Heartburn and Acid Reflux

cid reflux, also known as heartburn, is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter either not closing at all or closing inadequately and allowing the acid produced by the stomach to go up into the esophagus. Common causes of acid reflux include: the presence of a hiatal hernia, being overweight, and having unhealthy eating habits. The common symptoms experienced during acid reflux include: a sensation of bloating, burping, nausea, and dysphagia or narrowing of the esophagus. Acid reflux can be treated with lifestyle changes such as adopting a more healthy style of eating as well as healthy choice of foods. This acupuncture is also known to provide relief and target at the root cause of acid reflux.

Treatment of the Root Cause

People suffering from GERD often have indigestion along with symptoms such as acid regurgitation and frequent burping. Medications offer some symptomatic relief, but over a period of time, it may worsen symptoms or the patient may suffer side effects such as headaches and muscle cramps. Treating the root cause is the only way to rid the patient of this problem. Failure to treat it can lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus, or chronic coughing. The increasing presence of this disease in the population has led to intensive research to find definite causes for its appearance as well as possible alternative treatments including acid reflux acupuncture.

Conditions That Cause

The presence of a hiatal hernia causes acid to escape into the esophagus as a result of the upper part of the stomach protruding over the diaphragm. Additionally, malabsorption of food is also known to be a factor of acid reflux. As a result of this, there is build-up of stomach pressure, which causes the opening of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. Aging is another factor that causes acid reflux. Aging also causes a decrease in the production of stomach acid which leads to less efficient digestion. Unhealthy food habits such as snacking or eating big or spicy meals close to bedtime does not allow the food to digest adequately and also exerts pressure on the diaphragm. While medications help to relieve the immediate effects of acid reflux, they can also cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, long term use of antacids can cause anxiety, panic attack, heart problems and neuropathy.

Treating with Acupuncture

Acupuncture focuses on the roles of the pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and liver in the digestion of food. A disruption in the function of any of these organs can cause acid reflux and other digestive problems. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate these acupuncture points to help restore the normal function of the digestive system. Acupuncture can also help tone the sphincter muscles between stomach and esophagus. As a result of treatment, you will be able digest food with normal movements of the stomach and intestine. Since emotional distress can also upset the digestive pattern, the acupuncturist also formulates a therapy program that helps the patient reduce stress and strengthen their digestive function.

Dr. Li Zheng, PhD is a licensed acupunturist & herbalist with a PhD in medical science. A graduate of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine who practiced as a physician in China, she has 26 years of experience. In addition, she is also a professor and clinical supervisor of the New England School of Acupuncture, consultant for Health Grid Inc. and author of two books, "Acupuncture and Hormone Balance" and "Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs for Common Diseases".

The Best Home Remedies For Natural Heartburn Relief

A pleasant sunny day can be ruined when the scorching heat behind your chest calls your attention. Heartburn -rightly termed, as a hearty party of the previous night can ruin couple of parties in the coming weekend. Many grabs the over the counter drugs and get rid of heartburn and even the thought of it. This easily available solution does not only stop us from bothering about heartburn, but also blocks us from seeing where our health is leading. If taking antacid is unavoidable, opting for home remedies and treating heartburn naturally will reduce the effect on the health. I prefer these easily available home remedies to cure heartburn over antacids as these are also otherwise beneficial for health.

1. Asafoetida. Asafoetida is an Indian spice commonly used for cooking. As Indian food is generally spicy, adding asafoetida to help digestion tells a lot about its effectiveness on reducing heartburn.

Take ¼ tsp of asafoetida in ¼ tsp clarified butter and slightly fry it. Take this mixture followed by a glass of warm water.

You can also apply this mixture in the navel instead.

2. Ajwain (carom, ajowan, or bishop's weed). Slightly roast some ajwain with black salt. Have that followed by a glass of warm water.

3. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda acts as a natural antacid neutralising the acid formed in the stomach.

