Preventing Heartburn Naturally
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| Indigestion is just one puzzle piece |
There’s been an invasion of ads promoting
heartburn relief drugs recently. Sometimes
referred to as “acid stomach, indigestion, or acid reflux.” The same type of pain and discomfort could
just as easily be caused by a lack of stomach acid, and the burning sensation
from the alkaline found in the small intestine... just like getting burned by
lye. The ads make heartburn seem like a
simple problem to solve with a simple solution. But medication is never a simple solution. Dr. Meltz is concerned about the upswing in
the use of these drugs, and how they affect proper digestion — which may have
potentially dangerous side effects. Dr.
Meltz encourages patients prone to heartburn to focus on all natural prevention
strategies for relief first.
What’s The Probability That it’s Heartburn
Anyway?
Heartburn is a common condition. In fact, a 2006 study in the journal Lancet
found that one in four people in Western countries suffer from heartburn at
least once per month (Lancet 2006;367:2086-100). Frequent heartburn can
be a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), although other
conditions, such as hiatal hernia, are related to heartburn and indigestion also.
Normally, when we eat or drink, the esophageal
sphincter —the circular band of muscle around the end of the food pipe entering
the stomach —relaxes to allow food and liquid to travel down into the stomach,
then it closes again. But if the esophageal
sphincter isn’t working properly, stomach acid, or intestinal alkaline can flow
back up into the esophagus, causing the sensation heartburn. Chronic reflux of stomach contents can cause
ulcers to form due to chemical burns in the lower portion of the food pipe.
The acid in the stomach bubbles up
into the esophagus past the sphincter causing a burning sensation in the upper
abdomen and chest —or even up into the back of the throat sometimes causing jaw
pain, arm pain, and upper back pain. Sometimes
even a sudden regurgitation feeling, and it usually feels worse when lying down
or bending forward temporarily relieved by sitting in a recliner or propped up
in bed on a few extra pillows.
The Dangers of Prescriptive Heartburn
Medications
Popular over-the-counter medications
for heartburn include antacids, H++ receptor blockers and proton
pump inhibitors. Dr. Meltz urges
patients to understand that, although they are popular, and some available
over-the-counter or prescription, these drugs all harbor potentially serious
side effects decreasing the normal amount of acid produced in the stomach to
properly digest the food you’ve eaten.
Without proper breakdown in the stomach, what normally would be digested
goes on to ferment and spoil in the remainder of the small and large intestine.
The food you eat is meant to be broken down mechanically and chemically in
order to be properly digested and ultimately absorbed to be used as energy, and
not passed on to languish and spoil somewhere else in the digestive tract.
Side Effects of Over-The-Counter Antacids
Antacids, such as ROLAIDS®, Pepto-Bismol®, KayoPectate®, Tums®,, Gaviscon®, and Maalox®, are intended to neutralize stomach acid. The active ingredients in antacids are typically
one or more of the following: magnesium, bismuth, aluminum hydroxide, sodium
bicarbonate or calcium carbonate. By
neutralizing stomach acid they also inhibit digestion causing an evil cycle to
begin.
Antacids may also cause other problems
for people with certain conditions taking
other medications. For instance, individuals who have high blood
pressure or are on a reduced sodium diet should not take antacids containing sodium
bicarbonate nor should they take baking soda due to their high sodium content.
Similarly, people with kidney stones
should not take antacids containing calcium carbonate because they could make kidney
problems worse. Also, the combination of
antacids and certain other drugs can lead to serious health disorders as well. Drugs that should not be taken in combination with
antacids include tetracycline, indomethacin, buffered and non-buffered aspirin,
iron supplements, digoxin, quinidine, Valium® and corticosteroids.
Not only do complications with these
drugs occur, overuse of some antacids can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such
as diarrhea or constipation.
Remarkably, calcium carbonate
antacids may eventually worsen heartburn by causing an increase in stomach acid
production.
Side Effects of Hydrogen Ion Receptor
Blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors
Hydrogen ion receptor blockers (H++
blockers) include drugs such as Tagamet HB 200®, Pepcid AC®
and Zantac 75® ,. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) include drugs
such as Prilosec OTC® and Nexium®. Some of these medications, which
were previously only available via prescription, are now available over-the-counter and can easily be misused.
Instead of neutralizing stomach
acid, these medications reduce the production of acid, or turn off completely
the cells responsible for producing acid and other digestive enzymes. Specifically, H++ receptor blockers
suppress the production of acid in cells lining the interior of the stomach. Thus PPIs shut down the chemical “pump” needed
for stomach cells to make adequate amounts digestive acids.
Cardiovascular Disease
In the summer of 2007, the US Food and
Drug Administration and Health Canada
announced they were looking into possible cardiac risks and complications
caused by the use of popular H++ blockers.
These agencies cited two studies,
which indicated a link between their use of these medications and an increased risk
of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.
Leaving Your Body Vulnerable to
Disease
Research reveals that prolonged use
of H++ blockers and PPIs for some reason increase the risk of
developing pneumonia and diarrhea. The
risk is increased because stomach acid is essential for warding-off bacteria,
viruses, and swallowed parasites. By reducing
stomach acid, these drugs leave the body vulnerable to disease.
