Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Heartburn - Natural Solutions to Cool the Burn

Heartburn can be painful, distracting and relentless. There are many over-the-counter products you can use to cool the burn: some neutralize the acid, others create an artificial barricade stopping acid from sneaking up into your esophagus (throat), and some drugs even shut down acid production.

Are there natural solutions to heartburn? Yes, there are some other options. You can try including natural enzymes into your diet to encourage proper digestion in your body. Enzyme supplements are plentiful at your local health retailer. Or, you can try probiotics. Sometimes heartburn is caused by a bacteria called H. pylori. A probiotic called L. reuteri has been shown in clinical trials to help kill off this bacteria and restore a healthy stomach. And, you can try deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which actually works to solve the problem instead of mask it like other heartburn medications. Plus, its safe to use during pregnancy.

As for food, you've probably already heard it all. Don't eat fatty, spicy and acidic foods. Eat smaller meals. Sit up after eating. Eat slower. Avoid alcohol. Don't exercise right after eating. Blah, blah, blah....

My Confession of the Day - I can suffer from heartburn sometimes too. Its usually caused by a change in lifestyle (particularly stress). So, if your stomach is giving you a burn these days, maybe try a little de-stress therapy like a good book, a yoga class, or a date out with a loved one.

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