Acid reflux or heartburn keeping you up at night?
Antacids may be contributing to the problem.
But wait, don’t they fix it? They may give temporary relief but the real reason people get acid reflux is because their stomach acid is too low.
OK, here comes the sciency stuff.
There’s a little valve that connects the esophagus and the stomach which opens to let in food and then closes to keep the food and the acids that digest it inside the stomach.
When this valve doesn’t close properly it can allow some food and stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus (reflux) causing a burning sensation from the high acids in the stomach.
Antacids neutralize the acid that’s come up out of the stomach and give you some relief for a little while. But they also neutralize the acids inside your stomach which interferes with digestion and weakens that valve even more.
You see, stomach acid is what triggers that valve to close tightly.
While anyone can get heartburn or acid reflux, it tends to show up more frequently as we get older because our stomach acid may get weaker over time.
A few factors that may contribute to weakened stomach acid include things like eating processed foods, high sugar intake, carbonated drinks, food sensitivities, eating too quickly, even stress and exhaustion.
If you’re suffering with heartburn or acid reflux, here are some things you might want to look into:
– Limit consumption of processed foods, especially sweet foods and fruit juices
– Avoid carbonated drinks
– Learn how to release chronic stress
– Be sure to get enough good quality sleep
– Enjoy lots of fresh fruits and vegetables – some find fermented vegetables helpful
Some people find that having a little apple cider vinegar in water before meals gives them relief (for some people – usually the over 50 crowd – this may raise the stomach acid just enough to be more uncomfortable but not enough to keep the valve closed – don’t worry, there are other things you can do if this happens)
Just one more thing you need to know – I’m not a doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist. Nothing I share with you is intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any particular ailment, illness, or disease. Always talk to your health care professional before making any changes in your wellness routine and never stop taking medications without consulting your doctor first.
As a health coach, it’s my job to pass along things I learn that might help you take care of your own health. What you choose to do with that information is entirely up to you.
I’d love to know how you’ve found relief from your heartburn or acid reflux so leave me a comment below.
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