Originally published October 19 2009
Natural remedies for acid reflux disease (GERD)
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
(NaturalNews) What exactly is "acid reflux disease?" Health consumers are quite familiar with the term (and the symptoms, in many cases), but few have a solid grasp of its underlying causes.
For one thing, the term "disease" doesn't really apply to this condition. Acid reflux isn't something you "catch" (like malaria); it's just a pattern of symptoms with an underlying biochemical cause that can be corrected. And here, in the quotes you'll find below, we present a wealth of information about what really causes acid reflux (and how to reverse this "disease" by changing your eating habits).
Check out the quotes below and find out what you may have never known about acid reflux...
The causes (and cures) for acid reflux "disease"
In a phenomenon known as acid reflux, food and acid splash up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pains, and belching. A person with severe symptoms may regurgitate stomach acid into the throat and the mouth. Sometimes the acid reflux leads to angina-like chest pains and spasms; the symptoms may be so intense that they are mistaken for a heart attack. Over long periods of time, the constant irritation of the esophagus can lead to inflammation, scarring, ulceration, hemorrhaging, and even esophageal cancer.
- Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
The reason I mention these things now is acid reflux disease is a perfect example of how the FDA and the drug companies worked together to create a monopoly and to create a "disease," and to create billions of dollars in profits. Let me tell you how it works, and I will tell you the cure for "acid reflux disease." Years ago there was no such thing as acid reflux disease. The reason that today we hear about acid reflux disease is because when the FDA passed the law that "Only a drug can cure, prevent, or treat a disease," it set up a monopoly for the drug companies in treating diseases.
- More Natural Cures Revealed: Previously Censored Brand Name Products That Cure Disease by Kevin Trudeau
When people come up to me and say, "I have acid reflux. What can be done?" I then ask, "How many drugs are you on?" They are on one, two, three, four or more. The answer is, "I'll tell you what. Get off all the drugs, do the Candida cleanse, and then come back in two months and tell me if you still have acid reflux." If a person were to do that, their symptoms would be gone. They don't understand that the reason they have acid reflux is because the root cause of it has not been addressed. The root causes of virtually all disease are nonprescription and prescription drugs.
- Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau
If you want to eliminate acid reflux, start eating more food that has living enzymes. Eat organic, fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. Go back to my book. Eat a raw organic apple a day. Eat a fresh salad with lunch and dinner consisting of raw organic vegetables. This will add living enzymes. This is a good start. Now let me give you some additional suggestions to help with acid reflux. 1. Raw apple cider vinegar. Take one tablespoon right before you eat each meal. This should eliminate any acid reflux.
- More Natural Cures Revealed: Previously Censored Brand Name Products That Cure Disease by Kevin Trudeau
To treat chronic acid reflux, take 150 mg of gamma-oryzanol three times a day on an empty stomach. This rice bran oil extract can help repair the entire digestive system and also improve the central nervous system's digestive control. Choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamine are B-complex vitamins that can have long-term digestive benefits. If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, try them in combination for a month or so to see if they help. Supplements: Medications used to treat acid reflux deplete the body of vitamin B12, folate, and various minerals.
- 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses by Marshall Editions
In my opinion, the weakening of the sphincter muscle could allow the acid reflux of the contents in the stomach to pass up through the opening into the lower esophagus. Dr. Templeman mentioned one more concern, regarding another influence on this important muscle. He indicated that when eating a meal high in fat, the sphincter muscle tends to relax, additionally increasing the risk of acid reflux. Although the stomach lining was created to withstand the acid, the esophagus was not.
- A Drug-Free Approach To Healthcare, Revised Edition by Dr. David W. Tanton; Ph.D.
Some people develop a chronic cough as a result of acid reflux. If you have a cough as well as acid reflux, see your doctor. PREVENTION: Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Spend at least thirty leisurely minutes at the table, even if you finish a plateful of food in fifteen minutes. Train yourself to slow down. Drink peppermint tea with meals. Don't overeat. Take only a small amount of food at one sitting. Opt for five or six small meals a day instead of three large ones.
- Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults by Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
Anti-inflammatory herbs can improve acid reflux symptoms and help the damaged tissue to heal. Anti-anxiety herbs are part of an herbalist's overall healing approach to a patient with acid reflux. Slippery elm root bark powder: Stir 1-2 tbsp of this demulcent powder into a glass of water and drink after meals and before bedtime. Begin with a smaller amount of powder until you become accustomed to it; if too much powder is mixed in the water, the preparation can be very thick and difficult to tolerate. To improve the taste, it can be sweetened slightly with honey or sugar.
- 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses by Marshall Editions
Today, up to 70 percent of all acid reflux cases may be linked to the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Since their introduction a few decades ago, acid reflux disease experienced an enormous jump. This example shows once again that taking anti-inflammatory drugs versus dealing with the causes of the health condition, is not a solution at all, but leads instead to even bigger problems than those that existed before. Consider the anti-cancer drugs that cause cancer.
- Timeless Secrets of Health & Rejuvenation: Unleash The Natural Healing Power That Lies Dormant Within You by Andreas Moritz
Obesity raises the pressure in your intestines and with it the risk of acid reflux. Simply put, if you've got too much in your gut, the excess has to go somewhere. Diet may also play a role. The type of diet that can easily lead to obesity: too much fat and red meat and not enough fruits and vegetables can also easily cause acid reflux. The best thing you can do for your esophagus is to maintain a healthy weight. Follow your doctor's advice for quieting and preventing heartburn, and try some of the tips found in this chapter.
- Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines: That Work Better Than Dangerous Drugs or Risky Surgery by Frank K. Wood
And if the stomach is unable to do its job properly, the ama, or toxic material, will begin to build up, causing even greater problems down the road, including indigestion, gas, bloating, and acid reflux. Another key to digestive health and efficiency is eating the right kinds of nutrients at the proper intervals. Enormous numbers of people suffer on a daily basis from acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, and indigestion (which accounts for the robust health of the antacid industry).
- Stop Your Cravings: A Balanced Approach to Burning Fat, Increasing Energy, and Reducing Stress by Jennifer Workman
Recently I have had terrible episodes of acid reflux. I have tried raising the top of our bed, not eating 3 hours before going to sleep, and cutting out citrus, tomato products, caffeine, and alcohol. But nothing worked. My doctor gave me a prescription for Nexium, but before I tried it, someone told me that an apple helps acid reflux. I had a bag of apples in my refrigerator, so I decided to try this approach. I ate the apple with the peel right after dinner and to my amazement I did not have any heartburn that night.
- Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy by Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
It should be noted, however, that not all people who suffer from acid reflux have hiatal hernias, and not all people with hiatal hernias are troubled by acid reflux. Regardless of the type of hernia, symptoms can occur anywhere from one to four hours after eating. Heartburn, burping, regurgitation of acid into the throat, vomiting, pain, and muscle spasms in the chest may all be experienced to some degree. Symptoms tend to be worse if you have overeaten or are bending or stooping, and are usually much worse when you lie down.
- Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults by Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
Avoid smoking as this irritates acid reflux. Eating a diet of plain, natural organic foods usually leads to an improvement of symptoms. Taking herbs such as althea and mallow root can also be beneficial. Studies show that stress contributes greatly to acid reflux so managing stress levels is important. Weight loss should be considered if you are overweight.
- 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses by Marshall Editions
The culprit for excess acid reflux often isn't stomach acid, anyway, but a problem with the muscular sphincter that keeps the stomach contents inside the stomach. Heartburn sufferers usually have a poor diet; they tend to eat large meals as well as ingest too much alcohol, caffeine, and saturated fats. Thus, taking antacids isn't the answer. Diet is. Heartburn sufferers may suffer from inadequate levels of magnesium (which relaxes the sphincter), or of hydrochloric acid, which is needed to activate the digestive forces, or even an infection with H.
- Ultraprevention : The 6-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy for Life by Mark Hyman, M.D.
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