The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved

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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

                             TABLE OF CONTENTS.
                                                                  Page
    Disclaimer                                                       4
    Congratulations                                                  5
    What is acid reflux, GERD & heartburn                            5
    What causes acid reflux                                          6
    The two ingredients:                                             6
        o Honey                                                      6
                o Pregnant women, infants & honey – is it safe?      7
                o Should I take honey alone or with food?            7
        o Apple cider vinegar                                        8
                o How does apple cider vinegar stop acid reflux      8
        o Do you use:                                                9
                o Honey only                                         9
                o Apple Cider Vinegar only                           9
                o Combination of both                                9
    Initial relief – what now?                                      10
    Cut the crunch                                                  10
    The science behind the remedy                                   10
    pH levels – what does it all mean?                              13
    Additional remedies for further assistance                      14
        o Bananas                                                   14
        o Unsweetened aloe vera juice                               14
        o Anise & lavender tea                                      15
        o Slippery elm bark                                         16
        o Ginger                                                    16
        o Fennel seeds                                              17
    Long term prevention                                            18
    Candida – what is the low down                                  18
    Foods to embrace:                                               19
        o Fresh fruits                                              19
        o Fresh vegetables                                          20
        o Seeds                                                     21
        o Sprouts                                                   21

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                        Page 2
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

        o Non-refined grains                              21
        o High fiber foods                                22
        o Fish                                            22
        o Yoghurt                                         23
    Foods to avoid:                                       23
        o Red meat                                        23
        o Legumes                                         23
        o Egg white                                       24
        o Processed foods                                 24
        o White sugar                                     24
        o Wheat & yeast products                          25
        o Hydrogenated & partly hydrogenated oils         25
        o Alcohol                                         26
        o Coffee                                          26
        o Dairy (except yoghurt)                          26
        o High fat foods                                  27
    Supplementation                                       27
    Lifestyle changes                                     28
    Finally                                               28

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                Page 3
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

                          Disclaimer

                                   ATTENTION

     The contents of this book are only to be used as a guide and must not be
     relied upon as medical advice.

     The author is not a doctor. Medical attention and diagnosis should be
     sought from a qualified medical practitioner, especially prior to beginning
     any program of nutrition, exercise or remedy.

     The remedies offered in this book may not be effective for every person.
     As each individual’s circumstances and diagnosis is different, and the
     specifics of acid reflux, GERD & heartburn differ, success will vary.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                  Page 4
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

                              Congratulations
    You’ve made a wise choice to eliminate your acid reflux naturally. We are
    grateful that you have trusted us to provide a remedy for your acid reflux.
    Firstly, this report defines acid reflux and provides details of two natural health
    foods which quickly eliminate it. We then discuss the science behind the
    remedy. Finally, we discuss lifestyle and diet changes which can greatly reduce
    further bouts of acid reflux.

    You will not experience any side effects by using these natural health foods; in
    fact they provide great overall health benefits...not just in the treatment of
    acid reflux.

    What is Acid Reflux, GERD & Heartburn?
    Acid reflux is the common term used for gastro-esophageal reflux disease
    (GERD). It occurs when acid in the stomach escapes back
    past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the
    esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the
    mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle that acts
    as a one way valve between the esophagus and the
    stomach to allow food to pass into the stomach. The
    muscle normally stops the contents of the stomach from
    spilling (refluxing) back up past the LES or one way valve.

    Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, where a person feels a burning
    sensation in the middle of the chest and/or throat, often accompanied by a
    bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat. The burning sensation is caused
    by the stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.

    Most people experience bouts of heartburn from time to time, but a person
    who experiences persistent heartburn (twice a week or more) is considered to
    have gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                     Page 5
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    What causes acid reflux?
    Acid reflux is usually experienced as the result of one or a combination of the
    following conditions:

        Low pH of stomach acid
        Weak muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
        Random relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
        Over production of stomach acid
        A hiatal hernia, which occurs when the upper part of the stomach
         pushes through an opening in the diaphragm and up into the chest.
        Candida albicans overgrowth

    So let’s get stuck straight into the remedy. Then we will discuss alternative
    remedies and lifestyle changes which will help you
    remain free of acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.

