Acid reflux is huge problem and the third most expensive condition being treated medically. Acid blocking drugs are handed out like candy, over-the-counter and by prescription. Acid reflux can cause serious health problems but who is asking what is the root cause?
Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec are the third most prescribed drugs for this condition. Is that the best we can do for everyone who is suffering from constant, daily heartburn?
From a holistic healing perspective, we look at heartburn and acid reflux as symptoms and ask what is behind it? What is the body trying to communicate?What changes are needed to resolve it? Taking drugs only masks the symptoms in the long run and never gets to the root of the problem. For some people it is not always as complicated as one might think.
There are many common triggers that have the potential to cause some serious burning in the upper digestive tract. They include but are not limited to:
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Processed foods
- Tomatoes and tomato-based foods
- Citrus
- Caffeine
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Fried foods
- Soda pop
- Artificial sweeteners
- Food allergies
- H. Pylori and other bacteria overgrowth
- Stress
- Candida overgrowth
- Poor food combining
Taking an acid blocker doesn’t correct the underlying cause. Actually it can make things worse over time. We are meant to secrete acid into the stomach to assist with digestion, especially protein. We also need acid for proper metabolism of certain vitamins and minerals. If you have been taking an acid blocker for many years, you may end up with a B12 or zinc deficiency which in turn leads to other health problems like depression, memory loss, neuropathy, increased digestive issues, and more.
There are several actions you can start taking on your own to identify what may be causing your acid reflux.
- The first step to healing is cleaning up your diet. Try removing the foods from the above list and see if you get any relief.
- Eliminate gluten and dairy also from your diet for a few weeks as they are difficult for many people to properly digest.
- Eat supper earlier in the evening so your body has enough time to digest the food you have eaten. Allow at least three hours between your last meal and bedtime.
- Eat smaller meals so there is less food in your stomach at one time. It is better to add some small snacks throughout the day instead of eating a huge meal in the evening.
- Take a digestive enzyme to support your digestion. For some people, acid reflux is caused by insufficient amount of digestive enzymes and acid to properly break down the food.
- Identify possible food allergens that are adding stress to your digestion.
- Take a few slow, deep breaths before you start to eat your meal. Relaxing your nervous system before you sit down to eat helps your body digest better.
- If you are secreting too little acid, taking raw apple cider vinegar helps with digestion. If you secrete too much acid, then taking aloe vera juice and/or deglycerized licorice before your meal helps to coat your stomach and support your digestion.
- Take a probiotic daily to establish a healthy inner ecosystem. Microbes can cause a lot of digestive stress and acid reflux.
- Learn how to alkalize your system with proper food combining and adding more plant-based foods to your diet.
- If you have done everything in this list with absolutely no improvement, then perhaps you may want to consider getting tested for food allergies, gluten sensitivity, and abnormal microbial activity in the gut like bacteria, yeast overgrowth, and parasites.
A healthy, balanced digestive system does not produce strong, uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms are a means of communication from our body that requires interpretation, not suppression. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Make a decision to heal your acid reflux and your body will thank you with symptom free digestion and more pleasure when eating a variety of foods. If you need or want support in reversing acid reflux naturally, feel free to contact me.
