We all seem to get it sooner or later – heartburn. It can be occasional, or it can be a more serious disorder (GERD or Barrett’s Esophagus). In either case we may seek relief with purple pills, chalky tablets and other potions. Why not seek prevention instead? Below are a few ways to get started.

  • Watch what you eat. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, onions, and high-fat foods.
  • Watch how you eat. Eat 4 – 5 small meals a day and don’t eat more than 2 – 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Lose weight. Excess fat around your stomach forces gastric juices back up into the esophagus. A high protein, low carb diet can specifically help you lose the weight around your middle.
  • Quit Smoking. You have a muscle (pyloric sphincter) that helps keep gastric acid from coming up.  Smoking makes this muscle weak. Stop. Now.
  • Reduce Your Stress Levels.   Stress can often trigger the production of excess stomach acid.  Find an outlet for your stress: Join a Gym, Yoga, Meditation etc

Most importantly, you should seek the advice of a medical practitioner to start on a path of healing and permanent relief.

Acupuncture for acid reflux relief.

Acupuncture has been used to treat GI symptoms in China for thousands of years. It is possible that acupuncture may be effective because is has been shown to affect acid secretion, muscle movement, and pain in a positive way.

A recent clinical trial compared acupuncture to doubling the prescription medication in heartburn sufferers. This study concluded that the addition of acupuncture to the prescribed medication was as effective as doubling the medication.

Holistic Treatment for Acid Reflux

Holistic doctors believe that acid reflux is a result of poor digestion.   Poorly digested food begins to accumulate in the lower digestive tract and is broken down by bacteria and yeast in your colon by a process called fermentation.  This process is similar to how campaign is made.  The yeast and bacteria break down the undigested food creating an upward pressure of food, bowel gas and digestive acids similar to a soda bottle after it is opened.  Patients often achieve relief of acid reflux symptoms by adding a combination of minerals and digestive enzymes to their daily meals.  This helps the body properly digest the food you eat and prevents it from fermenting in your gut.

Chiropractic Treatment for Acid Reflux

Some acid reflux symptoms may result from a hiatal hernia. This is a condition where the stomach or esophagus protrudes through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm.  This protrusion prevents the sphincter (valve) from working properly allowing the stomach acids to rise into the esophagus.  Chiropractors are trained in manipulation of the soft tissues to help guide the stomach and esophagus to its proper position. Once the stomach and esophagus return to the correct position the sphincter begins to work again blocking the stomach acids from rising.

Sources:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/11/29/natural-remedies-for-acid-reflux/

Another Acupuncture Study – On Heartburn

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16799881