Want the Best Heartburn Relief?!
By Joanie Blaxter
First a few notes from Kelly…
Please read my disclaimer: “The information found here has not been approved by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Your situation may be VERY different than the one below, and neither Joanie nor I are doctors. Use this information to do more of your own research.
Have you seen this scary article:
“Heartburn drugs linked to fatal heart and kidney disease, stomach cancer. Death risk increases the longer such drugs are used..” By the way, these drugs also greatly deplete you of vitamin B12, and I know this because I just researched it for a relative of mine. He was very tired all of the time so he went to the doc and guess what? They found he was extremely low in B12 — but I highly doubt the docs knew that was from the PPI drug they put him on a few years ago for heartburn. So now he needs B12 shots. There is great profit in keeping people sick instead of treating the root cause. Just one more reason you need the information here!
Here's Joanie…
I'd have to guess the most common request I've heard during my 6 years working on the vitamin aisle in a natural food store is for products to treat acid reflux. And no wonder! Statistically, about 10-20% of people suffer from gastritis at least once a week, while about 50% experience it once a month.
When I've asked my customers what their doctors tell them about the cause of their chronic heartburn, the consistent answer is: a defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The esophogeal valve is located right about at the base of your rib cage. It separates the stomach from the esophagus, which leads up into the throat. When the LES does not shut properly, the contents of the stomach, extremely caustic from the hydrochloric acid (HCL or stomach acid) it contains, leak upwards through the valve, causing a a burning sensation in our esophagus.
This is why heartburn is frequently worse at night or the early morning. As we lie down, it's easier for burning liquid to slip through the valve. Really severe leakage can travel all the way up to the throat and affect the quality of our vocal chords, as the desperate, heartburn-hoarse professional singer who came to me for help could attest.
When I asked what she thought was the cause for her “defective” esophogeal valve, her response was “My doctor told me it's genetic.”
The singer then identified her father as also suffering from chronic heartburn as “proof.” Her reason for coming to the vitamin aisle for help was that, in addition to the proton pump inhibitor medication prescribed for her, her doc also recommended she make some diet changes.
Unfortunately, the medication was not working well and she thought I might have additional dietary suggestions other than what her M.D. had offered. This woman was frantic because her career was threatened until she could get her symptoms under control.
The explanation of a genetically defective esophagus being the cause for heartburn has always puzzled me since it doesn't really address the question of why gastritis increases with age. Wouldn't anyone born with a genetically “soft” esophageal valve that never has shut properly likely to be downing antacids as a child or teenager?
And yet that's not what we see. Characteristically this is a condition that appears with age.
Even more surprising has been that every single one of my customers with chronic heartburn who has been to see their conventional doctor for help has been put on medication to LOWER stomach acid.
High stomach acid is only associated with very rare conditions, like Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome which is diagnosed at the rate of about 1 out of 1,000,000.
Yes. You read that right.
Your chances of having chronically high stomach acid are about one in a million!
And yet most people with gastritis complaints are prescribed a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec to lower stomach acid.
Upon learning that a customer is on heartburn medication, my next question is always…
Did your doctor test your stomach acid levels before prescribing your acid-blocker?
NEVER ONCE have any of these medicated people ever replied YES to that question.
The irony is that studies are very clear that acid reflux is much more commonly linked to LOW stomach acid, not high.
In one study researchers found that over 30 percent of men and women past the age of 60 suffer from atrophic gastritis, a condition marked by little to no acid secretion.
Another study found that 40% of women over the age of 80 produce no stomach acid at all.
(Source: What Everybody Ought to Know (But Doesn't) about Heartburn & GERD.)
Low stomach acid wreaks havoc with our entire digestive tract.
Proper stomach acidity is not only necessary for the appropriate breakdown and absorption of both protein and minerals, but also to support a thriving microbiome in our gut.
A stomach chronically low in acidity characteristically also translates into an overly alkaline intestinal environment. This, in turn, attracts pathological microflora which crowd out probiotic ones, producing excess gas and bloating, and create what's known as “intra-abdominal pressure.”
In other words, it's more likely that the intra-abdominal pressure coming from the gas from the gut is what causes the esophageal valve to open and leak, not a “defective” valve, and not excess acidity in the stomach.
In this case, both low stomach acid and unbalanced gut flora must be corrected to address the acid reflux.
So WHY do acid-blockers make heartburn feel better if the problem is LOW stomach acid?
