July 12, 2011
Heartburn Herbal Remedy
The painful symptoms of heartburn can make it hard to concentrate on anything other than the pain. Burning in the chest, pain that intensifies when you lie down and coughing are all symptoms of this condition. Triggered by drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, consuming food that is too spicy or fatty and eating certain foods can trigger the painful symptoms. Traditional medications aren’t without their own risks, but there are herbal remedies that can help alleviate the condition. Add some of these herbs to your arsenal so you can be prepared the next time heartburn sets your chest on fire.
As stomach acids move into the esophagus heartburn will occur. While medications are effective at putting out the fire after it starts, there are better treatments.
Aloe vera is great for more than external burns. Consuming it can also help ease the burning sensation in the esophagus. Taking 1 cup of aloe vera juice about twenty minutes before a meal can help ease the pain. Be sure that the juice consumed is designed specifically for internal use as aloe gel should not be consumed.
Slippery elm is another good option for easing the pain. A primary ingredient in herbal throat lozenges, it can be found in health stores. Pregnant or nursing women should not use this herb as its potential effects on the unborn child are currently unknown.
Marshmallow root tea can be made by steeping one tablespoon of the dried root in 8 oz of boiling water. Allow the root to steep for at least 10 minutes before straining the tea for consumption. Marshmallow is not safe for pregnant or nursing women and can prevent proper absorption of other medications.
Ginger root will absorb the stomach acid while also create a calm feeling. The calming effect helps it battle heartburn that results from stress and worry. Available in either capsule or tea, it’s also easy to take. It will also help ease nausea should that be a problem. Chamomile also helps ease stress and the calcium in it will help counteract the stomach acid.
Meadowsweet has a reputation for being the most effective herbal remedy for heartburn. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, will counteract stomach acids and can stimulate digestive activity.
Dill contains high levels of anethole, an essential oil. It can aid in digestion, reduces muscle spasms and can help make the digestive system healthier. Dill can also be used to treat the hiccups and colic. Unlike some of the other choices, dill is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. An added bonus for mothers is that it will actually increase the levels of breast milk.
Herbal treatments will alleviate your heartburn pain safely and effectively. Some herbs also offer added benefits such as helping to soothe nerves or curing hiccups. While prescription medications and over-the-counter products may have serious side-effects, herbs do not typically pose any problems. Because some of these herbs can only be found online or in health food stores, it’s advisable to stock up on them before gastric reflux rears its ugly head again.
Download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com for more information on remedies for acid reflux today!
Filed under Heartburn Remedies by admin
July 6, 2011
Natural Antacid
Heartburn is caused by enzymes and acids from the stomach that flow up into the esophagus. This can happen due to a weak lower esophageal muscle, among other causes. The best way to treat it is with antacid products that neutralize the acid and reduce discomfort. If heartburn symptoms are left untreated, more serious health concerns such as ulcers, inflammation, and precancerous conditions may develop.
Many people who suffer from heartburn choose over-the-counter or prescription medications to control their symptoms, however, most cases of heartburn can be easily treated with natural antacid foods and other natural supplements. Many prescription medications carry risks of side effects, so using natural methods whenever possible is crucial. It is important to discuss your heartburn symptoms with your doctor to ensure that you are not experiencing discomfort due to a more serious acid reflux condition. For those with periodic bouts of moderate heartburn, easy relief is possible by using a variety of natural options.
The most promising natural antacid supplements include:
- calcium carbonate
- chelated potassium
- chelated magnesium
- baking soda
All of these treatments work rapidly and produce no side effects. They work by combining with the stomach acid to create an alkalizing effect. Many people have found long-term relief of heartburn by taking all of these supplements together between meals.
Some herbs have shown potential in the treatment of heartburn symptoms. Ginger has been successfully used to treat a number of digestive issues throughout history. Drinking a ginger ale with a meal can help improve digestion and reduce the concentration of stomach acid. Make sure the ginger ale contains natural ginger. Fresh ginger and ginger extract are effective as well.
Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, both soluble and insoluble, has been helpful for many people suffering from heartburn symptoms. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and beans. Fiber supplements are also a good option for those who find it difficult to consume enough fiber naturally.
Certain fresh vegetable and fruit juices are very powerful in reducing stomach acid. Fresh cabbage, celery, and potato juice are best. Avoid acidic juices such as anything containing tomato or citrus. Apple cider vinegar is also a helpful supplement. Dilute one tablespoon in a glass of water and ingest with a meal or snack. Aloe Vera juice has been proven to relieve many stomach problems by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach while neutralizing acid.
Bananas are known to have natural antacid properties due to their high potassium content. Try eating a banana a day to keep your symptoms under control. People who are taking potassium supplements should consult their physician before eating large amounts of bananas. Apples, avocados, and grapes are also helpful in alleviating discomfort and improving digestion.
Yogurt is another great antacid food, especially for those that experience discomfort while sleeping. Eat a few ounces of yogurt about an hour before bed. The yogurt’s live probiotic cultures strengthen the digestive system and help break down food more completely.
Milk and ice cream have natural antacid properties. A glass of milk or small bowl of ice cream about an hour before bed has improved symptoms for many people. Dairy products can cool the esophagus and soothe the stomach. Be careful about what flavor of ice cream you choose. Plain flavors like vanilla are best. Avoid chocolate and mint-based flavors. Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy as it can cause further discomfort.
Anybody suffering from heartburn should avoid acidic foods and juices such as mint, citrus, peppers, and tomatoes. Consume caffeine only sparingly, and avoid cola drinks and coffee whenever possible. Natural antacid foods and supplements can help the majority of heartburn patients relieve their discomfort for the long term. Other natural ways to reduce heartburn include sleeping at a slight incline, drinking a glass of water at bedtime to dilute stomach acid, and not eating or exercising at least two hours before sleep.
