Guest guest Posted September 27, 2005 Report Share Posted September 27, 2005 How to Escape the Dangers of Antacids and Resolve Heartburn Naturally Escape the Dangers of Antacids - Resolve Heartburn Naturally Sep 26, 2005 15:09 PDT By Terry Dorian, Ph.D. CBN.com -- The number of people who suffer from heartburn is estimated at 100 million. By offering symptomatic relief to sufferers, the antacid business has become a three billion-dollar industry. Antacid medications are sold without offering consumers vital information concerning the causes and complications of heartburn and digestive problems. Over 25 million Americans take antacids twice a week. Even more take prescription drugs on a daily basis to find relief for heartburn and indigestion. The dangers of antacids: Using antacids may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus (e.g., precancerous ulcers). Biochemists report that one of the long-term side effects of blocking acid production is a compromised immune system; hydrochloric acid is an essential component in the completedigestion of food and protects the body from pathogenic bacteria. " Calcium-based " antacids (e.g., Tums) may damage the kidneys if taken over a long period of time. " Magnesium based " products (e.g., Mylanta and Maalox) and " aluminum-based " products (e.g., Rolaids) should not be taken by anyone experiencing kidney problems. (moderator's note: Aluminum based antiacids may increase your risk of Alzheimer's as well!) Antacids do not " heal " the tissue that has been inflamed or injured by stomach acid. Before treating acid reflux and indigestion with drugs, consumers ought to ask their health professionals four questions: 1. What could be causing me to suffer from heartburn and indigestion? 2. Will the treatment that you are recommending heal my body or will it simply provide symptomatic relief? 3. Will I experience side effects from the product(s) that you recommend and will I be in any danger as a result of consuming the product(s)? 4. Can you recommend any natural healing therapies that would resolve my problems safely and effectively? If your health professional is not able to recommend safe and efficacious ways to treat acid reflux and chronic indigestion, you may want to begin searching for one who can. One way to find a medical doctor who is competent in recommending natural therapies is by contacting the American College for Advancement in Medicine www.acam.org. ACAM will provide a list of licensed medical doctors in your location who have been trained in prescribing natural therapies. Another source of help is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) at 1-206-298-0125. Naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training in natural therapies. --------------------http://www.cbn.com/living/health/dorian/heartburn.asp ---------------- What are the causes of acid reflux? The chief cause of digestive problems is a diet high in fat and low in fiber, filled with chemicals, additives, simple sugars and refined carbohydrates. A diet of processed, devitalized foods does not contain sufficient enzymes necessary for digestion. Furthermore, minimal processing and heating " destroys " the " enzymes " that are vital for complete digestion. Antacids actually " shut down " digestion. In order to build health and avoid digestive problems, we need to optimize digestion and heal the inflammation caused by acid reflux. Coffee, alcohol, tobacco, carbonated beverages, and chocolate further aggravate digestive problems. Many sufferers are even bothered by tomatoes and citrus fruits. Some drugs used to treat other diseases have a relaxing action that affects the esophagus muscle and " increase " the problems associated with acid reflux (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants and nitroglycerin medications). -- Terry Dorian, Ph.D., wife, mother, author, radio/television personality, and popular conference speaker, is considered one of the most discerning health researchers on the scene today. To find more articles on this and other topics visit her online at www.healthbeginsinhim.org or write drdo-. ================================================================================\ =========================================================Post subject: GERD --- GERD stands for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. " Gastro " refers to the stomach. Esophageal refers to the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Reflux means to back-up or flow backwards. GERD is a condition in which partially-digested food in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Partially digested food contains a strong " acid " like that used in automobile batteries. It also contains powerful " enzymes " that break down food. When acid and enzymes come into " contact " with the esophagus, they cause irritation, inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. The stomach lining has a special protective layer that protects the stomach from acid attack. However, this protective layer does not exist in the esophagus, making it " vulnerable " to damage from stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Many people think that heartburn (or acid indigestion) is a separate disease. It actually is one symptom of GERD. Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation under the breastbone that usually occurs after a meal. Most individuals with GERD also have hiatal hernias , which make it easier for stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach bulges into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm . The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that separates the stomach cavity from the chest cavity. ================================================================================\ ========================================================= Doctors started using the term " GERD " in the 1980s because it better describes the real problem - reflux of irritating stomach contents into the esophagus. GERD is becoming the preferred medical term for these conditions. Last Reviewed: 2002 by Guy Slowik, M.D. ================================================================================\ ========================================================= Post subject: Herbal Solutions for Common Digestive Complaints --- Biochemists report that one of the long-term side effects of blocking acid production is a " compromised " immune system; hydrochloric acid is an essential component in the complete digestion of food and protects the body from pathogenic bacteria. Calcium-based antacids (e.g., Tums) may damage the kidneys if taken over a long period of time. Magnesium based products (e.g., Mylanta and Maalox) and aluminum- based products (e.g., Rolaids) should not be taken by anyone experiencing kidney problems. --- COMMON PROBLEMS WITH ANTACIDS: --- CALCIUM CARBONATE AND ACID REBOUND- Calcium carbonate is especially fast-acting. Within a few hours, however, the body will overcompensate by producing an extra " surge " of acid. PROBLEMS WITH SODIUM BICARBONATE: When used for long periods of time, sodium bicarbonate can cause increased acidity throughout the body. Highly acidic body chemistries (systemic alkalosis) are involved in health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and mental confusion. ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE AND BONE LOSS: Antacids containing aluminum can contribute to phosphate deficiency when used for long periods of time. This is because the 'phosphate' in food 'reacts' with the 'aluminum' in the antacid to form a solid material that is passed in the stool. In order to keep enough phosphorus in the blood, the body will take it out of bones. Bone " demineralization " is especially a problem for older people who tend to use these products regularly. ALUMINUM AND IMPAIRED MENTAL FUNCTION: Although the FDA and manufacturers say that " aluminum " in 'antacids' is not " absorbed', studies since 1986 have shown that it IS, especially in cases of kidney problems and in the presence of " acidic " foods such as citrus fruits or soda pop. There is increasing evidence that aluminum is involved in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and some other nervous system problems. THE BOTTOM LINE: Stomach acid is " required " for good digestion. Poor digestion produces heartburn. People with heart-burn take antacids. Antacids reduce stomach acid. OOPS --- then you experience even more heartburn. Stomach acid is required for good mineral " absorption " , including calcium & magnesium. Calcium carbonate antacids " neutralize " the stomach acid " needed " for their absorption. The stomach's job is to " produce " and hold digestive acid and enzymes. When antacids are used regularly, the stomach senses this and over time, increases its acid production " rate " set point. Taking antacids to " reduce " acid can lead to the " production " of *excessive* acid and even more discomfort. - SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTACIDS: Use of antacids can cause bowel " irregularities " including constipation, nausea and diarrhea with occasional vomiting. They can lead to kidney stones, 'demineralization of bones', bone pain and muscle weakness with cramping. They can be counted on to produce " malabsorption' of' minerals'. The list of diseases that have been associated with low gastric acidity include, but are not limited to: Anemia, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gallbladder problems, hepatitis, lupus, osteoporosis, psoriasis and problems with over- and under- active thyroid glands. To avoid these and other low stomach acidity problems, utilize digestive enzymes with each meal. This section was Originally published in the The H. E. L. P., Natural Health Newsletter and edited by Kay Lubecke, B.A., M.S. Certified Herbalist and Nutritional Counselor ------------------------------ Different types of antacids can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals. --- Any antacid can " interfere " with the *absorption* of iron, zinc, and possibly other minerals by " neutralizing " stomach acid. Aluminum-containing antacids can bind with phosphorus and interfere with its absorption, and this can further lead to calcium " depletion " . Antacids that contain calcium may also " compete " for absorption with iron. Calcium antacids may alter the *absorption* of magnesium. Calcium-containing antacids, when taken with zinc supplements, may substantially decrease 'zinc' absorption. Finally, calcium based antacids (i.e. Tums, etc) " impair " the absorption of manganese and " chromium. " (minerals essential for glucose metabolism) --- The pancreas produces and secretes various enzymes (called " proteolytic enzymes " , including trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase, and so on) that break down proteins into smaller components called " amino