    The two ingredients:
      1. Honey – raw natural honey
      2. Apple cider vinegar

    Honey - How does it help?

    Honey is definitely one of those home remedies
    which may seem 'too good to be true, however,
    honey is a brilliant antioxidant, bacteria-fighter, anti-inflammatory and
    stimulator of tissue healing. Therefore, honey helps the esophagus and
    stomach lining to regenerate itself from acidic damage.

    Honey helps to heal the damaged esophagus by coating the lining which has
    been damaged by the acidic conditions of acid reflux. The honey coating also
    protects the esophagus against further damage from stomach acid.

    Compared to other medications, honey has no side effects (unless a person is
    allergic to honey) and can be used in a long-term preventative regime.
    Antacids reduce the acidic conditions of the stomach but, on the other hand,
    do nothing in terms of repairing a damaged esophagus. This is why honey is
    such a great remedy. It is cheap, natural and has no side effects even if taken
    for months at a time, unlike prescription medications and antacids which can

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                     Page 6
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    have serious side effects if taken for any longer than two weeks.

    Honey can also be used as a complementary medication. If your doctor has
    prescribed medication, you are still able to use honey to complement the
    healing process because it does not interfere with medications. The healing
    process of a severely damaged esophagus may take months and honey is a
    very gentle form of medication which both stimulates healing and prevents
    future damage.

     METHOD

         1. Ingest 1 – 2 tablespoon(s) of pure honey alone, allowing it to slowly
             trickle down the throat

           or...

         2. Mix honey into a glass of warm water and drink.

     Repeat whenever heartburn or GERD symptoms re-appear.

    Raw honey which has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered provides the
    best results. Also, darker colored honey is recommended as it usually has less
    water and more antioxidants than light-colored honey.

    Pregnant women, infants & honey – is it safe?

    Research has shown that it is safe for pregnant women to ingest honey,
    however, it is not recommended for children up to 3 years old, as their
    digestive system is not yet developed enough to handle a type of bacterial
    spore (Clostridium Botulinum) which is found in honey. In severe cases honey
    can be fatal to infants under 3 years of age

    Should I take honey alone or with food?

    Some say that to treat acid reflux with honey properly, you should take the
    honey with a piece of bread before meals in order to transport the honey to
    the lower part of the esophagus and give it a proper coating. This is good
    advice; however, for people suffering from acid reflux after a meal, it is
    recommended they take 1 tablespoon of honey as is.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 7
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Apple cider vinegar.

    Apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic. It therefore relieves reflux symptoms
    which are a result of insufficient hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, which
    is the most common cause of acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar also helps the
    body to maintain a balanced pH level in the long-term.

    How does apple cider vinegar stop acid reflux?

    As we get older our body slows down (our eyesight grows dimmer, our joints
    ache from wear and tear, etc.) and for some people the pH of their stomach
    acid is not lowered enough for the stomach to properly do its job. As a result
    food ferments in our stomach and can even start to rot. The fermentation
    produces gas which can manifest as acid reflux.

    Apple cider vinegar introduces more acid into the
    stomach and assists the digestion process. It also
    acts as a purifier, which helps to break down
    fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits, as well as
    detoxifying the blood. Taking apple cider vinegar
    with meals allows stomach acidity to be
    maintained at its optimal balance. It has the
    added bonus of becoming an alkaline forming
    food after digestion, which helps to maintain the
    correct pH balance.

    With an abundance of potassium, apple cider vinegar also works to help
    towards tissue repair. Potassium has been found to have restraining influences
    on people who are emotionally excitable or nervous; hence when heartburn
    causes are psychological, apple cider vinegar may help to relax people and
    calm them down.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 8
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

     METHOD

         1. Take 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small glass of water
             as soon as reflux symptoms are felt. Use only a small amount of
             water as the water dilutes the vinegar rendering it less effective.
             Some people can drink the vinegar straight but we understand the
             majority of people cannot drink vinegar without adding something
             to it.

