Alternative Healing Options for Heartburn
When it comes to problems with the stomach and the digestive tract, there are plenty of great natural remedies and options for alternative healing to consider. The best part about the use of functional medicine rather than other kinds of treatments is that these remedies do not use synthetics or unnatural items in order to achieve wellness. This means that better overall health is possible, as is a better understanding about the nature of your own wellness.
Right now we'd like to focus on heartburn, what it is, and the various treatments out there to control it.
About Heartburn
Heartburn refers to a burning sensation that develops in a person's chest as a result of stomach acid seeping up from the stomach into the esophagus. It's also commonly referred to as pyrosis, cardialgia, and acid indigestion.
The term heartburn is often used synonymously with two previously covered topics on this blog: indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka GERD and acid reflux). Though similar, the condition of heartburn itself was something we felt should be tackled on its own.
Causes of Heartburn
Some of the most common causes of heartburn are as follows:
- Overeating
- Obesity
- Constipation
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Fatty foods
Using Herbs and Special Supplements
Many times heartburn can be neutralized thanks to the use of certain herbs. Common treatments include peppermint, licorice, milk thistle, angelica, and caraway. The use of Chinese herbs is not uncommon as well. We can help determine which herb or herbs might be best for you.
Acupuncture
There are many ways that acupuncture can help you achieve wellness. In the case of heartburn, acupuncture has been known to address problems that may contribute to the occurrence of heartburn, such as stress and constipation.
Water
It seems so simple, but yes, water can actually help address heartburn to a certain degree. Be sure to drink water while you eat to remain hydrated. Stay hydrated throughout the day for optimal health and wellness.
Chewing Gum
Rather than turn to antacids, you may just need some chewing gum. Chewing gum promotes saliva production, and saliva is one of the body's best natural remedies for dealing with stomach acid.
Eating Slowly
Since overeating is a common cause of heartburn, one great way to avoid overeating is to savor your food. Many times people eat too much because they don't give their stomach time to let them know they're full. By eating slowly, you'll avoid overfilling yourself and will be able to enjoy what you're eating more.
Watching What You Eat
Certain foods will trigger heartburn in people, so it's important that you keep that in mind. If you experience heartburn, think about what you ate and if that contributed to it occurring. Be sure to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet to help avoid constipation and promote overall wellness.
Quit Smoking
Since smoking can contribute to heartburn occurring, it's just another compelling reason to quit (or to not start at all).
Learn More About Alternative Healing Options
For more information on how to treat heartburn and other medical conditions with natural healing options, we encourage you to contact our Poway alternative healing center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve wellness using the best possible natural remedies.