acids " . These substances, in turn, help " create " other enzymes, hormones and body tissue for growth and repair. If the pancreas doesn't 'neutralize' the acid coming from the stomach with " bicarbonates " , the proteolytic enzymes (the ones that break down food protein) are destroyed. This can result in incomplete or " foreign " protein molecules being absorbed into the " bloodstream " and circulating throughout the body. Your body's " immune system " naturally " attacks " these molecules. This series of events is the basis for your " allergic food reaction. " ------------------------------- " Peyer's Patches " and Fat Metabolism --- The *lymphatic* system has " representatives " in the digestive tract called Peyer's patches and they perform an important function. These clumps of lymphatic tissue are spread throughout the small intestine. *Fat* molecules, unlike other nutrients, are generally too " large " to be absorbed directly from the intestine. So they are 'absorbed' by these patches and transported along the lymphatic system and then released into the blood stream where they can be carried throughout the body. Between 80 to 90 percent of all the 'fat' absorbed from the gut requires the help of the " lymphatic " system ------------------------------- Contrary to what the huge drug companies that make antacids and H2 blocker drugs say, excessive 'acid' production is almost 'never' the reason for heartburn, acid digestion or ulcers. In fact, it is now estimated that up to one-third of all bleeding ulcers are caused by taking " NSAID " drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Antacids and H2 blockers " alleviate " symptoms for a short while by buffering acid and decreasing acid secretion, but can actually 'aggravate' the underlying problem; which is too " little " acid in the stomach. With 'chronic use' of these medications, digestion is 'compromised' and ''decreased' absorption of some vitamins and minerals may result. --- - A few years ago, if you asked your physician what causes ulcers, he or she would promptly reply that too much stomach acid was to blame. Now we know that a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori for short) is the primary culprit. It 'suppresses' acid 'production' and " creates " holes in the stomach's protective mucous layer, allowing acid to seep through and burn holes in the delicate tissue underneath. An H. pylori infection can also cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. -------------------------------- Natural Alternatives -------------------------------- Licorice extract (deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) -is a wonderful herbal healing aid. It increases the production of " protective mucus " in the stomach. Use 300 mg four to six times a day. If you have digestive problems, be sure to eliminate gastrointestinal " irritants " , such as tobacco, NSAIDS, coffee, pharmaceutical drugs and alcohol. --- Alternatives to Heartburn Drugs: Eating a balanced diet of unprocessed, organic whole foods is your foundation for a healthy stomach. Eat an organic green salad or raw organic vegetables at least once a day. To help increase stomach acid, drink a glass of room temperature water a half-hour before eating. If that doesn't help, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If neither of these solutions work, try taking a betaine hydrochloride supplement (HCI) with your meal. Since stomach acid production declines as we age, HCI supplementation can be a good anti-aging strategy. Natural heartburn therapies include deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract or DGL. Try one or two 380 mg tablets on an empty stomach, three to four times a day. A glass of room temperature water, raw cabbage or potato juice (organic) or herbal teas, (lukewarm, no lemon) can bring quick relief. Fresh organic papaya or banana can help as well. If you do need to lower your stomach 'acidity' you can use a form of organic sulfur called MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in supplement form, 1,000 mg daily. Remember, your stomach " acid " is one of your front line defenses against harmful bacteria. " Suppress " it and the rest of your systems have to work " overtime " to protect you. -- Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D is a best-selling author in the field of health and nutrition. This excerpt is from his latest book, " Prescription Alternatives " co-authored with Virginia Hopkins. ------------------------------ Digestive Cocktail: Every one of the ingredients in this tasty dessert contains significant amounts of stomach-soothing " anti-ulcer " compounds. Pineapple Blueberries Fresh Ginger Root (grated) Raw Honey Unripe Bananas Cut up the bananas and pineapple, the amount and proportions will vary depending on how many people you are serving and which fruits you like the best. Place them in a serving bowl and add the blueberries. Season to taste with organic cinnamon, cloves and ginger (try to be generous) and sweeten with raw honey (if using). If you like, you can also make a between meal drink by blending orgahic blueberry juice, pineapple juice, a banana and the organic spices listed above. Garnish each serving with a peppermint sprig. ================================================================================\ =========================================================Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity, but it is