Heartburn does not come from too much stomach acid. Unlike antacids, common heartburn remedies can actually stop heartburn without side effects. One well-known natural remedy for heartburn can stop this problem permanently. Here is what you can expect.

The Heartburn Industry

This is a ridiculous industry. Heartburn is treated as a problem of too much stomach acid, which irritates the esophagus by acid reflux. This basic premise is the foundation for a multibillion antacid industry.

Having too much acid is not the problem. In fact, adding antacids to your stomach ruins the carefully balanced pH that you require for good digestion and absorption. Furthermore, the long term side effects of antacids make the original problem worse. Side effects commonly include severe damage to the digestive system, chronic esophagitis, ulcers, and cancer of the esophagus.

Antacids are simply not worth the short term illusion of relief in exchange for ruining your digestive system and your health.

Natural Heartburn Remedies: Herbs

Each of the following has been used in folk medicine and has been shown to be helpful in modern scientific studies.

Artichoke

Leaf extracts from the globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) have been shown to increase bile acid output and improve digestion. Dosages range from 4-5 capsules, each containing 325 mg of standardized leaf extract, for up to 6 weeks.

Licorice Root

Root extracts from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), standardized for a 100 mg daily dose of the active ingredient, glycirrhetinic acid, enhanced symptomatic relief and increased healing of esophagitis and esophageal ulceration.

Peppermint and Caraway

Oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and caraway (Carum carvi), mixed together in an enteric form, showed a significant reduction in pain from non-ulcer dyspepsia. Dosage was one capsule per day, standardized to contain 90 mg of peppermint oil and 50 mg of caraway oil.

Probiotics – Friendly Bacteria for Digestive Health

Normally your GI tract contains several pounds of friendly bacteria, consisting of up to 500 different strains when you are healthy. Antibiotics, antacids, and synthetic chemicals in food and water damage these bacteria, which leads to digestive problems such as heartburn.

Certain fermented foods, such as yogurt, now offer small benefits to the digestive system by supplying one or two strains of living bacteria in low amounts, which help to replenish the population of friendly bacteria.

According to the latest research, however, the best way to replenish your friendly bacteria is to supplement with a sufficiently potent probiotic product. Look for the best results from products that offer at least 10-15 strains of bacteria, in amounts of 15 billion or more cells per dose.

When your digestive system hosts a healthy population of friendly bacteria, you may not even need herbs to take care of heartburn because it will simply disappear.

All the best in natural health,

Dr. D

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