         2. You may feel a small burning sensation for about 5 seconds, then
             relief.

    Reminder - purchase good quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider
    vinegar. It’s the vinegar with the ‘good stuff’ called mother floating around in
    the bottom of the bottle. Popular brands include Bragg, Melrose and Aspall
    (Europe) which are available in health food stores and some supermarkets.

    Do You Use:
      1. honey only
      2. apple cider vinegar only
      3. a combination of both?

    You will have to determine which combination works best for you. We suggest
    you start by taking honey. For a large percentage of people, raw honey
    eliminates the problem. If you find you are still enduring acid reflux after
    ingesting honey then try the apple cider vinegar, either by drinking it straight
    or mixing it with a small amount of water. You can mix some honey in with the
    mixture or wait a few minutes after taking the vinegar and then take the
    honey.

    If you use apple cider vinegar, we recommend you also take the honey because
    it will not alter the curing effect of the vinegar and will assist the body to heal
    any damage the esophagus may have suffered.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                      Page 9
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Initial relief...what now?
    The honey and apple cider vinegar will provide immediate relief. Over the next
    2 – 3 days you should continue to take the ingredients whenever you
    experience the symptoms of acid reflux. The honey will assist the esophagus in
    its healing.

    For the 2 – 3 days following the commencement of this remedy you should...

    Cut the crunch.
    Avoid crunchy foods which may continue to damage the esophagus. Most
    people understand what it is like to experience a burn to the skin, which is
    what happens internally with acid reflux. The rising stomach acid damages the
    lining of the esophagus, but unfortunately we cannot place a bandaid or
    sticking plaster over the wound and wait for it to heal.

    The issue with crunchy foods is that they are pushed past the damaged
    esophagus lining which aggravates the wound and slows the healing process.

    To allow the damaged lining to heal quickly avoid crunchy foods like nuts,
    toast, breakfast cereals, popcorn and cookies.

    It is advisable to eat soft foods and to pay extra attention to the amount of
    time you chew your food. Chew your food until it is very soft and has mixed
    with a good amount of saliva. This may sound easy but if you are accustomed
    to eating fast, the brain tells you to swallow and it is difficult to keep chewing
    your food without involuntarily swallowing. It is a skill which needs to be
    practiced!

    The science behind the remedy.
    To understand acid reflux we need to understand the digestive process.

    A hormone called gastrin is triggered when food comes in contact with the
    walls of the stomach, which in turn triggers the production of hydrochloric
    acid. The hydrochloric acid begins the digestion process and also lowers the pH
    level in the stomach. When the pH level is sufficiently low enough, the pyloric
    valve (the valve at the bottom of the stomach) receives a signal to open,
    allowing chyme (partly digested food) to move forward into the duodenum
    and then onto the small intestine. Until the pyloric valve gets the go ahead and

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                        Page 10
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    opens, everything stays in the stomach, including the food and gastric juices
    which contain the stomach acid.

    A common misconception about acid reflux is that your stomach is producing
    too much acid. In fact, it is normal for your stomach to produce more acid per
    day than what it can hold. Therefore, the acid, along with the other contents of
    the stomach usually flows forwards down past the opened pyloric valve and
    into the duodenum after the stomach has finished its digestive work. The acid
    is neutralized in the duodenum and then continues on into the small intestine.

    But prior to entering the duodenum the contents remain in the stomach until
    the pH level is low (acidic) enough to signal to the pyloric valve to open, so
    until this valve opens the contents of the stomach continue to rise towards the
    LES. In the case of acid reflux, the issue is not that the stomach is producing
    too much acid; rather the pH of the acid is not low enough to do its job and
    signal to the pyloric valve to open. This results in the contents of the stomach
    refluxing back past the LES and into the esophagus – which is when the pain of
    heartburn is felt.

