Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when food, acid contents, bilious material or pancreatic juices travel back up into the oesophagus, causing discomfort more than twice a week. The acid solution that splashes up into the oesophagus causes inflammation, irritation and scarring, which can narrow the circumference of the oesophagus.
Symptoms include hoarseness, food getting stuck, burning, irritation, nausea, coughing, wheezing, asthma symptoms and eroded tooth enamel. Left untreated it increases the chances of developing stomach ulcers and oesophageal cancer.
People who are overweight or older tend to be affected more since abdominal fat interferes with oesophagus function, and the oesophageal sphincter, which prevents backsplash, weakens with age. Other things that can relax the sphincter are alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and nicotine.
WARNING: Antacid and indigestion tablets do not fix the root cause of the condition but only make it worse. Many medications cause damage to the stomach lining leading to acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.
Taking antacid and indigestion tablets and liquids can cause more problems than the one it is supposed to be addressing. This is because these preparations can contain aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium and sodium bicarbonate all of which can cause adverse health conditions especially when taken in excess.
Antacid drugs can also affect other medications either increasing or decreasing their effects which can also cause complications. People with conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, renal failure and those who have sodium or salt-restricted diets should avoid taking antacids and indigestion tablets.
Natural remedial action should be taken instead along with a small change in the diet to include the foods mentioned below.
WARNING: Children under the age of six should never be given antacid or indigestion tablets.
Acid reflux is not caused by excess acid production, as often thought (and promoted heavily by antacid drug manufacturers), but rather by a lack of it causing undigested food to automatically be brought back up (along with stomach acids) to be re-chewed. Stopping this natural reaction by using anti-acid drugs is not going to address the underlying cause of the problem but rather may make it worsen as less acid in the stomach means poorer digestion.
This means the stomachs problems will probably escalate due to a lack of the nutrients it requires to be healed. A lack of stomach acid can also promote the proliferation of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria and Candida yeast which makes the problem worsen too as this can damage the stomach lining and lead to ulcers. The fact that one can get indigestion along with acid reflux proves that it is not an over production of stomach acids that is causing the problem at all as indigestion would not occur if there was sufficient (or excess of stomach acids) available to digest the food.
The stomach is protected from the acids whereas the throat is not which causes the, sometimes intense, pain associated with acid reflux and heart burn. Changing the diet, removing certain items from it and adding the natural foods listed below and using natural remedies that will address the underlying cause will resolve the problem and remove the need to ever take damaging antacid drugs again. Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion are most often caused by the following which are all fairly easily resolvable:
- Alcohol consumption.
- Antibiotics due to killing of the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Anxiety and stress.
- Caffeinated drinks.
- Carbonated (fizzy) drinks.
- Chocolate.
- Constipation.
- Eating food too quickly without chewing properly.
- Excess meat protein which takes a long time to digest.
- Fatty foods such as avocados, butter, cheese, cream and meats such as lamb, pork, poultry especially duck and veal.
- Gall bladder disorders.
- Garlic, uncooked, can cause irritation to the stomach.
- Greasy fried foods.
- Fructose in fruit juices can cause abdominal pain and gas as it passes undigested into the colon. Consume fruit juices with a meal to avoid this.
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria overload in the stomach.
- Iron supplements
- Lack of fibre in the diet.
- Liver disorders.
- Medications especially those for pain relief such as aspirin.
- Not cooking food correctly before eating it.
- Oils made from fish, nuts and seeds etc.
- Smoking.
- Spices. Some hot spices can cause intestinal discomfort and irritate the stomach lining if it is already damaged.
- Vegetables with hard to digest skins such as cucumber.
- Yeast (such as Candida) overload in the stomach.
It is best to try eliminating each of the above, one at a time, to try to find out the cause. Sometimes there may be an underlying medical condition that is the cause and, if avoiding the above does not bring relief, further investigation should be carried out into the possibility of the following conditions:
- Coeliac disease
- Gallstones
- Gastritis
- Intestinal blockage
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Peptic ulcers
- Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
- Stomach cancer
Which foods can help to stop acidity problems?
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are acidic but act as an alkalising agent once in the stomach so are a good way to start the day.
Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water with the freshly squeezed juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of pure unblended honey. Drink this upon waking before eating anything.
Egg whites and organic live probiotic yoghurt can help to soothe a raw throat from acid reflux.
Any of the following fruits can help to heal the stomach and throat linings.
To help relieve indigestion make a tea with any of the following herbs and sip slowly after consuming a full meal and in between meals. Avoid coffee completely as it is an irritant to the digestive tract.
