The presence of heartburn or gastroesophageal irritation is a horrible burning sensation that one gets after eating. It is a condition that can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, which can induce cancer.
Heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal Relfux Disease) is characterized by pain, bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath and/or a burning, sour or acidic taste in the throat or mouth.
This condition is usually caused by too much acid in one’s body. It is a serious warning that we need to balance the acidic/alkalinic levels in our bodies. Over 60 million A
mericans have heartburn – and they are suffering. So many Americans neglect to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in fried foods, processed foods, meats, soda and starches, without healthy green vegetables and colorful fruit renders a person victim to these preventible diseases. Smoking also irritates the esophagus.
Talk to a person who is suffering from heartburn or other serious gastric conditions and they will tell you that they never ate veggies or fruit or that they did not ever care for fruits or vegetables when they were growing up. This is a condition called acidosis and it can be prevented by a proper diet.
For heartburn you can try drinking fresh celery or cabbage juice. Also, leave the peel on a raw potato and make into fresh potato juice to drink. I use a Jack LaLane juicer. When you feel heartburn coming on, drink a big glass of water. Eat fresh papaya and pineapple for the digestive enzymes (bromelain). Sip one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, mixed with water during meals; (do not drink anything else with meals though). Avoid peppermint, sugar, spearmint, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fried foods, onions, carbonated foods or gravies, cheeses and cream sauce. Probiotics help also.
Aloe vera helps in the healing of the intestinal tract. Deglycrrhizinated licorice has effectively treated both heartburn as well as stomach and esophageal ulcers. Fennel, ginger, catnip, marshmallow root and papaya tea all act as buffers to stop heartburn and aid in proper digestion. Finally, a soothing cup of chamomile tea helps to relieve the irritation in the esophagus. That is good news!
Get lithmus paper at your local pharmacy to test you acid/alkaline balance regularly.