The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD - 2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved
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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD ©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 1
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page
Disclaimer 4
Congratulations 5
What is acid reflux, GERD & heartburn 5
What causes acid reflux 6
The two ingredients: 6
o Honey 6
o Pregnant women, infants & honey – is it safe? 7
o Should I take honey alone or with food? 7
o Apple cider vinegar 8
o How does apple cider vinegar stop acid reflux 8
o Do you use: 9
o Honey only 9
o Apple Cider Vinegar only 9
o Combination of both 9
Initial relief – what now? 10
Cut the crunch 10
The science behind the remedy 10
pH levels – what does it all mean? 13
Additional remedies for further assistance 14
o Bananas 14
o Unsweetened aloe vera juice 14
o Anise & lavender tea 15
o Slippery elm bark 16
o Ginger 16
o Fennel seeds 17
Long term prevention 18
Candida – what is the low down 18
Foods to embrace: 19
o Fresh fruits 19
o Fresh vegetables 20
o Seeds 21
o Sprouts 21
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 2
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
o Non-refined grains 21
o High fiber foods 22
o Fish 22
o Yoghurt 23
Foods to avoid: 23
o Red meat 23
o Legumes 23
o Egg white 24
o Processed foods 24
o White sugar 24
o Wheat & yeast products 25
o Hydrogenated & partly hydrogenated oils 25
o Alcohol 26
o Coffee 26
o Dairy (except yoghurt) 26
o High fat foods 27
Supplementation 27
Lifestyle changes 28
Finally 28
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 3
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Disclaimer
ATTENTION
The contents of this book are only to be used as a guide and must not be
relied upon as medical advice.
The author is not a doctor. Medical attention and diagnosis should be
sought from a qualified medical practitioner, especially prior to beginning
any program of nutrition, exercise or remedy.
The remedies offered in this book may not be effective for every person.
As each individual’s circumstances and diagnosis is different, and the
specifics of acid reflux, GERD & heartburn differ, success will vary.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 4
The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Congratulations
You’ve made a wise choice to eliminate your acid reflux naturally. We are
grateful that you have trusted us to provide a remedy for your acid reflux.
Firstly, this report defines acid reflux and provides details of two natural health
foods which quickly eliminate it. We then discuss the science behind the
remedy. Finally, we discuss lifestyle and diet changes which can greatly reduce
further bouts of acid reflux.
You will not experience any side effects by using these natural health foods; in
fact they provide great overall health benefits...not just in the treatment of
acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux, GERD & Heartburn?
Acid reflux is the common term used for gastro-esophageal reflux disease
(GERD). It occurs when acid in the stomach escapes back
past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the
esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the
mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle that acts
as a one way valve between the esophagus and the
stomach to allow food to pass into the stomach. The
muscle normally stops the contents of the stomach from
spilling (refluxing) back up past the LES or one way valve.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, where a person feels a burning
sensation in the middle of the chest and/or throat, often accompanied by a
bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat. The burning sensation is caused
by the stomach acid irritating the lining of the esophagus.
Most people experience bouts of heartburn from time to time, but a person
who experiences persistent heartburn (twice a week or more) is considered to
have gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux is usually experienced as the result of one or a combination of the
following conditions:
Low pH of stomach acid
Weak muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Random relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Over production of stomach acid
A hiatal hernia, which occurs when the upper part of the stomach
pushes through an opening in the diaphragm and up into the chest.
Candida albicans overgrowth
So let’s get stuck straight into the remedy. Then we will discuss alternative
remedies and lifestyle changes which will help you
remain free of acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.
The two ingredients:
1. Honey – raw natural honey
2. Apple cider vinegar
Honey - How does it help?
Honey is definitely one of those home remedies
which may seem 'too good to be true, however,
honey is a brilliant antioxidant, bacteria-fighter, anti-inflammatory and
stimulator of tissue healing. Therefore, honey helps the esophagus and
stomach lining to regenerate itself from acidic damage.
Honey helps to heal the damaged esophagus by coating the lining which has
been damaged by the acidic conditions of acid reflux. The honey coating also
protects the esophagus against further damage from stomach acid.
Compared to other medications, honey has no side effects (unless a person is
allergic to honey) and can be used in a long-term preventative regime.
