Healthy Alternatives for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

This month, I am addressing the subject of the 3 most dangerous types of drugs.  Today, I will be speaking on alternative methods to help stomach acid blocking PPIs.

Stomach Acid Blocking PPIs
A brief Review: PPIs are prescribed mainly when the stomach acid leaks out of the stomach into the esophagus and throat, irritating the lining and often causing heartburn.  This condition is often called GERD.  Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most powerful acid suppressing medications on the market. Yet, stomach acid is essential for:  

• Digesting proteins
• Sterilizing the stomach
• Nutrient absorption
• Digestive signaling

Prolonged use of PPIs have been linked with the following serious health RISKS:

• Increased mortality
• Cardiac events
• Kidney & liver disease
• Bone health — Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures
• Dementia — A 33% increase risk
• Macular degeneration – Significant increase 

Dr. Wright gained an international reputation for his success in treating challenging chronic illnesses. He found low stomach acid was one of the most common root causes of chronic illness  . . . .  this is HUGE!!   For more information go here.

Healthy Alternatives
As with last  two weeks, the steps that need to be addressed to find a permanent solution are:

1. Address the cause.
2. Use natural botanical medicine that does not harm the mind or body.
3. Find the “Why” – Dig deeper and get the root.

Address the Cause
Acid reflux is very common and affects around 50% of Americans. The main symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which at times can be severe enough to feel like an heart attack.  Acid reflux  is thought to be caused by excessive amounts of acid, and anti-acids are usually prescribed, yet this actually compounds the problem.

The Cause:  The real problem is that after food passes through the esophagus to the stomach, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes, preventing food or acid to move back up. Acid reflux occurs when the LES relaxes, allowing acid from the stomach to flow backward into the esophagus. It is important to understand that acid reflux is not caused by excessive acid production in the stomach, but a symptom related to Hiatal hernia and/or Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. Hiatal hernia can be adjusted by a skilled chiropractor. Many who have a hiatal hernia also have H. pylori, which cause a chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach. In the early 1980’s, Dr. Barry Marshall speculated that H.pylori is a major factor in acid reflux.

Another Cause: Drugs can also cause heartburn. Common ones include antidepressants, osteoporosis drugs, antibiotics, blood pressure medication, nitroglycerin, pain relievers. Drugs are never safe. As much as possible, it is best to use herbs and natural remedies that produce health. 

Alternative Help
There are several things that can help heal the body, primarily the stomach and intestinal tract.  The first thing is to clean up the diet; get rid of the junk food and eat Health producing foods. 
There are 3 things you must do:

1. Kill the pathogens. Use the Herbs4You Parasite Tincture or our Yeast Mix
2. Heal the Gut. One of the best gut healers is Slippery Elm: It Coats and soothes from the mouth all through the whole intestinal tract, and contains antioxidants that can help address inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery Elm stimulates nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps increase mucus secretion, which protects against ulcers and excess acidity. Take 1 teaspoon in water 3 x a day.
3. Feed the good Microbes. Eat fermented foods, such as veggies, yogurt, kefir, or chutneys, or use a good probiotic. Prebiotics are also very helpful as they feed the good microbes.  Juice+ is a great prebiotic.

Other Helps

• Baking Soda:  ½ – 1 tsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water can ease the burn of acid reflux. Do not do this on a regular  basis, but  only in an emergency when you are in a lot of pain.
• Raw apple cider vinegar and honey: 1 tablespoon of each mixed in water taken 3 times a day has helped many.

 I hope this is helpful to you.  God bless and if you need any help, feel free to contact me.

We’re here to help YOU!
Amy Willis MH, CTN