Heartburn - Facts, Symptoms & Relief Tips

Heartburn

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Facts

Also referred to as indigestion, acid regurgitation or sour stomach.
Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus (food pipe) causing a burning sensation and a bitter (acid) taste.
Heartburn can also occur during sleep.

Causes

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GED) occurs when a faulty muscular valve (lower esophageal spincter or LES) allows both the stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) and food in the stomach to travel upwards into the esophagus.
Hiatus hernia is a condition where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Scarringg of the esophagus can lead to chronic heartburn and difficulty in swallowing.
Sleeping pills (benzodiazepines).
An inflammed stomach (gastritis).
Weak stomach muscles.
Stress.
Pregnant women may experience heartburn due to the compression on the stomach by the growing baby.
Exercise-induced heartburn.
Stomach ulcers.
Overeating.
Food and beveages such as fried food, greasy food, spicy food, heavy sauses, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks,
Though allergic reactions are rare, taking 6 grams or more of ginger on an empty stomach can cause heartburn and gastric distress.

Relief

According to Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices (Prentice Hall, 1994), Dr. John Heinerman recommends drinking banana juice (blended with other fruits like pear and papaya) because it helps neutralize the hydrochloric acid reflux felt in the back of the throat and at the same time its slippery condition helps "push" the protruded portion of the stomach that has entered into the chest cavity. Banana's rich potassium content helps strengthen the LES by promoting more even and frequent muscle contractions.
Author Isabelle Navarre-Brown reveals in 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) that the use of noni fruit juice can bring about relief from heartburn. Taking noni juice before a meal will help treat the underlying causes of the distress while taking it after a meal will better address the symptoms of heartburn.
A natural tropical fruit found to contain over 150 nutraceuticals which include 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because they are not produced in the body, vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, ursolic acid, linoleic acid, proxeronine (bromelain), scopoletin, pectin, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium & zinc.
Do not exercise on a full stomach because it increases intra-abdominal pressure, which causes heartburn. Wait at least two hours after a meal before exercising. Reflux is more likely to take place when the stomach is loaded with a lot of food.
Since reflux can occur when the digestion process is sluggish, digestive enzymes can help with food digestion and stop any reflux. An enzyme formula which contains the enzyme protease (for protein digestion) may or may not cause irritation. Digestive enzymes should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice was found to be as effective as the antacid drug Tagamet for healing stomach ulcers. Take 1-2 wafers (or tablets) 15 to 20 minutes before a meal and 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.
Reference : "Comparison between cimetidine and caved-s in the treatment of gastric ulceration, and subsequent maintenance therapy." Morgan AG, McAdam WA, Pacsoo C, et al. Gut (1982) 23:545-51
Peppermint tea helps to soothe heartburn and aids digestion. Just add a teaspoon of fresh leaves or a tea bag to a cup of hot water, steep 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Calendula (also known as marigold) can help relief heartburn discomfort. Use a tincture and follow label instructions.
Fennel can help prevent heartburn and improve digestion. Make an infusion with fennel seeds by adding a teaspoon of crushed seeds to 1 cup of boiled water, steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink.
Aloe vera can help heal an inflammed digestive tract. Take in between meals.
Eat plain yoghurt.
Take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into a glass of warm milk.

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