Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD, Indigestion
What Causes Dyspepsia? Natural Treatment Options for Reflux
Jul 25, 2009
Ever since Alka-Seltzer’s TV advertisements of the late 1960s and early 1970s proclaimed, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” and, “Mama mia, that’s a spicy meatball!” commercial interests have poked fun at stomach upsets.
But acid indigestion is no laughing matter! Fully 25% of Americans have or will be diagnosed with dyspepsia of one form or another each year. (BUPA, 2006)
Main Symptoms of Indigestion and Acid Reflux Disease
- Pain, fullness, or discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen or chest
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, or reflux of the stomach’s contents into the esophagus
- Flatulence or belching
- Abdominal distention
Acid indigestion often is heralded by a painful condition commonly known as heartburn—a severe burning pain in the center of the chest, behind the breastbone. Heartburn is caused by reflux; stomach acids flowing backwards, up into the esophagus.
Normally, a layer of mucus lines the stomach and esophagus, protecting it against the strong digestive acid that the stomach produces (hydrochloric acid). But when this mucus layer in the esophagus is damaged by repeated exposure to too much acid, because of a faulty sphincter valve, hiatal hernia, or poor eating and drinking habits, it results in damage to the esophagus, itself.
The medical term for this condition is gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD; or "GORD" in the UK), and if it is severe, it might even feel like a heart attack.
Indigestion's Causes
There can be several causes of indigestion. Some of them can be serious, so it is important to pay careful attention to symptoms and consult a physician if blood exists in the vomit, or if the vomitus has what appear to be grains of coffee in it. In most cases, however, indigestion is caused by one or more of the following things, and is easily corrected:
- eating meals that are too rich or heavy
- drinking alcohol
- cigarette smoking
- eating irregularly
- anxiety and stress
- pregnancy
- taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- eating too late in the evening
- taking too much liquid with your meals, or too near mealtime
- being overweight
- eating a poorly balanced diet
So What Can be Done to Put Out the Fire?
For symptoms that strike at night one simple solution may be to sleep in a more upright position by propping oneself up with pillows. Doing this allows gravity to work in favor of keeping stomach acids down in the stomach, where they belong.
Antacids' Role in Relieving Indigestion
Unfortunately, the medical profession often prescribes antacids to ease indigestion and to neutralize stomach acid before asking the patient to try more natural remedies. Antacids, however, can result in what is known as a rebound effect; provoking the stomach to secrete even more acid, so that digestion can take place.
Most symptoms of indigestion can be prevented by making a few simple lifestyle changes, so that there will be no “fire” to deal with in the first place! But, when it’s too late for prevention and the pain is already overwhelming, herbs can provide a safe and effective answer.
Herbal Treatments for Indigestion
If nervous tension is causing the abdominal distress, drinking an infusion of chamomile and lemon balm, or hops, may bring relief.
Flatulence can be relieved by taking an infusion of fennel, mint, dill, chamomile, anise seed or lemon balm.
Making an Infusion is Like Making Tea
To prepare an infusion, simply take one ounce of dried herb and pour a pint of boiling water over it. Then cover the container and allow the infusion to steep for ten or fifteen minutes before straining it off.
If digestion tends to be sluggish, it may be helpful to take a decoction of dandelion root before taking a meal. Bitters, like dandelion root and gentian, stimulate the appetite and promote digestive secretions and activity.
Making a Decoction
A decoction is made by bringing an ounce of the desired herb to a boil in a pint of water, then covering it and allowing it to simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. The resulting liquid should be strained off while it is still hot.
Other Strategies in Preventing Heartburn
There are many other strategies available to heartburn sufferers in their quest for relief. Eating a Balanced Diet and Proper Food Combining can play an important role in preventing and relieving GERD.
There are a great variety of other simple herbal preparations that can bring relief, as well.
For further reading on the power of herbal remedies:
- The New Age Herbalist, Mabey, R., Simon and Schuster Fireside Books (1980)
- The Way of Herbs, Tierra, M., Pocket Books (1998)
- Jude's Herbal Home Remedies, Todd, J., Llwellyn Publications (2005)
DisclaimerThe information provided in this article is for informational purposes only, and is in no way intended as a substitute for advice or treatment from your physician or other health care professional. Images are provided for illustrative purposes only.
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