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Stop Acid Reflux With Two Natural Supplements
Many people approach the treatment of acid reflux like the quest for the Holy Grail. They become so bogged down with different opinions that they become confused and give up. When they do, they tend to rely on the convenience of drugs to treat the symptoms of acid reflux rather than to seek a cure.
Our culture has become far too dependent on pharmaceuticals to treat the symptoms of illnesses. Drugs certainly have their place, but there are also natural ways to treat, if not cure disease. It would seem that the medical community, at large, is more concerned with the treatment of symptoms than the elimination of disease itself.
There are three classifications of drugs which treat acid reflux. The first of these is antacids, which neutralize the acid in your stomach and are at best only a temporary fix. They are loaded with harmful ingredients such as sodium and aluminum. The next group of drugs is called H2 Blockers. They reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces and provide longer lasting relief than antacids. Finally there are the PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors), which shut off the proton pumps in the stomach that manufacture hydrochloric acid.
PPI drugs are the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for the acid reflux condition. These drugs, in my opinion, which actually stop the production of stomach acid, are quite dangerous. Obviously, our bodies were designed to produce stomach acid for a specific purpose. Stomach acid is necessary to break down, digest and assimilate food. Without proper digestion and assimilation, our bodies cannot work as they were designed to. I believe that most people who pop those PPI drugs are walking around in a state of malnutrition.
Sometimes we overlook the reality of a negative situation by choosing convenience over common sense. The simple and natural way is usually the best way to go. Two inexpensive supplements, when taken together, can alleviate most acid reflux symptoms, in time. These supplements are probiotics and digestive enzymes. Wouldn’t it be wiser to take two capsules containing natural ingredients rather than drugs? Drugs are expensive and most have dangerous side effects.
Probiotics are beneficial microbes which protect the digestive tract by keeping the natural flora in balance. The most well known is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt and in supplement form.
A good probiotic should contain at least five billion live microorganisms per capsule. The ideal composition should include L. acidophilus, L rhamnosus, S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. These are considered "friendly bacteria". They are of great benefit to the health of the colon and to the immune system, in general. Taken in conjunction with digestive enzymes, they balance the digestive system and reduce the possibility of acid reflux.
Digestive enzymes, which are normally secreted by different glands in the digestive system, help to break down food molecules into smaller particles in order to aid digestion. Each enzyme has a specific function related to different elements of food. For example: lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugars), protease and pepsin break down proteins and diatase digests vegetable starch.
Those who suffer from acid reflux usually need more digestive enzymes than their bodies produce. A good digestive enzyme supplement should contain protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, diastase, invertase, lactase, pectinase and alpha galactosidase. Just ask for a full spectrum product.
In addition to these supplements aiding the digestive process, they are also beneficial in treating allergies and skin problems. When the digestive system is functioning properly, our bodies become more alkaline. Many believe that disease cannot exist in an alkaline environment.
In treating acid reflux, you might also consider drinking at least eight glasses of water each day - more won't hurt. Water hydrates the body and flushes out the toxins that we collect on a daily basis. Do not drink anything with a meal as it dilutes stomach acid and the body produces more to compensate.
Eat raw vegetables as often as possible. Munch on them as snacks or appetizers before a main meal. Eat fruit and nuts for breakfast and a salad for lunch. These foods are easy to digest. The less strain we place on the digestive system, the more energy we will have and the healthier we will be.
Refrain from lying down too soon after a meal. You should allow at least two hours before doing so. Take a walk instead. Walk for thirty minutes each day. Aerobic exercise is essential for the over all health of the body. It encourages a healthy digestive system.
Chew gum between and after meals. Chewing produces saliva, which is alkaline in nature and counteracts the over production of acid. Try to eat slowly in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Stress is a major cause of poor digestion and ill-health in general. There are many small things you can do to avoid acid reflux. Let common sense be your guide.
By taking responsibility for your health and making a few little changes in life style, you can avoid a problem like acid reflux before it evolves into a more serious medical issue. Supplements like probiotics and digestive enzymes will give you a jump start and get you on your way to better digestive health.
For free recipes, articles and information about acid reflux, please visit: Reflux Gone Forever
© Wind Publishing
About the Author
Charles Stewart Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease by natural means and has written an extensive report entitled, “REFLUX GONE FOREVER”, Safe & Natural Acid Reflux Remedies.
For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to:
Reflux Gone Forever
Acid Reflux and Stress
Although it has not been proven scientifically, many people believe that stress is a major contributor to acid reflux disease.
