Why Heartburn?
Understand the Cause
A history of constipation or loose stools can cause toxins to re-absorb from the intestines into the liver. Over time, the liver becomes congested, which thickens or congests the bile in the gallbladder. The bile, among other actions, buffers the stomach acid. If the bile becomes thick or congested, then the acid in the stomach will linger as it waits for adequate bile flow. If bile production never reaches the needed levels to buffer the stomach acid, the acid will stay in the stomach too long and can eventually cause heartburn.
Over time, if this problem is not corrected, the lack of bile flow will cause such an irritation in the stomach, and the stomach will eventually decrease its acid production in an attempt to protect the stomach lining. Too little acid leads to the proliferation of harmful microbes, like H. pylori, which can irritate the stomach. This lack of stomach acid may also result in discomfort due to poor digestion and stomach lining irritation. It will also affect to ability to digest foods that need acid to be digested properly –> such as wheat and dairy.
Address the Issue with Natural Strategies!
Before a meal, take a ½ of teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water
Relax and eat slowly
Tea: Fenugreek, fennel, cumin, coriander
Apply Downward Stomach Pressure: Massage the stomach & diaphragm
Foods
Melons & Bananas: While most fruits have a high acid content, these don't. Bananas are always handy as a snack food. All sorts of melons are good, like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
Oatmeal: It's a great way to start your day. Oatmeal doesn't cause reflux, it's filling, and it has lots of healthy fiber.
Rice & Couscous: These healthy complex carbs are great if you have reflux. When choosing rice, go for brown rice, which has more fiber.
Green Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, celery, and cauliflower are low in acid.
Lean Poultry & Meats: Prepare chicken and turkey grilled, broiled, baked, or steamed. Remove the skin and don't fry it. Even ground beef and steak can be ok, as long as it’s lean.
Potatoes: Other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips or turnips are good too!
Fish: Grilled, poached, and baked fish are all good choices. Just don't fry it or use fatty sauces.
Egg Whites: They're a good source of protein and are low in acid.
Karla A. Cain
Ayurvedic Health Counselor
