Festive feasting although fun, can trigger painful acidity, indigestion, and acid reflux. If this happens rarely, say once or twice a year when we know we have eaten too much, it does not cause long term problems. However, when the symptoms persist it is important to take some action to resolve the problem. A hiatal hernia may be part of the problem when there is persistent acid reflux.
The stomach is naturally acidic; the acid is needed to break down foods, which makes it ready for the small intestines to be able to absorb nutrients from the food. If the stomach is too acidic it can cause damage. Also if the stomach acid rises up out of the stomach frequently which happens with Acid Reflux, it can cause serious damage.
The best remedy is always prevention. Large quantities of food and certain types of foods are more likely to cause over acidity and acid reflux. A food which may be fine for another person may not suit you.
Pharmaceutical medications such as Omeprazole, prescribed to help acid reflux, work by lowering the acidity of the stomach; unfortunately several nutrients such as Iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 need acid to be absorbed, so these nutrients may become depleted with Omeprazole.
There are several herbal medicines that can help. One of the best is Slippery Elm Powder. Slippery Elm powder is a nutritive herb which does not cause any nutrient depletion. It acts a bit like a seal or sponge at the top of the stomach stopping the acid moving out.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths to find which foods and drinks may be triggering your problems; if needed they will also prepare tailored herbal medicines and recommend supplements to help you feel your best. Call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
Original Article December 2014
Copyright Jaine Kirtley
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