The TRUTH on Folk Remedies for Heartburn

Will folk remedies help to prevent heartburn? For many victims of heartburn, annoyed by the ineffectiveness of classical medicine (typically only good for temporary relief and various secondary effects), the question is whether folk remedies can do better. In truth, even though patients must still observe a complete program of treatment to eradicate the internal condition that brings on heartburn, there are many folk remedies that will significantly relieve heartburn symptoms.

It is the burning sensation that causes pain in the esophagus just below the breastbone that defines heartburn. Occasional heartburn (not more than once per week) may happen to anyone, but chronic heartburn is more likely to be a sign of GERD – gastro esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux.

GERD is in essence a "plumbing problem". It is the weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that causes the acid reflux from the stomach back into the esophagus. Under normal conditions, the LES opens only to pass food and drink into the stomach and then shuts again to prevent gastric juices and acid from flowing back up. However, when the LES opens randomly or fails to shut completely, acid gets back into the esophagus, corrodes its lining and provokes the painful sensation of GERD related symptoms such as heartburn.

This weakening of an important muscle an excess of acidity in the stomach are the principal contributors to GERD. Their occurrence may be the result of a variety of medical, dietary and lifestyle factors. The extra acidity may be brought on by certain types of diet and lifestyle as well as Candida infections. It is an internal dysbiosis that is compounded by the debilitation of the LES, itself brought on by genetic weaknesses, poor sleep habits, too much stress, too much fat, poor diet habits and obesity. For lasting relief therefore, any heartburn remedy must go to the root cause of the matter, rather than superficially acting on the symptoms alone.

Folk remedies to deal with GERD have been around for much longer that modern medicinal treatments, and scientific studies done recently indicate that traditional cures may well be effective. Examples of traditional remedies that have been found helpful in handling heartburn are:

1. Raise the head of your bed. Doing this by 6 to 8 inches will prevent the up-flow of gastric acid into your esophagus.

2. Sleep on the left. In this position, your esophagus will be higher than your stomach, because you stomach is situated on the left side and your esophagus enters it from the right. Thus reflux of acid will be reduced.

3. Because honey can calm esophageal inflammation, eating a teaspoonful of honey (without heating it or transforming it in any way) will also bring relief thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

4. Green tea can improve digestion and reduce acidity, particularly when it contains ginseng.

5. Reduce the size of your meals, possibly by eating more meals per day. They are easier to digest. Eating slowly helps reduce undue load on your stomach as well.

6. Drink water between meals. In particular, mineral water can help to correctly increase the alkaline content in your digestive system.

Remember however that folk remedies may be effective in relieving symptoms, but are just the first step in a full, holistic agenda, necessary for truly treating and preventing heartburn.

Were you aware that the heartburn that causes you pain today could be gone tomorrow by the application of holistic, 100% natural treatments that also include traditional and effective folk remedies?




Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Jeff Martinīs Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More.

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