considerably less known as an herbal treatment for Indigestion. In fact, ginger contains 11 compounds that have demonstrated " anti- ulcer " effects. These chemical compounds are a real mouthful,however you may find it interesting to know just how much anti-ulcer chemistry can be " concentrated " in a single humble spice. Here they are in order, from most to least abundant: 6 shogaol, 6 gingerol, 8shogaol, 8 gingerol, 10 gingerol, ar-curcumene, beta-bisalene, 6-gingediol, betases quiphellan-drene, 6 gingerdione and 6 paradol. Eating ginger root is a pleasant tasting treatment for ulcers, according to Paul Schulick, New England herbalist and author. The combination of honey and ginger in particularly effective. In addition to the antibacterial compounds, that are available from ginger, raw honey has " antibacterial " action, and the two together seem to produce " synergistic " effects. ================================================================================\ =======================================================Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – German physicians have always been more open to herbal medicine than doctors in the United Sates, and they have researched herbal alternative extensively. Commission E, the body of scientists that advises the German counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration, approves licorice as a " digestive aid " . This recommendation is based on the medical traditions of Asia, the middle east and Europe, plus literally dozens of scientific studies. Licorice root contains several compounds, including " glycyrrhizin acid " . Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use in moderate amounts, up to about three cups of tea a day. It is better to use a slightly processed form of the herb called deglycyrrhizated licorice (DGL). In one good study, DGL was at least as effective in speeding healing as the newest class of pharmaceutical drugs called 'histamine' blocking agents that were designed to do this. DGL also seems to protect the digestive lining from aspirin's " ulcer promoting " effects. Commercial licorice preparations containing DGL are readily available in natural food stores which offer herbal products. If you have digestive problems, this is the preferred form of licorice to take, but clearly some of the " power " of the herbs is lost with the lost glycyrrhizin. If you'd like to take licorice from time to time, as an ulcer preventive. When you're brewing some other herbal tea, add a little licorice. Licorice by itself makes a sweet, pleasant tasting tea, and when added to other teas, it serves as a sweetener. H. pylori virus is linked to the rising risks of *stomach cancer*, so you must take these conditions seriously. ================================================================================\ =========================================================Unripe Banana-- Bananas are an old folk remedy for many gastrointestinal problems because they sooth the digestive tract. And studies with experimental animals suggest that bananas do, in fact, have a soothing effect on the stomach. One researcher noted that bananas may be another useful addition to such well established " anti-ulcer " foods such as raw cabbage, green tea, garlic dried beans and legumes. Raw Cabbage juice— is a hallowed folk remedy for ulcers. It turns out that cabbage and its juice contain considerable amounts of two compounds with anti- ulcer activity, glutamine and S-Methyl-methionine. Melvin Werbach, M.D. assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine and author to the excellent nutritional influences on illness, cites a study of people with digestive ailments who were given raw cabbage juice as a treatment. Ninety-two percent showed significant improvement within three weeks compared with 37 percent of those taking a placebo without cabbage juice. In studies of just the active compound glutamine, daily doses of 1,600 mgs proved more effective than conventional antacids in treating ulcers. The folk recommendations for digestive problems is to drink one quart of raw cabbage juice a day. --- Calendula - - Calendula, sometimes known as pot marigold, has antibacterial, antivirus and immune stimulating properties. Calendula has been shown to alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation which doctors call " hypersecretory gastritis. Clinical trials in Europe have proven its effectiveness. You can make a tea with the dried herb or take a tincture. I personally enjoy a cup or two of tea made with about five teaspoons of fresh calendula flowers. It is especially good with lemon balm It wise to go easy on alcohol if you have an ulcer. Finnish researchers have discovered that alcohol abuse increase the risk of H. pylori infection by 500 percent. Fennel tea would be fine -- as would anise, chamomile, coriander or caraway tea. There are other herbs that have a reputation as carminatives for the intestinal tract -- but fennel is the one I recommend most frequently. Chamomile— several herbalists I admire recommend chamomile tea, notably Rudolf Fritz Wiess, M.D. the dean of German medical herbalists, and author of Herbal Medicine. He writes that`the remedy of choice for digestive ailments is chamomile. …there can be no other remedy more tailor-made, including all synthetic products. Widely used as a digestive aid in Europe, chamomile is uniquely suited to treating digestive ailments, including