Millions of Americans, including young people, suffer acid reflux (also called heartburn and GERD -gastroesophageal reflux disease), a painful condition where stomach acid gets regurgitated up the esophagus and rises into the throat and sinus cavity. The result is a burning pain and discomfort, typically following a meal and especially noticeable when you bend over or lie down.
Other symptoms include difficult or painful swallowing, erosion of teeth enamel, and chest pain. As acid may also be regurgitated into the lungs, asthma, coughing, wheezing and hoarseness occurs. Left untreated, acid reflux can lead to a hiatal hernia.
Most sufferers of acid reflux take antacids to help with the symptoms, including prescription acid-blocking drugs like Nexium, the “purple pill.” This is ill advised, cautions health writer Joseph Mercola, M.D. Stomach acid is important for proper digestion and immune function.
Chronic antacid use will reduce the amount of stomach acid, interfering with your ability to properly digest your food and reduce your defense against food-borne infections. Furthermore, medication does not solve the underlying problem, and ultimately you will likely end up with more serious problems.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
There is no single known cause of acid reflux. However some have theorized that it is not enough acid. The low pH may be needed to trigger the constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter. If it relaxes in the absence of sufficient acidity, this could explain the semi-acidic contents rising upward.
Others suggest poor digestion and lack of enzymes creates pressure that pushes upward causing the stomach contents to be forced upward. Better chewing and digestive enzymes may help.
Natural Relief
Taken regularly, Aloe Vera has been documented worldwide and throughout the ages to greatly relieve acid reflux. And for good reason: Aloe Vera contains the ingredients needed to re-balance the digestive system. This includes:
- most of the vitamins (except vitamin D)
- a form of sugar called glucomannan
- minerals that are needed for the enzymes to function
- 22 amino acids, including some of those that the body cannot produce
- digestive enzymes
Acting synergistically, these nutrients promote digestion, sooth mucous membranes, revitalize the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), reduce bad bacteria in the gut, and heal the gastrointestinal tract, both upper and lower. The result for many is almost immediate relief. Moreover, Aloe Vera’s properties are known to balance stomach acidity and buffer stomach acid over-production. At the same time, with a pH of about 4.5, it does not dilute the acidity as high pH waters might.
For acid reflux, take 2 to 4 ounces of Aloe1 with meals for six to eight weeks at a stretch, depending on the severity of the problem.
Resources
http://www.acidrefluxatoz.com/aloe-vera-juice-for-acid-reflux.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/07/30/recognize-heartburn.aspx