Heartburn Relief Without Dangerous Drugs?

Stabbing pain, burning stomach pain, burning throat pain, nausea, gas, acid taste, constant dry cough, HELP! Most of these symptoms are caused by acid reflux, GERD or indigestion. You’ve probably heard the recent bad press that has been released about how certain antacids can possibly cause cancer, bone loss and other health problems. Let’s break it down and provide some alternatives.

First, I will describe these conditions:

Acid Reflux and GERD: Acid Reflux and GERD are the same condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a miserable feeling that can cause sleepless nights, inability to eat or the agony of constant pain or the stress of the anticipation of pain if you eat the wrong food.

Indigestion: Dyspepsia is the medical term for this condition which is the pain and discomfort you feel after overeating, eating foods that you are sensitive to, drinking too much alcohol or taking medication. Indigestion can also be caused by acid reflux. The symptoms can be similar and include bloating, feeling of fullness of food that never seems to digest, stomach pain, swallowing air while eating, burping/belching, gas and burning stomach pain.

Most of us have had these symptoms occasionally. Did you know that these symptoms can strike us at any age including infants, children and teens!

If any of these symptoms persist, please see your doctor to rule out anything that could be serious as these symptoms can be related to diseases such as IBS, pancreatitis, thyroid, cancers, hiatal hernia and ulcers. If you are on medication you may have these symptoms as side effects of taking the medication. Medications taken on an empty stomach are a common culprit like aspirin, steroids or antibiotics. You will want to rule that out as not being part of the problem or finding new medications or medications that you can take with food.

Lifestyle choices of are the most common cause for most of these symptoms that cause stomach pain. Before reaching for medication I recommend the natural and quick pain relief of using a Happi Tummi. Best of all would be to make decisions to try to avoid the problem in the first place.

If the pain is not from medication or disease, then consider this list to determine ways to avoid the problem:

1. Don’t eat anything, not even a snack at least 3 hours before going to bed.
2. Eat smaller portions and avoid overeating.
3. Avoid your trigger foods and drinks if you know what they are.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods and fried foods.
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables to add fiber to avoid constipation as a trigger
6. Maintain a healthy, optimal weight which may mean losing weight.
7. If you smoke, now is the time to stop
8. Take a natural digestive enzyme supplement with Betaine HCL, Pepsin and other ingredients to help digest food and bring the stomach to a more desirable PH, especially while eating proteins. Not enough acid in the stomach can cause acid reflux too.

Some of the items on the list are easier to do than others but it is important for your long-term health. Constant irritation of acid in the esophagus can lead to serious complications. Long term use of antacids can lead to health complications as well and is not a long-term solution.

For temporary relief of pain and discomfort use Happi Tummi, digestive enzymes, take a tablespoon of fermented apple cider vinegar with water before you eat to aid in digestion, try ginger or peppermint tea and avoid carbonated beverages.

Listen to your body and make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat more vegetables and if you struggle with that take Juice Plus which is 30 very pure fruits and vegetables in capsules (available at meneses1.juiceplus.com or contact me via email dianes@happitummi.com).

When you do overeat or make poor choices, have a Happi Tummi on hand for quick relief or try one of the other recommended solutions other than drugs.

By Diane Bokor Sargisian, Happi Tummi Health Coach

Happi Tummi is committed to the health of the whole family, providing comfort for the stomach, when you need it most. Check out our products at www.happitummi.com.