Heartburn or GERD which means Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease, is a burning sensation and pain in the
stomach and/or chest, right behind the breastbone. It may be accompanied by
bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath, and/or an acidic or sour
taste in the throat. Over 63 million people in the USA suffer from heartburn.
It often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the stomach
to digest food, backs up into the esophagus, causing sensitive tissues
to become irritated. The esophageal sphincter muscle normally pinches
itself shut which stops stomach acid from moving upward. However, if
the sphincter is not functioning correctly, the acid can get past it
and into the esophagus. Which is called gas troesophageal reflux. Conditions
that can cause a reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus are now
referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease rather than dyspepsia
or indigestion,
chronic heartburn, or acid indigestion.
GERD may affect anyone at any age. GERD can scar the
esophagus, and if stomach acids get into the lungs, they can cause
asthma type symptoms. GERD can also lead to a condition called
Barrett's esophagus, which is characterized by changes in the cells
lining the esophagus that can induce cancer. Person's with hiatal
hernia problems often experience heartburn. It can also be started by
eating too much: spicy foods, fatty/fried foods, alcohol, coffee,
citrus fruits, chocolate, or tomato based foods. Other contributing
factors are: allergies, enzyme deficiencies,
gallbladder
problems, stress, and ulcers.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Magnesium |
10 |
low intake of magnesium has been linked to attention deficit
disorder and it has a calming effect, a good source of magnesium is a
quality multi-vitamin
& mineral supplement especially one with
calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex which all work with
the mineral magnesium . |
| Calcium |
10 |
a companion to
magnesium and also has a calming effect. It has an alkalizing
effect that helps with stomach acid. |
| vitamin
B complex |
10 |
these vitamins are
required for proper digestion and are also helpful with stress
and general nutrition for the body. |
| vitamin
B12 |
9 |
required for proper
digestion and nervous function |
| Pyridoxine |
10 |
vitamin B6 needed
for digestion |
| Potassium |
10 |
mineral that works
with calcium and magnesium. |
| Aloe
vera |
9 |
this herb helps to reduce stress
and works well in combination with the herbs kava kava and chamomile for people with
GERD or heartburn. |
| Kava kava |
9 |
herb that
aid in relaxing and relieving stress |
| Chamomile |
9 |
herb helps
relieve esophageal irritation |
| Ginger |
8 |
serves as
a buffer to help with heartburn |
| Peppermint |
8 |
herb that
helps with heartburn, indigestion, and burping |
| Blessed
Thistle |
8 |
herb used
in Europe for almost any problem and used for many
inflammation problems and for heartburn. |
 Symmetry products people
tell us they use for Heartburn
/ GERD
(click on the product name for more
information)
|
Tranquility
Calcium Coverage
Aloe
Plus
Genesis
BotanaCleanse
Plus |
herbal blend with B vitamins, calcium,
and magnesium
multi source calcium formula with herbs and
minerals that work with it
liquid Aloe vera, Kava, Chamomile, Passionflower formula
liquid herbal blend with Blessed thistle, Aloe vera,
and more
colon intestinal cleansing and restoration - vital
for good health |
|
|
GOOD
SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM TO TRY
ADULTS / TEENS:
CHILDREN:
OTHER CHANGES TO MAKE
- drink steam distilled water (6-8 glasses a day)
- avoid alcohol
- avoid saturated fats and fried foods
- eat high fiber diet (brown rice and millet are good)
- make sure to get vitamin A, C, and E
- reduced sugar, candy, etc...
- avoid caffeine, hydrogenated oils, fried
foods, meat, soft drinks
- reduce dairy products in your diet
- fasting a few days a month
- eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
- juicing can be helpful (cabbage and celery are good)
- do not eat for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime
- eat smaller more frequent meals
- reduce your stress and anger
- exercise moderately ... yoga is good also
- avoid smoking and chewing gum
- PRAY ... prayer helps with healing
|
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