Acid reflux, also known as heartburn and esophageal reflux, is medically defined as "A painful burning sensation in the esophagus just below the sternum. Heartburn is usually caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus but may be caused by gastric hyperacidity or peptic ulcer.
Under normal conditions, the sphincter muscle of the esophagus prevents acid-containing stomach contents from being regurgitated back into the esophagus but if the muscle becomes lazy or perhaps relaxed, then acid reflux or heartburn can occur.
Causes and Risk Factors
Acid reflux is one of the easiest things to heal from when you know what causes it. It is caused by consuming excessive amounts of acid-forming products (food and drink) which disturbs the natural acidity levels of the GI tract.
Consuming too much acid-forming food or beverages such as meat, dairy products, refined grains, refined starches, and other processed and refined food-stuffs including acidic and effervescent beverages (i.e. soda pop, beer, wine, milk, processed orange juice, coffee, hot cocoa, etc.) throws off the acidity levels of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract.
Symptoms
When this acidic content attempts to exit via the mouth, a burning sensation is felt (in the lower heart area which is why acid reflux is also called heartburn). It is so caustic it can actually burn through or eat through the tissues of the GI tract causing ulcers, especially peptic ulcers.
If you also experiencing a nasty, bitter, or acerbic taste in your mouth during your bout with acid reflux, you are simply tasting the acidic contents of the esophagus.
Healing Acid Reflux Naturally
Acid reflux is nothing but a condition of hyperacidity due to poor diet. People are harming themselves by way of what they consume.
Medical authorities state that antacids help acid reflux and heartburn is because antacids are calcium-based and calcium is the most alkaline mineral in the body and it naturally counteracts and neutralizes acidity. That's why they are called antacids, meaning 'anti acid.'
Antacids can offer symptomatic relief, but many commercial antacids can cause as much harm as good when used extensively over time.
Some lifestyle behaviors, such as smoking or being stressed out, can also increase body acidity.
To relieve acid reflux naturally, change your diet, stop smoking and develop stress relief strategies to help manage your body's chemistry in a healthy way.
Herbal Remedies
1.Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis):
Marshmallow contains a mucilage (slimy and soothing) quality which helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining, creating a protective barrier against stomach acid.
Marshmallow can be taken in capsule form or as a cold infusion (steep a tablespoon of marshmallow root overnight in two cups of cold water—you’ll end up with a thick, soothing, slightly bitter, and sweet-tasting concoction which will instantly soothe pain). Bonus: Marshmallow helps heal damage done by excessive acid production.
Note: while marshmallow is totally safe and non-toxic, because of its mucilaginous qualities, it may interfere with the absorption of other medications, so take it on its own.
2.Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Turmeric relieves pain on contact. For gargling: mix two teaspoons of turmeric, warm water, and a pinch of salt. Swish that (admittedly not-so-appetizing) mixture around for thirty seconds, gargle, and spit it out. Try, if you can, not to chase it with water; instead, let it sit in the mouth and swallow a bit of it to help soothe and heal the digestive system. You can also take turmeric in capsule form.
Note: As is the case with so many herbs, turmeric should be used in moderation. Too much turmeric used for extended periods of time may cause stomach distress. Since turmeric is included in Ayurvedic formulas for birth control, women trying to become pregnant should limit their consumption of the herb, and it should be avoided entirely while pregnant. Excessive use of turmeric should also be avoided in people with congestive heart failure. The curcumin in turmeric activates a gene called p53. This gene deactivates damaged cells in the heart.
DGL is a chewable form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin removed. What the heck does that mean? Well, basically, glycyrrhizin is the component in licorice which makes it a not-so-safe herb for those with high blood pressure or who are prone to bloating and water retention. Removing it makes the herb safe for consumption by everyone.
Chewing (and chewing is important—digestion starts in the mouth with saliva) a couple of DGL tablets when you’re feeling heartburn come on helps to decrease inflammation in the stomach, protect the stomach lining, and soothe ulcer conditions. It also helps boost enzyme production, allowing for easier and quicker digestion as well as better absorption of nutrients.
It goes without saying that chronic acid reflux is a condition that should be looked at by your physician. But whether you suffer from chronic or occasional heartburn, any of these herbs can not only provide relief, but also a platform for healing damaged tissue.
Dietary Intervention
Cut back on or outright cut out acidic foods and beverages (like those listed above). With so many healthy food options, there's no excuse to not do better or improve pertaining to diet.
Acidic foods are: ◦Meat ◦Dairy ◦Refined grains ◦Refined starches ◦Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages ◦Hot chocolate or cocoa ◦Energy drinks
Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, especially mango and papaya. However, do not eat a lot of citrus fruit due to the acidity they contain (even though it's a healthy acidity). Good acid mixed with bad acid creates confusion in the body.
Drink vegetable juice daily. Vegetable juice is alkaline and will neutralize the acidity level of your GI (gastro-intestinal) tract. You don't need antacids! Vegetable juice will work better than OTC (over-the-counter) antacids, which pollute the bloodstream.
Add 1-2 ounces of Aloe Vera juice to your drinking water. Liquid chlorophyll (1 tablespoon or 1 ounce) is also good to add to your drinking water.
Stop consuming acidic products and start consuming more alkaline foods like raw fruits and vegetables.
Very good information. I found a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for fast relief also. Better still, one of the best remedies is to start cooking you own foods and stop eating out so much. If you discover you have less of a problem your stomach should begin to heal faster.
Tuesday, October 7th 2014 at 5:59PM
Helen Lofton
Sister Juanita, not to take away from this blog, but do you have recommendations for schizophrenia?
Tuesday, October 7th 2014 at 7:11PM
Steve Williams
Mr. Williams, are we referring to recommendations for Mr. Watley (lol)? I know Mr. Watley is, and could be a "trip", but we must continue to handle him with love and respect and not allow him to get under our skin too much. One thing I can say Mr. Watley is persistent, and that's a great trait (when used in the proper manner however).
But yes, there are several recommendations for schizophrenia, eating oatmeal happens to be a great remedy for people with this disorder as well as taking St. John's wort and rosemary.
Tuesday, October 7th 2014 at 9:41PM
Sister Juanita From Memphis
Yes Sister Juanita, it was Harry who raised the question in my mind. He told me today he has secret admirers. This made me wonder whether he has a bona fide condition. I wondered too if there are certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause schizophrenia.
