Heartburn - Galway Independent

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Written by Dr. Bhatti

Wednesday, 05 September 2007

Chamomile, ginger, liquorice root or meadowsweet may ease the symptoms of heartburn caused by indigestion, writes Dr Bhatti

Many people suffer the uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition known as heartburn. The primary symptom of heartburn is a burning pain in the chest just under the breastbone. This pain may worsen when bending over, lying down or eating. It may also be more frequent or worse at night. Some people find that they also experience a feeling of bloating, belching and flatulence, especially if the condition is caused by indigestion.
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Most people have experienced occasional heartburn from eating rich spicy food or eating too fast. A percentage of people, however, may experience heartburn on a regular basis. Persistent heartburn should always be checked out by your health care professional to rule out underlying conditions that may be contributing. Factors that can cause heartburn include obesity, hiatus hernia, pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, gastric outlet obstruction (a partial blockage caused by scarring, an ulcer or a growth near the valve pylorus in the stomach that controls the flow of food into the small intestine), abnormal nerve or muscle functions that delay emptying of the stomach, a rare stomach disorder called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which produces too much acid in the stomach. More common causes of heartburn are indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease causes stomach acid or bile to flow back into the oesophagus. Certain lifestyle and dietary choices may cause heartburn in some people. These include eating fatty and spicy foods, chocolate, onions, tomato sauce, mint and drinking caffeinated drinks and carbonated beverages. Alcohol can cause heartburn in some people, so keep it to a minimum or eliminate it completely from the diet. Cigarette smoking too may exacerbate heartburn. Basic things to help alleviate the condition include: not lying down too soon after eating, eating smaller and more frequent meals and making sure there is a two to three hour gap between eating and exercise.
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Complementary approaches to heartburn may prove beneficial. Research suggests that regular acupuncture treatments can rebalance acid levels and alleviate tension. An herbalist or naturopath may offer a range of herbs depending on the cause of the heartburn. For heartburn caused by indigestion, chamomile, ginger, liquorice root or meadowsweet may be offered. Herbs that help sooth the inflammation caused by heartburn include a teaspoon of slippery elm powder in a cup of boiling water or warm milk. Add a dash of cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey and sip away. Colonic irrigation and a programme to restore digestive health are sometimes recommended. The best way to deal with ongoing heartburn that is not related to any kind of serious medical condition is prevention. Stay away from offending foods and beverages, eat little and often, drink plenty of water and herbal teas and reduce anxiety and stress.
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Avoid eating late and chew your food properly without rushing. Sometimes, simply eliminating coffee, chocolate and alcohol from your diet can soothe the symptoms of heartburn.
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Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions.
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Next week’s topic is blushing. If you would like a topic covered, please contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

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