Heartburn? Cool Digestive Fire Naturally

It’s happened to most all of us. You sit down to a meal, and no sooner than that first bite you’re feeling like you swallowed a lit match. You drink some water or milk and it’s better for a moment - but then the burn returns with a vengeance.

Doctors rarely discuss this with their patients, which is really unfortunate, because we in the holistic medical community know that most all disease begins with our digestion. When the regular docs are prescribing antacids, the rest of us are educating people as to why their bellies hurt and what to do to control it.

For starters, if you’re bloating and burping after meals, chances are you’re not absorbing the nutrients you need from your foods. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals can severely weaken our immune system, stress our heart, and weaken our bones. Secondly, inflammation in the digestive tract translates to inflammation just about anywhere else in the body – we’re talking about pain, stiffness, weakness, headaches, and more.

Sure, you can go out and self-medicate. Plenty of antacids that once required careful prescription are now available over-the-counter. But just because it’s on the shelf doesn’t mean its safe. (Check out Day 2 in my Tools to Optimal Health Program for more on this).

The next time you’re feeling the burn, try some of these strategies before popping a pill:

Watch your triggers. For some it’s spicy foods, for others it’s meat. Whatever causes you grief is not good for you. Try avoiding one or more of these and see if the condition improves.

An aspirin a day for your heart is rarely a good thing. Why burn a hole in your stomach when fish oil is just as good (if not better) for your circulation.  

You probably need more acid, not less! Try drinking some lemon water before your next meal and see if I’m joking. Most of us, because of stress and bad diet, actually don’t make enough stomach acid. This causes food to just sit there and cause a world of hurt in our belly.

Chew your food. Hardly a novel concept but most of us don’t do this enough. Put down your fork, spoon, or chop sticks after each bite and don’t pick them up again until you’ve swallowed.

Drink water before you eat, and less during. This seems to help minimize bloating.

I’m never one to advocate alcohol consumption but the age-old tradition of an after-dinner cordial has some merit here. Bevies like Sambuca, Uozo, and Jaegermeister have been used for centuries to lessen post-meal tummy stress.

Relax. No, seriously. If you’re upset or rushed, it’s better to skip a meal than to wolf it down. Stress cuts off our digestion and food will sit there like a rock for hours.

Lose the belly. The upward pressure from that spare tire can worsen heartburn to no end.

Heartburn is nothing to laugh at. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be an indicator of bigger issues elsewhere. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, sharp pains that cause you to double over, and persistently erratic bowel habits should never be ignored. Remember, when in doubt always check with a physician.  

Healthiest regards,

Dr. Carlos