Take 1 tsp sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water for relief from heartburn. Acid can be used to attack acid in the stomach in the following form -take one teaspoon sodium bicarbonate, few drops of lemon juice and some black salt in a glass of water and have it. This treatment should be used temporarily and one should not have more than 3 tsp of baking soda in a day.

4. Ginger. Ginger is immensely helpful for digestion and also for treating acid reflux naturally. Crush ½ inch ginger and add it to a glass of warm water. Keep it soaked for 15 minutes to half an hour and drink it.

5. Aloe vera. The cooling effect of aloe vera juice not only soothes the stomach but is also a natural cure to heartburn.

6. Banana. Banana is a natural antacid. People with severe acid reflux problem should eat one banana daily to keep heartburn at bay as it also helps in constipation.

7. Food with high folic acid. The more colour you include in your fruits and vegetables the more folic acid you consume. Include beans, spinach, apple etc in your diet to reduce chances of acid reflux. Also add fibrous food to your diet so that you do not have constipation.

8. Drinking 4 to 5 glasses of water in empty stomach helps in reducing heartburn. One should also reduce the intake of tea and coffee for a while and stick to drinking more water. Water therapy is the best natural way of taking care of acid reflux rather than opting for instant relief.

9. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can also give quick relief to the acid reflux. Just make sure not to increase the intake.

Keeping your body light and active is the most effective way of combating heartburn. Taking enough water, reducing intake of tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy food will expedite the cure of heartburn. Include fibre in your food, balance an unhealthy food by following up with healthier food, reduce smoking and drinking, and you are good to go for the next party. And if you still have heartburn, don't lose your heart, the best home remedies are up your sleeves!

Heartburn can be really disturbing as it causes a lot of irritation and discomfort if not taken care off in its initial stages. To find its real solutions to any problem and cure a problem, the first step you need to take is to know it inside out, upside down. So if you want to know a lot more about this ailment and want to find out the natural home remedies for heartburn relief, you can visit the website Heal Acid Reflux Naturally

7 Tips for a Healthy Digestive System

Having a healthy digestive system is extremely important. Whether you are an athlete bodybuilder or average Joe, it's important for your body to break down and digest foods and convert them into energy as efficiently as possible.

"Your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat into the nutrients your body needs. If you neglect your digestive health, your body could run into problems digesting foods and absorbing those nutrients," says Krisha McCoy on Everyday Health.

For some of us, digestive discomfort has become a fact of life, like never getting enough sleep or having too much to do. We complain about everyday ailments such as occasional gas, bloating and irregularity, assuming they are inevitable. But they don't have to be. By paying attention and making a few simple changes, you can help your digestive system do the job it was made to do - absorbing nutrients and keeping things running smoothly. Learn what you can do today to help take care of your digestive system.

Tips for Good Digestive Health

Good digestive health starts with making healthy food and lifestyle choices. Here are some effective tips to improve your digestive health:

Eat a high-fiber diet: No surprise here. Consuming a diet that is high in fiber will keep foods moving through your digestive tract. It can also help prevent a number of common digestive issues such as constipation, IBS, and others.

Stay hydrated: Always drink plenty of water. Water helps your body dissolve fats and fiber and helps things move through your system more efficiently.

Add probiotics into your diet: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that exist in your digestive tract. Adding more to your diet through food and supplementation will help keep your body healthy. Low fat yogurt, sourdough bread, sour pickles and kimchi are a great source of probiotics. Want to include more probiotics into your diet?

Cleanse and detox: Performing a cleanse on occasion will help your body refresh and recharge, and allow your digestive system to reset.

Limit consumption of processed foods: It's always best to choose fresh, high quality food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats over processed and high fat food options.

Exercise regularly: Exercise helps keep food moving through your system as it uses the food you consume for energy. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, something else that will improve your digestion.

Eat on a schedule: Your body loves routine. Eating frequent, smaller meals and snacks will keep your digestive system working effectively and efficiently.

Following these tips will ensure that your digestive system is working optimally, something that will keep you healthy, full of energy and in a position to achieve your fitness goals.

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