Table of Contents

Disclaimer .......................................................................................................... 5

Preface ................................................................................................................ 6

Introduction: Do Any of These Situations Sound Familiar? .............. 8

The Numbers Tell the Story ...................................................................... 9

When Heartburn Gets Worse ................................................................. 10

How Acid Reflux Affects Our Everyday Life ....................................... 10

The Secret To Curing Your Acid Reflux ............................................... 11

What‟s The First Step? ............................................................................. 12

Heartburn Basics You Must Know ............................................................ 14

How Heartburn Starts .................................................................................. 15

The 4 Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Heartburn ................................ 16

Who Gets Acid Reflux? ............................................................................. 17

Why Do People Get Acid Reflux? .......................................................... 19

Is it a Food Allergy? .................................................................................. 19

Medications Might be a Cause ............................................................... 20

Other Surprising Causes of Heartburn ................................................ 20

Symptoms, Tests, Risks and Common Mistakes ................................ 22

The Top 4 Symptoms of Acid Reflux ................................................... 22

… And Other Little-Known (But Dangerous) Acid Reflux

Symptoms ..................................................................................................... 23

Uncommon Symptoms of Acid Reflux ................................................. 24

The One Test Your Doctor Must Perform If You Suspect You

Have Acid Reflux ........................................................................................ 24

Is Your Doctor Making This Common Mistake?................................ 25

Hidden Symptoms of Acid Reflux ......................................................... 26

When You Need to See a Doctor........................................................... 27

What Can Happen If You Don‟t Treat Your Acid Reflux ................ 27

The Cancer Risks of Heartburn .............................................................. 28

The Connection Between Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernias ............ 29

Why Drugs Are Not Curing Your Heartburn ......................................... 30

The Acid Reflux Medication Trap ........................................................... 32

The 3 Worst Effects of Acid Reflux Medications ............................... 33

How Antacids Ravage Your Body .......................................................... 34

But Tums Has Calcium, Right? .............................................................. 35

The Connection Between Antacids and Depression ....................... 35

Eating for Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Your Food Prescription .... 37

Whole-grain bread and other high fiber foods ................................. 37

Dishes containing ginger, turmeric, chilies, and cinnamon ......... 38

Drink a Cup of These Teas ...................................................................... 39

The Reflux Remedy-in-a-Glass .............................................................. 40

Off the Menu: Heartburn Trigger Foods ............................................. 40

Fuel Your Body With Power Foods ........................................................ 44

Acidic Foods To Watch Out For .............................................................. 47

How Hot Should Your Coffee Be? ......................................................... 48

What To Do For Acidic Digestion ........................................................... 49

Are You Swallowing Too Much Air? ...................................................... 50

The Ins and Outs of Fiber ........................................................................... 51

What Does Fiber Do? ................................................................................ 52

The Two Types of Fiber ............................................................................ 53

Good Sources of Fiber .............................................................................. 53

Caffeine and Heartburn ............................................................................ 55

Acid Reflux Home Remedies ...................................................................... 58

Helping Your Body Heal Itself ................................................................ 59

Making Changes in Your Diet the Easy Way ..................................... 60

Reflux Home Remedies You Can Try Today ...................................... 60

Heartburn and Sleep .................................................................................... 65

Why Acid Reflux Gets Worse At Night ................................................. 65

What You Think at Night Can Trigger Acid Reflux .......................... 66

Sleep Disorders That Are Linked to Acid Reflux .............................. 67

GERD and Exercise ....................................................................................... 68

Safe, Low Impact Exercises .................................................................... 68

The Best Exercise to Get Started.......................................................... 69

Taking the First Steps ............................................................................... 69

Exercises That Make Acid Reflux Worse ............................................. 70

How to Treat Acid Reflux During Pregnancy ........................................ 70

How to Treat Your Baby‟s Acid Reflux Without Medicine ................. 72

Natural Cures for Heartburn ...................................................................... 74

The Most Safe and Effective Natural Cures ....................................... 75

Try This Herb for Heartburn ................................................................... 78

Key Nutritional Supplements for Heartburn ...................................... 79

Remarkable Acid Reflux Success Stories .............................................. 80

Debunking Deadly Myths: The Truth About Heartburn and Acid

Reflux ................................................................................................................ 82

Recommended Health Resources ............................................................ 86

About The Author .......................................................................................... 90

Disclaimer

David Smith‟s The Reflux Solution is intended to provide

actionable advice and general information about diet, nutrition,

and healthy lifestyle habits. The information presented is the

opinion of David Smith, and is not intended as a substitute for

professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before

incorporating any new practice, medication, or dietary change to

your lifestyle, please consult with your physician. The advice and

comments of David Smith, are his own, and do not necessarily

reflect the views of the creators, producers, participants, and

distributors of this program.

The Reflux Solution © David Smith. KD Natural Health

Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

This electronic report includes interactive features.

Throughout this report, you will find various blue underlined text

called “hyperlinks”. If you are connected to the internet, you can

click any of these blue underlined words or phrases (except for

the ones provided here as an example) and they will link you to a

website with further information and resources on the specific

topic.

Preface

Dear Reader,

hat you‟re about to read may well be one of

the most groundbreaking works you have

ever read about treating and curing heartburn

and acid reflux in a safe, natural and effective

way.

That‟s because I have carefully chosen the best and most useful

information and natural methods from my many years of

research, consultation and personal experience. Now they are

here in one place for you to enjoy and benefit.

Go ahead, turn to page 10 and start learning what heartburn is

and what you can do about it today. By the time you get to page

35 you will wonder why you ever took (or thought about taking)

heartburn medications in the first place.

It doesn‟t end there. Once you reach page 40 you will know

more about your condition than 95% of heartburn and reflux

sufferers (even most doctors for that matter!).

W

Keep reading and soon you will be well on your way to treating

and curing your condition with proven natural remedies that will

save you money and give you your life back.

All this and more awaits you in The Reflux Solution. I hope

you‟ll enjoy it and benefit from all the practical health tips and

resources you will learn about.

It‟s a privilege to have you as one of our readers. I hope your life

improves and your health and energy skyrocket after you read

and apply the advice in this program.

Sincerely, Your Friend and Coach,

David Smith

David Smith

CEO & Founder – KD Natural Health Publishing

KD Natural Health Publishing Blog:

www.KDNaturalHealth.com

Let me know if have a question or need any help:

David@KDNaturalHealth.com

Introduction

Do Any of These Situations Sound Familiar?

... It’s an hour after dinner, you feel a burning pain in the

lower part of your chest, maybe a nasty taste in your

mouth.

… You’ve been running, pounding the pavement and now

you sense a burning sensation in the middle of your chest.

… You lie down to sleep and soon the pain hits you right

in between your ribs, behind the breastbone.

If any of this sounds like you, then you might be suffering from

heartburn. You‟re not alone. Over 60 million people in the United

States, and millions all over the world, suffer from heartburn at

least once a month, according to the National Institute of

Diabetes and Digestive Health (NIDDK).

What‟s more, about one in every three Americans ages 35-44

have two or more incidents of heartburn every week.

It‟s worse for pregnant women. One in every four pregnant

woman has heartburn each day.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Here are even more eye-opening statistics about heartburn

sufferers, as discovered by the American Gastroenterological

Association (AGA):

• 80% say that heartburn stops them from enjoying food.

• 60% say heartburn pain keeps them from having a good

night’s sleep.

• 40% say that heartburn interferes with their

concentration at work.

• 30% say that pain from heartburn gets in the way of

taking part in family activities.

Yet in spite of all these sobering statistics, most of us don‟t pay

much attention to heartburn. We just take an antacid or an over

the counter medication and that seems to be the end of it.

When Heartburn Gets Worse

But when heartburn starts happening over and over again, then

you may be experiencing something more serious that demands

your attention. This chronic heartburn is known as acid reflux.

The medical term for acid reflux is gastro esophageal reflux

disease, or GERD.

The term “gastro esophageal reflux” accurately describes what

takes place and where it takes place. Acid from the stomach

flows back, or “refluxes,” into the “gastro esophageal” area, or

simply the esophagus.

GERD is also known as GORD in many European countries, since

the British spelling of esophagus is “oesophagus”.

Some people refer to acid reflux as "reflux," "reflux esophagitis,"

“indigestion,” “gastritis,” or sometimes even "hiatus hernia"

(although hiatus hernia is a specific diagnosis that may or may

not have anything to do with acid reflux).

