Here are some simple steps to prevent or eliminate these conditions.
For starters, heartburn and GERD are not caused by too much stomach acid. They are caused by too little stomach acid and bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and intestines. Successful treatment is based on restoring proper stomach acid production and eliminating bacterial overgrowth.
These three things can help fix hearburn and GERD naturally
- Reduce factors that promote bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid.
- Replace stomach acid, enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and are necessary for health.
- Restore beneficial bacteria and a healthy mucosal lining in the gut.
- Reduce factors that promote bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid
Carbohydrates
A high carb diet promotes bacterial overgrowth. Bacterial overgrowth, can suppress stomach acid. This creates a vicious cycle where bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid reinforce each other in a continuous decline of digestive function.
Studies have shown that a low-carb (LC) diet would reduce bacterial overgrowth. The results to these studies have been very positive.
There’s no need to go on a very low carb diet for too long. It’s unnecessary for most people. After the symptoms go away, eating moderate carb is fine to maintain gut balance.
Fiber
High fiber diets and bacterial overgrowth are a bad mix. Remember, Almost all of the fiber and approximately 15-20% of the starch we consume escape absorption. Carbohydrates that escape digestion become food for intestinal bacteria.
Prebiotics, which can be helpful in re-establishing a healthy bacterial balance in some patients, should probably be avoided in patients with heartburn and GERD. Several studies show that fructo-oligosaccharides (prebiotics) increase the amount of gas produced in the gut.
The other problem with fiber is that it can bind with nutrients and remove them from the body before they have a chance to be absorbed. This is very problematic in GERD sufferers, who may already be deficient in key nutrients due to long term low stomach acid.
- Replace stomach acid, enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and are necessary for health.
Bitter Foods
Another way to stimulate acid production in the stomach is by taking bitter herbs. “Bitters” have been used in traditional cultures for thousands of years to stimulate and improve digestion. More recently, studies have confirmed the ability of bitters to increase the flow of digestive juices, including HCL, bile, pepsin, gastrin and pancreatic enzymes. 1
Unfortunately, there aren’t many studies testing the observations many make and claim about these bitter foods. However, in one uncontrolled study in Germany, where a high percentage of doctors prescribe herbal medicine, gentian root capsules provided dramatic relief of GI symptoms in over 200 patients.
The following is a list of bitter herbs commonly used in Western and Chinese herbology:
- Barberry bark
- Caraway
- Dandelion
- Fennel
- Gentian root
- Ginger
- Globe artichoke
- Goldenseal root
- Hops
- Milk thistle
- Peppermint
- Wormwood
- Yellow dock
These are only taken in very small doses if they are being supplemented with. Some experts say as little as 5 to 10 drops of a 1:5 tincture of the above herbs taken in 20 mL of water.
Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, raw (unpasteurized) sauerkraut and pickles are other popular and traditional remedies to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and GERD. However, although these remedies may resolve symptoms, they do not increase nutrient absorption and assimilation to the extent that HCL supplements do. This may be important for those who have been taking acid suppressing drugs for a long period. So you might want to look into HCL supplementation as another possible remedy.
It is also important to avoid consuming liquid during meals. Water is a no-no with meals. It dilutes the stomach acid and can cause more problems.
- Restore beneficial bacteria and a healthy gut lining
Probiotics
Because bacterial overgrowth is a big problem with heartburn and GERD, sufferers should consider probitoics for healing their gut.
Australian researchers have shown that probiotics are effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth and altering fermentation patterns in the small bowel in patients with IBS. Probiotics have also been shown to be effective in treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions.
Also, fermented milk products like kefir and yogurt offer more benefits than beneficial bacteria alone, including minerals, vitamins, protein, amino acids, L-carnitine, fats, CLA, and antimicrobial agents.
The problem with fermented milk products in the treatment of heartburn and GERD, however, is that milk is relatively high in carbohydrates. This may present a problem for people with severe bacterial overgrowth. However, relatively small amounts of kefir and yogurt are therapeutic and may be well tolerated. It’s best to make kefir and yogurt at home, because the microorganism count will be much higher.
Another option is to eat non-dairy (and thus lower-carb) unpasteurized (raw) sauerkraut and pickle. Raw sauerkraut can easily be made at home.
Homemade Bone broth
Homemade bone broth soups are great for restoring the lining in the stomach. Bone broth is rich in collagen and gelatin, which have been shown to benefit people with ulcers. Bone broth also contains glutamine, an important metabolic fuel for intestinal cells that has been shown to benefit the gut lining in animal studies.
If you’d like to learn more about bone broth and how to make it, check out my video.
So please save yourself from all the mainstream medical advice that involves taking antacid drugs and only making your problems worse. Mainstream medicine takes a long time to catch up to the constantly new data on health. To make things worse, people don’t like change so established systems are the last to show reform. Be smart and aware of your health!
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