My hubby suffers from acid reflux. After being on Prilosec for an excessive amount of time, his enzyme levels spiked to the point that he began to experience liver failure. They switched him on Nexium, and he is now doing much better. He feels unhappy if he forgets to take a tablet, though. The cost of these medicines is also very high. Are there any natural remedies or health tips you can provide to help or prevent his acid reflux illness suffering? Walton, K.C., and Kentucky
Keville answers: Most people associate heartburn with acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People who experience it frequently take antacid medications, which are intended to lessen the amount of acid in the stomach. As a result, pepsin is inhibited, protein digestion is impaired, and food allergies are encouraged. Helicobacter pylori, the bacterial pathogen thought to be responsible for creating stomach ulcers, thrives in the more alkaline environment made possible by the drop in stomach acid. Holistic medical professionals contend that too little or too much gastric acid can both produce heartburn. If it is shown to be the case, practitioners frequently see fantastic outcomes when using herbal bitters, such as gentian (Gentiana lutea).
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) and slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra), which assist absorb stomach acid, are beneficial remedies for acid reflux. Along with this, your husband can also take chamomile, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and meadowsweet leaf to lessen the acid (Filipendula ulmaria). These herbs are all calming to the stomach lining. If he still needs to take the medication, they can be safely taken with other medications like Nexium.
Carrots, apples, and lemon juice are dietary options that contain vegetable acids that balance stomach acid. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), which calms the digestive tract and lessens spasms that lead to reflux, is beneficial and goes well with chamomile. These herbs all have pleasant flavors, so they can be combined to make a tasty tea (or you can buy a premade tea at a health-food store). The plants can also be consumed as capsules or in a herbal extract without alcohol.
Your husband needs to stop smoking, drinking coffee, and using tobacco because these all contribute to the issue. For many people, eating chocolate or fatty foods—especially fried ones—makes acid reflux worse. Drinking carbonated beverages is another example. Another potential contributor to the issue is overeating. Raising the head of the bed a few inches would ensure that his head is somewhat elevated at night, as his doctor may have already suggested.
Actually, I’m more worried about the liver failure that the drug’s use caused. Herbs that support liver regeneration include turmeric root (Curcuma longa) and milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum). Burdock root (Arctium lappa), fringe-tree bark (Chionanthus virginicus), and bupleurum root are herbs that promote the production of liver enzymes and control liver function. Or, like with all of my herbal recommendations, search your neighborhood natural food store for a liver-specific cure and follow the guidelines on the label.
In response, Khalsa states that herbalists have traditionally separated dyspepsia into two types. The “Feelings of satiety, a sluggish rate of stomach emptying, and decreased digestive organ secretions are characteristics of the cold type. Constipation is common in those who have these symptoms. The kind you mention, the “Gastritis, which may precede an ulcer, is the medical term for the hot kind of indigestion, sometimes known as heartburn. It is an inflammation or irritation of the mucosa that lines the inside of the stomach. Acid from the stomach refluxing into the esophagus causes the burning sensation known as heartburn.
A ailment that raises a little more concern is GERD. The esophagus is affected by severe gastritis. Acidic stomach contents may flow back up when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens improperly, or “reflux, which enters the esophagus, which lacks an acid-resistant barrier. The esophagus’s esophagitis (heartburn-like irritation and inflammation) might be brought on by the reflux. If you experience heartburn at least twice a week, you may have GERD.
Having a hot stomach is typical. Heartburn affects 7% of Americans on a daily basis and 14% at least once each week. About 20% of American adults suffer from the illness, primarily those who are 40 years of age or older. Esophagitis is twice as common in men as it is in women.
Although it is well recognized that only some persons develop ulcers as a result of bacterial infections, current medical dogma holds that Helicobacter pylori infections are the primary cause of most stomach ulcers. Additionally, antacid medications actually encourage the growth of the germs that the body is trying to eradicate in the stomach. Omeprazole (Prilosec) was the subject of a study that was published in Gastroenterology in 2002. They came to the conclusion that long-term usage of such potent acid blockers is extremely hazardous.
These new information has led to the notion that the body’s reaction to this bacteria is likely what causes the damage that results in ulcers and stomach cancer. According to earlier scientific study, some people may be genetically predisposed to react more severely to microorganisms. These researchers came to the conclusion that over the long term, anti-inflammatory medications fared better than acid blockers.
