Indigestion & Acid Reflux

Digestion is a critical facet of nutrition. Nutrition is not just what we eat, but what we absorb! Digestive disturbances are very common and many people accept indigestion as a ‘normal’ part of life, but these symptoms are ‘distress signals’ that indicate digestion is not going smoothly and therefore we aren’t getting all that we could from our food.
Indigestion ...Read more may cause many uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramping, burping, burning, and a sensation of being over-full.

Acid reflux/heartburn is acid indigestion that causes irritation of the oesophagus, the tube leading from the mouth to the stomach. Most of us have experienced this sour, burning sensation after over-indulgence with food or drink at some time. The oesophageal sphincter is supposed to keep the stomach contents in place, but if the sphincter relaxes, acid can push up into the oesophagus.
Indigestion may be caused by:

•    Reduced stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes
•    Over-acidity
•    Eating too quickly, not chewing your food properly
•    Eating whilst stressed, angry or emotional
•    Eating whilst on the run
•    Eating the wrong types of food that are void of natural enzymes and nutrition (white refined carbohydrates, processed foods, food that is in a can, box or frozen)
•    Food intolerances/allergies
•    Consuming too many hard-to-digest or ‘irritating’ foods such as red meat, dairy foods, heavily spiced foods, sugary foods, coffee, alcohol
•    Eating when not hungry or too late in the evening
•    Certain medications, for example stomach acid blockers are amongst the best-selling drugs of all time (do not stop taking any medication without the agreement of your Doctor)
•    Infection such as Helicobacter pylori may be present in those who suffer with chronic indigestion. It’s well worth investigating this as a possibility (ask your doctor for a blood, breath or stool test)
•    Severe indigestion-type symptoms in the centre of the chest may indicate a heart problem. Make sure and see your doctor if you are worried for a proper diagnosis so as to rule out any other health problems

As under-acidity and over-acidity often have very similar symptoms it is highly recommended you see a Nutritional Therapist for an individual consultation in order to ascertain what is causing your indigestion and what you can do to solve your digestive issues. You will be given dietary and lifestyle recommendations.

There are many natural remedies for digestive support in dealing with indigestion such as:

•    Digestive enzymes – broad spectrum, taken ideally 15-30 minutes before food to ‘prime’ the stomach for digestion. Digestive enzymes will provide the enzymes needed in order for the food to be digested more optimally, as well as encouraging the body to produce its own enzymes. The naturally occurring enzymes in food are destroyed with cooking at high heat. It is ideal to include some raw food with EVERY meal in order to provide the body with natural enzymes.

•    Bitter & warming herbs – these herbs activate the taste buds on the tongue, which then sends a message to the brain, which in turn communicates to the stomach that food is coming so that digestive enzymes can then be excreted in anticipation of the food arriving. The best herb combinations include ginger, gentian, cardamom, centaury and agrimony.

•    HCl & Pepsin – as we age Hydrochloric acid (HCl) production may diminish, but is essential for the breakdown of food in the gut. HCl sterilises and acidifies the food, and activates a powerful protease called Pepsin and allows Vitamin B12 to be extracted from foods. This supplement helps to replace some of the lost acidity in the stomach therefore aiding digestion. (Not to be taken if peptic ulcers are present or suspected).

•    Slippery Elm - is excellent to use in instances of over-acidity and/or ulceration. It puts a mucilaginous ‘layer’ across the epithelial lining, soothing the gut lining and encouraging healing to go on underneath. It is also wonderful to use for any inflammation throughout any part of the gut, for IBS, for diarrhoea and constipation, gut healing etc. It’s ideal to take it as a powder, a teaspoon mixed with some warm water and consumed straight away. It can be taken up to 3 times a day depending on symptoms.

•    Over-acidity of the stomach/reflux – there are herbs which may help to ‘equalise’ stomach acid (i.e. if it is too high, will help decrease it and too low will help to increase it), for example Meadowsweet and Centaury.


The products on this page have been selected by the Nutri Centre nutritionists.  To find the right choices for you, or if you are on any prescription medication, please give our nutritionists a call on 0207 436 5122.  

Disclaimer

All content of this website is for information only.  Our service is not intended to replace your usual healthcare professional.