Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. This causes a burning sensation in the chest, which is often felt behind the breastbone and may radiate up to the throat. The discomfort is usually worse after eating when lying down or at night.
Here is writing about heartburn and homeopathy.
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Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach. This causes a burning sensation in the chest, which is often felt behind the breastbone and may radiate up to the throat. The discomfort is usually worse after eating when lying down or at night.
Here’s how it works:
#1 - What is acid reflux?
The stomach produces strong acids to help digest food. Normally, a muscle called the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve to prevent these acids from moving up into the oesophagus.
If the LES doesn’t close properly or relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid can flow backwards into the oesophagus, leading to the burning sensation and discomfort of acid reflux.
Common symptoms of acid reflux include:
A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to stomach acid reaching the throat
Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food being stuck
Chronic cough or hoarseness, especially in the morning
The condition is often associated with certain triggers:
Spicy or fatty foods
Caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages
Eating large meals or lying down immediately after eating
Smoking or obesity
If acid reflux occurs frequently, it may lead to a more severe form called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause complications like inflammation or damage to the oesophagus.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic, more severe form of acid reflux. It occurs when the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, is weakened or doesn’t function properly, allowing stomach acid to frequently flow back into the oesophagus. This continuous reflux irritates the lining of the oesophagus, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially causing damage over time.
Key Symptoms of GERD:
Persistent heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, typically after eating or at night.
Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste from stomach acid backing up into the throat or mouth.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): A feeling of food being stuck in the throat.
Chronic cough or throat clearing.
Hoarseness or sore throat, especially in the morning.
Chest pain, which can sometimes be severe and mistaken for heart problems.
Complications of Untreated GERD:
If left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious health issues:
Esophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus caused by continuous acid exposure.
Esophageal ulcers: Open sores in the esophagus.
Strictures: Narrowing of the oesophagus due to scar tissue formation, leading to difficulty swallowing.
Barrett's oesophagus: A condition where the lining of the oesophagus changes, increasing the risk of oesophagal cancer.
Common Triggers of GERD:
Similar to acid reflux, GERD can be triggered or worsened by:
Certain foods: Spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and citrus.
Obesity or excess weight, which puts pressure on the stomach.
Smoking and alcohol use.
Large meals or eating late at night.
Lying down or bending over soon after meals.
Treatment Options for GERD:
Lifestyle changes:
Avoid trigger foods.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Elevate the head of the bed to prevent acid reflux at night.
Quit smoking and lose weight if necessary.
Medications:
Antacids for immediate relief (e.g., Tums, Rolaids).
H2 blockers to reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for long-term acid reduction (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole).
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures like fundoplication (tightening the LES) may be recommended.
GERD is a chronic condition that requires management, but with the right lifestyle modifications and treatment, symptoms can be significantly reduced.
Preventing or managing acid reflux and GERD naturally involves lifestyle and dietary changes that can help reduce the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Here are some effective strategies and natural remedies:
#2 - Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Acid Reflux
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals:
Avoid large meals that overfill the stomach, which can put pressure on the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) and lead to acid reflux.
Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating:
Stay upright for at least 2–3 hours after eating to allow gravity to help keep stomach acid down.
If you need to lie down, elevate the upper body with pillows or a wedge.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, puts pressure on the stomach, pushing acid up into the oesophagus.
Weight loss, if needed, can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Elevate the Head of Your Bed:
Elevating the head of the bed by 6–8 inches (by using bed risers or a wedge pillow) can help prevent acid from flowing back into the oesophagus while sleeping.
Quit Smoking:
Smoking weakens the LES and increases the risk of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can significantly improve symptoms.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes:
Tight clothing, especially around the waist, can put pressure on the stomach and LES, worsening reflux.
#3 - Dietary Changes
Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods: Common foods that can trigger acid reflux include:
Spicy foods
Fatty or fried foods
Caffeine and alcohol
Tomato-based products
Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons)
Chocolate
Peppermint
Eat More Alkaline or Non-Acidic Foods: These foods can help neutralize stomach acid or prevent it from irritating the oesophagus:
Bananas and melons
Oatmeal and whole grains
Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, fish)
Stay Hydrated and Drink Herbal Teas:
Drink plenty of water to help dilute stomach acid.
Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and liquorice root may help soothe the digestive tract and reduce acid reflux.
#4 - Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux
Ginger:
Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce acid reflux. It can be consumed as ginger tea or added to meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Though acidic in nature, small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon in a glass of water) may help balance stomach acid levels. However, it should be used cautiously as it may not work for everyone.
Aloe Vera Juice:
Aloe vera juice can help reduce inflammation in the oesophagus and soothe irritation caused by acid reflux.