Antacids reduce the acidic conditions of the stomach but, on the other hand,
do nothing in terms of repairing a damaged esophagus. This is why honey is
such a great remedy. It is cheap, natural and has no side effects even if taken
for months at a time, unlike prescription medications and antacids which can
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The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
have serious side effects if taken for any longer than two weeks.
Honey can also be used as a complementary medication. If your doctor has
prescribed medication, you are still able to use honey to complement the
healing process because it does not interfere with medications. The healing
process of a severely damaged esophagus may take months and honey is a
very gentle form of medication which both stimulates healing and prevents
future damage.
METHOD
1. Ingest 1 – 2 tablespoon(s) of pure honey alone, allowing it to slowly
trickle down the throat
or...
2. Mix honey into a glass of warm water and drink.
Repeat whenever heartburn or GERD symptoms re-appear.
Raw honey which has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered provides the
best results. Also, darker colored honey is recommended as it usually has less
water and more antioxidants than light-colored honey.
Pregnant women, infants & honey – is it safe?
Research has shown that it is safe for pregnant women to ingest honey,
however, it is not recommended for children up to 3 years old, as their
digestive system is not yet developed enough to handle a type of bacterial
spore (Clostridium Botulinum) which is found in honey. In severe cases honey
can be fatal to infants under 3 years of age
Should I take honey alone or with food?
Some say that to treat acid reflux with honey properly, you should take the
honey with a piece of bread before meals in order to transport the honey to
the lower part of the esophagus and give it a proper coating. This is good
advice; however, for people suffering from acid reflux after a meal, it is
recommended they take 1 tablespoon of honey as is.
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Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic. It therefore relieves reflux symptoms
which are a result of insufficient hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, which
is the most common cause of acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar also helps the
body to maintain a balanced pH level in the long-term.
How does apple cider vinegar stop acid reflux?
As we get older our body slows down (our eyesight grows dimmer, our joints
ache from wear and tear, etc.) and for some people the pH of their stomach
acid is not lowered enough for the stomach to properly do its job. As a result
food ferments in our stomach and can even start to rot. The fermentation
produces gas which can manifest as acid reflux.
Apple cider vinegar introduces more acid into the
stomach and assists the digestion process. It also
acts as a purifier, which helps to break down
fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits, as well as
detoxifying the blood. Taking apple cider vinegar
with meals allows stomach acidity to be
maintained at its optimal balance. It has the
added bonus of becoming an alkaline forming
food after digestion, which helps to maintain the
correct pH balance.
With an abundance of potassium, apple cider vinegar also works to help
towards tissue repair. Potassium has been found to have restraining influences
on people who are emotionally excitable or nervous; hence when heartburn
causes are psychological, apple cider vinegar may help to relax people and
calm them down.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 8The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
METHOD
1. Take 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small glass of water
as soon as reflux symptoms are felt. Use only a small amount of
water as the water dilutes the vinegar rendering it less effective.
Some people can drink the vinegar straight but we understand the
majority of people cannot drink vinegar without adding something
to it.
2. You may feel a small burning sensation for about 5 seconds, then
relief.
Reminder - purchase good quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider
vinegar. It’s the vinegar with the ‘good stuff’ called mother floating around in
the bottom of the bottle. Popular brands include Bragg, Melrose and Aspall
(Europe) which are available in health food stores and some supermarkets.
Do You Use:
1. honey only
2. apple cider vinegar only
3. a combination of both?
You will have to determine which combination works best for you. We suggest
you start by taking honey. For a large percentage of people, raw honey
eliminates the problem. If you find you are still enduring acid reflux after
ingesting honey then try the apple cider vinegar, either by drinking it straight
or mixing it with a small amount of water. You can mix some honey in with the
mixture or wait a few minutes after taking the vinegar and then take the
honey.
If you use apple cider vinegar, we recommend you also take the honey because
it will not alter the curing effect of the vinegar and will assist the body to heal
any damage the esophagus may have suffered.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 9The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Initial relief...what now?
The honey and apple cider vinegar will provide immediate relief. Over the next
2 – 3 days you should continue to take the ingredients whenever you
experience the symptoms of acid reflux. The honey will assist the esophagus in
its healing.
