Natural Cures for Heartburn
May 25th, 2008 by daniel
Wrapped around the gastrointestinal tract is a remarkable kind of smooth muscle that’s designed to push solids and liquids in one direction–from the mouth to the anus. In addition, each section of the digestive tract is separated from the others by a thick ring of muscular tissue called a sphincter. The sphincters serve to keep food from moving backwards.
Although the gastrointestinal tract if really just one long tube, its individual sections have very different functions and very different inner linings. The stomach is lined with a thick layer of mucus designed to withstand exposure to potent acid. The esophagus, on the other hand, has a lining that’s relatively thin and very sensitive to acid.
If the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach relaxes too much, it can allow acid to splash back from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms resulting from this phenomenon can be quite painful–an intense burning or pressure that begins underneath the lower breastbone and radiates up to the throat or out into the chest. No wonder it is called heartburn.
Heartburn pain typically occurs within an hour or two after eating. (In contrast, the pain of stomach and duodenal ulcers tends to increase on an empty stomach and is often relieved by eating.) In advanced cases, heartburn is associated with a condition called hiatal hernia.
Normally, the muscles of the diaphragm help keep the esophagus tucked inside the chest cavity and the stomach inside the abdomen. These muscles act in concert with the lower esophageal sphincter.
When the muscles of the diaphragm become lax and when there is sufficient pressure in the abdomen–such as after a large meal–all or part of the stomach can slide up into the chest. People with hiatal hernia can have reflux of partially digested food along with stomach acid and other fluids. The pain is often intense.
What makes the lower esophageal sphincter open inappropriately? One cause is mechanical: eating too much in one sitting, which can stretch out the sphincter. Thus, eating a large meal and lying down afterwards is a definite no-no because it makes food more likely to flow in the wrong direction. This is especially true for obese people who already have constant external pressure on the stomach. Another cause is chemical: Certain foods and chemicals can make the muscles of the sphincter relax. The best examples are cigarette smoke, alcohol, high fat foods, mints, chocolate, onions, and caffeine.
In addition to making lifestyle changes, using herbs can prove quite effective for heartburn. Along with avoiding troublesome foods and chemicals (listed above), stay away from fennel, lemon balm, peppermint, and spearmint–members of a group of herbs called carminatives, which relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
Herbal Remedies
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Studies have shown that licorice accelerates the healing of intestinal ulcers. It is anti-inflammatory and very soothing to mucous membranes. To use licorice for heartburn or reflux, choose a special kind called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice. It is just as effective as regular licorice without affecting the body’s sodium-potassium balance. Typical dosage: for mild heartburn, drink 1 cup of tea after meals as needed (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of hot water 10 to 15 minutes); for moderate to severe symptoms, use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of powdered root or liquid extract dissolved in 1/4 cup of water after meals and at bedtime; or one to two tablets of DGL licorice, chewed thoroughly just after eating or as needed, up to 8 tablets per day. Caution: Do not use whole licorice for longer than six weeks. Do not use it at all if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease, or if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Aloe gel contains very large sugar molecules called muccopolysaccharides. These special sugars have been shown to help heal burns, ulcers, and inflamed intestinal walls. Side effects are uncommon, but be sure to obtain a pure source of aloe pulp (not the rind, which can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea). Also, many commercial aloe juices contain citric acid, which can aggravate reflux. The best form of aloe for treating heartburn is a food grade freeze-dried powder. Typical dosage: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in 1/4 cup of water just after meals or any time symptoms occur. Increase dose to 1 or more teaspoons if necessary.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
Cabbage juice is not just a folk remedy–a medical study has shown that regular consumption can heal stomach ulcers. The active ingredient is an amino acid called L-glutamine, which appears to work by nourishing cells lining the esophagus and stomach so they repair themselves. Another advantage to cabbage, like its first cousin broccoli, is that it contains cancer-preventing agents called glucosmolates. Typical dosage: 4 to 8 ounces of fresh or bottled juice after meals. (If taking the juice gives you gas, instead take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of L-glutamine, mixed in 1/4 cup of water, just after eating.)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
A time-honored remedy for wounds, mouth sores, ulcers, and gastritis, calendula is so gentle it is often given to children for upset stomach. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for treating heartburn and reflux. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea as needed (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 1 to 2 cups of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture four times per day after meals.
Keeping Stomach Acid Where it Belongs
In case of heartburn and its cause, gastro-esophageal reflux, prevention is crucial. Studies show that the leakage of stomach acid into the lungs while a person sleeps is at fault in some cases of asthma. But that’s not the worst news. Medical studies have shown that recurrent reflux over a period of months or years can lead to inflammation are at very high risk for developing esophageal cancer, which is extremely life-threatening and difficult to treat. It’s all the more reason to take heartburn seriously.
DO:
* Stick to smaller, more frequent meals.
* Cut back on saturated fats–especially deep-fried foods–and alcohol, coffee, tea, white sugar, and unrefined carbohydrates.
* Try elevating the head of your bed six to nine inches. This slant may prevent acid reflux during sleep.
DON’T:
* Eat a large meal just before bedtime.
* Lie down for a nap after eating.
* Eat spicy foods, onions, and acidic juices such as citrus or tomato.
* Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) unless you absolutely must, be-
cause these drugs can further irritate the esophageal lining.