    So the function of stomach acid is three-fold. Firstly, the stomach acid breaks
    down the protein in our food. Secondly, it has the important function of killing
    any bacteria that may be present in the food which we have eaten. Having a
    sufficiently acidic pH level is important because any foreign bacteria need to be
    eliminated in the stomach before they pass into the intestines and cause an
    infection to develop. Thirdly, stomach acid contributes to lowering the pH
    level, which signals to the pyloric valve to open.

    Lowering your stomach’s pH level to a more acidic level by eating or drinking
    any acidic food is not the answer. You cannot just go out and drink a whole
    bottle of soda pop, which is very acidic, and expect the problem to disappear.
    The body needs to neutralize the acid when it enters the duodenum. If the
    body is in an acidic state it means there may be less available bicarbonate in
    the blood to raise the pH to the correct levels to be able to neutralize the
    stomach acid. The body starts borrowing alkalizing minerals from our bones,
    body tissue or organs to help raise the pH to the correct level which can lead to
    disease of the organs where the minerals have been ‘borrowed’.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                   Page 11
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Essentially, what needs to happen is the body has to produce acid, which it
    does in the stomach to break down, sterilize and digest our food, and then the
    body needs to alkalize the digested food in the duodenum to allow it to pass
    through the rest of the digestive tract without damaging the walls of the
    intestines. We need to provide the body with the correct foods to maintain a
    slightly alkaline pH level and unfortunately the western diet usually consists of
    many acid forming foods, forcing the body to start borrowing the alkalizing
    minerals from the previously mentioned body parts.

    Taking antacids temporarily eliminates the symptoms of heartburn but
    compounds the problems of acid reflux or GERD. It neutralizes the stomach
    acid, but as you have just learnt our body needs a sufficient level of acidity in
    the stomach to allow the food to pass into the intestines. By neutralizing the
    stomach acid we cause the food to remain in the stomach for longer periods
    and over the long term it exacerbates the acid reflux problem. Also, by
    neutralizing the stomach acid we restrict one of the body’s important weapons
    in killing ‘unfriendly’ bacteria.

    On the flip side... apple cider vinegar is the perfect solution because it
    produces an acidic state in the stomach which aids digestion and signals to the
    pyloric valve to open. Then, when apple cider vinegar is itself digested, it
    becomes an alkaline forming food (we explain how in the next section)
    supplying the body with lots of essential nutrients and minerals which greatly
    assist the body in maintaining a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level.

    An over production of stomach acid can be the body’s way of indicating an
    infection in the stomach, as it tries to kill the bacteria causing the infection
    with stomach acid. A symptom of over production of stomach acid is
    diarrhoea, which is how the body expels the excess acid. Although apple cider
    vinegar is a very good antiseptic, if the over production of acid symptoms
    persist you should seek the advice of your medical practitioner.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                   Page 12
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    pH levels – what does it all mean?
    Apple cider vinegar contains many essential nutrients and minerals such as
    potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and iron. It also contains acetic acid
    and some lactic, citric and malic acids. However, when it is digested, apple
    cider vinegar becomes an alkaline forming food – how is this possible?

    The body is made up of 70% water and contains a wide range of solutions
    which may be acidic, neutral or alkaline. Potential of Hydrogen (pH) is a
    measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The higher the pH reading,
    the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the
    more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is. The pH is measured on a scale
    from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline; anything
    below 7.0 is considered acidic.

    The body maintains a blood pH level of 7.35, so our blood needs to be slightly
    alkaline.

    pH is determined by a food’s chemical
    composition and its ability to combine
    with hydrogen. Minerals that combine
    with hydrogen are considered acid
    forming, so sulfur (S), phosphorous (P),
    chlorine (CI) and iodine (I) which combine
    with hydrogen easily are acid forming and sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium
    (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) which do not combine easily with
    hydrogen are alkaline forming.

    Apple cider vinegar is rich in the alkaline forming chemicals; therefore, when it
    is digested it becomes alkaline forming even though it is very acidic prior to
    digestion.

