Natural Treatments for Acid Indigestion

We live in high stress times. Many people work too hard, have too much stress and are paying for it with poor digestion. More and more people take antacids every day, but they can prevent your body from assimilating other important nutrients as well. Vitamin B-12 in particular is often deficient in people who take antacids too often.

What is Acid Indigestion?

Acid indigestion is caused by too much stomach acid. If untreated, it can aggravate the duodenum �â'¬" which connects the stomach to the intestines �â'¬" or damage the stomach lining, causing ulcers. If the stomach acid effects the esophagus, it can cause heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well.

Symptoms of Indigestion include:

Heartburn- usually a hot, burning, dull ache or pain behind the breastbone

Sour Taste in the mouth - caused by acid coming up from the stomach

Excessive Belching

Increased amounts of saliva

Difficult or painful swallowing

Sore throat or laryngitis

Persistent cough or difficulty breathingThe Importance of Diet

Diet and Lifestyle Changes are the best defense in the treatment of acid indigestion. Caffeine and alcohol both stimulate the production of stomach acid and so should be avoided to the greatest extent possible.

There are some other dietary influences that may trigger an attack. These include:

Eating foods with too much fat in them.

Eating foods with too much spice in them.

Smoking

Overeating

Eating too late in the evening, or eating just before sleeping.You may want to log your symptoms to see what triggers an attack for you, as a way to learn what to avoid.

There are also some positive dietary steps you can take. For example, taking both an enzyme and probiotic supplement. Cooking food destroys its natural enzymes. if you only eat cooked food, then your body has to take enzymes from somewhere else - the liver and pancreas, this then weakens their function, and can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, gas and bloating. If you are unable to tolerate raw vegetables, taking a plant enzyme supplement may be very beneficial.

Probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" that grow in your digestive tract, and are crucial to keeping your digestion healthy. Unfortunately, chemicals in our food and environment, stress, alcohol, smoking, even prescription medications - like antibiotics - all deplete this healthy bacteria. Eating cultured foods like yogurt or raw sauerkraut are good ways to replenish this bacteria, but there are many probiotic formulas also available.

Fruits and fruit juices, herbal teas, mineral water, miso and honey are more alkaline and can also restore and acid-alkaline balance in your digestive system. Chewing gum may also stimulate saliva production and can neutralize an attack as well.
Can herbs help?

There are some herbs that may help.

Aloe Vera coats the esophagus. Keeping rising acid under control. Caution: Aloe Vera can also cause diarrhea and shouldn't be used during pregnancy.

Bitter herbs such as dandelion greens boost enzyme production aiding digestion and neutralizing stomach acid.

Coriander seeds is an Ayurvedic remedy. Crush the seeds and mix the pulp with 2 tsps of sugar. Add a cup of water, bring to a boil and drink before bed.

Cumin Seeds soaked in water neutralize acid.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties, and also coats the esophagus.

Mustard - during an attack try a � teaspoon of any commercial yellow mustard.

Tumeric acid breaks down fatty foods and reduces acidity.
As you can see, some simple changes can go a long way to helping you have a healthier digestive tract and stop your acid indigestion.

Reference:

Pacheco MD, P & Olsen, M (2003). Living with Chronic Heartburn:The Complete Health Guide to Acid Reflux and Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD). New York, Healthy Living Books

Sklar, J & Cohen, A (2003). Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for those with Heartburn. NewYork, Marlowe & Company

Minocha MD, A (2003). Natural Stomach Care: Treating and Preventing Digestive Disorders with the best of Eastern and Western Medicine, New York, Avery