How Acid Reflux Affects Our Everyday Life

There‟s no doubt that acid reflux has a major impact on our

everyday life. It makes us unpleasant and unhappy, forces us to

miss work, and spoils our enjoyment of time with family and

friends.

It costs us money, too.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology reported that each acid

reflux sufferer loses an average of $2,400 a year in sick days,

physicians‟ visits, and reduced productivity.

Multiply this number by millions of acid reflux sufferers and you

can see how the economy loses billions of dollars every year as

a result of acid reflux.

If you let heartburn go and not get the proper treatment when

you first notice it, your body is left vulnerable to other more

painful and disabling conditions, such as cancer. In later stages,

after decades of abuse to the esophagus, painful surgery may be

necessary.

The Secret To Curing Your Acid Reflux

Ignorance and complacency are major problems among chronic

heartburn and acid reflux (GERD) sufferers. Most people neglect

their heartburn and acid reflux or just hope it will go away by

itself.

Most of the time it won‟t.

The true secret to getting rid of your acid reflux is to learn as

much as you can about healing yourself.

That‟s the purpose of this guide.

While most people just let their heartburn get worse without ever

trying to find a real solution, you can be different. This guide will

give you the tools you need to take back control of your health.

By following the suggestions you will learn shortly, you will not

only become more informed about your heartburn and acid

reflux, but you will also have fewer long-term and serious health

problems.

This will prevent greater pain and internal damage to your body.

It will also give you your life back by letting you be more

productive at work, enjoy more time with your family, and have

more energy and vitality for all your activities.

What’s The First Step?

Getting your condition diagnosed is the first critical step on your

road to curing your heartburn and acid reflux.

Once you know precisely what you have, then you can follow your

doctor‟s recommendations as well as refer to the wealth of

information and natural methods presented in these heartburn

and acid reflux guides.

These guides will help you to better understand your heartburn

and acid reflux. They will also allow you to have an intelligent

discussion with your doctor about your condition.

Most importantly, you will gain the power to take control of your

health by learning numerous natural alternatives that can

complement your doctor‟s advice to help your body heal faster

and more completely.

Heartburn Basics You Must Know

To understand how to prevent and cure your heartburn, it‟s useful

to first learn a few basics about heartburn.

Heartburn (also known as indigestion) is the most common

symptom of a medical condition called gastro esophageal

reflux disease (GERD). GERD is more commonly known as

acid reflux.

Heartburn takes place when acid from the stomach moves back

up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your

mouth to the stomach.

This causes a hot, burning acidic sensation just behind the

breastbone and occasionally the regurgitation of warm, bitter

fluid. Frequent heartburn can scar the lining of the esophagus

and even put you at risk for esophageal cancer.

How Heartburn Starts

As food passes from the esophagus it enters the stomach through

a muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The sphincter is a round, elastic muscle that opens when food

passes through and closes after food has completely entered the

stomach. But if the LES is not functioning correctly it will not

close when it is supposed to.

Food mixes with stomach acids in the stomach. When your

sphincter doesn‟t close properly, some of the food goes back into

the esophagus.

Stomach acid rises into the esophagus when the LES does not close properly.

The fact that this half-digested food is now bathed in stomach

acids and enzymes quickly irritates the lining of the esophagus.

You might then feel an awful, bitter taste in your mouth, get sick

with nausea, and experience belching and regurgitation.

The 4 Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Heartburn

We know that heartburn and acid reflux take place when a valve

– the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – becomes defective. But

why would this suddenly happen, and to so many people at

around the same stage of life?

There are four major reasons why people tend to suffer

heartburn. Once you become aware of them, you can easily

avoid them and stop your heartburn in its tracks.

These four “mistakes” are largely the result of the way Americans

tend to eat:

HEARTBURN MISTAKE #1: Rushed meals and poor

chewing.

HEARTBURN MISTAKE #2: Large meals with many

different types of food.

HEARTBURN MISTAKE #3: Processed foods with artificial

ingredients that are difficult to digest.

HEARTBURN MISTAKE #4: Meals accompanied by large

amounts of liquids that dilute the digestive juices.

Who Gets Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, or GERD, is a disease that affects both men and

women, although men are more susceptible and tend to suffer

acid reflux at an earlier age.

Children, especially infants, also frequently show signs of acid

reflux. This can be harder to diagnose, however, than in adults,

since children may not be able to communicate their symptoms

as clearly.

RESULT OF THESE

HEARTBURN MISTAKES:

Large, undigestible meals

that stretch the stomach and

its valve beyond capacity.

Pregnant women are another group at higher risk for acid reflux.

Up to 80% of pregnant women suffer from GERD symptoms,

particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Athletes such as weight lifters and runners also suffer from GERD

at high rates. Infants and children often suffer recurring

heartburn, although it often goes untreated.

As with many chronic illnesses, the tendency to develop acid

reflux increases with age, especially with people over forty. In

Differences between men and women

A study of 2,000 chronic heartburn sufferers revealed

that women reported onset of heartburn at an older age

(35) than men (29).

The Archives of Internal Medicine published findings that

suggest that men and women perceive different causes

for severe heartburn.

Women are 70% more likely to say stress within the

family caused their heartburn, while men are 24% more

likely to blame long hours at work and 50% more likely

to point to business travel as a cause of heartburn.

fact, half of all acid reflux sufferers are between the ages of 40

and 64.

Elderly people over 65 may suffer acid reflux due to various

reasons: the aging process, inactivity, inattention to nutrition,

and other factors. Still, it‟s not necessarily normal even for

elderly people to have constant and chronic digestive complaints.

Why Do People Get Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux has many different causes, including smoking, the

effects of other illnesses, even excessive weight lifting.

Diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and other ailments are often

tied to a higher probability of serious and chronic heartburn in

many people.

Is it a Food Allergy?

If you experience persistent heartburn from a particular food,

that might indicate you have an allergy to that food, according to

Dr. James Breneman, past president of the American College of

Allergists.

Food allergies stimulate histamine release, which in turn

stimulates stomach acid secretion. The most common foods

people are allergic to include: cow‟s milk products, eggs, wheat,

beef, corn, soy, and some citrus fruits.

Medications Might be a Cause

Medications can also play a part in causing acid reflux.

Antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, birth control pills, and

other medications have been are linked to GERD cases.

Some common prescription drugs that can lead to heartburn are:

hormones, birth control pills, progesterone, diazepam, and

nitroglycerine.

Magnesium also causes heartburn in some people because it is a

natural muscle relaxant that can cause the LES to lose tension.

Other Surprising Causes of Heartburn

• H. Pylori is a bug that can infect the esophagus and

aggravate the effects of heartburn. Get a blood test to

confirm the presence of H. Pylori.

• Swallowing too much air during meals can upset your

stomach and lead to heartburn. Eating fast can allow excess

air in. Eat slowly and chew your food well, which will also

stimulate production of saliva, a critical digestive enzyme.

• Studies have shown that people who suffer from

achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid) experience heartburn at

higher rates than people with normal levels of stomach acid.

• Too much stomach acid can be as serious a problem as too

little stomach acid. Learn to manage stress, since emotional

stress causes the release of hormones that stimulate

stomach acid production.

Acid Reflux Explained:

Symptoms, Tests, Risks and

Common Mistakes

The Top 4 Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The four major symptoms of acid reflux

are:

• Heartburn (painful, rising, burning

sensation behind the breastbone).

• Regurgitation of gastric acid or sour

contents into the mouth.

• Difficult and/or painful swallowing.

• Chest pain.

Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. In some

cases it can accompany other acid reflux symptoms, such as

gastric contents from the stomach backing up into the mouth,

chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

… And Other Little-Known (But Dangerous) Acid

Reflux Symptoms

• Tightness or discomfort around the chest

• Chronic cough

• Asthma

• Pain or uncomfortable pressure in the chest or upper

abdominal area

• Acidic taste in the mouth

Pulmonary conditions such as asthma, coughing, or intermittent

wheezing and vocal cord inflammation with hoarseness can also

occur in some acid reflux patients.

In addition, acid can be regurgitated into the lungs in some acid

reflux patients, causing wheezing or cough. Acid refluxed into

the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it

can dissolve the enamel of the teeth.

The One Test Your Doctor Must Perform If You

Suspect You Have Acid Reflux

If you have acid reflux symptoms, your doctor might decide to

perform an endoscopy.

Uncommon Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can lead to the following advanced

symptoms if left untreated:

• Wearing down of the enamel of the teeth

and increased cavities

• Gingivitis (gum disease)

• Chronic sore throat

• Constant throat clearing

• Waking up at night coughing and choking

• Copious salivation (pillow sopping wet)

• Chronic sinus infections

• Constant bad breath – doesn‟t improve with

mouthwash, toothpaste, or other remedies

• Chronic vomiting

This diagnostic test involves a thin, flexible tube with a miniscule

camera that is inserted through your mouth and allows the doctor

to inspect the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

This procedure can be used to identify complications of acid reflux

and to take small samples (biopsies) for further analysis.

Doctors might want to do an endoscopy if you have difficulty in

swallowing or painful swallowing related to acid reflux. Patients

who fail to respond to therapy are also candidates for endoscopy.

Some physicians advocate endoscopy for all patients with long-

standing acid reflux in order to rule out Barrett's esophagus.

Is Your Doctor Making This Common Mistake?

Just as important as getting properly diagnosed is to be aware of

when your doctor may be treating the wrong cause of your

heartburn.

For example, medical conditions such as ulcers predispose the

body to develop acid reflux by causing a blockage in the stomach

outlet. Most ulcers are caused by the Helicobacter pylori (HP)

bacteria, which plays a large role in the development of acid

reflux.

When the stomach contents leak into the esophagus, HP can also

creep in and damage the esophageal lining that is already weak

from the effects of acid reflux.

A common mistake that doctors can make is to treat HP as the

cause of the indigestion and damage to the esophagus but ignore

the acid reflux that is the real illness.

Hidden Symptoms of Acid Reflux

A problem with acid reflux symptoms is that they can sometimes

occur in other parts of the body.

For example, chronic cough or constant throat clearing can be

mistaken for “smoker‟s cough” or asthma, when the real problem

may be acid reflux.

The severe pain of acid reflux can sometimes be mistaken for the

chest pain of a heart attack. This can be especially terrifying in

middle aged and elderly people.

Statistics indicate that up to 25% of

patients admitted to emergency

rooms complaining of chest pains

actually have acid reflux, not a

cardiac ailment.

When You Need to See a Doctor

However, don‟t underestimate the seriousness of chest pains.

Any incident of chest pains should always be diagnosed and

treated by a doctor. Never assume they are indigestion or acid

reflux without getting medical attention.

That‟s why the first step should be to get diagnosed by a medical

professional. Then follow their advice and carefully monitor the

results of the treatment.

This book can accompany any treatment you receive. However,

this book does not replace the advice of your doctor or any other

health care professional.

What it does instead is to offer a natural complement to any

medical recommendations you may be following. It‟s your guide

to helping your body heal itself in the safest, most natural and

most long lasting way possible.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Treat Your Acid

Reflux

When left untreated, you can develop complications of acid reflux.

These complications include breaks in the lining of the esophagus

(esophageal erosions), esophageal ulcer, and narrowing of the

esophagus (esophageal stricture).

In some people, the normal esophageal lining or epithelium may

be replaced with abnormal (Barrett's) epithelium. This condition

(Barrett's esophagus) has been linked to cancer of the esophagus

and must be carefully watched.

Lung (pulmonary) aspiration, asthma and inflammation of the

vocal cords or throat may also be caused by acid reflux.

The Cancer Risks of Heartburn

If you have heartburn, your

chances of getting esophageal

cancer are 43 times higher than

people without heartburn.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine

showed that heartburn increases your risk of esophageal cancer

tremendously.

Specialists at the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Stockholm

found that if you suffer from heartburn or indigestion you have 43

times more chances of getting esophageal cancer than people

who don‟t suffer from heartburn or indigestion, according to the

article.

The problem is, there is still no cure for esophageal cancer. Even

worse, fewer than 12 people in 100 that get this cancer will live

more than 5 years after diagnosis.

Sadly, the rate of esophageal cancer is increasing eight-fold every

year. This makes esophageal cancer the fastest growing cancer

today.

The Connection Between Acid Reflux and Hiatal

Hernias

A hiatus hernia takes place when a portion of the stomach goes

through the diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates the

stomach from the lungs.

The place where the stomach goes through the diaphragm and

into the chest is known as a "hiatus".

This is a common condition that increases in frequency with age.

It may or may not be associated with acid reflux.

A hiatal hernia is usually present in cases of erosive esophagitis.

These are breaks in the lining of the esophagus related to severe

acid reflux.

Why Drugs Are Not Curing Your

Heartburn

Maybe you‟ve been taking medication to relieve your heartburn or

acid reflux. And you‟ve noticed something. All those prescription

drugs and over-the-counter pills are just not doing the trick.

Why is that?

The main reason that over-the-counter and prescription drugs

don‟t work is because they rarely get to the source of your

difficulties. They only fix the problem for a short time and can

actually create more problems if you depend on these drugs for

an extended period of time.

If you want to get rid of your heartburn, it‟s best to go natural

and stay away from drugs that only mask your symptoms and

don‟t address the true cause of your heartburn.

Even worse, many drugs can actually be dangerous for you.

Common drugs sold to combat heartburn, such as antacids or H2

blockers, can sometimes do more harm than good. They can act

as gastric irritants that cause upset stomach and lead to other

health issues by stalling digestion.

Aspirin, Motrin, birth control pills, and many anti-arthritis drugs

have also been linked to heartburn and acid reflux. Even some B

vitamin complexes tend to increase your likelihood of suffering

from a sour stomach.

The Acid Reflux Medication Trap

While there are many prescription and over-the-counter drugs

and medications available, it can be inconvenient to be taking a

drug every day for heartburn, not to mention the unpleasant side

effects possible from taking heartburn and acid reflux

medications.

In fact, a study of chronic heartburn sufferers who had taken

antacids for over 10 years showed that over half of them had

developed serious illnesses, such as ulceration or narrowing of

the esophagus. In addition, almost six percent had started

creating precancerous formations.

In addition, many of the sufferers needed to increase their

antacid consumption over the years to achieve the same effect

– some were taking 8 or more antacids a week!

The antacids not only masked the true severity of their

progressing diseases, but it had less of an effect on their

heartburn. It‟s no wonder then that natural cures for

heartburn are becoming more and more popular.

The 3 Worst Effects of Acid Reflux Medications

There is an epidemic of drug-induced diseases. In fact, drug

reactions are the third most common cause of death in the United

States – behind arteriosclerosis (heart attacks and strokes) and

cancer.

When you understand why you need to stop depending on

antacids, you will also know how to uncover the cause of

indigestion and heartburn and the steps to resolve it.

Medications work by suppressing or hiding symptoms, which

prevents you from finding the true cause of your heartburn. In

addition, acid reflux drugs have three important negative

effects on your health:

First Negative Effect: Medications shut off or turn off a

normal physiologic function of the body, which is the

production of stomach acid.

Second Negative Effect: Drugs ignore the real cause of the

original problem, so that it continues to get worse.

Third Negative Effect: Heartburn medications cause you to

suffer from the numerous possible side effects, from

depression to cancer.

How Antacids Ravage Your Body

When you take antacids, you miss the chance to find out and fix

the problem before it gets worse. Plus, you can experience side

effects such as aluminum toxicity, which damages sensitive brain

tissue.

In addition, antacids inhibit the capacity of the digestive tract to

absorb minerals which are vital for good health.

An antacid like Mylanta soaks up stomach and gastric acid. While

this might temporarily stop the acid from refluxing into the

esophagus, it leaves your system without the acids you need to

properly absorb minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. A

lack of minerals can leave you vulnerable to all types of diseases,

from depression to cancer.

For example, when your body doesn‟t absorb calcium, your bones

become more brittle, which can lead to osteoporosis, a weakening

of the bone structure that reduces your stability and leaves you

at greater risk of falling and suffering bone fractures and other

serious injuries, such as concussions.

But Tums Has Calcium, Right?

You might be asking, doesn‟t Tums contain calcium? Yes, but it is

not designed to be absorbed into your system. Quite the

opposite, in fact.

The calcium carbonate in Tums actually sops up and neutralizes

acid in the stomach. You need this acid, however, to ionize

calcium for absorption later on down the digestive tract. In other

words, the calcium in Tums does its job absorbing the gastric acid

and then exits your body without ever being absorbed.

Furthermore, antacids often contain aluminum, a toxic metal

which tends to collect in the brain, where it can contribute to

senility and memory loss. Aluminum shrivels the brain structure

and tangles up the brain‟s tissues and fiber.

The Connection Between Antacids and Depression

Depression is a common result of aluminum deposits in the brain.

Once you have depression, you might end up spending a fortune

on psychiatrists and anti-depressants that will make you feel like

a zombie.

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid the downward spiral of

depending on antacids and other acid reflux medications. Even

aluminum toxicity can be reversed if diagnosed early enough.

How? With natural remedies that are safe and effective. Read on

to find out how to eliminate heartburn and GERD the natural way,

reverse the effects of antacids and other reflux drugs, and trigger

the powerful healing properties that we all have inside of us.

Eating for Heartburn and Acid

Reflux: Your Food Prescription

Whole-grain bread and other high fiber foods

Roughage (fiber) protects against heartburn. Eat high-fiber

whole grain bread every day. A Swedish study found the people

that eat whole grain bread every day decrease their risk of GERD

by 50% compared to people that eat low-fiber white bread.

Prevention of

heartburn and acid

reflux boils down to

one simple rule:

Eat healthy meals, in

healthy amounts, at

a healthy speed.

How fiber helps: Some foods (such as cured meats) contain

nitrites (used by the body to produce nitric oxide, a gas that

relaxes LES). Fiber soaks up the nitrites. This blocks the

production of nitric oxide.

Fiber forces you to chew food more completely. The chewing

action releases more saliva, a natural digestive enzyme which

also coats and protects the esophagus.

Fiber also helps you feel full with less food, so you avoid

overeating, one of the main causes of heartburn.

Eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. That equals 2-4 servings of

fruit, 3-5 vegetables, or 6-11 servings of cereals and grains (for

example, a serving is 1 slice of whole grain bread, ½ cup of

brown rice, or ¾ cup of cereal). Increase your fiber intake

gradually if you‟re not used to eating fiber to avoid flatulence.

Dishes containing ginger, turmeric, chilies, and

cinnamon

It‟s a common myth that spicy foods contribute to heartburn.

The opposite is true, in fact. Spicy food – at least non-greasy

ones – can actually help. Ginger and turmeric (in curry powder),

for example, prevent inflammation and kill bacteria that can lead

to heartburn. Add spices during cooking, not at the end, to

release their full healing potential.

Spices can also replace sugar and salt in low-fat foods, so you

can add back the flavor missing due to the lack of fat.

If your food diary or elimination diet indicates that a certain spice

aggravates your heartburn, cut it from your diet.

Drink a Cup of These Teas

Slippery Elm Tea

This tea is not only beneficial for heartburn, but it also helps

relieve sore throat. The reason is the same: Slippery elm coats

mucous membranes in the throat and digestive tract thanks to its

mucilage – slick stuff that forms a soluble fiber.

Slippery elm is sold in tea bags or in its natural state. Drink a

cup of this tea when heartburn or acid reflux flare up.

Gentian Root Tea

Gentian root tea comes from a dry, bitter root that helps

stimulate digestion. Buy it in tea bags and drink a cup before or

after meals.

The Reflux Remedy-in-a-Glass

Water is a simple remedy that works wonders. Water washes the

acid in the throat back into the stomach. It also dilutes the acid

to remove its heartburn-causing potential. Take one small glass

(4-6 ounces) when heartburn or acid reflux strikes.

Off the Menu: Heartburn Trigger Foods

The foods below are known to trigger heartburn and acid reflux

symptoms, such as burning, pain and a sour taste.

However, not every one of these foods will cause flare-ups in

every person. Some of these may actually be fine for you, and

you might find other foods not mentioned will cause discomfort.

It‟s all a matter of paying attention and keeping track of which

foods are really giving you problems. Then cutting back or

eliminating those personal “trigger foods.”

• TOMATOES. Tomatoes (and tomato sauces), onions, and

orange juice are highly acidic, which inflames the lining as

the esophagus. Don‟t ban tomatoes completely, though –

they have plenty of health benefits, especially for men – just

cut back on them.

• CITRUS JUICES. Citrus juices – orange, grapefruit,

pineapple – are too concentrated and acidic. You can still

drink them, just in moderation. The actual fruits themselves

are better. Their acidity is mild and they have digestive

enzymes that you need to digest animal protein.

• LEMONADE. Lemons and limes are preferable to

lemonade, which has too much sugar (which irritates the

lining of the esophagus and feeds bacteria).

Lemons and limes have weak acids that won‟t inflame the

esophagus. Plus their many healthy benefits make them a

must in any diet.

• ONIONS. When you eat your next hamburger, leave out

the onions or cook them beforehand. Cooked onions are

less harmful to heartburn sufferers than raw onions.

• HIGH FAT DIETS. Studies show that diets high in total

fat and saturated fat (the kind in dairy foods and meats)

lead to a higher risk of GERD. Try fish instead, it counters

inflammation.

Also, buy the leanest cuts of meat: London broil steaks,

extra-lean ground beef, and skinless chicken breasts. And

prepare them in a heartburn-safe way by grilling instead of

frying or sautéing.

Some examples of high-fat foods that can cause

heartburn include:

• Roasted almonds (24 grams of fat per ¼ cup)

• Avocadoes (9 grams of fat per ¼ cup)

• Spareribs (26 grams of fat per three-ounce

serving)

• Premium ice cream (12 grams of fat per ½ cup)

• Fried, breaded onion rings (16 grams of fat per

three ounces or 8-9 rings)

• POST MEAL TREATS. These typical post meal treats can

often lead to heartburn: mints, chocolate, coffee, and

nightcaps.

• DAIRY PRODUCTS. Dairy products are heartburn

triggers for many people. They increase stomach acid

production and prolong the length of time acid clings to the

lining of the esophagus.

Fat-free milk and low-fat cheese and yogurt are good

choices. Don‟t get yogurt that is too sweetened, though.

Add your own fruit, it will taste better and also give you

fiber. Also, feta and goat cheese are less fatty than hard

cheese.

• ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE. Alcohol and caffeine can cause

problems for GERD and heartburn sufferers. Alcohol is a

relaxant that loosens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES),

which can allow stomach acid to seep out into the

esophagus.

Coffee has a similar effect, although some studies suggest

that coffee and tea are OK in some cases. If you must have

coffee, drink it after a meal, not on an empty stomach.

• SALTY FOODS. A recent study showed that people who

eat salty foods more than three times a week are 50% more

likely to suffer from GERD. In addition, sprinkling extra salt

on your meals can make you 70% more likely to suffer

reflux after meals.

• CHEW GUM. Research shows that chewing gum after

meals can prevent or reduce heartburn symptoms. Taking a

walk at the same time helps even more. The action of

chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is

the body‟s natural antacid.

Saliva is full of bicarbonate, a chemical that neutralizes acid.

In fact, bicarbonate is an ingredient in many heartburn relief

products.

Chew sugar-free gum to avoid the bloating caused by sugar

alcohols. Sugar-free lozenges and hard candy are also good

choices.

Fuel Your Body With Power Foods

The digestive system is something you usually don‟t notice until

something goes wrong. Most of the time, it works quietly and

efficiently. But when heartburn strikes, food becomes your

enemy.

Before you make any big changes in your diet, however, get

diagnosed by a doctor. Understand that you will eventually get

back to eating the foods you like, but first you must deal with the

problem.

This begins by looking at food in a new way. Think of food as the

thing that drives your body and keeps you healthy. It is much

more than something that fills you up. Much more, indeed:

“Your body is a machine, food is the

fuel,” says Betty Garrity, R.D.,

outpatient dietitian at University of

California Medical Center at San Diego.

“Your body has to receive the

correct fuel to function properly.”

In other words, low-grade food is just like low-grade gasoline.

Keep putting bad gasoline in your car, and soon your car will start

having problems. Keep eating unhealthy food, and soon your

health will start to deteriorate.

Gastric flare-ups can be reduced or wiped out by watching what

you eat. This is not as difficult as it might seem.

“Be aware of what you eat – not watch every single food,”

says William B. Ruderman, M.D., chairman of the

Department of Gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic

Florida. “I don‟t think you have to be a food faddist or a nut

case to watch your diet. It just makes prudent common

sense.”

Sources of Macronutrients

Best source Worst source (once a week, homemade is best)

Carbohydrates Fresh, raw, or steamed vegetables; local fresh fruit; whole grains, or whole-grain breads and whole-grain pastas; beans

Carbohydrates Foods with long cooking times; canned vegetables; commercially prepared cookies, white breads, pasta, cake, candy, pop tarts, pretzels, jam, pie, bagels, chips, sugar

Proteins Organic and naturally raised meat and fowl; jellied tongue; heart; sardines; cod liver, Alaskan salmon; unfarmed (if available) fresh fish; tuna; beans; free-range chicken; raw milk or organic cheeses; organic yogurt; processed cheese

Proteins Cold cuts; fast food; burgers; ravioli; sausages; fried fish sticks; artificial dairy products like cottage cheese and poor-quality grocery-store yogurt with sugar; milk

Fats Cold-pressed organic oil; seeds; nuts; organic fermented dairy; as in cottage cheese or yogurt; butter (if you are not lactase deficient or have corrected lactase deficiency)

Fats Mayonnaise; margarine; grocery-store hydrogenated oils, especially soybean; salted, roasted nuts; processed cheeses

Acidic Foods To Watch Out For

Acidic foods can increase the acidity in the stomach, leading to

possible heartburn. Such hot and cold beverages as coffee, tea,

and some juices are highly acidic.

“Apple, orange, grape and tomato juices are all very

concentrated and can injure the esophagus if you already

have heartburn,” says Dr. Meyers.

How Hot Should Your Coffee Be?

When drinking hot coffee or other hot drinks, it‟s a good idea to

let them cool a little bit first. According to researchers at

England‟s Manchester Royal Infirmary, very hot drinks are more

likely to cause heartburn than colder drinks.

Letting your coffee cool down for just a few minutes can make a

big difference, says the study.

Drinks over 140 degrees Fahrenheit were significantly more

dangerous to heartburn sufferers than drinks just a few degrees

lower at 130 degrees Fahrenheit (bathwater, in comparison, is

usually around 110 degrees Fahrenheit).

Researchers suspect that hot liquids break down the protective

mucous lining of the digestive system.

Drinking water after a meal dilutes the acid in the esophagus.

Experts suggest you drink several glasses after a meal.

“The esophagus is not made to handle reflux. If you don‟t

water it down, it‟ll burn the esophagus, like acid burns your

skin,” says Dr. Meyers.

What To Do For Acidic Digestion

You might feel sluggish and sleepy after eating, especially heavy

meals with wine. There are some things you can do to stay more

alert and energetic after you eat, and reduce your chances of a

heartburn attack:

• Chew well and cut down on bread during meals. If you get

heartburn or stomach pains after meals, drink alcohol only

between meals.

• Try Brewer‟s yeast, a supplement for digestion. It

contains B-complex and proteins to stimulate contractions in

the digestive system. This produces more digestive juices

which eliminate waste.

• If you smoke, don‟t smoke before breakfast; wait as long

as you can after to smoke your first cigarette.

Are You Swallowing Too Much Air?

Few of us give a second thought to how much air we‟re

swallowing (aerophagy). In reality, we swallow air constantly,

especially when eating. Did you know that swallowing too much

air can lead to acidic indigestion, cause stomach bloating and

frequent belching? Here are some tips to avoid swallowing more

air than you have to:

1. Savor your food – Eat slowly, chew thoroughly in a calm

environment. This will prevent gulping food and air. Have

fewer distractions while eating, such as TV, reading, and

heated discussions.

2. Stop smoking – When you smoke, you swallow saliva and

air

3. Avoid gas producers – Coffee, strong alcohol, stews,

cabbage, radishes, soft white bread, potatoes, strong spices,

and soft drinks.

The Ins and Outs of Fiber

Our pre-historic ancestors probably enjoyed far fewer digestive

problems than we do today. That‟s because early hunter-

gatherers got 65% of their food from plant sources rich in fiber,

such as fruits, vegetables, leaves, roots, grains, and nuts.

It‟s no wonder they had healthy digestion, scientists conclude.

Fiber discourages many digestive problems, form irritations like

hemorrhoids to major-league diseases like colon cancer.

Unfortunately, most of us don‟t get enough fiber each day.

Most researchers and doctors agree that 20 to 35 grams a day is

the ideal for optimal digestive health – yet many people only get

10 to 15 grams a day.

One of the main reasons we avoid fiber because nowadays it‟s so

easy to get a hot meal in a few minutes. But most take out and

fast food meals are sorely lacking in the fiber we need. So what

appears convenient at the moment leads to pain and discomfort

later.

Simply adding a few sources of fiber and cutting back on the junk

food will go a long way toward avoiding heartburn and reflux

symptoms.

What Does Fiber Do?

Fiber helps prevent digestive disorders by going to work in your

intestinal tract in various ways. Here‟s some of the ways fiber

acts in the intestines:

1) Helps clean your intestines.

2) Acts like a sponge to add bulk to stools.

3) Helps relax the intestines for smoother elimination.

4) Coats the intestines to prevent cholesterol from forming.

5) Speeds up your bowel movements by stimulating the

intestinal muscles.

The actions of fiber in the intestines help prevent heartburn,

because the digestive tract is interconnected. Therefore what

happens on one end (the intestines) will affect how well you

digest food on the other end (the esophagus and stomach).

Other digestive problems that are prevented or relieved by fiber

include constipation, diarrhea, irritable and inflamed bowels, as

well as other gastrointestinal disorders, such as diverticulosis and

diverticulitis.

The Two Types of Fiber

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble

fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel that coats your insides.

Good source of soluble fiber include fruits, beans, and grains such

as oats, barley, and rye.

Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge, soaking up water and making

stools softer, heavier, and more easily passed. It also speeds up

digestion. Good sources of insoluble fiber include vegetables,

cereals, and wheat.

Good Sources of Fiber

Fruits Serving size Total fiber

(grams)*

Raspberries 1 cup 8.0

Pear, with skin 1 medium 5.5

Apple, with skin 1 medium 4.4

Strawberries (halves) 1 1/4 cup 3.8

Banana 1 medium 3.1

Orange 1 medium 3.1

Figs, dried 2 medium 1.6

Raisins 2 tablespoons 1.0

Grains, cereal & pasta Serving size Total fiber

(grams)*

Spaghetti, whole-wheat, cooked 1 cup 6.2

Barley, pearled, cooked 1 cup 6.0

Bran flakes 3/4 cup 5.3

Oat bran muffin 1 medium 5.2

Oatmeal, quick, regular or instant,

cooked

1 cup 4.0

Popcorn, air-popped 3 cups 3.5

Brown rice, cooked 1 cup 3.5

Bread, rye 1 slice 1.9

Bread, whole-wheat or multigrain 1 slice 1.9

Legumes, nuts & seeds Serving size Total fiber

(grams)*

Split peas, cooked 1 cup 16.3

Lentils, cooked 1 cup 15.6

Black beans, cooked 1 cup 15.0

Lima beans, cooked 1 cup 13.2

Baked beans, vegetarian, canned,

cooked

1 cup 10.4

Sunflower seed kernels 1/4 cup 3.9

Almonds 1 ounce (23

nuts)

3.5

Pistachio nuts 1 ounce (49

nuts)

2.9

Pecans 1 ounce (19 2.7

halves)

Vegetables Serving size Total fiber

(grams)*

Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 10.3

Peas, cooked 1 cup 8.8

Broccoli, boiled 1 cup 5.1

Turnip greens, boiled 1 cup 5.0

Sweet corn, cooked 1 cup 4.2

Brussels sprouts, cooked 1 cup 4.1

Potato, with skin, baked 1 medium 2.9

Tomato paste 1/4 cup 2.7

Carrot, raw 1 medium 1.7

*Fiber content can vary between brands.

Caffeine and Heartburn

Many people drink coffee to pick them up at specific times, like in

morning to get a jump start or at 4 pm to avoid migraines or a

depressive slump. Do you do that?

If you do, the migraine and depression that you feel coming on

are probably withdrawal symptoms from the caffeine you

consumed earlier.

You see, caffeine, like alcohol, has a “roller coaster” effect on

your body. In other words, it makes you feel really “up” but

when the effect wears off you go “down” just as powerfully.

Meanwhile, all that caffeine is building up extra acidity that tears

up your stomach and sets you up for your next heartburn attack.

If you find that you need caffeine to calm you down or even to go

to sleep at night, then you might have a caffeine addiction.

The very definition of being addicted is when you feel that you

absolutely “must” have something to the point where that

something has control over you.

It won‟t be easy to go without caffeine, but if it‟s triggering your

heartburn, then it‟s something you need to do.

Ask yourself why you drink so much caffeine. Do you like it that

much or is covering up a lingering problem. Maybe you are too

tired from simply not sleeping enough, for example.

Try to solve the underlying problem and you will have a better

chance of kicking the caffeine habit. Once you get enough sleep,

for example, you‟ll be alert without that extra cup of coffee or

energy drink.