For the 2 – 3 days following the commencement of this remedy you should...
Cut the crunch.
Avoid crunchy foods which may continue to damage the esophagus. Most
people understand what it is like to experience a burn to the skin, which is
what happens internally with acid reflux. The rising stomach acid damages the
lining of the esophagus, but unfortunately we cannot place a bandaid or
sticking plaster over the wound and wait for it to heal.
The issue with crunchy foods is that they are pushed past the damaged
esophagus lining which aggravates the wound and slows the healing process.
To allow the damaged lining to heal quickly avoid crunchy foods like nuts,
toast, breakfast cereals, popcorn and cookies.
It is advisable to eat soft foods and to pay extra attention to the amount of
time you chew your food. Chew your food until it is very soft and has mixed
with a good amount of saliva. This may sound easy but if you are accustomed
to eating fast, the brain tells you to swallow and it is difficult to keep chewing
your food without involuntarily swallowing. It is a skill which needs to be
practiced!
The science behind the remedy.
To understand acid reflux we need to understand the digestive process.
A hormone called gastrin is triggered when food comes in contact with the
walls of the stomach, which in turn triggers the production of hydrochloric
acid. The hydrochloric acid begins the digestion process and also lowers the pH
level in the stomach. When the pH level is sufficiently low enough, the pyloric
valve (the valve at the bottom of the stomach) receives a signal to open,
allowing chyme (partly digested food) to move forward into the duodenum
and then onto the small intestine. Until the pyloric valve gets the go ahead and
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 10The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
opens, everything stays in the stomach, including the food and gastric juices
which contain the stomach acid.
A common misconception about acid reflux is that your stomach is producing
too much acid. In fact, it is normal for your stomach to produce more acid per
day than what it can hold. Therefore, the acid, along with the other contents of
the stomach usually flows forwards down past the opened pyloric valve and
into the duodenum after the stomach has finished its digestive work. The acid
is neutralized in the duodenum and then continues on into the small intestine.
But prior to entering the duodenum the contents remain in the stomach until
the pH level is low (acidic) enough to signal to the pyloric valve to open, so
until this valve opens the contents of the stomach continue to rise towards the
LES. In the case of acid reflux, the issue is not that the stomach is producing
too much acid; rather the pH of the acid is not low enough to do its job and
signal to the pyloric valve to open. This results in the contents of the stomach
refluxing back past the LES and into the esophagus – which is when the pain of
heartburn is felt.
So the function of stomach acid is three-fold. Firstly, the stomach acid breaks
down the protein in our food. Secondly, it has the important function of killing
any bacteria that may be present in the food which we have eaten. Having a
sufficiently acidic pH level is important because any foreign bacteria need to be
eliminated in the stomach before they pass into the intestines and cause an
infection to develop. Thirdly, stomach acid contributes to lowering the pH
level, which signals to the pyloric valve to open.
Lowering your stomach’s pH level to a more acidic level by eating or drinking
any acidic food is not the answer. You cannot just go out and drink a whole
bottle of soda pop, which is very acidic, and expect the problem to disappear.
The body needs to neutralize the acid when it enters the duodenum. If the
body is in an acidic state it means there may be less available bicarbonate in
the blood to raise the pH to the correct levels to be able to neutralize the
stomach acid. The body starts borrowing alkalizing minerals from our bones,
body tissue or organs to help raise the pH to the correct level which can lead to
disease of the organs where the minerals have been ‘borrowed’.
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Essentially, what needs to happen is the body has to produce acid, which it
does in the stomach to break down, sterilize and digest our food, and then the
body needs to alkalize the digested food in the duodenum to allow it to pass
through the rest of the digestive tract without damaging the walls of the
intestines. We need to provide the body with the correct foods to maintain a
slightly alkaline pH level and unfortunately the western diet usually consists of
many acid forming foods, forcing the body to start borrowing the alkalizing
minerals from the previously mentioned body parts.
