Acid Reflux

acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion

Acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion are all pretty much the same problem. What is really happening?

When you think about it, what happens when you eat? Here’s what takes place. You eat a meal. Then your body goes into action. You may not feel this, but after you eat the muscles surrounding your stomach do two things. They squeeze the stomach to force the secretion of digestion enzymes. They also agitate your stomach to enhance the disintegration, or breaking down, of the food to incredibly small particles for assimilation by the cells.

Your stomach is fundamentally a bag that can withstand hydrochloric acid, whereas other parts of your body, such as your esophagus, cannot. It becomes irritated when it comes in contact with digestive acids. They could actually eat a hole through it.

Your stomach has an opening at both ends and, when the agitation takes place, both ends are supposed to be securely closed. More often than not, the bottom sphincter is always closed until it is time for nutrients and the chime to migrate into your intestinal tract. However, the top valve (the top of the bag) should also close so that in the agitation process there is no blowback up into the esophagus.

There are a few health food companies that make products to alleviate the indigestion of heartburn almost immediately. Some of the ingredients, like slippery elm and marshmallow, not only soothe the irritation of the esophagus, but will also help the healing of it.

The truth of the matter is that the body is the healer if you give the body what it requires. A quick liquid approach, which is also good for hiatal hernias, is aloe vera gel after meals.

Nutrients and Herbs for Acid Reflux

The following will assist the body in alleviating heartburn and speed healing of the esophagus:

  • Slippery Elm Bark
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Okra
  • Complete Multi-Mineral

Slippery elm bark and marshmallow root are both known for their soothing effect on membranes.

Symbology of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is associated with indigestion. The same symbology applies; there is something occurring that is difficult to digest. It is upsetting, irritating, it eats at you. What is it? Always question, what is going on, what is hard for me to accept?

If this is a longstanding problem, think back to when it began. That will help you gain some insights and areas to examine.

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Excerpted with permission from Disease Symbology Handbook by Michael Schwartz ($22.95, Inner Health Books, 2013)