It is important to consult an experienced health care professional before deciding on a course of treatment for moderate heartburn. If you are already taking prescription medications to control your symptoms, never use any natural remedy in conjunction with or as a replacement for your prescription without approval from your doctor.
For more helpful information on natural antacids download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!
Filed under Natural Heartburn Cures by admin
July 1, 2011
No More Heartburn
Heartburn, the burning sensation in the esophagus below the breastbone, is reportedly a recurring problem for as much as a quarter of the population. Recurring heartburn is different from incidental heartburn in that it isn’t necessarily caused by diet or lifestyle–some people have chronic heartburn even after dietary and lifestyle changes.
So many heartburn remedies these days rely on prescription medications or even invasive surgery to cure recurring problems with heartburn and gastric acid reflux. Healthy and holistic cures for acid reflux and heartburn have been around for centuries and have few or no side effects.
According to the medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine, prescription medication for acid reflux can cause bacterial infection and even weaken your bones, making breaks and fractures more likely. Here are the three most commonly used holistic remedies for heartburn. These treatments carry none of the risks of prescription heartburn drugs.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
The science behind the apple cider vinegar cure for heartburn is simple–the stomach uses natural acids to digest food, and apple cider vinegar is very similar in acidity to your stomach acid. Heartburn happens when there is too little acid in the stomach itself to digest your food. All of the acid travels up the esophagus causing the familiar burning pain. Apple cider vinegar works because it aids digestion and at the same time triggers the sphincter at the top of the stomach to “shut off,” preventing acid from leaking into the esophagus.
For mild heartburn, put two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in sixteen ounces of water. Sip this slowly throughout the day. For more severe heartburn, add two tablespoons of organic ACV to the same amount of water.
Almonds
Heartburn sufferers have found that eating a handful of raw almonds just before or after a meal greatly reduces their heartburn symptoms. Almonds are also delicious and healthy, and as an “aperitif,” they can also relieve the pain of acid reflux and heartburn.
It is unclear why almonds counteract heartburn, but recent research at Stanford University suggests that the high oil content of almonds soothes the esophagus and may trigger the stomach’s upper sphincter to close, preventing stomach acid leakage.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Sometimes called “aloe vera for the stomach,” marshmallow root tea is available at health food stores and some larger grocery stores. The ancient Greeks knew of the powers of this tea to soothe stomach problems, and research at the University of Victoria has shown that marshmallow root tea is as effective or more effective than antacids at relieving gastric reflux.
This tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, an emollient, a natural diuretic, and has great powers to soothe the nerves. Marshmallow root tea is often an ingredient in herbal teas meant to calm and provide relief from stress.
For more ideas on how to cure heartburn the holistic way, download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxrememdy.com today!
Filed under Heartburn Remedies by admin
June 30, 2011
Diet for Heartburn
Heartburn is something that strikes almost everyone at some point. It’s that terrible fiery feeling in the chest that’s too often followed by an acidic taste in the mouth and throat that can last for hours. Heartburn is a painful condition that occurs when stomach acid backs up to the esophagus. Fortunately, heartburn can be avoided by removing a few key foods from your diet that are known heartburn triggers. Incorporating other key foods like bananas and milk can also create a diet that is effective at combating heartburn.
Many fruits are the culprit in severe cases of heartburn. Strong citrus fruits are a classic cause of this painful condition. These foods include grapefruit, oranges and even orange juice and create a problem because they’re very acidic. When eaten on an empty stomach the problem is magnified. Many people also find the tomato fruit to be a major cause of their heartburn. Although tomatoes are nutritious and full of lycopene they’re also full of acid that can trigger painful heartburn.
Spicy foods are another culprit. If you want to avoid that fiery feeling in your chest it might help to skip Mexican food, as well as anything with hot peppers or chili in it. While heartburn triggers differ with everyone, spicy foods are a major cause and can be eliminated fairly easily. Introducing milder versions of favorite foods is an easy way to cut back on heartburn symptoms.
Garlic and onion also seem to trigger discomfort in many people. If you eat many meals with onion and garlic try balancing them with sweet potatoes, toast and broiled chicken, all of which can reduce the risk of heartburn after a meal.
Fortunately, there are many ways to change your diet to reduce heartburn completely. Many spices like mint, ginger and fennel can be added to tea or a meal to prevent heartburn after eating. A number of fruits can also relieve the condition by aiding in digestion and preventing the stomach from producing too much acid. Fruits like bananas, apples and papayas are very beneficial. Many vegetables can help as well, like cabbage, carrots and broccoli.
Even certain meats can help eliminate heartburn or prevent it completely. Because excess fat can worsen heartburn, all meat should be drained well before eating. Meats like lean ground beef and chicken breast with the skin removed are excellent at preventing heartburn.
Dairy is perhaps the best thing in a diet for heartburn prevention. Calcium can actually push acid into the stomach when consumed, eliminating it from the esophagus and relieving the pain. Calcium found in cream cheese, low-fat milks and yogurt is the best. Of course, individuals that are lactose-intolerant will need to find something that works for them.
Lastly, fiber can help alleviate heartburn because it prevents indigestion. Whole grain foods will give the acid in your stomach something to break down, preventing it from entering the esophagus completely.
The best way to learn how to eliminate heartburn from your life is to download the Reflux Remedy Report. This report details how to avoid this painful condition without the use of medication or antacids and has an excellent success rate. Visit refluxremedy.com for your report today!
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin