Natural Remedies for Heartburn

Do you find yourself all-to-often shoveling down Pepcid AC, Tagamet, Nexium, and other  medications for acid reflux or heartburn?

Studies show that anti-acid medication may cause serious problems when used often.  Some of the long-time side effects can include the production of extra acid which can increase chances of arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and mental confusion. They can also cause bone demineralization, and many contain aluminum which when not fully absorbed can cause kidney problems and aid in the development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease.

In choosing to live bold lives, it is important to dig in and understand how nature and wise decisions can help us live healthy lives. Here are some ways that you can naturally deal with acid reflux & heartburn:

• Eat plenty of Bananas, papaya, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber and parsnips.
• Herbs! Herbs! Herbs!!! Instead of popping pills, reach for fresh ginger, dill, fennel, cardamom, calendula or slippery elm bark powder.
• Ginger -- I mention this again because it works faster than most antacids! Eat one inch of fresh ginger at the first signs of irritation. Or if you wake up in the middle of the night with pain, run to the fridge and eat your one inch of ginger. Within 10-15 minutes you will feel better. Ginger also relaxes the nervous system and will help you drift to sleep easier.
• Reduce or eliminate coffee, colas, alcohol, chocolate; fried, fatty or spiced foods (except ginger), citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickled foods; refined flour and sugar; and cigarettes, large meals or anacids/anti-inflammatory drugs - which can irritate stomach lining.
• Eat lots of flax seeds.

We've been told that antacids are the solution to our problems through commercials, advertisements, etc., however we now know that we must: (1) show restraint in what we eat (2) Eat the right foods and (3) Reach for herbs.

Bold health is a result of bold, educated decisions. Give the above a try and see your health improve! :-D

- Team Project BE Bold

by Jen Engevik