Don’t Suffer from Heartburn
Heartburn occurs when the ring-shaped muscle at the top of the stomach malfunctions. The ring-shaped muscle acts as a valve, which relaxes when you swallow and tightens up when your stomach is full. However, sometimes the valve relaxes when it isn’t supposed to, and that allows the stomach contents to bubble back up into the esophagus (the tube connecting the stomach and throat). It happens more often if you’re lying down or bending over.
The fiery chest pain that gives heartburn its name occurs when stomach acid spills up the esophagus burning as it rises. In some cases, it can cause a vomit-like taste in the mouth. Some people wake up with a choking sensation, chronic cough, or a hoarse voice.
For occasional heartburn, overindulgence is the culprit. Stuffing the stomach with fatty foods, which are slow to digest, exerts extra pressure on the valve. Certain drugs, such as nicotine, caffeine, or antidepressants, can loosen the sphincter muscles as well. Excess weight, particularly around the midsection, increases pressure inside the abdomen making the problem worse.
To ease heartburn, ease up on smoking; avoid fatty, overly spicy foods, drinking too much coffee, and try to lose a bit of that extra weight. Limit tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, onions, acidic fruits, carbonated drinks, candy, and tomato-based products. If things are going well, reintroduce the foods one-by-one until you find the culprit.
A few natural options can also help put out the fire. Try Licorice capsules. They protect the mucous membrane that lines the digestive tract and act as an antacid. Also, Aloe Vera juice or gel is effective for chronic heartburn. Drink 1oz. before each meal. Another herb that may help is Slippery Elm, a traditional Native remedy. It coats and soothes the stomach lining. Mix a couple teaspoons into a glass of water and drink after meals and before bedtime.
Chewing sugarless gum may also help as it generates saliva, which lowers the acid level of your stomach. Antacids are fine for short-term use, but are not a long-term solution. Whatever you do, don’t leave heartburn untreated. Over time it can damage the esophagus. Don’t suffer needlessly, put out that fire.
Flo Lavallie, DNM
