Having healthy stomach acid levels is important for digestion because it helps break the food down so that you absorb the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It is also your first line of defense against bacteria that may make it’s way into your food. Your stomach can handle the strong acid because it is protected by a thick layer of mucus. A burning sensation in the middle of your chest, known as heartburn, can happen occasionally to almost anyone. A common remedy for heartburn is to take over-the-counter antacids. People that experience frequent heartburn may end up taking a drug that reduces stomach acid production. These are called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). But drugs don’t address the root cause of heartburn. On top of that, PPIs could have serious side effects. Here are some natural heartburn remedies to try.
Fermented Foods and Drinks
Consuming fermented foods and drinks help to improve your gut microbiome and support healthy digestion. Consider having a few tablespoons of organic kimchi or saeurkraut each day. Pickles are another example of a fermented food. Fermented drinks include apple cider vinegar, kefir, and kombucha. Drink 2-4oz daily before a meal or meals to improve digestion and add good bacteria to your gut. Alternatively, you could take a broad spectrum probiotic.
Digestive Enzymes
Our bodies naturally produce digestive enzymes to help break down food so that it can more easily be absorbed. Digestive enzymes also help your body fight off illness and disease. Many people who consume a Western diet have a digestive enzyme insufficiency. This is especially true as you age. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement can help the body to digest food more effectively and reduce stress on the entire digestive system. Digestive enzyme supplements can target certain foods that can be hard to digest, like dairy. Or they can be broad spectrum and contain enzymes that help with all types of food like protein, beans, grains, starch, fruits and vegetables.
Reduce Stress
Eating solid foods when you are under stress is often associated with heartburn. Stress reduces the secretion of digestive juices and enzyme production. If you find yourself under stress, try consuming only raw and liquid foods in small until it passes. Enjoy your larger meal with healthy proteins. good fats and veggies at a more relaxed time of day.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Poor quality and overly processed foods, along with sugar and alcohol. are known to cause inflammation and often cause heartburn. Eating a diet rich in phytonutrient dense vegetables, healthy fat and clean protein sources can reduce inflammation that can contribute to heartburn. Avoid foods that you are sensitive/allergic to can also help you avoid heartburn. Healthy fat sources include coconut products, avocados, olive oil, & purified omega-3 fish oil supplements. Healthy protein includes wild-caught fish, grass-fed red meat and free range poultry and eggs. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, oregano & garlic are also powerful aids. And non-processed pink salts, sea vegetables, sea algae and cereal grasses are an abundant source of important trace minerals.
Good Sleep
Most people associate melatonin with sleep. But this hormone also supports digestion. One natural way to support your melatonin level is to eat protein foods that are rich in the amino acid tryptophan. Your body uses tryptophan to make melatonin. Good sources of tryptophan include eggs, poultry, nuts, and seeds. Another way to support melatonin production is to avoid blue light from digital devices before bed. This is because blue light suppresses your body’s production of melatonin.
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