Digestive Health Series: Acid Reflux

heartburnIn this weekly series, we will look at digestive health and natural approaches to related problems like candida, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and food allergies.

The first issue we will tackle is acid reflux. Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This results from the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly. Normally the sphincter closes as soon food passes through it and it should not allow back flow of food or stomach acid. However, when the sphincter either doesn’t close all the way or it opens too often, stomach acid moves into the esophagus causing uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

  • Chest pain/burning sensation
  • Dental erosion
  • Asthma
  • Belching
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Sore throat
  • Regurgitation of food

Continue reading “Digestive Health Series: Acid Reflux”

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What Can I Take for Chronic Heartburn?

heartburn 1Recently, a friend asked me what he could do for heartburn. He popped antacids like candy, just to get through a meal. Tired of this, he was searching for a more a natural approach.

Heartburn is all too common and can no doubt become a difficult challenge. The good news for him and many others who suffer from chronic heartburn is that with the use of both dietary modifications and supplementation, symptoms can improve.

Antacids are often used to provide temporary relief from heartburn through inhibiting the production of digestive enzymes and decreasing the amount of digestive acid produced in the stomach. While they can take away the symptoms initially, with long-term use the situation can worsen as the continued inhibition of enzymes and acid causes further digestive sluggishness and difficulties.

Here are a few supplements I suggest:

1) Heartburn Free: The key ingredient, orange peel extract (ROH10), provides lasting relief without shutting down the production of stomach acid and the dose is every other day.  Continue reading “What Can I Take for Chronic Heartburn?”

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Thanksgiving Tips

In a few days many of us will be sitting down to huge meals and afterwards rolling over to the couch.  Here are some past blogs that will help you prepare for that big meal.

Pathway Digase: A blog about helping with digestion.

Avoid Thanksgiving Discomfort: Tips for a healthier Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Heartburn: An all-too-real affliction for many. Tips to help reduce and avoid heartburn.

And if you are looking for an amazing cranberry sauce recipe, this one cannot be beat!

 

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Thanksgiving Tips

I just want to remind everyone that enzymes are your friends! Digestive enzymes help break down foods and make them easier to digest, helping to decrease bloating and gas.

Take a minute to read this, this and this. They are all blogs that I have posted in the past and provide tips on how to avoid that Thanksgiving food slump that lands you on the couch for the rest of the day.

 

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Nutrient Depletion: Acid Blockers

One of the most prescribed categories of drugs is acid blockers. These include Pepcid and Prevacid. Used to treat heartburn, gastric (stomach) ulcers, duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these drugs can also have a slew of side effects, many of which are associated with nutritional deficiencies.

Here are some of the nutrients that you may be deficient in if you are taking an acid blocker.

  • Iron – Stomach acid is needed for iron absorption and people with ulcers may be iron deficient due to blood loss.
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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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May 2024
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