One 2004 study in the Journal of
the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that “reduction of
gastric acid secretion by acid-suppressive therapy allows pathogen colonization
from the upper gastrointestinal tract.” The study concludes: “Current use of gastric
acid-suppressive therapy was associated with an increased risk of community-acquired
pneumonia.” (JAMA 2004;292:1955-60.)
Another 2004 study that looked at
1,187 hospital patients in Montreal
concluded that “patients confined in a hospital setting who received proton
pump inhibitors were at increased risk of diarrhea caused by the C.
difficile bacteria.” (CMAJ 2004;171:33-8.)
Increased Incidence of Hip Fracture
Furthermore, researchers have
recently uncovered a relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitor
drugs and hip fractures. A 2006 JAMA study
proposed that PPIs “may interfere with calcium absorption through induction of a
lack of stomach acid but they also may reduce bone repair by inhibiting the
cells responsible for building and laying down new bone through what is called
the osteoclastic vacuolar proton pump.” The
study concluded that “long-term PPI therapy, especially in high doses, is
associated with an increasing risk of hip fracture.” (JAMA 2006;296:2947-53.)
Mental Decline
Initial studies have also found how
long-term use of H++ blockers may increase the risk of mental
decline and dementia later in life. The
analysis, which looked at 1,558 African-Americans over age 65, found that individuals
who reported “continuous use” of H++ blockers had a 240% higher
chance of developing some form of mental impairment. Researchers speculate that by blocking stomach
acid, H++ blockers interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12,
which is important for mental function (J Am Geriatr Soc 2007;55:1248-53).
Try All-Natural
Heartburn Relief Methods
Following
are some important prevention oriented tips advocated by Dr. Meltz...
Before You Do Anything… Visit the Chiropractor
Chiropractors
use gentle, effective and safe maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to
remove spinal subluxations, allowing your body to function at optimal capacity.
In
addition, the science of chiropractic upholds that the causes of patients’
complaints
must be addressed, not just their symptoms. So, if you have heartburn, chiropractic care
will work to help discover the source of your problem.
Minimize Stressful Situations
One way to
discourage stressful situations is to constantly be prepared for things to go
wrong. Get a spare key for your house
and car, have a nice meal with you when you're out of the house, and make sure
you can get a babysitter on short notice if you need to. Knowing how to handle your problems ahead of
time will make them much easier to deal with.
Try Losing Some Weight
Researchers
have long acknowledged that excess weight contributes to heartburn. They aren’t sure exactly why, but suspicion is
extra fat around the belly area puts pressure on the stomach, causing fluid to
rise up into the throat, especially when lying down.
And new
research reveals that even a few extra pounds can boost heartburn risk. Fortunately, another new study found that
losing only a few pounds can decrease heartburn symptoms. The study concludes: “BMI [body mass index]
is associated with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
in both normal-weight and overweight women. Even moderate weight gain among persons of
normal weight may cause or exacerbate symptoms of reflux. ” (N Engl J Me d 2006;354:2340-8.)
In
addition, try to eat small meals, eat slowly, take smaller bites, and chew your
food completely rather than gulping and swallowing food whole —again to keep
pressure off the esophageal sphincter.
Keep Your Head Elevated
A new study
proves that raising the head of bed is an effective method for alleviating
heartburn (Arch Intern Med 2006;166:965-71).
The key is
to keep your esophagus higher than your stomach. Use blocks or bricks under the bedpost to
raise the head of your bed 6 inches so you can sleep with your head and chest
elevated. You can also try a foam wedge,
available at drugstores and medical supply stores, inserted between your
mattress and box spring. Don’t just pile up pillows, which could put your head
at an angle that could actually make heartburn worse.
In
addition, avoid eating just before going to bed, and certainly not within two
to three hours after you’ve eaten last.
Keep a Diet Diary
Even though
current research reveals how diet isn’t as closely linked to heartburn as once
thought, it may still be a trigger for some individuals. A food journal will reveal if you have certain
triggers. Some common culprits include
fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onion, tomatoes,
caffeine and nicotine.
In
addition, a 2005 study found that nighttime heartburn is strongly associated
with carbonated soft drink consumption and the use of benzodiazepines, (a type
of sleeping pill) (Chest 2005;127:1658-66).
Another
2005 study found that a high fiber, low-fat diet protects against GERD (Gut2005;54:11-7).
Lastly, you
may also want to consider chewing gum after meals to prevent heartburn. Studies show gum chewing reduces acid reflux
up into the esophagus in some individuals.
Be Aware of Medications
A variety
of medications may spark heartburn, including:
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| There's Good Stress and Bad Stress |
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antibiotics
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines
- Aspirin
- Asthma medications
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Heart medications
- NSAIDs
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Osteoporosis medications
- Steroids
Our lives
in the modern world are filled with stressors. We can't avoid them all. However, too much stress can affect our
relationships, our working ability, and even our health. Often times heartburn is simply a
manifestation of stress, and your body’s inability to cope properly. It's in our best interest to reduce unproductive
stress in our lives as much as possible. These tips can help with that process. Chronic, unrelenting stress can negatively
impact all areas of our lives. You must
be willing to do whatever is necessary to avoid this type of stress especially
if it can lead to digestive problems. Now
that you have read many stress-reducing tips, you’re now prepared to lower the
amount of stress and indigestion you deal with and improve the life you’re
willing to live today.
Bless and be blessed... ALWAYS
Dr. Meltz
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