It's been known for some time. Many folk remedies that will significantly alleviate heartburn symptoms, even if victims must realize that a complete program of treatment must still be followed to truly eradicate heartburn. But what can folk remedies do on their own to help heartburn? The first priority for many victims of heartburn, stunned by the inadequacy of classical medicine (typically only providing temporary relief and undesirable side effects), is to know if folk remedies can do any better.



Infrequent (perhaps once a week) heartburn may happen to anyone. Chronic heartburn however immediately raises the question of GERD - gastro esophageal reflux disease, also known simply as acid reflux. Heartburn, symptom of GERD, is as its name suggests, a burning pain in the esophagus just below the breastbone.

Usually, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens only to let foodstuffs into the stomach and then shuts before stomach acid can reflux into the esophagus. It is when the LES activates randomly or fails to fully close, that acid splashes back into the esophagus, attacking the lining and triggering the burning sensation of heartburn, a symptom of GERD. GERD is really a mechanical problem. It is the weakness of the LES that encourages acid reflux up into the esophageal passage from the stomach.

The problem of the strength leaking away from the LES can be due to a number of causes. Genetically inherited weaknesses, bad sleeping, obesity, stress and the wrong foods can all contribute. These are the real causes that must be dealt with directly, and not just the symptoms if real alleviation is to be gained from heartburn. Because the ineffectiveness of the LES is a major cause, just like the excess of acidity in the stomach, any appropriate solution must include measures concerning lifestyle, dietary and medical underlying causes. It should be noted that extra acidity can also be provoked as well by Candida infection, and not just certain types of diet and lifestyle.

Scientific research in the near past suggests that traditional remedies may well be effective. Folk remedies to treat with GERD were discovered far earlier than modern medicinal treatments. Examples of such folk remedies that assist in the reduction of heartburn are:

1. Lowering the foot of your bed. A 6 to 8 inches difference will limit the upward flow of gastric acid and spare your esophagus.

2. In order to position your esophagus to be higher than your stomach in bed, sleep on your left side. The disposition of the stomach (towards the left) and the esophagus entering it from the right will reduce the reflux of acid.

3. Because honey reduces inflammations in general, intake of a small amount of honey (in its natural state) will also bring alleviation to the esophagus. This is due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

4. Green tea aids digestion and helps to restore the right acid/alkali balance. The effect is heightened with Ginseng.

5. Eat more but smaller meals per day. Smaller meals are easier to digest and allow you to eat more slowly, this decreasing any potential overload on your digestive system.

6. Drink water after you've finished one meal and before you begin the next one. Mineral water in particular can help to re-establish the acid alkaline balance in your digestive tract.

It must be remembered that while folk remedies can be excellent for symptom reduction, they need to be part of a bigger picture. As part of a full plan, folk remedies can make good contributions to the development of a heartburn free life.

Were you aware of the only effective way deal with the painful heartburn of today that can be no more than a memory tomorrow, by the use of 100% natural remedies integrating also effective folk cures?