Chewing Gum:
Natural chewing gum after meals stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise stomach acid and push it back down into the stomach.
Baking Soda:
A teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed with water can act as a natural antacid, neutralizing stomach acid. This remedy should be used sparingly, as overuse may lead to other issues.
Licorice Root:
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is a form of liquorice that can be taken to soothe the oesophagus and reduce acid reflux symptoms.
#5 - Additional Tips
Practice Mindful Eating:
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion and reduce the likelihood of acid reflux.
Avoid eating too close to bedtime (within 2-3 hours of sleep).
Reduce Stress:
Stress can worsen acid reflux. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress levels and ease symptoms.
By incorporating these preventive measures and natural remedies, many people can reduce or prevent acid reflux and GERD symptoms without relying heavily on medications.
However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
#6 - Commonly used homeopathic remedies for heartburn/ acid reflux
Arsenicum Album
Heartburn, burning pain, feeling like there's hot, red coals in your stomach. For the type of person who looks cold, has a sickly feeling, is sensitive to cold, and is picky about his/her tastes. Appetite is severely decreased, and diarrhoea may also occur.
Bryonia
Feeling like my stomach is burning. The type of person who feels a heaviness in the stomach as soon as eating. Feeling a bitter taste in the mouth, and nausea and pain travel between the back and shoulders. accompanied by a headache.
Carbo Veg
burping and feeling sour. Pain in the centre of the stomach, which generally worsens after eating. There is a burning sensation in the stomach, and along with a cold feeling, the pain spreads to the spine.
Lycopodium
Abdominal bloating and stomach rumbling. Symptoms worsen when mealtimes are missed or delayed. Craving sweets. A burp rises to the throat.
Nat Phos
Feeling a weight and pressure in the pit of the stomach. Heartburn, hyperacidity, acid reflux, and sour burps. Burping, especially after eating. Indigestion.
Nux Vomica
Eating too much and getting irritated. Feeling gas and heaviness in the stomach. Feeling bloated and have heartburn. Sometimes it causes nausea and vomiting. Too much alcohol
Phosphorus
Heartburn, craving for ice-cold water which is vomited up as soon as it becomes warm in the stomach, food regurgitated shortly after swallowing, Burning sensation in the stomach, worse after eating. sour taste in the mouth, sour belching
Pulsatilla
Symptoms keep changing. Thirstless and the tongue is covered in white. Craving greasy and heavy foods can also cause nausea.
Experiencing bloating and a sensation of being on the verge of bursting around 2 hours after a meal.
Sulphur
Long-term indigestion. Sour burp. Constipation and the stomach rumbling. Eating or drinking too much. It feels like it's burning and hurts, and the stomach feels heavy and pressured. Around 11 am, Feeling weak and like going to collapse. Symptoms worsen when eating or at night.
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#7 - Additional useful items
Centaurium Oral Drops (A.Vogel)
This herb acts as a stomach bitter, increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and enhancing gut motility. It also tightens the oesophagal sphincter, reducing the tendency for gastric contents to reflux into the oesophagus.
#8 - Conclusions …
Emotionally related both indigestion and heartburn can result from the bitterness and sourness of the reality you are processing becoming overwhelming, making it difficult for you to tolerate.
Alternatively, it could be due to worry and anxiety triggering the production of acidic juices in your stomach.
Do you feel that you are always on the run and it is unsafe to be still?
Do you live your life overcompensating for the lack of love in your life and to fill the void within?
If the symptoms are persistent, it is a good idea to find out what is going on in your feeling.
Journaling is one of the great tools to find your true self.
If you are interested in more about tips of journaling, please visit the blog "Let's keep a journal!" from the button below.
I hope this blog can deliver hope and courage to as many people as possible who suffer from heartburn/acid reflux.
The secret is:
Mindful eating is a method of engaging with food that promotes complete awareness of the act of eating. This practice entails closely observing the flavors, textures, colors, and aromas of food, while also being attuned to the body's signals of hunger and satiety. By focusing on the sensory elements of eating and emotional reactions to food, mindful eating assists individuals in fostering a more harmonious, accepting connection with their food choices.
To learn more about the detox, please click on the button below to read the blog.
If you are interested in learinig what is different prescription between acute and chronic symptoms, please click the button below.
At Hiroko Homeopathy, we also provide homeopathic consultations tailored to individual digestive conditions.
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Reference :
Your Body Speaks Your Mind, Deb Shapiro. Piatkus Books Reprinted 2008
Murphy. R.(2006) Nature's Materia Medica. Third edition. Lotus Health Institute. Virginia. USA
Morrison. R. (1993) Desktop Guide To Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Hahnemann Clinic Publishing. California. USA.
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