Taking antacids temporarily eliminates the symptoms of heartburn but
compounds the problems of acid reflux or GERD. It neutralizes the stomach
acid, but as you have just learnt our body needs a sufficient level of acidity in
the stomach to allow the food to pass into the intestines. By neutralizing the
stomach acid we cause the food to remain in the stomach for longer periods
and over the long term it exacerbates the acid reflux problem. Also, by
neutralizing the stomach acid we restrict one of the body’s important weapons
in killing ‘unfriendly’ bacteria.
On the flip side... apple cider vinegar is the perfect solution because it
produces an acidic state in the stomach which aids digestion and signals to the
pyloric valve to open. Then, when apple cider vinegar is itself digested, it
becomes an alkaline forming food (we explain how in the next section)
supplying the body with lots of essential nutrients and minerals which greatly
assist the body in maintaining a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level.
An over production of stomach acid can be the body’s way of indicating an
infection in the stomach, as it tries to kill the bacteria causing the infection
with stomach acid. A symptom of over production of stomach acid is
diarrhoea, which is how the body expels the excess acid. Although apple cider
vinegar is a very good antiseptic, if the over production of acid symptoms
persist you should seek the advice of your medical practitioner.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 12The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
pH levels – what does it all mean?
Apple cider vinegar contains many essential nutrients and minerals such as
potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and iron. It also contains acetic acid
and some lactic, citric and malic acids. However, when it is digested, apple
cider vinegar becomes an alkaline forming food – how is this possible?
The body is made up of 70% water and contains a wide range of solutions
which may be acidic, neutral or alkaline. Potential of Hydrogen (pH) is a
measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The higher the pH reading,
the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the
more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is. The pH is measured on a scale
from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline; anything
below 7.0 is considered acidic.
The body maintains a blood pH level of 7.35, so our blood needs to be slightly
alkaline.
pH is determined by a food’s chemical
composition and its ability to combine
with hydrogen. Minerals that combine
with hydrogen are considered acid
forming, so sulfur (S), phosphorous (P),
chlorine (CI) and iodine (I) which combine
with hydrogen easily are acid forming and sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium
(Ca), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) which do not combine easily with
hydrogen are alkaline forming.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in the alkaline forming chemicals; therefore, when it
is digested it becomes alkaline forming even though it is very acidic prior to
digestion.
Concerning acid reflux, apple cider vinegar is a super food. It aids digestion and
when the vinegar is digested it becomes an alkaline forming food which helps
maintain a balanced pH level necessary for overall good health – which is a
win/win in preventing acid reflux.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 13The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Additional remedies for further assistance
The following remedies consist of 100% natural ingredients and do not require
you take prescribed or over-the-counter medication for your heartburn, acid
reflux or GERD symptoms. Most of the ingredients may be found in local
supermarkets or health food stores and many are available as pre-packaged
combinations (herbal teas). There are recipes for you to brew for yourself at
home as well.
Bananas
Bananas are a natural antacid, high in fiber, and helpful in relieving your
immediate GERD symptoms, along with being beneficial to your entire
digestive system and assisting with regular bowel movements.
Method
Eat a banana (with honey drizzled over for taste, if desired) after an acidic
meal.
Caution - Green (unripe) bananas should be avoided as they may cause further
stomach pains.
Unsweetened Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is filled with benefits for the digestive system including a
powerful yet gentle detoxifier. However, you must be careful not to buy
sweetened versions of this drink from the supermarket, as the sugar or
artificial sweetener may increase acidity and cause further discomfort. Pure
aloe vera juice is difficult to obtain from home-grown plants in the backyard
and there are many varieties of aloe vera plants - some of which are inedible.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase the unsweetened,
100% natural juice from your local health food store or supermarket if
available.
Method
1. Drink one fluid ounce (30ml) of natural, unsweetened aloe vera juice on
an empty stomach.
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Note: Check the full list of ingredients, even if the label says "natural" or
"organic", just to be safe.
Anise & Lavender Tea
Aniseed is particularly effective in treating fermentation and gas in the
digestive system. Lavender is also useful with digestion and has the added
effect of being a mood-balancer. The combination of the two is an excellent
remedy for high stomach acidity, particularly if stress is a related cause.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon aniseeds
1/2 teaspoon dried (edible) lavender
2 1/2 cups boiled water
Honey (optional sweetener)
Method
1. Infuse aniseeds and lavender in boiled water.
2. Strain after 3 to 5 minutes
3. Enjoy with honey as sweetener or on its own, morning and evening or as
needed.