    Concerning acid reflux, apple cider vinegar is a super food. It aids digestion and
    when the vinegar is digested it becomes an alkaline forming food which helps
    maintain a balanced pH level necessary for overall good health – which is a
    win/win in preventing acid reflux.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 13
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Additional remedies for further assistance

    The following remedies consist of 100% natural ingredients and do not require
    you take prescribed or over-the-counter medication for your heartburn, acid
    reflux or GERD symptoms. Most of the ingredients may be found in local
    supermarkets or health food stores and many are available as pre-packaged
    combinations (herbal teas). There are recipes for you to brew for yourself at
    home as well.

    Bananas

    Bananas are a natural antacid, high in fiber, and helpful in relieving your
    immediate GERD symptoms, along with being beneficial to your entire
    digestive system and assisting with regular bowel movements.

    Method

    Eat a banana (with honey drizzled over for taste, if desired) after an acidic
    meal.

    Caution - Green (unripe) bananas should be avoided as they may cause further
    stomach pains.

    Unsweetened Aloe Vera Juice

    Aloe Vera juice is filled with benefits for the digestive system including a
    powerful yet gentle detoxifier. However, you must be careful not to buy
    sweetened versions of this drink from the supermarket, as the sugar or
    artificial sweetener may increase acidity and cause further discomfort. Pure
    aloe vera juice is difficult to obtain from home-grown plants in the backyard
    and there are many varieties of aloe vera plants - some of which are inedible.
    Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase the unsweetened,
    100% natural juice from your local health food store or supermarket if
    available.

    Method

        1. Drink one fluid ounce (30ml) of natural, unsweetened aloe vera juice on
            an empty stomach.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 14
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

     Note: Check the full list of ingredients, even if the label says "natural" or
    "organic", just to be safe.

    Anise & Lavender Tea

    Aniseed is particularly effective in treating fermentation and gas in the
    digestive system. Lavender is also useful with digestion and has the added
    effect of being a mood-balancer. The combination of the two is an excellent
    remedy for high stomach acidity, particularly if stress is a related cause.

    Ingredients

            1/2 teaspoon aniseeds
            1/2 teaspoon dried (edible) lavender
            2 1/2 cups boiled water
            Honey (optional sweetener)

    Method

        1. Infuse aniseeds and lavender in boiled water.
        2. Strain after 3 to 5 minutes
        3. Enjoy with honey as sweetener or on its own, morning and evening or as
            needed.

    Where to buy aniseeds?

            Supermarkets
            Health food stores
            Some Asian grocery stores

    Where to buy lavender?

        1.   Health food stores
        2.   Some Asian grocery stores
        3.   Lavender farms/stores

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 15
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Note: If stress is a big factor in causing stomach acidity, pure essential lavender
    oil is a great mood balancer.

    Slippery Elm Bark

    Slippery elm is an excellent natural remedy when the esophagus and stomach
    linings have been severely damaged from high acidity. Slippery elm works to
    coat and repair the linings and soothes the damaged areas. Slippery elm also
    contains many antioxidants and is available in a powder form or as herbal tea.

    Ingredients

           1 tablespoon slippery elm bark powder
           Water (warm or cool, as desired)
           Honey (optional, as sweetener)

    Method

        1. Stir powder into water
        2. Add honey if desired

    Note: For best results, drink before meals to 'line the gut'

    Ginger

    Ginger helps to absorb excess stomach acid and to calm the nerves. Available
    in capsule, powder or the natural form itself, ginger can be taken before,
    during or after meals and can be added as a condiment to many main courses.
    Ginger root is very helpful with neutralizing high acidity and damage to the
    esophagus as a result of too much spicy food. Below is a recipe for ginger root
    tea.

    Ingredients

           1 teaspoon freshly sliced ginger root
           1 cup boiled water
           Honey (optional sweetener)

    Method

        1. Infuse ginger and boiled water for 5 minutes

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 16
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

        2. Add honey as desired

    Note: May feeling tingling burning sensation at first in the throat, then relief.

