natural help for heartburn

America is the heartburn nation.  The pharmaceutical companies have targeted the market with medications to reduce acid or the production of acid in the gut.  But what causes heartburn to begin with?  Why does the medication work for a little while and then a newer, stronger medication is needed to keep the pain in check?

Unless you try an elimination diet, there is no way to  be completely certain of the root cause of heartburn.  The causes can vary, depending on the person.  Food intolerance sand food allergies seem to be surfacing among many individuals as the food industries continue their relentless amending and "refining" of perfectly healthful food.

Some encouragement for heartburn victims - You have a smart body!  Your digestive tract is telling you that you are eating non-edible, food-like substances and that it can't use what you are eating.  Your body is giving you intelligent information in response to what you eat.  The next question for you is: What are you going to do with what your body is saying to you?

"Real change" is the solution to heartburn.  You can't just eliminate, for example, your diet Coke to see if artificial sweeteners are to blame.  You have to read every ingredient that you put in your mouth, from chewing gum to toothpaste in order to eliminate every artificial sweetener you touch.  In fact, the best way to rule out heartburn's cause is to eat a completely plant based, whole food, soy-free diet.  No meat, dairy, cheese, processed food or restaurant food!  You will need to cook your own food.  After a few days, perhaps only 24 hours later, you may notice a decrease in heartburn.  If you choose to add food choices outside of the plant-based spectrum, add only one ingredient per 24 hours in order to evaluate your GI response.  (Be careful that you add only one ingredient and not one processed food item that has 2-20 ingredients).  Keep a log as you do this, noting what food you add and any reactions.   

Possible dietary causes of heartburn

• Sugar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Hidden MSG - see below for a list of ingredient names for msg
• Dairy products
• Refined wheat flour
• Animal protein
• Soy products - very hard to digest unless naturally fermented
• Soybean oil
• Artificial sweeteners - note that these are in many OTC antacid medicines
• Sulfites - usually in the form of additives for preservative purpose 
• Prescription medications
• OTC pain relievers
• Some OTC supplement gel caps or tab coatings
• Constipation or slow food transit time causing acidic GI tract (see following video)