Where to buy aniseeds?
Supermarkets
Health food stores
Some Asian grocery stores
Where to buy lavender?
1. Health food stores
2. Some Asian grocery stores
3. Lavender farms/stores
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 15The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Note: If stress is a big factor in causing stomach acidity, pure essential lavender
oil is a great mood balancer.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm is an excellent natural remedy when the esophagus and stomach
linings have been severely damaged from high acidity. Slippery elm works to
coat and repair the linings and soothes the damaged areas. Slippery elm also
contains many antioxidants and is available in a powder form or as herbal tea.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon slippery elm bark powder
Water (warm or cool, as desired)
Honey (optional, as sweetener)
Method
1. Stir powder into water
2. Add honey if desired
Note: For best results, drink before meals to 'line the gut'
Ginger
Ginger helps to absorb excess stomach acid and to calm the nerves. Available
in capsule, powder or the natural form itself, ginger can be taken before,
during or after meals and can be added as a condiment to many main courses.
Ginger root is very helpful with neutralizing high acidity and damage to the
esophagus as a result of too much spicy food. Below is a recipe for ginger root
tea.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon freshly sliced ginger root
1 cup boiled water
Honey (optional sweetener)
Method
1. Infuse ginger and boiled water for 5 minutes
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2. Add honey as desired
Note: May feeling tingling burning sensation at first in the throat, then relief.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have been found to soothe gastrointestinal spasms, high acidity
and bloating. The seeds may be chewed after a meal or infused with water to
make tea.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 Cup boiled water (optional, if making tea)
Method
1. Chew dried seeds slowly and thoroughly after meals,
or
2. Sip tea gradually after 5 minutes of infusion with boiled water
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 17The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Long Term Prevention
Now that we have solved your immediate crisis of heartburn, acid reflux, or
other symptoms of GERD, wouldn't you like to know how to prevent future
occurrences of such symptoms? In this section we look at foods which you
should embrace to achieve healthy digestion and balanced levels of
hydrochloric acid in the stomach. We also look at foods to avoid.
Supplementation products are briefly listed, however, professional medical
advice is recommended. Lifestyle habits may be one of the biggest factors that
contribute towards symptoms of GERD, so it might be worthwhile considering
making some changes in order to prevent future digestive problems.
Candida – What is the low down?
In a healthy person candida albican is a fungal yeast found in our digestive
tract, colon and various other places in the body. When it remains yeast it is
friendly and kept under control by our body’s good bacteria. Under certain
conditions such as when taking antibiotics, the friendly bacteria which control
candida are destroyed and the candida can actually change structure and
become ‘unfriendly’ fungus. It attaches to the wall of the digestive system and
grows much like mould on a piece of bread.
The candida begins to ferment and to reflux upwards through the small
intestines, stomach and then into the esophagus. The fermentation process
causes gas, bloating, belching and difficulty in digesting foods and can also
damage the lining of the esophagus. Candida fungus also has been found to
produce over 70 different toxins, some of which will produce the symptoms of
acid reflux.
Unfortunately there is no easy cure for candida. A common way to eliminate it
is to follow a strict diet/fast which starves candida of the food it thrives on like
carbohydrates, including starches and sugar. Other things which help eliminate
candida are natural anti-fungal medication and increased levels of probiotics
(friendly bacteria).
Eliminating candida is a separate subject and can be very involved. As some
females can attest to – yeast infections can be very difficult to eliminate. We
have listed some of the important changes needed to eliminate candida but for
a comprehensive resource on eliminating candida - click here.
©2010 SecretHomeRemedies.com- All Rights Reserved Page 18The Proven Home Remedy For Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD
Foods to Embrace
Below is a list of foods which will help you achieve a healthy digestive system.
That's not to say, however, that eating just one out of the whole list will ensure
your digestive health. Too much of anything may result in a bad thing,
therefore balance is recommended. It is also recommended consulting with a
medical professional before embarking on strict dietary changes.
Fresh Fruits
Apples
Berries
Melons
Pears
Peaches
Tangerines
Why it’s good for you.
