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 Page 1
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 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 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 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 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 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. ©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 20
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 ©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 25
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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