Herbs that are calming and demulcent are rich in mucilage, a slimy plant substance, such as marshmallow root and slippery elm bark. Mucilage can be helpful for persons with heated indigestion because of how soothing it is to the digestive tract due to its slippery nature.
The orange flower petals of calendula (Calendula officinalis), a plant with a long history of culinary usage in Europe, are a colorful addition to your medical cabinet. Internal use of calendula relieves heartburn (gastritis). Fenugreek seed, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has historically been used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including gastritis. Its usage treating ulcers is supported by research that was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2001.
Inflammation is reduced by turmeric root. Curcumin, the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow color, is one of its active constituents and possesses anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of cortisone and phenylbutazone, two medications commonly used to treat inflammation. Since curcumin is nonsteroidal, it is free from the negative side effects associated with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
There is some scientific evidence that curcumin helps dyspepsia, and turmeric is frequently used to alleviate indigestion. A 1989 106-patient double-blind placebo-controlled trial compared the effects of 500 milligrams of curcumin four times per day to a control. 87 percent of the curcumin group, as opposed to only 53 percent of the placebo group, reported complete or partial symptom improvement seven days into the research.
By boosting the synthesis of mucin, a secretion that defends against stomach acid and other digestive liquids, licorice root protects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. The glycyrrhizic acid is taken out of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) (glycyrrhizic acid is the ingredient in licorice root associated with the possibility of increasing blood pressure and causing water retention). However, the portion of the root that treats gastritis is still present in DGL. If you can handle the flavor of licorice, one or two chewable DGL wafers might help.
Natural healers choose the juice of carrot, cabbage, and celery to stop an acute attack. Heartburn is frequently treated with bananas according to folk medicine. Leucocyanidin, a flavonoid derived from unripe bananas, was found to have some efficacy in treating aspirin-induced stomach erosions, according to a Journal of Ethno-pharmacology study. Clinically, I’ve had good results with all of these treatments.
The American Herb Association’s director and the author of eleven books on herbs and aromatherapy, including Herbs for Health and Healing, is Kathi Keville (Rodale, 1996). She offers workshops all around the country.
Ayurvedic, Chinese, and North American healing traditions are areas of expertise for Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, who has more than 25 years of experience working with medicinal herbs. He is a board member of the American Herbalists Guild, a registered massage therapist, and a dietitian/nutritionist.
The details provided in “The material provided in Q & A is not meant to replace the advise of your healthcare physician.
Does echinacea give you heartburn?
Echinacea is probably short-term safe for the majority of people when taken orally. It is safe to utilize different echinacea products for up to 10 days. Some products, like Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG), offer a six-month safe usage period.
The most frequent adverse reactions are rash, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, and stomach pain. Some people may experience adverse responses, particularly those who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies.
Echinacea may be safe for short-term use when applied topically. Echinacea-containing cream (Linola Plus Cream) has been used safely for up to 12 weeks. Echinacea topical application may result in skin redness, itching, or rashes.
What plant is beneficial for acid reflux?
Herbs and other natural therapies are effective in relieving the symptoms of heartburn for some people. Here are a few instances:
Chamomile. The digestive tract may feel more at ease after drinking a cup of chamomile tea. Avoid chamomile if you have a ragweed allergy.
Ginger. An additional well-known herbal digestion aid is ginger root. As a traditional treatment for heartburn, it has been used for generations.
Licorice. Numerous research have shown the effectiveness of licorice. Licorice is thought to thicken the mucous layer that protects the esophagus lining from the irritant effects of stomach acid. DGL, also known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice, is offered as a tablet or liquid.
other organic treatments. Over the years, a variety of alternative “natural” treatments for heartburn have been employed, although there is little scientific proof supporting their efficacy. It has been said that catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea can all help with digestion and relieve heartburn. Fresh papaya is consumed by some as a digestive aid. Others swear by drinking three times a day of raw potato juice. Supporters of naturopathy also promote vomit nut, a homeopathic cure with the unappetizing moniker, as a treatment for heartburn.
The federal government does not test the safety and efficacy of herbal treatments. They are not FDA-approved and are exempt from the same manufacturing and packaging requirements as medicines.
High-fiber foods
Fibrous foods make you feel full, which lowers your risk of overeating, which can worsen heartburn. So, fill up on these foods’ beneficial fiber:
- Oatmeal, couscous, and brown rice are examples of whole grains.
- Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are examples of root vegetables.
- green foods including green beans, broccoli, and asparagus.