    Fennel Seeds

    Fennel seeds have been found to soothe gastrointestinal spasms, high acidity
    and bloating. The seeds may be chewed after a meal or infused with water to
    make tea.

    Ingredients

           1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
           1 Cup boiled water (optional, if making tea)

    Method

        1. Chew dried seeds slowly and thoroughly after meals,

             or

        2. Sip tea gradually after 5 minutes of infusion with boiled water

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                       Page 17
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Long Term Prevention

    Now that we have solved your immediate crisis of heartburn, acid reflux, or
    other symptoms of GERD, wouldn't you like to know how to prevent future
    occurrences of such symptoms? In this section we look at foods which you
    should embrace to achieve healthy digestion and balanced levels of
    hydrochloric acid in the stomach. We also look at foods to avoid.
    Supplementation products are briefly listed, however, professional medical
    advice is recommended. Lifestyle habits may be one of the biggest factors that
    contribute towards symptoms of GERD, so it might be worthwhile considering
    making some changes in order to prevent future digestive problems.

    Candida – What is the low down?
    In a healthy person candida albican is a fungal yeast found in our digestive
    tract, colon and various other places in the body. When it remains yeast it is
    friendly and kept under control by our body’s good bacteria. Under certain
    conditions such as when taking antibiotics, the friendly bacteria which control
    candida are destroyed and the candida can actually change structure and
    become ‘unfriendly’ fungus. It attaches to the wall of the digestive system and
    grows much like mould on a piece of bread.

    The candida begins to ferment and to reflux upwards through the small
    intestines, stomach and then into the esophagus. The fermentation process
    causes gas, bloating, belching and difficulty in digesting foods and can also
    damage the lining of the esophagus. Candida fungus also has been found to
    produce over 70 different toxins, some of which will produce the symptoms of
    acid reflux.

    Unfortunately there is no easy cure for candida. A common way to eliminate it
    is to follow a strict diet/fast which starves candida of the food it thrives on like
    carbohydrates, including starches and sugar. Other things which help eliminate
    candida are natural anti-fungal medication and increased levels of probiotics
    (friendly bacteria).

    Eliminating candida is a separate subject and can be very involved. As some
    females can attest to – yeast infections can be very difficult to eliminate. We
    have listed some of the important changes needed to eliminate candida but for
    a comprehensive resource on eliminating candida - click here.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                     Page 18
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Foods to Embrace

    Below is a list of foods which will help you achieve a healthy digestive system.
    That's not to say, however, that eating just one out of the whole list will ensure
    your digestive health. Too much of anything may result in a bad thing,
    therefore balance is recommended. It is also recommended consulting with a
    medical professional before embarking on strict dietary changes.

    Fresh Fruits

           Apples
           Berries
           Melons
           Pears
           Peaches
           Tangerines

    Why it’s good for you.

    Fruits have an abundance of
    multivitamins, antioxidants,
    fiber and minerals. Fruits are
    easy to digest and aid in the
    functions of the digestive
    system.

    Caution

           Oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit may irritate a damaged esophagus.
           Fruits are also high in sugar, so should be eaten in moderation.
           Try not to consume too much cooked fruits, as the cooked sugar
             becomes more refined and difficult for your system to process.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                   Page 19
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Fresh vegetables

           Beetroot
           Brussels sprouts
           Carrots
           Celery
           Cucumber
           Eggplant
           Lettuce
           Spinach
           Zucchini

    Why it’s good for you.

    Vegetables are abundant in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Many
    studies have shown that a diet high in vegetables may aid with reducing risks
    of cancer; particularly cancers related to gastrointestinal disorders. Vegetables
    are lower in sugar than fruits and higher in digestive enzymes.

    Herbs

           Basil
           Coriander
           Dandelion
           Oregano
           Parsley
           Thyme

    Why it’s good for you.

    Herbs contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are a great
    compliment to any main dish or in a fresh salad.

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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Seeds

           Pumpkin seeds
           Sesame seeds
           Linseeds
           Flax seeds
           Sunflower seeds

    Why it’s good for you.