Yes, you will have withdrawal symptoms, but it will be worth it to

go through them. Once you get over withdrawal, you might find

that not only does your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms

disappear, but you will also feel healthier and more energetic

overall.

Common Sources of Caffeine

Product Serving Size Caffeine Content

Coffee, instant 1 cup

106 mg

Coffee, percolated 1 cup 118 mg Coffee, drip 1 cup 179 mg Coffee, decaffeinated 1 cup 2 mg Tea, black 1 cup 50 mg Cola drink, regular 12 oz 60 mg Cola drink, diet 12 oz 60 mg Chocolate 1 oz 20 mg Chocolate milk (cocoa) 1 cup up to 40 mg Anacin, Bromo Seltzer-O 1 pill 32 mg Excedrin 1 pill 60 mg NoDoz 1 pill 100 mg

Acid Reflux Home Remedies

Reflux home remedies are being used by more and more people.

Studies on acid reflux are showing that natural remedies are an

essential part of natural health. Many doctors are now adopting

natural remedies as part of their arsenal for treating acid reflux,

or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease).

There are simple, yet effective ways to naturally cure acid reflux.

Here‟s the key: In order to cure acid reflux, you start by curing

your body and your health. The first place you can heal is your

esophageal tissues and lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The esophagus is the tube that takes the food that you chew into

your stomach. The LES is a muscle that flaps to open and close

the entrance into the stomach.

If you have reflux, you probably have damage in both of these

tissues. Medications and antacids do not help to heal these

tissues. You just end up in a vicious cycle, taking more and more

drugs with fewer results.

Helping Your Body Heal Itself

Let‟s examine why reflux home remedies are a better option than

antacids or medications.

Antacids and medications have limitations. You can only use

them for 2 weeks, for example. That‟s because the FDA has

discovered that these drugs can form a substance called gastrin

in your body.

Research has linked gastrin with cancer. So it makes sense to

reduce your intake of both antacids and acid reflux medications.

Besides, antacids and reflux medications do not address the

cause of reflux. Both antacids and medications only neutralize

the stomach acid that is refluxed.

If you want to cure acid reflux, however, you need to relieve the

root problem, which is a malfunctioning lower esophageal

sphincter (the muscle flap that closes the top opening into the

stomach) and a damaged esophagus (the tube that transports

food from your mouth to the stomach).

Making Changes in Your Diet the Easy Way

Modifying your diet can be one of the best ways to combat

heartburn and acid reflux. To get started, it‟s a good idea to keep

a journal of the foods you eat.

Write down everything you eat throughout the day, what time

you ate it, and what heartburn symptoms, if any, you

experienced afterward.

By doing this, you can start becoming aware of which foods are

causing your heartburn so that you can eliminate or restrict them

from your diet.

Reflux Home Remedies You Can Try Today

Curing reflux is something that can be done pretty easily

compared to other diseases. These are 5 simple tips you can

start applying today.

1. HONEY – What can you do to make your esophagus and

sphincter healthier? You might be surprised to learn that

honey may be the answer.

Honey is an effective acid reflux home remedy that has a

natural „miracle‟ compound that heals all kinds of tissue,

such as skin. Since acid reflux disease is caused by tissue

damage in the sphincter and esophagus, honey makes a

great remedy. To start the healing, try 1 teaspoon before

going to sleep and 2 teaspoons during the day.

2. SOFT FOODS – When treating your acid reflux, your diet

is essential. Eat only soft foods for several days after

starting your natural home treatment. This lets your

esophagus and LES since they are still delicate from the

reflux.

Soft foods are preferable to crunchy foods because they

won‟t scratch your tissue. Eat a soft and non-acidic diet for

Fruits and vegetables are a key component of an anti-heartburn diet.

3 days. This means you should get plenty of fruits and

vegetables during this stage of your treatment and avoid

alcohol, coffee and cigarettes during this time.

3. WATER - Next time you feel thirsty reach for a nice glass

of water instead of a gassy soda drink. The last thing you

want is too much gas in your body.

Green tea also works great to fight heartburn. It's full of

antioxidants that dissolve the extra gas and remove harmful

toxins from your system.

Water is critical for many bodily functions, including reflux.

Drinking water after every meal or snack can give the LES

the flexibility it needs to stretch and seal the stomach

properly.

This helps stomach acid stay in the stomach and not reflux

back up. Make sure to drink plenty of water during your day.

4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - Your acid reflux may be the

result of too little stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar (A.C.V.)

can provide the acid your stomach needs to digest food in a

proper way. A.C.V. is very acidic and contains several

important vitamins and minerals.

Take one tablespoon a day of apple cider vinegar with a

glass of water and honey if you want a sweeter taste. Just 1

teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day will raise the acid

levels in your stomach so it can digest food more effectively.

5. SMALL MEALS - Large meals are one of the main causes

of acid reflux and heartburn. A handy measurement to help

keep your meals small is to eat meals that are the size of

your fist.

Eat small meals more frequently, as well. Instead of three

large meals, eat five smaller meals. This will improve your

metabolism and avoid overloading your digestive system.

Also eat a diet loaded with water soluble dietary fiber. This

means lots of raw fruits and vegetables.

Some good choices for dinner can include soup, salad or a

sandwich. The idea is to take it easy on the stomach so

your digestion can be smoother. Carbohydrate and starch-

based foods are generally okay for dinner.

6. CHEW GUM - Chewing gum after a meal can actually

help prevent acid reflux. The action of chewing gum

stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva, which is an

important digestive enzyme that will make your digestion

run more effectively.

Heartburn and Sleep

Why Acid Reflux Gets Worse At Night

Many medical problems can become worse at night, including acid

reflux (GERD). Many times, people tend to ignore acid reflux

symptoms during the day, because they are too busy working

and involved in day to day family issues.

The pain catches up to you at night, however, when things are

quiet and the problem is harder to ignore.

One of the reason that acid reflux symptoms get worse at night is

because lying flat in bed puts the stomach higher than the

esophagus. This allows gravity to move acid from the stomach

into the esophagus more easily than when you are standing up.

When the stomach acids back up into the esophagus, you feel the

characteristic symptoms of heartburn: discomfort, a burning,

acidic taste in the mouth, chronic coughing, and pain the chest.

Another reason acid reflux pain shows up at night is because

most people eat a heavy meal near bedtime, not allowing their

digestive system enough time to process the food.

What You Think at Night Can Trigger Acid Reflux

Our emotional state at night can also trigger bouts of acid reflux.

Often we worry about personal or work problems when we‟re in

bed, making them seem bigger than they really are.

It‟s interesting how our anxieties, distress, or depression can

become magnified when our bodies are relaxed, rather than when

we are active or awake during the day.

When we experience stress or anxiety we increase the level of

acid secretions, which causes the lower esophageal sphincter to

relax. This makes it less effective in keeping acid and digestive

liquids inside the stomach.

Besides stress and anxiety, there are some other common

reasons why people have difficulty falling asleep. These include

medical problems that worsen at night, overwork, and

overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol.

Sleep is as important as proper nutrition and lifestyle choices in

combating GERD (acid reflux). Try not to eat heavily 2-3 hours

before bedtime and put problems aside until the next day if

possible.

Sleep Disorders That Are Linked to Acid Reflux

It‟s common for acid reflux sufferers to have sleeping disorders,

such as insomnia and sleep apnea, which can cause or aggravate

the pain of acid reflux.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that not only makes it hard to get to

sleep but can also wake you up many times at night when you do

fall asleep. This leaves you tired and irritable the next day.

Another potentially serious sleep disorder is sleep apnea, which

causes a person to stop breathing for brief periods of time when

they are asleep. Symptoms include frequently waking up gasping

for air or with a choking sensation. This becomes more

dangerous if breathing ceases for longer and more frequent

periods.

GERD and Exercise

Exercise is important for anyone who wants to combat acid

reflux. To get the healthy benefits of exercise, you don't need

expensive equipment or to join a gym and pay a lot of money.

Safe, Low Impact Exercises

Whatever exercise you choose consult with your doctor to make

sure you can exercise without any problems.

These are exercises that can benefit you acid

reflux symptoms in a safe, low impact manner:

Walking

Riding a stationary bike

Yoga

Non impact aerobics

The Best Exercise to Get Started

If you can‟t work out in a gym, walking is a great way to start. It

is inexpensive – all you need are a good pair of shoes and

comfortable clothing.

Walking is one of the best exercises to get fit and help you relax.

