Health
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. 


© 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.

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