How to Naturally Beat Heartburn Without Medication

Inside the stomach, there's a mucus layer that protects the stomach cells from the acid it produces to digest food. Heartburn occurs when this acid escapes the stomach and rises into the esophagus—the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus lacks a protective mucus layer, leading to an uncomfortable burning sensation after eating. Chronic exposure can cause burns and eventually chronic inflammation of the esophagus, putting one at risk for cancer after many years. The good news is that natural remedies, particularly dietary changes, can effectively heal heartburn and prevent it from worsening.

Medications for heartburn work by neutralizing stomach acid, but this can be counterproductive. Our food requires acid for proper digestion, so when these medications prevent adequate digestion, food stays in the system too long and ferments from gut bacteria, leading to bloating, gas, inflammatory bowel diseases, and more unpleasant side effects.

It’s important to understand that the stomach's acid production is tied to the type of food we eat. For example, eating animal proteins like meat and poultry prompts the stomach to produce more acid compared to plant-based foods that require less acid for digestion.

What causes esophageal pain from acid reflux?

- Overeating leads to a full stomach, which compromises its ability to contract and digest food, causing bloating. The upper stomach valve may slightly open, allowing acid to rise into the esophagus.

- Chronic burns (inflammation) in the esophagus due to frequent acid flow. Foods that irritate the burns such as spicy foods, fried items, alcohol, and coffee cause additional pain and burning.

- Mixing too many different foods requiring varied levels of acid in one meal can prevent efficient digestion and cause food to ferment, leading to bloating and acid reflux. There are other reasons for heartburn as well.

So what’s the solution? If you only experience heartburn without chronic esophageal damage, switch to simpler foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, and practice good meal combinations along with thorough chewing. Within days, you'll start feeling complete relief and eventually full healing—without medication! Wishing you great health.

To book a free home session with naturopath Ruth Liat Or-Paltz, call 073-2221290