Treating anything during pregnancy can present its own set of obstacles. What can be taken that won?t affect the baby? What can I do to be more comfortable and get some rest? Heartburn can be a common and bothersome problem during pregnancy and finding a solution can be daunting. However, there are several options to stave off heartburn during pregnancy.

1. Prop a few pillows under your head when sleeping. This helps keep acids out of the esophagus and in the stomach where they belong.

2. Don?t eat right before you go to bed. Wait 2 or 3 hours before lying down after eating. Too much food in your stomach combined with lying down encourages acid into the esophagus.

3. Monitor what you eat. Certain foods can trigger heartburn consistently. Common ones can include alcohol, citrus, garlic and onions. Avoid specific foods that set your heartburn off.

4. Relax. Stress is a major producer of stomach acids. Deep breaths, yoga, counting to 10, anything that will help you de-stress can prevent heartburn.

5. Eat smaller meals more frequently. Bombarding your stomach with a large amount of food can cause pressure to build up and acid production into overdrive.

6. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

7. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine relaxes the muscles that control the flow of food to your stomach, which allows acid into the esophagus.

8. Drink a glass of water. It will help dilute acids and flush the stomach out.

9. Drink some milk, but in moderation. Milk can help neutralize acids, but also contains some fats that promote stomach acid production.

10. Try an apple. Some people have found heartburn relief from just one slice.

11. Chew a piece of gum. It causes you to salivate and dilutes acids in the stomach.

12. When lifting, don?t bend at the waist. Gravity is helpful in keeping stomach acids down where they belong. Bending with the knees keeps your alignment the way it should be.

13. Don?t smoke. Aside from a host of serious health problems for you and your baby, it?s shown to increase stomach acid production.

14. Avoid alcohol. Like caffeine, it relaxes the esophageal muscles, which allows acid to flow up instead of staying in the stomach.

15. Don?t wear tight fitting clothing. It can put pressure on the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus.

16. Over the counter antacids like Tums may help, but always consult your doctor before taking any medications during pregnancy.

For more suggestions for getting rid of heartburn during pregnancy, please see our Reflux Remedy Report.

Whether you suffer from symptoms of hiatal hernia that involve lower back pain or not, this report can help you.

First, did you know there are 2 main types of hiatal hernia?

1. A sliding hiatal hernia

2. A rolling hiatal hernia

Both types of hiatal hernias can trigger back pain issues.

The ?sliding hiatal hernia? shows up about 95% of the time. This kind of hernia happens when the part of your throat (esophagus) which is normally even with, or below, the main muscle (diaphragm) that separates your stomach area from your throat area, moves above . . . ?sliding-up some stomach along with it.

A sliding hiatal hernia is a result of a weakened or damaged opening between your throat and stomach sometimes referred to as the gastroesophageal junction.

The ?rolling hiatal hernia?, is also called the ?paraesophageal? hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach literally protrudes (herniates) right through the opening that separates the throat area and stomach area. This opening is called the esophageal hiatus. The ?rolling? hernia refers to a significant part of the stomach actually rolling up alongside the esophagus, but without disturbing the natural opening where the stomach and throat are kept separated.

So many health issues can lead people to false conclusions. A hiatal hernia is especially deceptive because many of the symptoms like back pain, seem to suggest different causes, or health problems all together

Back pains from hiatal hernias can turn into dull chest pains; heart palpitations and even shortness of breath.

Neuro-gastroenterologists have discovered that the whole gastrointestinal system, Central Nervous System (CNS) and brain are all interconnected by a vast and complex electro-chemical nerve matrix.

One of these major nerve connections is called the ?vagus nerve? Once this nerve is exposed to acid reflux or irritated by gastrointestinal juices; it can cause bronchial spasms, affect circulation and trigger an aching back by inflaming, or constricting large back muscles, resulting in a lot of back pain issues.

It?s not uncommon for people suffering from hiatal hernias to not notice any back pain symptoms, palpitations or breathing problems. Usually they think all they have is acid reflux, heartburn or a gastrointestinal problem.

As you can imagine having a ?sliding? or ?rolling? hiatal hernia would easily allow nasty tasting bile salts, stomach acid and heartburn air up into your throat, mouth and even sinus cavities . . . not a pleasant though is it.

Fact is your back pains maybe the least of your worries.

Here are some hiatal hernia ?risk factors? that could also trigger back pain and other problems too:

? Being over weight

? Constipation

? Frequent coughing

? Vomiting

? Sneezing

? Pregnancy

? Heavy lifting

Some of the proven exercises that relieve pressure on your diaphragm and hiatal hernia will cure your back pain and other problems as well. The secret is to address the root cause of as many symptoms as possible. Because hiatal hernias can have so many symptoms that seem unrelated, a holistic or naturopathic approach is often the only, or best, way to a lasting solution . . . certainly worth looking into!

You were born to heal,

Todd M. Faass?

Health Ecologist