Heartburn and Stomach Acid: 5 Ways to Support Digestion & My Best Natural Antacid

If you struggle with reflux or heartburn, you’re not alone.

Let me start by saying that our stomach is acidic by design.

Stomach acid isn’t something that we should be battling or suppressing.

What does stomach acid do?

Stomach acid helps us digest protein, absorb certain minerals and kill many germs that may be hitchhiking on our food. It also helps set the stage for digestion further down the line.

Heartburn and stomach acid: what’s the connection?

Heartburn doesn’t automatically mean too much stomach acid. For many people its the opposite.

I know this feels counterintuitive. Stay with me.

We have something called the lower oesophageal sphincter — LES for short.

This LES is basically a little ring of muscle located at the base of our oesophagus that is designed to keep stomach contents where they belong — in the stomach.

When it weakens or relaxes when it shouldn’t, stomach contents can wash back up into the oesophagus. That’s reflux.

In my experience, clients who struggle with acid reflux can benefit from supporting the natural production of stomach acid rather than suppressing it further.

Heartburn doesn’t automatically mean too much stomach acid. For many people its the opposite.

5 ways to naturally support digestion

1. Manage stress

Stress and digestion don’t mix particularly well. Think about it: when you’re in fight-or-flight mode, it isn’t time to be digesting your sandwich.

A perceived threat — like watching the news — can trigger a stress response, too. Stress affects digestive function

2. Eat real food

Processed foods are a drain and a burden on digestion. Food processing often removes fibre and certain nutrients that are beneficial to digestion.

Interested in learning more? Take this podcast on your next walk or drive.

3. Chew carefully

Inhaling our food without careful chewing skips an important part of digestion. Careful chewing is the front line of digestion.

4. Explore fermented foods

Naturally fermented foods can be a useful addition to a varied diet. Naturally fermented foods are chock-full of enzymes which support digestion.

⭐Best natural antacid⭐

 Next time you feel heartburn.
Take 2 or 3 ounces of plain milk kefir before you pop a tums or a Gaviscon.
It works wonders and it doesn’t suppress your stomach acid.

5. Consider whether digestive enzymes are appropriate

My naturopathic approach is to support digestion rather than simply slay the acid.

Digestive enzymes may have a place in certain situations, but choosing a supplement should depend on what’s actually going on with your digestion.

Explore my digestive enzyme recommendations

Small changes deserve a chance

If your digestion regularly interrupts the pleasure of your food, it may deserve a little attention. Don’t underestimate the power of small changes. Start with these simple tips and let me know how it goes.

If heartburn keeps coming back, have it assessed. Speak with your prescriber before changing reflux medication. Trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss or signs of bleeding need prompt medical attention.

Kim,
ox

Did someone come to mind while you were reading this? Share this article with them now. A small tip or a fresh perspective could give them a useful place to start.

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