 |
       home/science/Indigestion and Heartburn |
| home/Community |
For orders & info: 1-800-793-2601
| Indigestion and Heartburn |
| Description: term used to describe gaseousness or fullness; also sometimes used to refer to heartburn.
Cause: In the case of heartburn, often caused by foods, or by a hiatal hernia. May also be caused by low levels of gastric acid, which leads to improper digestion of food. Useful Supplements: Acidophilus, Lactase. Useful Herbs: Blessed Thistle, Chamomile, Devil’s Claw, Fennel, Lemon Balm, Licorice, Oregon Grape, Wormwood, Yarrow. Further information: Indigestion is an abdominal discomfort which may include feelings of fullness, bloating, nausea, and gasiness. It is often caused by foods (often spicy, but varying from person to person), alcohol, or carbonated drinks. Common causes of indigestion can include stress, overeating, fatty or greasy foods, ulcers, and some medications. Indigestion can often be prevented by eating slowly and avoiding high-stress situations. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the throat just below the level of the breastbone. The pain often feels like it starts in the chest, and radiates toward the neck and throat. It is caused by the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. It often is related to reflux, but may be caused by some medications. Some doctors believe that it may be caused by too little stomach acid, rather than the commonly assumed too much acid.1 Heartburn may be avoided by restriction of diet. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and citrus may prevent symptoms from occurring. Meals should not be eaten less than three hours before bedtime. Weight loss and exercise may also help. Antacids may help provide symptomatic relief as well. The following nutrients and herbs may be effective in the prevention and treatment of heartburn and indigestion: If digestive problems are caused by lactose intolerance, taking Lactase may help ease digestion. Acidophilus may also be helpful, as it is a natural source of Lactase. Blessed Thistle is traditionally used to ease gas, constipation, and general stomach pains. Its bitterness is believed to stimulate digestive activity and improve digestion.2 Chamomile has long been used for its relaxing properties. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and can ease the pain of inflamed and irritated membranes in the digestive tract, promoting normal digestive processing.3 Chamomile tea taken three to four times daily is an effective way to add this herb to your diet. Devil’s Claw, like Blessed Thistle, causes the stomach to increase its acid production, improving digestion.4 Fennel has been shown to prevent spasms in muscles such as those of the intestinal tract.5 This may help prevent gas and upset stomach. Lemon Balm relaxes the stomach and relieves gas.6 It should not be used by patients with glaucoma, however, as it may cause increased eye pressure. Licorice encourages the production of mucin, which protects the digestive tract against difficulties caused by stomach acid.7 It can be taken before meals and at least an hour before bedtime to ease indigestion problems.8 Licorice should not be taken by patients with high blood pressure or heart disease. Licorice root in its deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL) may not cause problems with blood pressure. Oregon Grape reduces smooth muscle spasms and stimulates digestive function.9 It should not be used by patients with liver damage or hepatitis, as it may cause jaundice.10 Wormwood’s bitter components stimulate digestive function.11 Yarrow has long been used to ease indigestion. It reduces smooth muscle spasm in animals,12 and may do the same with humans. References: |
| Back to top |