Your Indigestion Remedies Are No Silver Bullet - They're Better

As soon as Eve bit into that fruit from the forbidden tree, the human race began experiencing heartburn. Indigestion remedies came onto the stage of world history immediately after the first recorded stomachache, and have been passed down from generation to generation. Remedies in different regions of the world may vary due to whatever natural substances were indigenous to that area at that time.

Indigestion is also known as Dyspepsia, or Heartburn, but it is the result of stomach acids that breach the barrier of the esophageal sphincter (LES) and make their way back up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) works like a valve which requires pressure to open and close. When the digestive system is running smoothly, the pressure in the LES allows it to open and close at appropriate times in order to let food in and gas out of the stomach, but the pressure can be negatively affected by a variety of circumstances. This can become a chronic condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (What is GERD) over time if the causes are not discontinued or avoided.

Indigestion Remedies can temporarily treat the problem, but it would be a good idea to become aware of what is causing the short term trouble so that it does not progress and become chronic.

Of course, the great majority of Indigestion remedies can be considered preventative. Their focus is on what not to do, or what things to avoid. We cannot expect to achieve any measure of success using a supplemental approach if we do not first remove the offending causes.

External remedies such as supplements or antacids should be used only after the following known irritants are eliminated as a possible cause:

Peppermint and spearmint should be avoided. Even though they seem to soothe the throat which becomes irritated by reflux, they also soothe the LES thereby relaxing and causing more reflux.If smoking is the cause of your heartburn then you will search in vain for a cure without quitting. Smoking will inevitably decrease your saliva production while at the same time increasing your stomach's acidity. Saliva is essential in protecting the lining of the esophagus, and high levels of acid will compromise the LES.

Certain medications can cause heartburn. You may need to speak with your doctor to balance your need for meds with your need for relief from their side effects. A few of the more common one's are;

Opiates along with OTC Painkillers, Nitrates, Asthma Inhalers, Anti-Depressants, Tranquilizers, and blood pressure medications such as Calcium Channel and Beta Blockers are well known instigators.Drinking alcohol will also stimulate the production of stomach acid, and reduce the pressure of the LES. The sick feeling in the stomach during a hangover is a result of this.Coffee and tea are very acidic, but the caffeine is responsible for really stirring up the stomach and reducing LES pressure.Fried foods and greasy foods sit in the stomach longer creating excess acid. The undigested food puts undue strain on the stomach causing the LES to relax and allow acids to escape.Spicy foods will also tend to create stomach acids. Any time the acid of the stomach contents become too high, it will reduce the pressure of the LES and heartburn can result. Some people have more of a tolerance for spicy foods than others, but if you have heartburn this spices should be eliminated.Tomato-based products and citrus fruits are all high in acid. If reflux is a big problem for you, consider vitamin C supplements in place of these otherwise wonderful foods.Vinegar based products should also be avoided since vinegar is and acid. However, there are cases where reflux can be caused by low stomach acid, and then apple cider vinegar can be an appropriate remedy.

In addition to the things we eat or drink which can cause heartburn, there are things we do and live with which can be problematic as well. Some things may be physiological or in nature or unavoidable.

Sleeping while food remains in the stomachEating just before going to bedClothing that squeezes the stomachLiving with stress continuallyGoing through pregnancy more than onceOverweight/ObeseNatural agingHiatal HerniasAn inability to produce salivaGastroparesis (Inability of the stomach to empty)

So there you have all of the pitfalls. Now get out there and avoid them! Don't be like those who keep searching for a silver bullet approach, always hoping to find a "convenient" remedy that will not require any sacrifice. If you fall for that, you will also fall for that bridge in the desert that someone is trying to sell you...

Most of the time, reflux will respond to preventative precautions. The secret to living a life free from heartburn is to live a life free from its causes. After practicing prevention, there are then some applied remedies that can help you maintain and improve your digestive system.

Here is a short list of some of the most common foods which can be an ally in your battle with heartburn. They are not indigestion remedies per se, but they will not cause you problems, and you will be able to eat in peace. Some people will have different reactions to some foods, so the list here is limited to only those that are acceptable to most.

PapayaPineappleApplesBananasBroccoliSpinachGreen BeansBaked PotatoCabbageCarrotsPeasFishSkinless ChickenWhole Grain BreadOatsEgg Whites.

Enjoy, and please pass the broccoli.

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