It is probably the best way to get your digestive system moving,

as well. It exercises and stimulates all your muscles and organs.

Walking is low impact, especially on your knees and ankles. It is

a great way to keep your weight down and improve your

digestion, two things which will help your acid reflux dramatically.

If you have digestion problems, then there‟s a good chance you

might have depression, as well. Walking releases endorphins that

help brighten your mood. Whatever exercise you choose consult

with your doctor to make sure you can exercise without any

problems.

Taking the First Steps

Start by walking in the city or in a park or mall. You can also

simply park your car at the end of the parking lot and use the

extra distance as a short walking routine.

Walk to the grocery store or to the coffee shop. Use the stairs

instead of the elevator. Every little step adds up and your body

will slowly start to feel the difference. Make sure to drink plenty

of water when you are walking.

Exercises That Make Acid Reflux Worse

Some exercises can make GERD (acid reflux) worse. Jogging,

bicycling and heavy weight lifting can aggravate acid reflux

problems. But this doesn‟t mean you should stop exercising. It

is a good idea to exercise because it releases endorphins, which

are natural painkillers

Here are some of physical activities you

should probably stay away from or

reduce if you suffer from GERD:

Weight lifting

Hang gliding

Professional cycling

Touching your toes

Running

How to Treat Acid Reflux During

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause acid reflux if you don‟t already have it. It

seems to happen commonly during the third trimester of

pregnancy.

This is the result of increased progestin production as well as

pressure from the growth of the baby. You should avoid taking

medicine if possible because of the effects on your baby, such as

prescription medications for acid reflux.

Some natural remedies might help. Chew sugar-free gum about

30 minutes after you eat. Your mouth will produce increased

saliva that will help clear acid from the esophagus.

Licorice and anise are natural digestion aids that can reduce

stomach acid. Aloe Vera juice and apple cider vinegar can also

help.

Other simple tips you can try are to raise the head of your bed a

few inches by placing bricks under the legs. This will keep you

inclined so acid does not come back up into the esophagus when

you sleep.

Chocolates, peppermints, caffeine and alcohol can cause

problems, so be careful. Fried foods and pasta can also be

trouble.

The key is to observe and keep track of which foods cause you

the worst reflux. This will be different for each person, so it‟s a

good idea to keep a food journal.

How to Treat Your Baby’s Acid

Reflux Without Medicine

Most babies suffer from acid reflux for the first few months of

their life because of an undeveloped digestive system. The

symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The worst cases can result projectile vomiting and crying during

feedings due to the pain.

Before you decide to give your baby prescription medications,

here are some natural solutions to relieve the baby‟s reflux:

• Place your baby in an upright position when feeding, with

their head above their waist.

• Feed your baby slowly. Take at least 10 minutes for

feedings. Use the correct size nipple. The higher the

number, the quicker the flow. Newborns should start at a 0-

1 size.

• Try different formulas. There are some for babies with

reflux. You might need to go through several before you

find the right one. Don‟t switch too fast, though; you need

about a week to see if the formula is working.

• You can add rice to thicken the formula if your doctor

allows it. Rice cereal works well. It keeps the formula in the

stomach. Start off with 1-2 tablespoons for every 3 ounces.

• Burp your baby often. Burp after starting the feedings,

halfway through, and after the baby is finished.

• After feedings, hold your baby upright for about 15

minutes so the food will go down.

Natural Cures for Heartburn

The Most Safe and Effective Natural Cures

Some of the best natural cures for heartburn are the following:

1. Bananas. Bananas act as a natural antacid for your

body. You can eat fresh or dried bananas to ease your

heartburn pain.

2. Ginger root. Ginger root has proven be more effective

for treating your heartburn than many over-the-counter or

prescription medications.

In fact, ginger root has been used to help digestion and

treat stomach ailments for more than 2000 years.

3. Turmeric. Turmeric improves digestion and prevents

acid build-up in your stomach. It also reduces gas and

bloating and improves your body's ability to digest fats.

4. Make lifestyle changes. One of the best natural cures

for heartburn is to modify your lifestyle in a way that you

feel comfortable. Stress reduction can help prevent

heartburn.

5. The way you eat is important. Eat light meals at

night, since heavy meals can lead to heartburn. And eat

your meals at least two to three hours before going to sleep.

Such foods as citrus juices, sodas, coffee and alcohol are

especially risky for heartburn sufferers because they produce

excess acid.

Chew properly so the food mixes with your saliva, which

neutralizes stomach acid. Stay away from spicy foods which

give you acid indigestion or heartburn.

6. Lose a few extra pounds. That excess fat puts

pressure on your stomach. This makes the food you eat and

the stomach acid that digests that food flow back into your

esophagus, which is the pipe that carries food to your

stomach. This causes that irritating feeling associated with

heartburn.

8. Wear loose clothing. Believe it or not, what you wear

could also be causing you heartburn. So to get rid of

heartburn, wear your clothing loose.

Tight fitting clothing cramps your waist. This squeezes the

stomach and forces the acid up into the esophagus.

9. Keep your head raised while you sleep. Tuck an

extra pillow or two under your head. That will keep the

stomach acids from creeping back up from your stomach.

7. Most of us are guilty of this one.

We eat on the sofa in front of the

television. What's wrong with that?

The problem with that is your posture.

You‟re slumping your back and this

contributes to heartburn by

compressing your stomach. So sit up

while you eat and you'll suffer less

heartburn.

10. Quit smoking or at least slow down. Smoking raises

the amount of acid in the stomach. So reduce or quit

smoking altogether to keep your heartburn away.

Try This Herb for Heartburn

Slippery elm extract, which comes from the bark of the Slippery

Elm (Ulmus rubra), has long been used to treat digestive

disorders such as gastroenteritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Slippery elm gives off a sticky coating called mucilage. Once

inside your body, the mucilage coats the walls of the digestive

tract to protect it from the digestive acids that can cause acid

reflux.

Slippery elm extract can be made into a thick, gooey tea. Mix it

with a milkshake if you want to make it lighter. Slippery elm

tablets are also an option. Some come with ginger and

peppermint added for extra stomach soothing.

Pregnant women should probably not use slippery elm, or consult

a doctor before doing so.

Key Nutritional Supplements for Heartburn

1. DGL tablets or wafers – DGL, which stands for

deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is a type of licorice with the

blood pressure raising compounds removed. It soothes

and coats the stomach to prevent acid indigestion. Take

one to two tablets or wafers before eating.

2. Calcium – When you have eaten a meal that you suspect

may cause reflux, calcium supplements can come to the

rescue to help relieve heartburn symptoms. Take them

before going to bed if reflux is giving you problems

sleeping.

Follow directions on the label, which generally indicate

taking two to four 400 mg tablets per day.

Don‟t overdo it, though. Too much calcium can cause

other gastrointestinal (GI) problems – constipation,

bloating, gas, and flatulence. Note: calcium supplements

with magnesium can help prevent constipation.

Remarkable Acid Reflux Success

Stories

A Puzzling Case Solved

Rosemary, a 42-year-old legal secretary, had gas and

belching after her meals at least 2-3 times a week. Her

job could be stressful, especially when a big trial was

coming up.

Many times, she skipped lunch or grabbed a quick snack

from the vending machine just to finish all her tasks on

time. Then at night she would stuff herself with a big

meal to quiet down her growling stomach. The burning

pain in her chest that would follow reminded her that her

heartburn was always close at hand.

The doctor gave her anti-gas pills, which made her jittery

and anxious. She drank water to soothe some of the

pain, but it gave her a bloated feeling.

Then a friend recommended papaya enzymes. She

bought a bottle at her local health food store. The next

time she felt her heartburn flaring up, she popped a

couple of papaya enzymes and the bloating and gas were

gone within minutes.

An Old Family Remedy

While recovering from a gallbladder operation, Frank, a

45-year-old warehouse manager, started suffering from

constant bloating and gas in his stomach.

The nurses in the hospital fed him a bland diet of Jell-O,

Kool-Aid, 7UP, and weak broth and water. To make things

worse, the lack of nutrients in the foods was making Frank

feel even more debilitated.

Then his aunt remembered an old family remedy – tea

made with dry mint leaves. It had always helped her

mother so she figured why not give it a try.

Frank took a few sips and within minutes he started

belching loudly. Soon the gas was gone and the bloating

had gone down considerably. Frank was no longer in pain

and was laughing and talking happily.