Conventional medication does nothing to address why the esophageal valve is being forced open: too many pathological microflora in the gut and the gas they cause. It simply reduces the amount of acidity in the stomach, so the leakage burns less when it rises into the esophagus.
So, yes, in this scenario you risk getting worse and worse over time by never being able to get off your medication.
You additionally risk exposing yourself to compromised digestion and malnutrition (see this post about the resulting vitamin B12 deficiencies!), as well as immune system dysfunction related to an overabundance of pathological intestinal microflora.
An excellent book that addresses low stomach acid as the true culprit behind chronic heartburn is Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You by Dr. Jonathan Wright. (Buy it here or read the WAPF book review here.)
Unfortunately, if you have already been put on heartburn medication by a conventional physician, please be aware that…
***You should NEVER stop taking proton pump inhibitors cold turkey.
Please understand that these are very dangerous drugs… …you’ll develop both tolerance and dependence on them, so you can’t stop taking them without suffering serious repercussions…
You have to wean yourself off them gradually or else you’ll experience a severe rebound of your symptoms, and the problem may end up being worse than before you started taking the medication. You should get help from your doctor.
Read here where Dr. Mercola explains how to gradually wean yourself: Acid Reflux Caused by Too Little Acid, Not Too Much.
My theory as to why so many Americans experience chronic heartburn?
Because we're mega-stressed out and have under-functioning adrenal glands!
One of the functions of the adrenal glands is to signal to the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid. When the adrenals are too tired to do that on an ongoing basis, HCL levels can remain low day in and day out.
In my observation most adults, and many teens, have symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This would also explain why we see an increase in gastritis over time, since our adrenals do tend to slow down with both age and stress.
(A note from Kelly with another reason so many these days have heartburn: it's caused by the other drugs people are on! One of my relatives was given a PPI because after a heart scare, they put him on heart meds that they said would cause heartburn–the drug companies need to keep themselves in business, right?! Unbelievable.)
How often do you feel truly hungry, like ravenous?
Many of my customers with chronic acid reflux answer, “Almost never.”
If that is true for you, I encourage you to check into adrenal fatigue and this article which describes a simple, inexpensive self-test to determine whether or not you are low in stomach acid: How to Supplement with Betaine HCL for Low Stomach Acid.
WHAT TO DO for the BEST Heartburn Relief!!!
- As described in that article, one of the most common methods of supplementing for low stomach acid is using Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL).
Here are the recommended brands, but be sure to read the above article so you know the risks of handling this yourself and so you know the proper amounts to take:
2. Note from Kelly: It's important to address the root cause of your heartburn as Joanie describes above, but for immediate help and for the best heartburn relief, I've also heard of people having good results using ACV! They either take a Tablespoon straight, or they mix a Tablespoon into 4 ounces of water. You wouldn't want to do this all the time, as I assume it can't be great for your teeth, but you may want to try it for short-term help. (Watch a video about this from Dr. Berg.)
3. Read here where my friend Sarah talks about raw sauerkraut as an amazing remedy for reflux!
4. Now that I know more, I'd now especially recommend keeping this homeopathic remedy on-hand (choose 6c potency). Here's what Joette, my favorite homeopath, says about it: “This is homeopathy’s king of antacids. Tuck a small bottle of it in your purse, diaper bag or glove compartment. Then, any time indigestion hits, toss 3-4 pills directly in the mouth. If no relief is afforded within 15 minutes or so, continue taking in the same manner. In most cases, the indigestion will be resolved within short order. Curiously and as a welcome old friend, the next episode of indigestion will often not be as severe, not last as long and will be fended off for a longer period of time. Further, the cost of these little pills is under $20 and they pack neither side effects nor additives.”
So whatever happened to the frantic professional singer with heartburn-caused hoarseness who wanted to get off her medication?
After explaining how it was possible that she may have low stomach acidity and a gut microflora imbalance, rather than a defective esophageal valve, I offered her this website to find a naturopathic physician who could decide if it was appropriate to walk her through the process of weaning herself off her acid blocker: FIND A DOCTOR.
The fact that I never saw the singer again is actually a good thing in my book! In my experience, the customers who get the help they need are the least likely to return to my aisle. I hope that's the case for her and she's singing her heart out!
Please share, what has helped you get to the root of your issue and given you the best heartburn relief?
Resources from Kelly
- Antacid Drugs Increase the Risk of Fracture
- Suffering from Digestive Problems?
- Digestive Issues Archives
Other resources for the best heartburn relief
- GERD Is Caused by Bacterial Overgrowth
- SIBO: What Causes It & Why It's So Hard to Fix
- The Importance of Good Digestion for Seniors
- Long-term Dangers of Acid Blockers (cognitive health, heart health, bone health, gut health–these are all affected when taking PPI's!)
