You probably recall a time after a big meal when your esophagus felt on fire. You were miserably stuffed and bloated. Maybe your sore throat had you convinced you were coming down with a bug. So you swung by the drugstore to pick up a cherry-flavored antacid. When it didn’t kick in you took a second… and a third… until that awful feeling finally went away.
You’re not alone. Heartburn drugs are a multi-billion dollar industry fueled by millions of people who reach for them to relieve post-meal misery. Yet that temporary relief comes with potentially serious long-term consequences.
The medical industry refers to these symptoms as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly called heartburn or acid reflux.
Conventional wisdom says GERD occurs when too much hydrochloric acid (HCI) or stomach acid splashes upwards toward your esophagus, creating burning and discomfort. So you take an antacid to reduce that stomach acid and relieve the burning.
However, research shows that too little – not too much – stomach acid often creates GERD (that makes sense when you consider that aging means you both make less HCl and are more likely to suffer GERD).
Here is what happens…
You need enough HCl to activate enzymes that break down protein. Inadequate amounts of stomach acid mean you can’t always activate those enzymes, so that chicken breast you ate for dinner doesn’t sufficiently break down like it should.
As your undigested meal sits in your stomach, more stomach acid builds up, which can potentially reflux back up into your esophagus. Ouch! The whole cycle starts because you actually have too little HCl from the start.
Furthermore, inadequate stomach acid sets the stage for gut issues. Your stomach is protein’s first stop for digestion. When it can’t do its job, that undigested protein goes to your small intestine, which has other jobs and isn’t always equipped to handle protein breakdown.
There, it can create numerous problems including inflammation, bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut.
Rather than help the problem, antacids stop what little HCl you have, further hampering protein breakdown. So you pay the price for short-term relief with increased risk for GERD and gut issues.
There’s a better way that can bring long-term relief without harming your health.
Here are my 5 strategies to naturally relieve GERD without resorting to antacids:
Minimize problem foods
Certain foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter permitting stomach acid to regurgitate into your esophagus. These problem foods include coffee, tea, tomatoes, citrus, and chocolate. Some of these are my favorites, too! But for relief, try to at least temporarily eliminate them.
Reduce sugar intake
Several studies find reducing or eliminating sugary foods can relieve GERD. I didn’t say cut them out but at least cut back, especially before bed.
Slow down
I get it – schedules are more hectic than ever. But there’s still no need to demolish your meals like you’re being timed! One study found people who plow through their meals suffer more GERD. I suggest you just try to be mindful and slow down when you’re eating. Remember, it takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the message you’re full (most people are on their second serving at that point).
Take a digestive enzyme and probiotic
Most people make fewer digestive enzymes and stomach acid as they grow older, and supplementing can improve digestion, so protein and other foods break down more efficiently. That makes GERD and symptoms like gas and bloating less likely to occur. Likewise, studies show a probiotic can curb gut-related stress that contributes to GERD and other conditions. Try supplementing with high-quality digestive enzymes and probiotics to provide a powerful one-two punch against acid reflux and its symptoms.
Curb stress
You probably know all too well how stress, worry and anxiety can trigger acid reflux and other gut miseries. One study found participants who experienced major stress had significantly increased blood pressure, pulse rates, and GERD symptoms. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or just a long walk around the block with your dog can relieve anxiety and stress. An all-natural supplement like Stress Relief Complex can also help balance your stress hormones to limit stress-related GERD symptoms.
Let me know how it goes!