- Anise seeds
- Andrographis
- Basil
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Fennel
- Marshmallow
- Mint
- Parsley
- Peppermint
- Slippery elm
NOTE: Peppermint should be avoided by those suffering from heartburn.
Raw almonds are an alkaline-producing food that can balance the body’s pH as they are a good source of calcium
Black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg can help to heal the inflammation caused by acid reflux.
Cooked carrots, chicory, fenugreek, potatoes and spinach can help to heal inflammation of the guts.
Consuming whole grains such as amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, millet, quinoa, rye and teff provides the fibre needed to heal the guts. Wheat can irritate the stomach lining.
How can acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion be avoided?
- Chew food well before swallowing and do not drink water or milk or anything liquid that will dilute the saliva in the mouth. If the food is not partially broken down by saliva in the mouth, it puts added pressure on the stomach.
- Avoid alcohol, coffee, hot spices and wheat as they all can irritate the stomach lining.
- Avoid yeast and yeast products and spreads as this can cause problems with digestion. Beer and white bread can irritate the intestines if suffering from acid reflux and indigestion.
- Always eat something before drinking any alcohol or taking medications. Alcohol or drugs entering an empty stomach can cause many digestive problems and damage the stomach lining leading to Helicobacter pylori bacteria and Candida yeast infections.
- Stop smoking or vaping tobacco as nicotine constricts small blood vessels all over the body including in the guts. This reduces blood flow and stops healing nutrients from reaching where they need to go.
- Losing at least 10 percent of excess body fat can vastly improve acid reflux symptoms.
- Avoid clothing that is too tight.
- Avoid intense exercise or swimming within 30 minutes of eating because the blood flow to the stomach is automatically restricted when the body is highly active which can lead to stomach cramps and indigestion. However, a gentle leisurely walk or standing up to wash up after eating can help with digestion by increasing circulation.
- Never lie down right after eating or eat within the three hours before sleeping.
- Elevate the head of the bed if acid reflux happens at night.
- Sleeping on the stomach or right side can cause additional pressure that increases acid reflux. Left-side sleepers report relief.
What are the natural remedies for acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion?
Contrary to what most people believe, acidic foods actually have an alkalising effect and do not increase acid production in the stomach which is not the underlying problem in any case. Including plenty of fibre and algae and seaweed in the diet and red coloured fish and seafood can provide the nutrients that will eliminate the Helicobacter pylori bacteria and Candida yeast, balance the stomach acids and heal the stomach lining.
NOTE: Helicobacter pylori bacteria can lead to stomach ulcers if it is not eliminated.
NOTE: Animal fats and excess meat can add to digestive problems, because they take so long to digest, therefore, consuming plant and seafood sources of nutrients is a better choice until the stomach has healed.
Aloe vera juice: Drink two ounces of unprocessed aloe vera juice daily. The juice of the aloe plant naturally helps reduce inflammation, which may ease symptoms of acid reflux. Drink about 113 ml of aloe vera juice before meals. It may have a laxative effect so should be taken in moderation.
Astaxanthin. This exceptionally potent antioxidant has been found to reduce symptoms of acid reflux in patients when compared to a placebo, particularly in those with pronounced Helicobacter pylori infection. Pink and red coloured fresh water and seafood such as crab, crawfish, lobster, prawns, red sea bream, red trout, salmon, salmon roe (eggs) and shrimp are natural sources of astaxanthin. The highest concentration of this powerful antioxidant is found in a type of algae known as Haematococcus microalgae and red krill oil.
Bananas, being naturally alkaline, can help neutralise stomach acids that have travelled back up to the mouth.
Bicarbonate of soda: This can balance the acid/alkaline levels in the stomach. One-half to one full teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a 226 ml (8 oz) glass of water may ease the burn of acid reflux as it helps neutralise stomach acid. It can help in an emergency when the pain is excruciating.
WARNING: Due to its high sodium content, bicarbonate of soda should not be taken regularly especially by those with high blood pressure.
Bran is especially good at reducing digestion problems and should be included in the diet daily. It can be consumed as a breakfast or added to gravy, soups and sauces as a thickening agent.
Probiotic foods. Brine pickles, miso soup, sauerkraut and other probiotic and fermented foods work well to help stimulate acid production as well as providing the right kind of bacteria for the stomach.
See>> Feed your friendly bacteria
Caraway or fennel seeds: A small spoonful of either of these chewed and swallowed can provide acid reflux and indigestion relief. Both seeds contain oil that relieve spasms in the gut, relieve nausea and control flatulence. Make a tea by steeping them in hot water for 20 minutes then straining and adding honey and lemon juice.
Chamomile tea: Before bed, try a cup of chamomile tea, which can help soothe stomach inflammation and help with sleep.