    Seeds are rich in minerals, fatty acids and enzymes which aid towards
    digestion.

    Sprouts

           Mung bean sprouts
           Alfalfa sprouts
           Green leaf sprouts

    Why it’s good for you.

    Packed with vitamins and enzymes and easy to digest, sprouts are excellent in
    salads or with mains. It's also very easy to grow your own at home.

    Non-refined grains

           Brown rice
           Wholemeal bread

    Why it’s good for you.

    Non-refined foods retain their original organic form, which means the original
    nutrients, vitamins and minerals are not lost in the refining process.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                Page 21
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    High-fiber foods

           Vegetables
           Fruits
           Sprouts
           Seeds
           Grains

    Why it’s good for you.

    Research has shown that diets low in fiber may increase the risk of digestive
    disorders including colorectal and intestinal cancers. Therefore, diets high in
    fiber are essential for a healthy digestive system. Eating fresh foods is always a
    better alternative to unnecessary supplementation, however, if you have a
    busy lifestyle and the food you eat doesn't quite pack the abundance of
    nutrients it is supposed to, it may be worthwhile to consider fiber
    supplements.

    Fish

           Salmon
           Tuna

    Why it’s good for you.

    Fish are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids and are a great source of
    protein.

    Caution

           Organic fish is the best choice as it has less mercury and toxic metals
           Though the fatty acids are best when fish is eaten in its raw form
             (sashimi), a person suffering GERD may find increased risk of bacteria
             or parasite infections from eating raw meat of any form.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                     Page 22
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Yoghurt

    Why it’s good for you.

    Yoghurt is a digestive aid and contains an abundance of good bacteria which
    help to fight off bad ones (e.g. Candida).

    Foods to Avoid

    Sometimes it may be inevitable that you have one or two small portions of the
    foods listed below and that's okay. Don't stress yourself with guilt about eating
    an item in the foods below (unless a Doctor has strictly ordered that you are
    not allowed to eat it!). These are recommendations only and most of these
    foods are safe to eat in very small quantities.

    Red meat

           Steak
           Bacon
           Pork
           Lamb

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Red meat has a very high fat content; even lean red meat is high in fat. Also,
    red meat can be filled with toxins, uric acid and steroids, and can cause a lot of
    digestive problems as it is difficult to digest.

    To minimize the effect...

           Buy organic red meat
           Consume small portions at each meal
           Consume high fiber foods with the meat during the meal (e.g. non-
             starchy vegetables).

    Legumes

           Beans (kidney, navy, soy, broad, butter, northern, pinto, black, red)
           Chick peas
           Peanuts

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                   Page 23
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Legumes are gas-forming foods, which means they tend to aggravate GERD.

    To minimize the effect...

           Soak beans overnight and cook them slowly to minimize the gases
             formed.

    Egg white

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Eggwhite is problematic due to its binding properties which create mucus and
    clog the digestive system. Many people may also have allergic reactions to egg
    whites or have resulting Candida overgrowth and consequently heartburn
    symptoms.

    Processed foods

    Processed foods have a lot of chemicals in them which are harmful to our
    systems. Rather, try to eat as much organic foods as possible.

    Refined foods

           White rice
           White flour

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Refined foods have been distorted from their original organic form, which
    means a lot of their original nutrients, vitamins and minerals no longer exist
    when you consume them. These foods become difficult to digest and also slow
    down the digestive process; often contributing to Candida growth as well as
    acid reflux symptoms. It is best to make substitutions with whole products,
    such as wholemeal bread instead of white bread.

    White Sugar
    Why it’s bad for you.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                Page 24
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    White sugar has been processed from sugar cane's original form, meaning that
    the original fiber and nutrients have been completed stripped and the result is
    a chemical which is unrecognizable to the human body. Aside from risks
    associated with developing type-2 diabetes and increased sugar consumption,
    white sugar stimulates the body to create androgenic hormones, which are
    used to metabolize glucose. Increases in androgenic hormone levels may
    however stress the liver and create hormonal imbalances, which then lead to
    heartburn. White sugar may also aggravate Candida growth, which also leads
    to acid reflux.

