8 WAYS TO CALM CHRONIC REFLUX AND HEARTBURN
Written by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Like a volcano erupting it can happen after some creamy pasta, one too many drinks or just spontaneously as if the angry lava of our stomachs are out of control.
Heartburn and chronic reflux is experienced by approximately 1 in 5 Australians. Severe symptoms of pain and burning of the throat that occur frequently is known as a condition named GORD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Though a common condition and one that can be pretty debilitating at that, many resort to over-the-counter antacids for the long haul, taking 1-2 a day for decades.
Although antacids do provide relief, it has an effect of the acid in our stomachs. Contrary to popular belief, reflux is not the result of over acidic stomach juices, it’s the lack of this acidity. When stomach acid is too low, the sphincter at the top of the stomach opening to the oesophagus (the tube where our food should go down and not come up) can relax and stay open; leaving fermented acidic juices from our food that sits in the stomach for too long (not being digested by stomach enzymes) gushes up the oesophagus causing heartburn. With the use of antacids and a lowering of stomach acidity even further, the absorption of nutrients and minerals from our food can be compromised leading to nutritional deficiencies that lead to other conditions.
In Chinese Medicine, reflux can be caused by several different factors. In all cases, there is a disruption of warm energy flow downwards causing an upward surge of energy. Along with reflux, common accompanying symptoms are belching, hiccups, shortness of breath, anxiety, palpitations, neck and shoulder tension or insomnia.
So how should we keep reflux at bay?
Boosting stomach acid:
1. Apple cider vinegar can be a great way to help your stomach acid out. Take 1 tablespoons of raw, organic (with mother) apple cider vinegar before meals either with honey or warm water.
2. Digestive enzymes or stomach acid supplements: These may be very helpful, especially after long -term use of antacids. Please consult one of our practitioners for recommendations on the best supplements for you.
Nurture the gut with food:
3. Eliminate foods that trigger your reflux and replace it with green leafy vegetables, easily digestible foods that are cooked and warm in temperature like broths and soups.
4. Include pre and probiotic foods like asparagus, legumes, tempeh and kefir.
5. Bone broth is important to protect the gut lining containing a high concentration of glycine which are like cement for the building blocks of the gut lining.
Stress and breathing:
6. Diaphragmatic breathing: Redirecting your energy flow with breathing can be very effective for reflux as well as mental health.
7. The connection between gut and mental health is undeniable. Mindful practices such as journaling, Qi Gong, Yoga and grounding practices are useful for stress management and keeping the energy flow smooth in the body.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine:
8. The body is intelligent and tells us when our health is out of balance and these signs such as heartburn or reflux, should not be ignored. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine works with the whole body to rebalance the system to keep the digestion happy, healthy and smooth. In turn, the digestion; which is known to be the root of all health, will nourish all our other body’s systems for optimal health.
For further information of any of the suggestions, recommendations, and treatment options mentioned here, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.
To health and healing,
Ivana x
If you would like to book an appointment with Ivana you can call the clinic on (03) 5429 3610 or book online by clicking the link below.