Alkaline foods
Foods are pH-scale-dependent in some way (an indicator of acid levels). Low pH foods are acidic and more prone to cause reflux than those with a higher pH. Higher pH values are alkaline and can help counteract highly acidic stomach contents. Alkaline meals consist of:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Cauliflower
- Fennel
- Nuts
Watery foods
Consuming foods high in water might weaken and dilute gastric acid. Select foods like:
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Watermelon
- soups made with broth
- flavored tea
In whom should echinacea not be taken?
Consult your doctor before using echinacea if you regularly take other medications. Additionally, if you smoke, use illegal substances, drink alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages, you should disclose this to your doctor. These might impact how echinacea functions.
If you have an autoimmune ailment (like lupus), an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, echinacea may not be beneficial to you (AIDS). Before beginning to use echinacea, you should discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Echinacea allergy risk may be increased if you have a history of allergies to daisies, ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or other related plants.
Does echinacea benefit the stomach?
Dietitian Foote claims that after people taking echinacea questioned him about whether the herbal treatment might be the source of their diarrhea, he started the short study. The scientific literature study turned up nothing on the impact of herbal supplements on the gastrointestinal system.
So Foote and associates administered a standardized echinacea supplement containing 1,000 milligrams to 12 men and women daily (Echinamide from Natural Factors R&D, Canada). Before, during, and after the study participants took echinacea for 10 days, the researchers grew microorganisms from samples of their stools.
They discovered considerable alterations in the composition of the typical gut flora, including an increase in bacteroides.
“I don’t think it is a terrible concern if a person is taking echinacea for a short length of time and has a healthy gastrointestinal tract,” adds Foote. “However, when using echinacea or any other medication, they should watch out for any negative effects. It would be beneficial if we could encourage people to check for potential negative effects when using a herbal medicine.”
The Marchfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin’s research director Steven H. Yale, MD, has also investigated echinacea. The echinacea adverse effects Foote mentions are “rare,” according to Yale.
The study conducted by Foote and colleagues is published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics’ December issue.
Is echinacea difficult to digest?
The United States and Canada are home to the blooming plant echinacea. Additionally known as coneflower. It belongs to the family of plants known as daisies. For many years, echinacea has been used as a herbal treatment. The viruses that cause colds, sore throats, and the flu are now frequently prevented or treated with it.
Most drug stores and health food stores carry echinacea products. It is available as teas, pills, liquid extracts, capsules, or dried plants. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the country.
Path to improved health
Echinacea is frequently used as a dietary supplement to treat infections like the common cold. They contend that it strengthens the immune system. This improves the body’s ability to combat the infection. As a result, the illness might not persist as long. When feeling well, some people use it to avoid getting sick.
Consult your primary care physician before using echinacea to treat a cold or the flu. Make sure to conduct your study as well. Before being sold, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval. The components in some supplements may not be what is listed on the label. Look for a business that quality tests their goods. You will then be certain that you are acting appropriately.
Pay close attention to the package label. Echinacea is available in a wide range of doses and strengths. Additionally, it may be combined with other nutrients. Observe the instructions on the packaging. Take only the prescribed amount. It can be hazardous to take more than is advised.
The majority of companies advise against eating echinacea on an empty stomach. They advise drinking a lot of water or eating before taking it. Echinacea shouldn’t be taken for more than a few weeks. Long-term safety has not been sufficiently investigated.
Before taking echinacea or any supplements, consult your doctor. If it will conflict with any other medications you take, he or she can let you know. They can also suggest the appropriate dosage for you.
Keep all herbal products out of young children’s sight and reach. To prevent them from losing their potency, keep them in a cool, dry area. Avoid keeping them in restrooms, which tend to get warm and muggy.
Does it work?
On the impact of echinacea on the common cold, numerous studies have been conducted. Researchers have not yet discovered concrete proof of its efficacy. They don’t think that taking it as soon as a cold hits will make it go away faster. Taking it when you are healthy may somewhat lower your risk of contracting a cold.
What are the side effects?
Minor adverse effects are possible with echinacea. These symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, and a queasy stomach. Allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and breathing difficulties are considered serious adverse effects. It may exacerbate asthmatic symptoms. Inform your doctor as soon as possible of any negative effects you have.
Daisy family plants can cause allergy reactions in some people. These could include chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed, daisies, or other flowers. This could increase your chance of experiencing an allergic reaction to echinacea.