What causes Heartburn?
Natural Relief
🔥 What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the heart. About 60 million Americans experience it monthly.
How It Happens
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Food enters the stomach via the esophagus.
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The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and pepsin to digest proteins.
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A valve at the top of the stomach normally keeps acid in place.
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If this valve weakens or is pressured, acid escapes into the esophagus, which lacks protective mucus—causing irritation and burning.
⚠️ When It Becomes Serious
Occasional heartburn is common and usually harmless. But frequent episodes can lead to:
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GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Chronic acid reflux that damages the esophagus.
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Complications: Scar tissue, narrowing of the esophagus, and increased cancer risk.
🧪 Root Causes of Acid Reflux
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1. Poor Digestion
The more protein foods are cooked, the more their proteins are denatured. Denatured proteins become "leathery" making it more difficult for digestive juices to penetrate the tissues and break down the particles. Greasy fried foods create the same problem because water and oil do not mix. The grease coats the food particles, preventing penetration by the hydrochloric acid.
When food is not thoroughly chewed, it is harder for digestive juices to penetrate the food; so food needs to be chewed thoroughly to help digestive secretions blend with food particles. Overeating also causes acid indigestion, as the stomach becomes overburdened with more food than it can handle. Food winds up not being digested properly, which causes the body to signal for more production of acid.
2. Trigger Foods
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Common culprits: onions, chocolate, coffee, citrus, tomatoes, garlic, sugar, spicy foods.
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These may provoke excess acid or allergic-like responses.
3. Mechanical Pressure
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Bloating, tight clothes, pregnancy, lying down after meals, and stress push acid upward.
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Hiatal Hernia: When part of the stomach slips through the diaphragm, it disrupts the valve and causes chronic reflux.
🌿 Natural Relief
🔹 If not enough acid production
Believe it or not, acid reflux can actually be a sign that the body is not producing enough hydrochloric acid to properly digest proteins.
Suggestion
Food Enzymes
PDA (Protein Digestive Aid)
Digestive bitter
🔹 If too much acid production in the stomach
This condition is usually due to overeating and stress. It may also be due to eating too many grains and refined carbohydrates and not enough protein and vegetables.
Suggestion
Stomach Comfort (Antacid for occasional acid indigestion)
🔹 If boating is a problem
Use carminatives to relieve gas pressure. Carminative herbs are herbs that help to relieve flatulence and bloating. They stimulate the digestive system, promoting the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.
Suggestion
Activated Charcoal
It has a surface that latches onto gas and toxins and is very effective against food poisoning, diarrhea and severe gas and bloating. It absorbs toxins from the digestive tract and also absorbs bile, helping to reduce cholesterol levels.
Catnip & Fennel
Ginger
🔹 If to heal damage to the esophagus & digestive tract
To heal damage to the esophagus and digestive tract due to acid reflux, soothing mucilaginous remedies are needed.
Suggestion
Aloe Vera Juice
By sipping small amounts of aloe diluted in water, the burning or inflammation in the esophagus due to the acid reflux can be cooled and soothed. Aloe will also help to normalize the pH of the body, reducing over acidity in general.
🧠 Final Takeaway
Heartburn is often a sign of poor digestion—not just excess acid. Addressing food choices, digestive support, and mechanical pressure can resolve symptoms naturally and reduce reliance on antacids.