Heartburn
How to minimise or avoid heartburn
Elaine Godley
Last Update a year ago
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort felt in the chest area, often behind the breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This happens when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to escape.
There are several factors that can cause heartburn. Some common causes include eating large meals or lying down right after eating, consuming certain foods like spicy or fatty foods, drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, and being overweight or pregnant. Additionally, smoking, stress, and certain medications can also contribute to heartburn.
To relieve heartburn naturally, there are a few things you can try. First, you can make dietary changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating. It's also helpful to elevate your head while sleeping by using a pillow or raising the head of your bed. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress can also reduce the frequency of heartburn.
Magnesium is a mineral that can help with heartburn relief. Specifically, magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia, is
a type of magnesium that can be used to relieve heartburn. Magnesium hydroxide works by neutralizing the excess stomach acid that causes the burning sensation. It acts as an antacid and helps to reduce the acidity in the esophagus, providing relief from heartburn symptoms.
You can find magnesium hydroxide in the form of over-the-counter antacid medications. These medications usually come in liquid or chewable tablet form and can be easily obtained from a pharmacy or grocery store. When taken as directed, magnesium hydroxide can provide quick relief from heartburn symptoms although I don't recommend any form of medication to alleviate this condition which is self-made and avoidable.
It's important to note that while magnesium hydroxide can be effective in relieving occasional heartburn, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before using any new medication or supplement.
In addition to using magnesium hydroxide, there are other natural remedies that may help alleviate heartburn. These include drinking a glass of water or herbal tea, chewing gum to stimulate saliva production, avoiding tight-fitting clothing that puts pressure on the abdomen, and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Remember, if you experience frequent or severe heartburn, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional
Increase your HCL
HCL, or hydrochloric acid, is a strong acid produced by the cells lining the stomach. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process by breaking down food and aiding in the absorption of nutrients. HCL also acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria and pathogens that may enter the body through food.
The production of sufficient HCL is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in the digestion of proteins. HCL denatures the proteins present in food, unfolding their complex structures and making them more accessible for further breakdown by digestive enzymes. Without sufficient HCL, proteins may not be properly digested, leading to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies.
Secondly, HCL activates the enzyme pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin. Pepsin is responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which can then be further broken down by other enzymes. Insufficient HCL production can hinder this activation process, impairing protein digestion.
Furthermore, the acid/alkaline balance in the stomach is crucial to maintain proper digestion and overall health. The stomach needs to be highly acidic (pH of around 1-3) to effectively break down food, kill pathogens, and stimulate the release of digestive enzymes.
If the stomach acid becomes too alkaline (pH higher than 3), it can disrupt the digestive process and lead to various issues such as indigestion, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the stomach helps to regulate the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus and causing heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
When there is a deficiency of HCL in the stomach, it can result in a condition called hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid. This can be caused by various factors such as stress, aging, nutrient deficiencies, certain medications, and chronic conditions like gastritis or autoimmune disorders. Low HCL levels can lead to poor digestion, impaired nutrient absorption, increased susceptibility to infections, and digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and heartburn.
There are natural remedies that can help improve low HCL levels and promote a healthy acid/alkaline balance in the stomach. One such remedy is apple cider vinegar (ACV). Despite being acidic in nature, ACV can actually help increase HCL production in the stomach. Consuming a tablespoon of ACV diluted in water before
meals can stimulate the production of HCL and improve digestion. The acidic nature of ACV helps to lower the pH in the stomach, promoting the release of digestive enzymes and enhancing the breakdown of food.
Other natural remedies that can be used to remedy low HCL levels include:
1. Betaine HCL supplements: These supplements contain hydrochloric acid and can be taken with meals to supplement the stomach's HCL production.
2. Digestive bitters: Bitter herbs like gentian, dandelion, and chamomile can stimulate the production of digestive juices, including HCL.
3. Ginger: Consuming ginger in various forms such as fresh ginger, ginger tea, or ginger capsules can help improve digestion and increase HCL production.
4. Lemon juice: Similar to ACV, lemon juice can stimulate HCL production due to its acidic properties. Squeezing fresh lemon juice into water and consuming it before meals can be beneficial.
5. Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion. Probiotic supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which in turn supports optimal HCL production.
It's important to note that while natural remedies
can be helpful in improving low HCL levels, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
In summary, HCL is an important component of the digestive process, aiding in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Maintaining sufficient HCL levels is crucial for proper digestion and overall health. The acid/alkaline balance in the stomach is essential, as an imbalance can lead to digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies.
Natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, betaine HCL supplements, digestive bitters, ginger, lemon juice, and probiotics can help improve low HCL levels and promote a healthy acid/alkaline balance in the stomach. However, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.
Dr Eric Berg and Acid Reflux
The Medical Science
