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Heartburn

Learning and Development

Heartburn affects the majority of the population at some time in their lives. At best this is an occasional, short-lived pain but it can be a persistent problem, taking away the enjoyment of eating, and potentially causing damage to the body. Heartburn can be alarming, and at times is mistaken for a heart attack.

Heartburn occurs when acid contents of the stomach leak back into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Usually a valve at the opening of the stomach prevents this, however, weakness in this valve causes it to be inefficient and acidic food from the stomach is able to push past it. The oesophagus walls are not protected against acidic substances as the stomach is and therefore this causes the familiar burning sensation. The more acidic the stomach contents, the more painful this will be. If this happens frequently, inflammation and then scarring of the oesophagus walls can occur.

Conventional therapy uses antacids to neutralise stomach acid. While this treats the symptoms, the underlying causes remain, and heartburn continues. Moreover, well-known side effects of antacids include flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea, and due to their aluminium content, increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

To effectively treat heartburn it is necessary to strengthen the valve and reduce acid production in the stomach. Additionally it may be necessary to treat damage to the oesophagus walls.

Several factors can weaken the valve. An increase in pressure inside the abdomen puts pressure on the valve, and in time will weaken it. Overweight, overeating and constipation all have this effect, and can all be treated as a means of overcoming heartburn. Pregnancy is another factor, but if heartburn occurs during this time there is likely to be an underlying weakness predisposing towards heartburn.

Contraction and relaxation of all muscles in the body depends upon a number of factors. Fundamental to the functioning of muscles is the balance of minerals in the body; in particular sodium and potassium, calcium and magnesium. When the balance of these is disrupted muscle control will be weakened. Basic treatment and supplementation can correct this.

Particular foods tend to relax the muscle, letting foods pass back into the oesophagus. Chocolate, peppermint, alcohol and fatty foods all have a relaxant effect.

Overproduction of stomach acid is encouraged by stress, coffee (including decaffeinated), Coke, beer and milk. Avoidance of these foods is important. Eating food in a relaxed and leisurely manner is very important for maintaining optimum levels of acid in the stomach. A number of herbs can be used to calm stomach acid secretions. Among others, Aloe Vera is a well known herb with a calming effect on stomach secretions.

Healing damaged walls of the oesophagus requires essential nutrients. In particular zinc and vitamin C. Glutamine is also useful for healing damaged membranes.