Physiologically, stress can cause the digestive system to come to a screeching halt. Food that should be moving along will linger and magnify the effects of acid reflux. Under stress the body sends energy to the muscles, via the blood stream, to help the body cope with a stressful situation. This means that less blood, or energy, is flowing to the digestive system. When digestion is slowed down in this manner, undigested food and gastric juices remain in the stomach much longer enhancing the occurrence of acid reflux.
Stress can also cause people to experience changes in behavior like the immoderate consumption of alcohol and so called "comfort foods". It can also lead to late night binging and excessive smoking. All of which can trigger the symptoms of acid reflux, by producing excessive acid in the stomach and relaxing the Lower Esophageal sphincter or (LES). When the LES is relaxed, stomach acid can splash up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing the pain of heartburn.
The "fight or flight syndrome" caused by stress can cause the body to tense up, delivering most of its energy to the heart, lungs and muscles. This intensifies hyperacidity, as the stomach is robbed of oxygen and enzymes necessary for proper digestion.
About half of the people who suffer from heartburn attribute it to stress. Whether stress is related to unpleasant work situations, emotional disorders, money problems, family strife or social conflicts, there are many things which can be done to restore the needed harmony in one's life.
Whether you suffer from chronic acid reflux and find that stress exacerbates the condition, or you experience occasional acid reflux brought on by bouts of stress, consider the following:
Take the pressure off yourself Lining up too many goals to be accomplished in too short a period of time can be very stressful. Do one thing at a time. Learn to relax and learn to say no when others become too demanding. Set your priorities straight and make lists that you can stick to. Go easy on yourself.
Take your mind off of you "Loosing your mind" is not the worst thing you can do. Meditation, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Chi Gong and self-hypnotism are all great ways to relieve stress. Focusing on a demanding activity will take your mind off what is causing the stress. Not thinking about yourself can be very beneficial. These arts can also be applied to enhance life with positive improvement.
Exercise your way to peace of mind - Everyone knows that exercise is essential for good health. Besides the physical benefits it is also an important way to relieve stress. Who has time to think about problems when you're about to win a tennis match! The endorphins produced in your brain while exercising create an opiate-like "good feeling" sensation that can take you far away from the cares of the day. It is important to find a way to make exercise fun, whether it be jogging with your dog or playing ball with your friends.
"Let it be" You cannot control everything in life. There will always be planes that are late arrivals or departures. The weather may not cooperate with that family picnic that you planned. Your mother-in-law may show up when least expected and there will always be taxes to pay. It is important to learn to roll with the punches. You can always find something good in an otherwise bad situation, but most importantly don't let it stress you out.
Maintain an optimistic attitude Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Focus on the good things - not the bad things. Be excited about the future and believe that only good is in store for you. Better than projecting the future, concentrate on the present and demonstrate gratitude in the moment. Being optimistic not only affects others in a positive way, it gives you the balance that you need to be stress free.
Have a good laugh! Laughter is the great healer. A good laugh can relieve more stress than anything else. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club or go see Hunter Blue perform at Mimi's in New York City. Try to associate with people who make you laugh, or at least don't make you frown. Maintain a good sense of humor at all times. Stress cannot exist where there is laughter.
Love a dog or a cat - Pet animals are a sure cure for stress. Their pure unaffected love and funny antics can blow that stress away. If you can't muster the obligation of responsibility for a pet, borrow someone else's pet or volunteer to be a care taker when they are out of town. Pets have a tranquilizing affect on us and their power to diminish stress should not be overlooked.
Talk to a friend It's very therapeutic when a trusted friend gives advice and thoughtful support. We all need objective guidance at times. Sympathy from friends and relatives has a calming affect and can reduce stress. It's almost as if you are not bearing your problems alone anymore and that kind of encouragement is invaluable.
Get a massage - There is nothing quite as stress relieving as a good massage. I find that going for acupuncture is very relaxing as well. If you can't manage a massage, indulge in a long hot bath, whirlpool or steam shower.
It has been said that stress is a killer. Thankfully, its reduction is not rocket science and is quite easily accomplished. By reducing the stress in our lives, we can minimize the effect of the acid reflux condition. Of course there are other factors involved with acid reflux, but stress is certainly one of the big ones and should be dealt with in a serious manner. Relax!
© 2006 Wind Publishing
For free recipes, articles and information related to acid reflux, please visit: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com
About the Author
Charles Stewart Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease by natural means. He has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies.
For free recipes, articles and information, visit: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com