Fruits have an abundance of
multivitamins, antioxidants,
fiber and minerals. Fruits are
easy to digest and aid in the
functions of the digestive
system.
Caution
Oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit may irritate a damaged esophagus.
Fruits are also high in sugar, so should be eaten in moderation.
Try not to consume too much cooked fruits, as the cooked sugar
becomes more refined and difficult for your system to process.
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Fresh vegetables
Beetroot
Brussels sprouts
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber
Eggplant
Lettuce
Spinach
Zucchini
Why it’s good for you.
Vegetables are abundant in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Many
studies have shown that a diet high in vegetables may aid with reducing risks
of cancer; particularly cancers related to gastrointestinal disorders. Vegetables
are lower in sugar than fruits and higher in digestive enzymes.
Herbs
Basil
Coriander
Dandelion
Oregano
Parsley
Thyme
Why it’s good for you.
Herbs contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are a great
compliment to any main dish or in a fresh salad.
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Seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Linseeds
Flax seeds
Sunflower seeds
Why it’s good for you.
Seeds are rich in minerals, fatty acids and enzymes which aid towards
digestion.
Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts
Green leaf sprouts
Why it’s good for you.
Packed with vitamins and enzymes and easy to digest, sprouts are excellent in
salads or with mains. It's also very easy to grow your own at home.
Non-refined grains
Brown rice
Wholemeal bread
Why it’s good for you.
Non-refined foods retain their original organic form, which means the original
nutrients, vitamins and minerals are not lost in the refining process.
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High-fiber foods
Vegetables
Fruits
Sprouts
Seeds
Grains
Why it’s good for you.
Research has shown that diets low in fiber may increase the risk of digestive
disorders including colorectal and intestinal cancers. Therefore, diets high in
fiber are essential for a healthy digestive system. Eating fresh foods is always a
better alternative to unnecessary supplementation, however, if you have a
busy lifestyle and the food you eat doesn't quite pack the abundance of
nutrients it is supposed to, it may be worthwhile to consider fiber
supplements.
Fish
Salmon
Tuna
Why it’s good for you.
Fish are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids and are a great source of
protein.
Caution
Organic fish is the best choice as it has less mercury and toxic metals
Though the fatty acids are best when fish is eaten in its raw form
(sashimi), a person suffering GERD may find increased risk of bacteria
or parasite infections from eating raw meat of any form.
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Yoghurt
Why it’s good for you.
Yoghurt is a digestive aid and contains an abundance of good bacteria which
help to fight off bad ones (e.g. Candida).
Foods to Avoid
Sometimes it may be inevitable that you have one or two small portions of the
foods listed below and that's okay. Don't stress yourself with guilt about eating
an item in the foods below (unless a Doctor has strictly ordered that you are
not allowed to eat it!). These are recommendations only and most of these
foods are safe to eat in very small quantities.
Red meat
Steak
Bacon
Pork
Lamb
Why it’s bad for you.
Red meat has a very high fat content; even lean red meat is high in fat. Also,
red meat can be filled with toxins, uric acid and steroids, and can cause a lot of
digestive problems as it is difficult to digest.
To minimize the effect...
Buy organic red meat
Consume small portions at each meal
Consume high fiber foods with the meat during the meal (e.g. non-
starchy vegetables).
Legumes
Beans (kidney, navy, soy, broad, butter, northern, pinto, black, red)
Chick peas
Peanuts
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Why it’s bad for you.
Legumes are gas-forming foods, which means they tend to aggravate GERD.
To minimize the effect...
Soak beans overnight and cook them slowly to minimize the gases
formed.
Egg white
Why it’s bad for you.
Eggwhite is problematic due to its binding properties which create mucus and
clog the digestive system. Many people may also have allergic reactions to egg
whites or have resulting Candida overgrowth and consequently heartburn
symptoms.
Processed foods
Processed foods have a lot of chemicals in them which are harmful to our
systems. Rather, try to eat as much organic foods as possible.
Refined foods
White rice
White flour
Why it’s bad for you.
Refined foods have been distorted from their original organic form, which
means a lot of their original nutrients, vitamins and minerals no longer exist
when you consume them. These foods become difficult to digest and also slow
down the digestive process; often contributing to Candida growth as well as
acid reflux symptoms. It is best to make substitutions with whole products,
such as wholemeal bread instead of white bread.
