Heartburn – many of us suffer from that burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating a meal. This burning sensation may last for a few minutes, other times it can last for hours. Everyone who suffers from heartburn can agree that it can be quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, many constantly suffering from heartburn are quick to turn to antacid drugs to relive symptoms. Sure, antacids provide relief from the agonizing pain, but antacids don’t solve the problem or prevents future episodes of heartburn. In fact, frequently popping antacids at every sign of heartburn is actually doing more harm than good in the long run? Antacids inhibit digestion, prevents nutrient absorption from foods and destroys all good gut bacteria we need to maintain a healthy immune system. Traditional western medicine focuses on suppressing symptoms, it never addresses the underlying issue on what is causing the symptom in the first place. If you address the underlying issue you may never have to suffer from heartburn again! Helicobacter pylori infection, food allergies (wheat, sugar or dairy foods), prescription medication are some of the causes of heartburn. However, elevated stomach acid levels is the most common cause of heartburn but the easiest to address. Just with some simple changes to your diet you can indeed prevent heartburn.
Many of us eat far too much acid producing foods such as, meat, dairy, wheat, coffee and refined sugar which creates a lot of acidity in the stomach. When our blood pH in the body is constantly over acidic it can be directly associated with heartburn. Heartburn is often described as a burning, painful sensation or pressure in the upper abdomen or chest and can last for several hours. Heartburn may even worsen after a meal, as some foods are considered common trigger foods for heartburn. The pH balance is a measure of acidity and our diet plays an important role in the pH levels in our body. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, levels below 7 are considered an acidic pH and levels between 7 to 14 are an alkaline pH. Ideally we should maintain a slightly alkaline pH level, 7.30 – 7.45.
Start increasing alkaline foods in your diet regularly to rid of recurring heartburn and to optimize your health. Some alkaline foods are apples, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, pears, lemons, carrots, seaweed, and blueberries. However, fruits and vegetables are not the only alkaline foods. Many herbs, including our favourite medicinal herb turmeric, is highly alkalizing to the body. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is responsible for turmeric’s alkalinity value. Turmeric Tea’s Dusk signature blend is a great way to start increasing alkalinity in your diet. But not only does this organic loose-leaf blend contain turmeric root, it also contains other alkaline-forming herbs such as lemon grass, ginger and fennel. Turmeric Teas is a local Toronto tea company with several signature blends of organic loose-leaf teas with the powerful healing herb, turmeric root. Turmeric Teas is rich in antioxidants, helps improve digestion, boosts your immune system and lowers cholesterol.
Help restore your health by consuming a more alkaline diet and eating less acidic foods and before you know it you will beating the “burn”!
Blog post by Alexandra Daugherty, Holistic Nutritionist