Debunking Deadly Myths: The

Truth About Heartburn and Acid

Reflux

Myth #1: Heartburn is common, so it’s nothing to

worry about

Reality: Yes, heartburn is common, but you should still worry

about it. It‟s a real medical condition than can escalate into

GERD, Barrett‟s esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition) or cancer.

Treat heartburn with respect and get relief now.

Myth #2: Only overweight people, drinkers, and

chili lovers get heartburn and reflux

Reality: These things can lead to heartburn, but staying away

from them doesn‟t guarantee protection. You can have none of

the obvious triggers. Still, other factors, like lifestyle and genes

can contribute.

Myth #3: Smoking a cigarette after eating prevents

heartburn

Reality: Smoking may relax some people, but it also loosens

the LES, which increases the risk that stomach acids will reflux

back into the esophagus.

Myth #4: Heartburn is an inevitable part of getting

older

Reality: The digestive system slows down, as well as other

organs, which can lead to constipation and heartburn. But

heartburn can be relieved at any age.

Myth #5: OTC antacids aren’t real medicine

Reality: You don‟t need prescription, but they are still powerful.

Use them under doctor‟s advice and follow the directions. They

are generally safe but can interact with other drugs or trigger

unpleasant side effects.

Calcium antacids can prevent your body from absorbing

antibiotics. Large doses can lead to constipation.

OTC antacids that contain magnesium (an acid neutralizer) may

cause diarrhea and be risky for people with kidney disease.

Myth #6: Having nighttime heartburn means you

should sleep sitting up

Reality: Actually, sleeping on the left side is better. Your

stomach is part of a long digestive tube that starts at the mouth

and runs to the other end of the body. The stomach is to the left

of the esophagus.

If you lie flat on your back, your digestive tube flattens out –

liquid from the stomach flows into the esophagus.

If you lie on your right side, the stomach is higher than the

esophagus, so liquids flow down into the throat.

If you lie on your left side, the tube is not flat, so the stomach is

downhill from the esophagus. You can lie on your left side any

time you lie down – reading, watching TV, or just taking a nap.

Myth #7: Decaf is better than regular coffee

Reality: The only difference between the two is the lack of

caffeine. Caffeine doesn‟t upset the stomach. What does are

naturally occurring oils that give flavor to the coffee. Try tea

instead, it has half the caffeine of coffee. Drink it in moderate

amounts, no more than 2-3 cups a day.

Myth #8: To avoid heartburn after eating, relax

Reality: Physical activity is better; it keeps the digestive

system moving and empties the stomach out. Some moderate

exercise, like a nice walk, is fine as long as the organs don‟t

bounce around too much when you are moving.

Recommended Health Resources

The Gallstone Elimination Report

You just ate a nice dinner when…

You feel a stabbing pain in the pit of your gut… it almost sends

you to the ground in agony… you can hardly breathe.

You may have gallstones in your gallbladder. Your doctor will

want to cut your gallbladder without a second thought.

But is there a safer, natural solution?

Fortunately, the answer is “YES!” and this report reveals step by

step how to dissolve and eliminate your gallstones and heal your

gallbladder with easy, safe and effective natural methods.

You will pass your gallstones, be healthier and feel better than

you have in years.

>Click Here to Discover The Gallstone Elimination Report

The Diet Solution

The Best Diet is an eating plan that does NOT resemble a diet at

all, according to Isabel De Los Rios, an acclaimed weight loss

expert. Tell people you had French toast for breakfast, chicken

stir fry for lunch and a juicy steak with potatoes for dinner and

they will wonder how in the world you are losing weight and

looking great, she says. Easy, you stopped dieting and found the

Best Diet for you! Click Here to Find the Best Diet For You.

The Gout Remedy Removal Report

Treat and cure your gout using safe, natural, and proven home

remedies. Try alternative health researcher Joe Barton‟s 100%

guaranteed Gout Toe Treatment report that shows you over 50

step by step home treatments to cure gout in less than 2 hours.

Click Here to Learn About Joe‟s Gout Toe Treatment.

Lose Excess Abdominal Fat If you want to succeed in finally getting rid of that extra

abdominal fat that is not only UGLY, but also DANGEROUS,

don't waste another day allowing that nasty abdominal fat to kill

your confidence as well as contribute to your risk for MAJOR

diseases. Best-selling health author Mike Geary reveals the

solution to rid yourself for life of this problem at his website:

Click Here to Start Losing Dangerous Abdominal Fat

Yeast Infection No More

Nutritionist Linda Allen shows you the ultimate holistic yeast

infection solution guaranteed to permanently cure the root of

candida and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life,

naturally, without the use prescription medication and without

any side effects. Click Here to Learn More about Linda‟s program.

The Fastest Way to End Digestive Pain Forever

Digestive Pain Gone In As Little As 1 Day... even if diets, drugs &

surgery failed. Natural relief for Acid Reflux, Gastritis,

Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis, Colitis, Crohn's (IBD), IBS, Ulcer and

Hiatal Hernia. Click Here for a FREE Report that reveals “What

Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Digestive Pain.”

Home Remedies For Better Health

For the first time a Naturopathic Doctor opens his vault to unveil

the complete list of home remedies used by professionals Holistic

Practitioners... All Natural Cures and Home Remedies That Will

Give You RELIEF From Your Symptoms NOW Proven In Clinical

Trials! Click Here for the FREE Newsletter "The 50 Home

Remedies You Need Today!"

The Missing Ingredient for Good Health

Why most health foods are a waste of money! And the real

reason you can take vitamins, minerals, and herbs by the handful

and still suffer poor health. Discover an almost-unknown nutrient

that might take your health to a whole new level. Within days or

weeks – sometimes the first day – you can see miraculous relief

from medical problems that have troubled you for years. Click

Here to Learn About The Missing Ingredient for Good Health.

The Kidney Disease Solution

An All Natural Step-by-Step Program, Proven To Start Healing

Your Kidneys Today. Medical Researcher, 2nd Generation

Naturopath and Kidney Disease Expert Teaches You How To:

Lower Creatinine Levels, Improve Kidney Function, and Safeguard

Your Kidneys From Further Damage With Great Results Which Are

Noticeable As Quickly As Within Weeks Even If You Are On

Dialysis Or If You Are In “End Stage Renal Failure.” Click Here To

Learn More.

About The Author

David Smith is a medical author and researcher who has written

numerous books, articles and special reports about safe and

natural ways to cure yourself of debilitating diseases and

conditions such as gallstones, hemorrhoids, heartburn and acid

reflux.

His mission is simple: to give ordinary people the tools to take

back control of their health without expensive drugs or dangerous

surgeries. He has personally cured himself of gallstones and

heartburn and helped thousands of people to do the same.

David was inspired to become a natural health expert when he

was diagnosed with gallstones and doctors wanted to remove his

gallbladder. That was a wake-up call for David, who realized that

until then he had taken his health for granted and depended on

doctors to give him a “magic pill” whenever he got ill.

“At that moment I realized how little I knew about natural health

or even about how my body really works,” admits David. He set

out to change that and began to research everything he could

about natural ways to eliminate his gallstones and live a healthier

life again.

“It wasn‟t easy,” he says. “I tried many remedies and so-called

cures but most of them turned out to be useless.” He didn‟t give

up, however, and in the end discovered and perfected a simple,

foolproof way to eliminate his gallstones and heal his gallbladder

with safe and natural methods.

He then published The Gallstone Elimination Report, a guide with

the exact step-by-step instructions to get rid of gallstones

naturally. “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” says David. He‟s

right, because since then thousands of people around the world

have used his methods to successfully pass and dissolve their

gallstones safely at home.

That first success ignited David‟s passion for natural medicine.

He now dedicates his life to helping people heal their

diseases with safe and effective natural methods. David

constantly searches for legitimate natural cures to many of the

diseases and conditions that plague our modern society.

In addition to The Gallstone Elimination Report, David has also

written Eliminate Your Hemorrhoids For Good, The Reflux

Solution, and numerous articles, podcasts and videos that teach

you how to live a better life using safe and natural methods. Visit

David‟s blog at http://www.KDNaturalHealth.com for tips and

advice on how to look better, feel better and have more energy

using nutrition, lifestyle changes and simple natural methods that

work better than drugs and surgery. He updates his blog all the

time so make sure to check in often to get the latest updates and

discoveries from David‟s research.

David enjoys hearing from his readers and loves to hear their

ideas and suggestions. Although he receives dozens of

testimonials and success stories every day from people who have

used his methods, David always appreciates hearing new

feedback from readers. So if you have a success story or a

question or comment, please email David at:

David@KDNaturalHealth.com