Coconut: Drink pure unsweetened coconut water and consume coconut regularly. Coconut is rich in fibre which can feed the friendly bacteria in the intestines and is antifungal so can eliminate pathogenic yeasts such as Candida.
Ginger: Ginger has been found to have a gastro protective effect by blocking acid and suppressing Helicobacter pylori better than drugs can. Add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to 284 ml (half a pint) of hot water. Let steep for about half an hour. Drink about 20 minutes or so before a meal.
Lemon juice: First thing after waking drink a cup of warm water and freshly squeezed juice of one lemoin. By drinking this on an empty stomach 15 to 20 minutes before eating anything else, the body can naturally balance out its acid levels. It is a good digestive aid and is safe for all users.
Okra. The rich fibre and mucilaginous content in okra pods help in smooth peristalsis of digested food particles. It is also a probiotic food which feeds the good bacteria in the guts. Okra binds to excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra’s mucilage soothes and makes elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic.
Psyllium husks: Often digestive problems including heartburn and acid reflux are caused by an imbalance of the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming foods rich in soluble fibre and insoluble fibre throughout the day can resolve most digestive disorders. Psyllium husks are especially effective at reducing digestion problems. Take one tablespoon of psyllium husks daily with plenty of water.
Slippery elm: This herb, as the name suggests, coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, and contains antioxidants that can help address inflammatory bowel conditions. It also stimulates nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps increase mucus secretion, which protects the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity. Slippery elm can be taken in the following ways:
- Tea: Pour 568 ml (one pint) of boiling water over 4 g (roughly 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark, then steep for 3 – 5 minutes and strain. Drink three times per day.
- Tincture: 5 ml three times per day.
- Capsules: 400 – 500 mg 3 – 4 times daily for 4 – 8 weeks. Take with a full glass of water.
- Lozenges: follow dosing instructions on label.
Which nutrients can help with acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion?
Betaine. Consuming foods rich in betaine can also help to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that can cause ulcers.
Highest sources of betaine in milligrams per 100 grams
- Quinoa 630 mg
- Spinach 577
- Beetroot 256 mg
- Rye flour (146 mg
- Shellfish 144 mg
- Kamut 113 mg
- White fish 88mg
- Bulgur wheat 83 mg
- Wholegrain wheat flour 77mg
- Barley 66mg
- Sweet potato, sunflower seeds 35 mg
- Oat flour 31 mg
- Curry powder 29 mg
- Basil (dried) 16 mg
- Cashew nuts, mushrooms (Portobello), salmon 11 mg
- Oregano, turmeric 10 mg
- Cinnamon 4 mg
- Ginger (ground powder) 3 mg
Glutamine and glutamic acid: Gastrointestinal damage caused by Helicobacter pylori can be addressed with the amino acid glutamine, found in many foods. The body requires both amino acids glutamine and glutamic acid to function correctly and therefore, consuming unprocessed foods rich in both these amino acids on a daily basis is necessary.
Natural sources of glutamine
Natural sources of glutamic acid
Vitamin B Complex: The B vitamins can reduce occurrences of acid reflux. Higher B9 (folate or folic acid) intake can reduce acid reflux by approximately 40 percent. Low vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) levels are also linked to an increased risk for acid reflux. The consumption of alcohol and taking medications can not only damage the intestines but also cause a severe deficiency in the B vitamins.
NOTE: Supplements are not advised as they often contain substances that can cause more digestive issues. Consume the following foods which are rich in the B vitamins instead.
Highest natural sources of vitamin B2 in milligrams per 100 grams
- Parsley 2.38 mg
- Cheese 1.38 mg
- Almonds 1.10 mg
- Soya beans 0.76 mg
- Mackerel 0.58 mg
Highest sources of vitamin B5 in milligrams per 100 grams
- Rice bran 7.39 mg
- Sunflower seeds 7.06 mg
- Whey 5.62mg
- Shiitake mushrooms 3.59 mg
- Fish roe 3.50 mg
- Spirulina 3.48 mg
- Paprika 2.51 mg
- Sun dried tomatoes 2.09 mg
- Lobster 1.67 mg
- Peanuts 1.40 mg
- Buckwheat 1.23 mg
Highest sources of vitamin B6 in milligrams per 200 grams
- Rice bran 4.07 mg
- Sage 2.69 mg
- Brewer’s yeast 1.50 mg
- Sunflower seeds 1.35 mg
- Wheat germ 1.30 mg
- Garlic 1.24mg
- Pistachio nuts 1.12 mg
- Tuna fish 1.04 mg
- Shiitake mushrooms 0.97 mg
Highest sources of vitamin B9 in micrograms per 100 grams:
- Basil 310 µg
- Sunflower seeds 238 µg
- Soya beans 205 µg
- Shiitake mushrooms 163 µg
- Parsley 152 µg
- Peanuts 145 µg
- Chestnuts 110 µg
- Beetroot 109 µg
- Spearmint 105 µg
- Chlorella and spirulina 94 µg
- Fish roe 92 µg
- Hazelnuts 88 µg
- Walnuts 88 µg
- Flaxseeds 87 µg
- Mussels 76 µg
- Okra 60 µg
Vitamin D: This vitamin is important for addressing any infectious component. Once the vitamin D levels are sufficient the production of over 200 antimicrobial peptides will help the body eradicate any infection including Helicobacter pylori.