White Sugar
Why it’s bad for you.
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White sugar has been processed from sugar cane's original form, meaning that
the original fiber and nutrients have been completed stripped and the result is
a chemical which is unrecognizable to the human body. Aside from risks
associated with developing type-2 diabetes and increased sugar consumption,
white sugar stimulates the body to create androgenic hormones, which are
used to metabolize glucose. Increases in androgenic hormone levels may
however stress the liver and create hormonal imbalances, which then lead to
heartburn. White sugar may also aggravate Candida growth, which also leads
to acid reflux.
White sugar can affect the immune system, which is the number one defense
system against the stomach bugs which may also cause symptoms of GERD.
Good substitute
Honey - used sparingly
Wheat or yeast products
Why it’s bad for you.
Wheat and yeast products are breeding grounds for Candida as well as other
fungal infections, which may be a huge factor when experiencing symptoms of
GERD.
Hydrogenated and partly-hydrogenated oils
Examples of partly hydrogenated oils
Margarine
Mayonnaise
Fried foods
Examples of partly hydrogenated oils
Vegetable oils
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Why it’s bad for you?
Hydrogenated oils are unrecognized by the human body and can clog the
digestive system, as well as contribute to Candida overgrowth and heartburn.
Good substitutes
Extra virgin olive oil (chilled, e.g. as a salad dressing)
Flaxseed oil (chilled, e.g. as a salad dressing)
Alcohol
Why it’s bad for you?
Alcohol can damage the stomach lining, aggravate GERD symptoms, aggravate
heartburn, cause liver problems, increase Candida growth and cause reflux
esophagitis.
Coffee
Why it’s bad for you?
Caffeine increases stomach acidity and therefore aggravates symptoms of
GERD and causes heartburn sensations. Caffeine also causes the pressure of
the LES to decrease, which results in reflux. Decaffeinated coffee is no
exception.
Substitutes
Herbal teas
Dairy (except yoghurt)
Milk
Cheese
Cream
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Why it’s bad for you.
Dairy products are highly acidic and can aggravate acid reflux. Dairy products
are also breeding grounds for Candida and other bacteria.
Substitutes
Nut milks (e.g. sesame, almond)
Nut creams (e.g. macadamia)
High Fat Foods
Why it’s bad for you?
Too much saturated fat in the diet can lead to acid reflux, as the gallbladder
needs to work very hard to process it, and this weakens the LES. High-fat diets
lead to heartburn and other digestive disorders.
Supplementation
Here is a list of items you may need to consider, in addition to a healthier diet.
However, it is always best to consult with a professional such as your family
doctor, naturopath or nutritionist before taking these items extensively.
Essential fatty acids
Colostrum
Magnesium
Vitamin A
B-complex vitamins
Vitamin C
Coconut oil – very beneficial for diabetics
Digestive enzymes
Methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM)
Demulcents, bitters and carminatives
Chlorella
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Lifestyle Changes
As we said at the start of this chapter, lifestyle habits are a big factor for
recurring symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux or GERD. Here is a list of points to
keep in mind to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent future acid reflux or
GERD symptoms.
Stay hydrated
Avoid smoking
Eat smaller meals at night
Avoid exercise after meals
Wear unrestrictive clothing
Avoid stressful situations
Regular detox (consult with a professional)
Stay 'in-tune' with your body
Finally
Once again, congratulations on taking action. We sincerely hope that the
information which has been provided has set you free of acid reflux. For the
majority of you that have experienced success we would love for you to send
us feedback detailing how it went. Click Here To Provide Us With Your Valuable
Feedback.
Also, if the remedy didn’t work for you (and it sometimes doesn’t for whatever
reason, including misdiagnosis and food allergy) we will stand by our guarantee
and refund the full purchase price of this remedy. It is more important to us to
have a 100% satisfied customer rather than make it difficult for a customer to
receive a refund just so we can keep the initial small purchase price.
It is our goal to bring together a group of like-minded people and provide good
quality information about natural remedies... not for us to have a snatch and
grab attitude – that is not what we are about.
Wishing you nothing less than perfect health.
Regards,
Stephen Oliver.
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