| LTIMATE HEALT PERSONAL TRAINING CENTER |
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| 323.874.7166 |
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX
All of us at some point and time have or will experience heartburn and associated acid reflux.
Statistics show a growing number of hospital visits due to heartburn symptoms that are rather
similar to heart attack symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms can include:
1) Chest pain (stabbing or burning)
2) Nausea
3) Pain in the left arm
4) Jaw pain
5) Difficulty swallowing
6) Chronic cough
As you can see many of these can also be a sign of a heart condition. A heart attack is nothing
to fool around with so, it’s generally best to be prudent and seek professional help if you have
symptoms. Heartburn pain generally comes on after eating, worsens when bending over or
wearing tight clothes, and at bed time. Antacids generally bring relief in short order albeit
temporarily.
If you suffer from heartburn and acid reflux more than twice a week it is characterized as GERD
(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Left untreated this can cause narrowing of the esophagus,
esophageal ulcer, or Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes leading to increase risk of
cancer)
The three most common over the counter options are antacids (immediate but, temporary
relief), H-2 blockers such as Tagamet, Pepcid AC, and Zantac, (longer yet slower relief), and
Proton pump inhibitors. Prevacid and Prilosec OTC are examples of these. Proton pump
inhibitors block all acid production allowing damaged esophageal tissue to heal, but not without
side effects.
The use of H-2 and Proton pump blockers can interfere with digestion, affect absorption of
certain vitamins, cause nausea, and may interfere with other medications. Other serious
potential effects do to lowered stomach acid are an increase in harmful bacteria and reduction
of calcium absorption leading to potential increase of fractures.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
Aiding or eliminating symptoms starts with a lifestyle change.
Lose weight
Wear loser clothing
Stop Smoking
Eat smaller meals
Eat at least 2 hours before bed
Avoid trigger foods:
Alcohol
Coffee
Spicy foods
Chocolate
Greasy foods
Citrus
Sodas
TREATMENTS
DGL
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has been a favorite of naturopathic doctors and alternative
medicine MD’s. DGL works by stimulating and activating protective growth factors that
strengthen the mucosa lining in the stomach and esophagus allowing it to heal. DGL can be
found in tablet or powder form at most health food stores. Dosage is generally 1 -2 tablets 20
minutes before meals. It is necessary to chew the tablets as saliva aids its function. I personal
love the German Chocolate flavored ones.
d-LIMONENE
D-Limonene is an oil extract from orange peel and the major constituent of several essential
citrus oils. d-Limonene works by coating the stomach lining, neutralizing acid and stimulating
detoxifying enzyme systems. It is taken as orange peel oil in a 1000 mg dose standardized to 97-
98% d-Limonene. Take one softgel every other day for 20 days.
Whether you go the natural or OTC route if symptoms continue after 2-3 weeks or intensify
seek medical help. As always check with your physician prior to undergoing treatment to make
sure its right for you.
All of us at some point and time have or will experience heartburn and associated acid reflux.
Statistics show a growing number of hospital visits due to heartburn symptoms that are rather
similar to heart attack symptoms.
Heartburn symptoms can include:
1) Chest pain (stabbing or burning)
2) Nausea
3) Pain in the left arm
4) Jaw pain
5) Difficulty swallowing
6) Chronic cough
As you can see many of these can also be a sign of a heart condition. A heart attack is nothing
to fool around with so, it’s generally best to be prudent and seek professional help if you have
symptoms. Heartburn pain generally comes on after eating, worsens when bending over or
wearing tight clothes, and at bed time. Antacids generally bring relief in short order albeit
temporarily.
If you suffer from heartburn and acid reflux more than twice a week it is characterized as GERD
(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Left untreated this can cause narrowing of the esophagus,
esophageal ulcer, or Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous changes leading to increase risk of
cancer)
The three most common over the counter options are antacids (immediate but, temporary
relief), H-2 blockers such as Tagamet, Pepcid AC, and Zantac, (longer yet slower relief), and
Proton pump inhibitors. Prevacid and Prilosec OTC are examples of these. Proton pump
inhibitors block all acid production allowing damaged esophageal tissue to heal, but not without
side effects.
The use of H-2 and Proton pump blockers can interfere with digestion, affect absorption of
certain vitamins, cause nausea, and may interfere with other medications. Other serious
potential effects do to lowered stomach acid are an increase in harmful bacteria and reduction
of calcium absorption leading to potential increase of fractures.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
Aiding or eliminating symptoms starts with a lifestyle change.
Lose weight
Wear loser clothing
Stop Smoking
Eat smaller meals
Eat at least 2 hours before bed
Avoid trigger foods:
Alcohol
Coffee
Spicy foods
Chocolate
Greasy foods
Citrus
Sodas
TREATMENTS
DGL
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) has been a favorite of naturopathic doctors and alternative
medicine MD’s. DGL works by stimulating and activating protective growth factors that
strengthen the mucosa lining in the stomach and esophagus allowing it to heal. DGL can be
found in tablet or powder form at most health food stores. Dosage is generally 1 -2 tablets 20
minutes before meals. It is necessary to chew the tablets as saliva aids its function. I personal
love the German Chocolate flavored ones.
d-LIMONENE
D-Limonene is an oil extract from orange peel and the major constituent of several essential
citrus oils. d-Limonene works by coating the stomach lining, neutralizing acid and stimulating
detoxifying enzyme systems. It is taken as orange peel oil in a 1000 mg dose standardized to 97-
98% d-Limonene. Take one softgel every other day for 20 days.
Whether you go the natural or OTC route if symptoms continue after 2-3 weeks or intensify
seek medical help. As always check with your physician prior to undergoing treatment to make
sure its right for you.
