Thursday, February 7, 2013

Remedies for Acid Reflux/Heartburn


Here is my follow-up to my last post on the symptoms of acid reflux.  In case you are wondering why I am writing about this, acid reflux, if left untreated, can progress to cancer!  “If acid reflux occurs often on a regular basis, the condition becomes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can develop into cancer of the esophagus if ignored.” (Louis, 4/26/12)

Most of what Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) Edward Group states is proven to work.  Over the long term, he recommends:

o   “CHANGE YOUR DIET:  Processed foods and sugars are almost a guaranteed way to exacerbate acid reflux and create a bacterial imbalance in the stomach and intestinal tract. “  He also states that taking a probiotics supplement [like AIM FloraFood!—SD] is helpful; and, “also help[s] balance the bowel with good bacteria.” (Group, 5/7/10)

o   “DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:  Enzymes are found in abundance in raw food but the act of cooking food over 116° Fahrenheit destroys the health promoting enzymes.” (Group, 5/7/10) Furthermore, Dr. Group promotes supplementing with digestive enzymes, like AIM PrepZymes {The mentioning of the AIM products originates from AIM Certified Living Well Coach Shelley Dryden and not Dr. Group.}.

o   “INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D:  Increasing vitamin D levels will optimize production of 200 antimicrobial peptides that aid in eradicating infections, including in the esophagus.” (Group, 5/7/10)  Or, as Dr. Group says you can take a high-quality vitamin D supplement, like AIM Veggie D or CalciAIM.

o   “FREQUENT EXERCISE:  Increasing the amount of cardio exercise you engage in is a great first step to improving your overall health.” (Group, 5/7/10)  Or, instead of exercise, you can incorporate a lot of physical activity into your daily routine, like walking on the stairs instead of taking the elevator, dancing regularly, or gardening.

“If you still experience acid reflux symptoms after making lifestyle changes, try these five quick home remedies for instant relief:” (Group, 5/7/10)

Ø Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:  Although Dr. Group supports this food for treating acid reflux, the N.D. Christopher Vasey states that it is a “weak-acid” food (2006, p. 60-61).  This means that if you are one of the few who have a problem metabolizing acids, weak-acid foods (including apples) will have an acidifying effect on your body.

Ø Baking Soda:  Bicarbonate is a wonder product though some doctors recommend it not be used if you have high blood pressure or if you are on a sodium restricted diet. It’s best to get advice first. Mix a spoonful in a glass of water, stir, and drink before it stops fizzing (Group, 5/7/10).

Ø Organic Aloe Vera Juice:  “Aloe vera juice supports digestion and is another great remedy for acid reflux. I recommend drinking 1 ounce of the brand ‘R Pur Aloe’ mixed in 2 ounces of water when acid reflux symptoms begin.” (Group, 5/7/10)  As aloe vera juice usually has a bad taste, I recommend mixing it with fruit juice!

Ø Glutamine:  This amino acid naturally occurs in the human body and glutamine can be found in many dietary sources such as milk, eggs, fish, parsley, spinach and more. Glutamine is resistant to inflammation and reduces intestinal inflammation associated with acid reflux (Group, 5/7/10).

Ø Herbal Licorice:  “Herbal licorice helps coat the stomach with a protective gel. “  Both AIM Herbal Fiberblend and AIM Herbal Release contain licorice root, like Dr. Group recommends!

Furthermore, Dr. Group recommends doing a colon and liver cleanses {both done with AIM Herbal Fiberblend--SD}; and, following them with either a “harmful organism cleanse” (Group, 5/7/10) or parasite cleanse—also covered by AIM Herbal Fiberblend—or a heavy metal cleanse {that you can do with AIM HumiKleanse--SD}.

So, as you can see, AIM makes a number of high-quality products that can help with acid reflux—as recommended by a N.D. who has no affiliation with AIM.  If you, or anyone you know, suffer from this you could be relieved of health issues (like esophageal cancer) developing by ordering AIM products and giving them a try for 3 months!  Any natural whole-food powder or herbal supplement needs to be used for a solid 3 months in order for you to be assured of seeing results.  It’s worth trying for that period of time as you can prevent the chronic disease of cancer from arising.  Ninety percent of chronic disease is able to be prevented!!  You can join AIM—for the cheaper wholesale member price 30% off of retail—and order via my website:  www.myAIMstore.com/myeverydaywellness.

Reference:

Group, E. F.  (2010, May 7).  10 home remedies for acid reflux.  Global healing center.  Retrieved 2/6/13 from:  http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/
Louis, P.F.  (2012, April 26).  Six natural remedies for acid reflux.  NaturalNews.com.  Retrieved 2/6/13 from:  http://www.naturalnews.com/035720_acid_reflux_natural_remedies_heartburn.html
Vasey, C.  (2006).  The acid-alkaline diet for optimum health:  Restore your health by creating pH balance in your diet.  Healing Arts Press:  Rochester, Vermont.