Acid reflux and heartburn are common digestive problems affecting millions but many people misunderstand it. These conditions are caused by a LACK of acid instead of too much acid. In fact, studies show acid production decreases all throughout adult life proving we all are probably low on stomach acid.
What is Acid Reflux? Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Acid reflux and heartburn are common conditions affecting the digestive system. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and affects the lower chest area. It is characterized by a sharp burning sensation in the chest. So what’s really happening in our bodies when heartburn occurs if it’s not really an overproduction of acid? It is true that when acid flows up into the esophagus, the acid irritates the lining of the esophagus causing heartburn and other symptoms but this is due to a dysfunctioning or leaky valve in the esophagus not because of an overflow of acid. When food is consumed and digested, a valve shuts keeping all of the food where it’s supposed to be. However, if this valve is weakened then it will not shut properly, allowing acid from your stomach to flow back up. New research believes that this is due to low stomach acid.
Other Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Cough and wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
Complications of GERD or Acid reflux include esophagitis, GI Bleeding, anemia, hematemesis, scarring in the digestive system, and Barrett’s esophagus.
Risk Factors for Acid Reflux and Heartburn
- Age
- BMI
- Poor diet choices
- Smoking
- Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Lack of physical activity
Natural Remedies to Help Address Acid Reflux and Heartburn
There are MUCH better ways to deal with acid reflux, heartburn, and upper digestive tract issues other than taking acid reflux drugs. Not-So-Fun Fact: those who take antacids have up to 2X more kidney failure than those who don’t! Some people have been on these meds for 5, 10, or 15 years! Your body is screaming at you to stop eating certain foods that are bothering you and yet you pop a pill and eat whatever you want. What are some better solutions?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal can help break down and digest your food. Often times it’s not that you have too much acid, but that you don’t have enough – so, try getting more acid in your diet. If you are acid deficient and your body’s going into hyperdrive to produce more acid – we have an HDL protocol that addresses how to combat that and fix the underlying cause.
Ginger Tea or Lozenges
Use ginger tea or ginger lozenges for nausea. The fresher you get it the more powerful its anti-nausea effect will be!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been shown to have a soothing effect on those with digestive tract conditions. Take aloe vera orally in order to help soothe symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn.
Greens
Our greens powder can be put in water, or smoothies and is packed full of vegetables. You get high doses of vegetables in a small amount of powder mix. It really helps alkalize the digestive system which will really undo a lot of burdens of too much acidity.
Sugar Fast
A solution to correcting the problem longer-term, instead of short-term solutions (like popping Tums) would be to get to the cause of WHY your digestive system is not working normally in the first place. I recommend going on a 21-day challenge to fast from sugar or potentially a gut reset solution to help address the underlying cause.
Address the nerves
Check the nerves going to the digestive system! The nerve that comes out of the neck (the vagus nerve) helps control the acid in the stomach. If you have damage there, the stomach can’t work. When was the last time you had that checked? You’ve got to look at that connection and how the nervous system is functioning. Fix that connection, and more often than not, the acid reflux problems are resolved.
Summary
Why reach for harmful OTC medicines and antiacids when you can get to the root of the issue and heal your digestive system instead? Try these natural remedies to prevent acid reflux, heartburn, and possible complications without all of the side effects of drugs!
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167/