Vitamin D is gained through appropriate amounts of sun exposure on bare skin, however, during the winter months (October to April) the sun is too weak in the northern hemisphere for the skin to produce vitamin D and therefore the diet must include vitamin D rich foods such as the following which is listed in order of highest sources in micrograms per 100 grams:
- Krill oil – 1 teaspoon: 1000 IU
- Eel – 85 g or 3 oz: 792 IU
- Maitake mushrooms – 70 g: 786 IU
- Rainbow trout – 85 g or 3 oz: 540 IU
- Cod liver oil – 1 teaspoon: 440 IU
- Mackerel – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
- Salmon – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
- Halibut – 85 g or 3 oz: 196 IU
- Tuna – 85 g or 3 oz: 228 IU
- Sardines – 85 g or 3 oz: 164 IU
- Chanterelle mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 155 IU
- Egg yolk – 1 large: 41 IU
- Caviar – 28g or 1 oz: 33 IU
- Hemp seeds – 100 g or 3.5 oz: 22 IU
- Portabella mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 6 IU
Can intestinal flora imbalances cause acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and stomach ulcers?
Pathogenic bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the guts is a very common condition and very often goes undiagnosed for many years as doctors do not seem to have the facilities to test for or understand the importance of an ideal balance of bacteria in the stomach.
It may well be that this is because certain medications can be a cause of this imbalance and this complicates the doctor’s diagnosis and would inhibit their prescribing of medicines for other conditions.
Because the human body can withstand bacterial imbalances for many years without serious life-threatening complications and because many people are too embarrassed to get treatment for this condition, when it involves the intestines and excretory systems, it remains a taboo subject. But many are suffering in silence, and it does need to be addressed as it can eventually lead to nutrient deficiency, organ failures and cancer.
It is now known that conditions such as stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by certain types of bacteria and yeast proliferating in the intestines. It has also been discovered that the root cause of some degenerative diseases may also be an imbalance of the intestinal flora.
What are the symptoms of bacterial and fungal imbalances in the guts?
- A change in bowel movements and colour, size, consistency, odour and shape of the stool.
- Acid indigestion and heartburn
- Bloating
- Burping, can be painful and loud
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Flatulence
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Hiccups; recurring
- Nausea
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Stomach and pelvic pain; especially before or during bowel movements
- Stomach ulcers
- Weight loss or weight gain
Natural antimicrobials used to treat bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the stomach
Enteric coated herbal oil capsules kill bacteria and fungi or yeasts in the small intestine. These consist of the oil that has an edible, hard shell around it so that the capsule doesn’t open and release its contents until it is has reached the small intestine.
The course of treatment is usually 1 to 6 months of one to two capsules three times a day taken in between meals with a glass of water. The following herbs can be found in capsule form and prove a useful remedy for microbe imbalances in the intestines.
- Oregano oil
- Olive leaf extract
- Pau d’arco
- Peppermint oil
- Garlic
NOTE: side effects of herbal capsules can include mild heartburn, rectal burning and minty burping.
Berberine is a natural antibiotic plant alkaloid which can successfully treat intestinal pathogenic microbe overgrowth and is found in the amur cork tree, Chinese goldthread, goldenseal root, huang lian, oregon grape, tree turmeric and uva ursi.
Grapefruit seed extract in liquid form is useful for people who don’t like taking capsules. Add a few drops to a glass of water and drink in between meals.
WARNING: Grapefruit and some herbal oils can interact with many types of prescribed medications. Consult a health practitioner before taking with any medications.
The regular daily consumption of probiotic foods which contain live bacteria cultures can help readdress the balance of bacteria in the intestines. They must be consumed before food and on their own in order for enough bacteria to survive beyond the stomach. Capsules can be a better way to consume them too.
See>> Feed your friendly bacteria
See also>> Laryngopharyngeal reflux
Related subjects:
- A-Z of ailments
- Achalasia
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Excretory system disorders
- Intestinal system disorders
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Liver disorders
- Parasites
- Virus infections
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