    White sugar can affect the immune system, which is the number one defense
    system against the stomach bugs which may also cause symptoms of GERD.

    Good substitute

           Honey - used sparingly

    Wheat or yeast products

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Wheat and yeast products are breeding grounds for Candida as well as other
    fungal infections, which may be a huge factor when experiencing symptoms of
    GERD.

    Hydrogenated and partly-hydrogenated oils

    Examples of partly hydrogenated oils

           Margarine
           Mayonnaise
           Fried foods

    Examples of partly hydrogenated oils

           Vegetable oils

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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Why it’s bad for you?

    Hydrogenated oils are unrecognized by the human body and can clog the
    digestive system, as well as contribute to Candida overgrowth and heartburn.

    Good substitutes

           Extra virgin olive oil (chilled, e.g. as a salad dressing)
           Flaxseed oil (chilled, e.g. as a salad dressing)

    Alcohol

    Why it’s bad for you?

    Alcohol can damage the stomach lining, aggravate GERD symptoms, aggravate
    heartburn, cause liver problems, increase Candida growth and cause reflux
    esophagitis.

    Coffee

    Why it’s bad for you?

    Caffeine increases stomach acidity and therefore aggravates symptoms of
    GERD and causes heartburn sensations. Caffeine also causes the pressure of
    the LES to decrease, which results in reflux. Decaffeinated coffee is no
    exception.

    Substitutes

        Herbal teas

    Dairy (except yoghurt)

           Milk
           Cheese
           Cream

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                  Page 26
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Why it’s bad for you.

    Dairy products are highly acidic and can aggravate acid reflux. Dairy products
    are also breeding grounds for Candida and other bacteria.

    Substitutes

           Nut milks (e.g. sesame, almond)
           Nut creams (e.g. macadamia)

    High Fat Foods

    Why it’s bad for you?

    Too much saturated fat in the diet can lead to acid reflux, as the gallbladder
    needs to work very hard to process it, and this weakens the LES. High-fat diets
    lead to heartburn and other digestive disorders.

    Supplementation

    Here is a list of items you may need to consider, in addition to a healthier diet.
    However, it is always best to consult with a professional such as your family
    doctor, naturopath or nutritionist before taking these items extensively.

           Essential fatty acids
           Colostrum
           Magnesium
           Vitamin A
           B-complex vitamins
           Vitamin C
           Coconut oil – very beneficial for diabetics
           Digestive enzymes
           Methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM)
           Demulcents, bitters and carminatives
           Chlorella

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                    Page 27
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD

    Lifestyle Changes

    As we said at the start of this chapter, lifestyle habits are a big factor for
    recurring symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux or GERD. Here is a list of points to
    keep in mind to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent future acid reflux or
    GERD symptoms.

           Stay hydrated
           Avoid smoking
           Eat smaller meals at night
           Avoid exercise after meals
           Wear unrestrictive clothing
           Avoid stressful situations
           Regular detox (consult with a professional)
           Stay 'in-tune' with your body

    Finally
    Once again, congratulations on taking action. We sincerely hope that the
    information which has been provided has set you free of acid reflux. For the
    majority of you that have experienced success we would love for you to send
    us feedback detailing how it went. Click Here To Provide Us With Your Valuable
    Feedback.

    Also, if the remedy didn’t work for you (and it sometimes doesn’t for whatever
    reason, including misdiagnosis and food allergy) we will stand by our guarantee
    and refund the full purchase price of this remedy. It is more important to us to
    have a 100% satisfied customer rather than make it difficult for a customer to
    receive a refund just so we can keep the initial small purchase price.

    It is our goal to bring together a group of like-minded people and provide good
    quality information about natural remedies... not for us to have a snatch and
    grab attitude – that is not what we are about.

    Wishing you nothing less than perfect health.

    Regards,

    Stephen Oliver.

©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved                                  Page 28
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