The TRUTH on Folk Remedies for Heartburn

A free article on Health and Fitness

By: Jeff Martin

It's been known for some time. Many folk remedies that will significantly alleviate heartburn symptoms, even if victims must realize that a complete program of treatment must still be followed to truly eradicate heartburn. But what can folk remedies do on their own to help heartburn? The first priority for many victims of heartburn, stunned by the inadequacy of classical medicine (typically only providing temporary relief and undesirable side effects), is to know if folk remedies can do any better.

Occasional heartburn (perhaps 4 times a month) may happen to anyone, but chronic heartburn is more indicative of GERD - gastro esophageal reflux disease, also known simply as acid reflux. Heartburn, symptom of GERD, is the sensation of a burning pain in the esophagus just below the breastbone.

Usually, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens only to let foodstuffs into the stomach and then shuts before stomach acid can reflux into the esophagus. It is when the LES activates randomly or fails to fully close, that acid splashes back into the esophagus, attacking the lining and triggering the burning sensation of heartburn, a symptom of GERD. GERD is really a mechanical problem. It is the weakness of the LES that encourages acid reflux up into the esophageal passage from the stomach.

This weakening of an important muscle an excess of acidity in the stomach are the principal contributors to GERD. Their occurrence may be the result of a variety of medical, dietary and lifestyle factors. The extra acidity may be brought on by certain types of diet and lifestyle as well as Candida infections. It is an internal dysbiosis that is compounded by the debilitation of the LES, itself brought on by genetic weaknesses, poor sleep habits, too much stress, too much fat, poor diet habits and obesity. For lasting relief therefore, any heartburn remedy must go to the root cause of the matter, rather than superficially acting on the symptoms alone.

Scientific research in the near past suggests that traditional remedies may well be effective. Folk remedies to treat with GERD were discovered far earlier than modern medicinal treatments. Examples of such folk remedies that assist in the reduction of heartburn are:

1. Lowering the foot of your bed. A 6 to 8 inches difference will limit the upward flow of gastric acid and spare your esophagus. 2. In order to position your esophagus to be higher than your stomach in bed, sleep on your left side. The disposition of the stomach (towards the left) and the esophagus entering it from the right will reduce the reflux of acid. 3. Because honey reduces inflammations in general, intake of a small amount of honey (in its natural state) will also bring alleviation to the esophagus. This is due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. 4. Green tea aids digestion and helps to restore the right acid/alkali balance. The effect is heightened with Ginseng. 5. Eat more but smaller meals per day. Smaller meals are easier to digest and allow you to eat more slowly, this decreasing any potential overload on your digestive system. 6. Drink water after you've finished one meal and before you begin the next one. Mineral water in particular can help to re-establish the acid alkaline balance in your digestive tract.

Remember however that folk remedies may be effective in relieving symptoms, but are just the first step in a full, holistic agenda, necessary for truly treating and preventing heartburn.

Were you aware that the heartburn that causes you pain today could be gone tomorrow by the application of holistic, 100% natural treatments that also include traditional and effective folk remedies?

Information about the Author:

Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . To Learn More About Jeff Martins Unique Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Folk Remedies for Heartburn

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