ulcers. This is because it combines anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and stomach soothing properties. Pineapple-- Like cabbage, pineapple is fairly well endowed with " glutamine " , a compound useful for digestion. Pineapple also contains " bromelain " , a most effective digestive aid. Bilberry and blueberry-- Both of these fruits contain compounds known as " anthocyanosides " . In studies with experimental animals, these compounds have been shown to offer significant protection against ulcers and other digestive problems They help stimulate the production of mucus that " protects " the stomach lining from digestive acids. ================================================================================\ =========================================================Meadowsweet-- Like willow bark, meadowsweet is a type of " herbal aspirin " . Aspirin in high doses causes ulcers, so it might seem strange to recommend it as an ulcer treatment. Many prominent herbalists do, however among them British herbalist David Hoffmann author of several good herbals including " The Herbal Handbook " . The active compounds in meadowsweet are " salicylates " . Aspirin, on the other hand,-- is nothing but salicylates. Hoffmann says that 'synthetic' salicylates do indeed *cause* ulcers. On the other hand, " Whole Meadowsweet " - helps " prevent " and " treat " them 'despite' its natural occurrring " salicyate content " . Other chemical compounds in whole meadowsweet, among them tannins, phenolid glycosides in addition to this herbs essential oil, tend to give it an " anti-ulcer " effect. Hoffmann unflinchingly maintains that " meadowsweet " is one of the best " digestive herbs " and recommends it for ulcers and heartburn. Several plants with proven anti-ulcer effects, including chamomile, also contain salicylates. Rhubarb-- In a Chinese study of 312 people with bleeding ulcers, rhubarb helped improve some 90 percent within a few days., I'd be careful when using this herb though, as its also a powerful laxative,. If you experience diarrhea, it would be wise to cut back on the amount you're taking. Turmeric-- This culinary herbs used in Indian and Asian curry dishes, might be called the poor persons ulcer treatment. In a good study by physicians in Thailand, turmeric (250 mgs capsules three times a day) " relieved " ulcer pain as well as pharmaceutical antacids. Red Pepper-- Many Americans believe that hot spices cause ulcers. The truth is, they don't. In fact, they may even " protect " the stomach and duodenal lining against them. Capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper the heart helping properties, has been shown to " reverse " the damage in experimental animals that were given high, " ulcer causing " doses of aspirin. Gentian— this is one of several 'bitter' herbs traditionally used to aid digestion. Commission E reports that the 'bitter' compounds in gentian stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. Garlic-- Garlic is a potent, broad spectrum antibiotic. Paul Bergner, editor of Medieval Herbalism suggests that those who are wary of pharmaceutical antibiotics for ulcer treatment might want to try a course of garlic therapy. This would involve eating nine raw garlic cloves a day. You can chop the garlic and mix it with any food that makes it palatable, such as carrot juice. Try blending two raw cloves of garlic with one organic carrot, for instance, I tried it and the combination tasted better than I thought it would. It's a painless way to take a couple of cloves of garlic. You can also try whipping up an antic-ulcer gazpacho, heavy on the garlic and red pepper. Cabbage soup: You'll have to do a little experimenting to arrive at a flavor that pleases you. If you try the optional spices, use them sparingly, they are delicious in cabbage soup. The flavor is rather exotic. 3 cups water 2 cups shredded cabbage 2 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced organic potatoes ½ cup chopped okra 1 cup diced onions ½ cup chopped green pepper Ground red pepper Ground ginger Ground black pepper Ground cinnamon Ground clove Dried licorice root Place the water, cabbage, celery, organic potatoes, okra, onions, and green pepper in a soup pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season to taste with the red pepper, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon cloves and licorice. Other Useful Supplements & Herbs: Fennel Alfalfa Aloe Vera Juice Celery Brown rice Black Walnut Kelp Peppermint oil Yarrow Organic Yogurt Organic Papaya Proteolytic Enzymes Acidophilus ================================================================================\ =========================================================Ginger (Zingiber officinale) How about ginger as an herbal alternative to cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)? It would sure taste a lot better! There are hundreds of herbs that can help soothe a troubled tummy. Here are several that I recommend. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Commission E, the German group of scientists that makes recommendations on herbal safety and effectiveness, considers camomile " effective " for relieving many gastrointestinal complaints, including indigestion. Andrew Weil, M.D., professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine, says that the best " home remedies " for the stomach are camomile and peppermint tea. Personally, I prefer peppermint, but both are effective. While drinking camomile tea is fine, the tincture is probably more effective. Camomile tea has only 10 to 15 percent of the herb's carminative essential oil, while tinctures prepared with 100-proof alcohol have much more. Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Most herbalists, myself included, have a special regard for peppermint's ability to relieve indigestion. I've needed peppermint more often since 1990, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave me a bad case of indigestion by ruling that peppermint is ineffective for stomach distress. This does not mean that peppermint is useless. Frankly, it means that the FDA's evaluation was useless. Commission E endorses peppermint tea for treating indigestion. Given a choice between an FDA pronouncement and a Commission E endorsement, I'd go for the German decision. Those folks did some research and really know what they're about. Peppermint tea works well, but I'm also partial to mint juleps, which, it turns out, work even better. Varro Tyler, Ph.D., dean and professor emeritus of pharmacognosy (natural product pharmacy) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, notes that most of the carminative oils in peppermint and other mints are relatively insoluble in water. As a result, mint tea doesn't contain much of the plant's stomach-soothing constituents. It does contain enough to make it effective, but a peppermint tincture, which is made with alcohol, contains more. So if for some reason you don't want to drink a julep, you can use a tincture instead. Follow package directions. ================================================================================\ ===================================================== If I had frequent bouts of indigestion, I'd mix up some of this tincture, which I guarantee tastes much better than Mylanta. I have no recipe, so I just mix my herbs according to what I happen to have on hand. Here are the herbs I include: a dash each of angelica, anise, camomile, coriander, fennel, ginger, rosemary and turmeric with two dashes of any of the mints, especially marjoram and peppermint. It's okay to leave some out and to alter the mixture to suit your personal tastes. Steep these herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). You can drink this as a tea or add some to pineapple juice. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). No wonder coriander helps soothe indigestion: Its essential oil is carminative, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and a muscle relaxant. Traditional herbalists valued coriander, especially to counteract the stomach-upsetting properties of laxative herbs such as buckthorn, cascara, rhubarb and senna. In Amazonia, wild coriander (Eryngium foetidum), with nearly the same chemistry, is added to the daily bean ration, perhaps to alleviate the " flatlence " the beans could generate. papaya (Carica papaya) and pineapple (Ananas comosus). Both of these fruits contain " enzymes " (proteolytic enzymes) that break down protein. Naturopaths and people who advocate juicing for health, among them medical anthropologist John Heinerman, Ph.D., author of Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, maintain that papaya and pineapple juice are good for relieving indigestion. If they're right, you should also get benefits from eating other fruits that contain " proteolytic enzymes " , such as kiwifruit or figs, after meals. If I had chronic indigestion, I might have these fruits for dessert more often. ================================================================================\ =========================================================Red pepper (Capsicum, various species). Americans often believe that hot spices upset the stomach. But much of the rest of the world knows better--that hot spices like red pepper help " soothe " it. Red pepper also " stimulates " digestion. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis). South African physicians recommend rooibos (pronounced roo-ih-bus) tea as an effective stomach soother that's gentle enough to treat infant colic, according to the late economic botanist Julia Morton, D.Sc. (Dr. Morton, author of some of the best books in the field, including " The Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America " , was killed in a car crash in 1996. It is a great loss for everyone involved in the study of medicinal plants.) Unfortunately, rooibos is available in only a handful of stores in the United States. ================================================================================\ ==========================================================Assorted carminative herbs. If anything, there are too many herbal carminatives. Most are supported by research. Also included are agrimony, allspice, apples, basil, bay, beebalm, buckwheat, burdock, caraway, cardamom, catnip, celery, chervil, chives, cloves, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, horehound, hyssop, lemon balm (also known as melissa), lemongrass, lovage, marjoram, nutmeg, onions, oregano, papaya, parsnips, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, tea, thyme, turmeric, vanilla and yarrow. Feel free to try any of these herbs to relieve indigestion. JoAnn Guest mrsjo- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets _____________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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