(NaturalHealth365) A shocking 20% of people in the U.S. suffer from heartburn at least once a week. This unpleasant burning sensation drives many to seek out pharmaceuticals – that even the Food and Drug Administration admits cause gastric, immune and skeletal system problems. Yet, this class of highly-toxic medications still rake in over $100 billion dollars per year for the pharmaceutical industry.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of the population has no idea that these drugs are dangerous to use. Plus, a typical trip to the doctor will rarely reveal the many (safe) alternatives to toxic drugs within the natural health world.
Aloe vera juice before a meal can soothe the digestive system
Aloe vera juice can benefit the body in a number of ways, and it is also one of the best natural alternative to heartburn drugs. Take about 1/4 of a cup shortly before a meal. It’s best not to source the juice from the plant directly due to the latex. Instead, you can find it sold in bottles at the health food store. Be careful with the amount you drink though, as large doses can cause gastric issues like abdominal pain.
Peppermint calms stomach muscles
Peppermint is a superfood that can help the body in a number of ways. It’s one of the best natural alternatives for improving digestion as it calms stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile. In addition to helping with heartburn, it also fights indigestion, nausea, cramps and vomiting.
The ancient herbal remedy slippery elm still has its place today
For hundreds of years, slippery elm has been used to treat heartburn. It is a common remedy among Native Americans and comes from the bark of a tree. Slippery elm contains the gel substance called mucilage, which can sooth the esophageal lining. You can easily find slippery elm tea and lozenges at the health food store.
Marshmallow tea is pleasant and easy to drink
No we’re not taking about sugary marshmallow candies. The herb marshmallow can also soothe the esophageal lining by coating it with mucilage. It’s possible to make a cup of marshmallow tea that can help your heartburn if you drink a few cups a day.
Are food allergies causing your heartburn?
Before you reach for any remedy or drug to cure your heartburn, first stop and ponder what is causing your heartburn and if there are steps that you can take to keep your heartburn from reoccurring or getting worse. Certain kinds of food can trigger heartburn, especially if you have allergies. Common allergies include nuts, eggs, peanuts and shellfish.
Food high in trans fats, such as fried food, processed food and citrus are all foods that many people find trigger heartburn. Other common heartburn triggers include chocolate and alcohol, as they cause the esophageal sphincter to relax.
Bonus tip – eat smaller meals
There are many benefits to eating smaller portions. Large meals give your digestive system and your body, including your heart, a real workout. There are also studies that point to the fact that large meals play a role in heartburn, so cut down your meal size!
By opting for a healthy diet, more exercise and reducing foods that could irritate your stomach and esophagus you can also make huge strides in treating your heartburn in a natural and safe fashion. Heartburn drugs, like all drugs, have risks and possible side effects. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to dangerous drugs and the ability to overcome heartburn pain is within our reach.
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References:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20527745_6,00.html
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/slippery_elm.htm
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/therapiesfrometol/a/heartburn.htm
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/allergies/hic_problem_foods_is_it_an_allergy_or_intolerance.aspx
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