in your chest or upper gut, known as heartburn, after chowing down on spicy food or that cheeseburger at your local greasy spoon. Believe me I know the feeling having suffered with this irritating condition myself for quite a few years.
What is heartburn or “acid reflux” as it is also referred? Heartburn happens when the gastric or stomach acids move back up into the upper portion of the digestive tract known as the esophagus, the organ by which food is transported to our stomach, and of which is located in the center of our chest cavity.
Heartburn occurs when the sphincter or ring-like muscular band that is suppose to close off the esophagus, no longer functions as it should. Like a rubber band it just doesn’t seem tighten. When this process repeats itself over and again, it inevitably irritates and over time erode the lining of our G.I. tracts, therefore heartburn much be stopped in its track.
However, don’t worry, studies have revealed that there are a few ways to combat heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux naturally? I can attest that the following dietary and lifestyle changes helped me successfully manage this condition without using meds or undergoing surgery, and maybe they can help you too?
Avoid certain foods: Certain foods acts as triggers causing digestive upset. These include carbonated beverages, citrus fruit juices, caffeine, onions, fatty as well as spicy foods, dairy, and pasta sauces. Anyway, just be sure to take notice of the foods that make you want to pewk shortly after eating!
Pay attention to your posture: Avoid lying down after eating, as well as bending, or participating in any type of physical exercise. Allow your foods the necessary hours (a minium of at least 3) to properly digest before going to bed, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated will HELP!
Stop smoking: This habit will only serve to aggravate the condition of heartburn.
Avoid tight clothing: This definitely places pressure on the esophagus and belly, and will make you terribly uncomfortable.
Avoid STRESS! It think it goes without saying the havoc stress can wreak on our stomachs and bodies as a whole.
Below are a few natural remedies I’ve personally tried and continue to do and which have successfully elped to improve my own digestive health, as well as rid or at best minimize me of heartburn.
Acidophilus: Protects and Repairs. This good bacteria (or stomach flora) has been shown to improve digestive health and aid in recovery.
Digestive Enzymes: Taken an hour or two before food. Aids in food digestion, and helps combat heartburn.
Aloe Vera Juice: By drinking just a shot of this (2 oz) with a meal provides digestive relief.
Also, noted by a few others as natural remedies which may help to relieve heartburn are apple cider vinegar (1-2 tsp), orange extract (capsules), alkaline water (PH 8.8), and chewing sugarless gum (1-2 sticks for 1/2 hour).