Read more here specifically about bone health:
DON'T FORGET to get your free printable by clicking here: Top 25 Simple Ways to BOOST Your Health with Apple Cider Vinegar!
- Did you know? Antacids increase the risk of fractures!
This was a post by my sweet friend, Joanie Blaxter! Joanie is a health coach who has been in sales and education in the natural foods and products industry since the early 70’s, with her most recent six years spent as a vitamin specialist in a natural foods store. Joanie’s past articles are located here.
Disclaimer: Neither Joanie nor I are health professionals! Use what you read here for your own research and then consult with a natural-minded doctor or health professional you trust to find what is best and right for YOU. Read my entire disclaimer here, and also note that there may be affiliate links in this post.
Photo by Veronika Diegel on Unsplash
Amanda Iden Howell says
I had horrid heartburn and then remembered I hadn’t been taking my probiotics every day. Now that I’m back on them daily, the heartburn is gone.
Brian Engles says
I had bad heartburn for years, I’d wake up choking on my vomit. I Went to a chiropractor and after getting my back adjusted I’ve only had heart burn or acid reflux a few times since. When it does pop up I go and get adjusted.
Sharon Bednorz says
Same thing I have done. Chiropractor is amazing!
Joanie Blaxter says
Brian, my understanding is that the reason chiropractic adjustments can work for GERD is that the adjustment can move the esophageal valve back into a tighter fit. My suggestion would be if it keeps happening to consider HCl and addressing adrenal fatigue as the more long term solution.
Mary Ann Berning says
I’m trying to get off my Nexium..!!
Tyra Droegemullr says
I can’t wait until this his mainstream! I’ve been telling people this for years! This is not new news! Thanks for sharing and getting the word out though!
Deb Westover Leonard says
I had GERD for over 25 years. Treated it with prescribed meds. Once I went off gluten, no more GERD.
Mary Ann Berning says
Yes, gluten exacerbates the problem.
Ailene Gertrude says
OK folks already my heartburn is about gone….ya’ll made a believer out of me Kelly the Kitchen Kop and Valerie Stuch Johnson!! 🙂 feelin’ much better in 45 minutes!!!!
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
I’m so glad Ailene Gertrude!!!! 🙂
Ailene Gertrude says
ohhhh i am fixin’ to find out if ya’ll are sport on b/c I have been fighting it all day after some Tuscan Ritz Crackers after church and I am still eating them only had 4 :(. Going to kitchen now and try it…..stay tuned 🙂
Valerie Stuch Johnson says
The hubs used to suffer from terrible heartburn. We started eating supper a little earlier, and that helped a lot. For the rare flare-up, a Tbsp of raw ACV in some water, does the trick.
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
Love that ACV!
Diane Ives says
Wonderful article
Stefanie Kennedy says
Yep! I was on meds like Ppi’s for YEARS! I finally had enough and quit cold turkey. Nights were a little rough for a couple of weeks, but now I’ve had the same small bottle of Tums for longer than I can remember for those rare occasions I eat or drink something I shouldn’t too close to bedtime.
Joanie Blaxter says
Thank you! Hope it’s useful 🙂
KindFoodFarm says
Excellent article!
Corinne Spanelewski says
I I took them for years before my doctor even let me see a specialist because they weren’t working very well. No one tested me for anything until I got to the specialist and that still only consisted of endoscopy. I got sick of being on so much medication up to 3 PPI a day that I opted for surgery. I know mine was caused by a defect and I was never going to get off medication completely but when I really changed up my diet and lost the weight so I could do surgery it helped a ton. I been heartburn free for 16 years and counting. PPI have side effects that make you feel ill all the time at least they did for me. Doctors push then like candy and they are not as safe as they once believed they were.
Joanie Blaxter says
Corinne, what kind of surgery did you get? To correct a defective esophageal valve?
William J White says
I tend to disagree. If the person was prescribed this for GERD — diagnosed properly… without cardiosphenter (?) Abnormality then protocol almost always suggests a PPI. Testing involves rather precise timing; increased time to evaluate, and, of course added expense. Something insurance companies don’t like. Please forward current allopathic study sites for my education. Many thanks.
Marilyn Verghese says
ACV has worked for me every time.
Susan West says
I have been on proton pump inhibitors for years, hating it too. I started Aloe juice this morning with a super healthy diet I’m praying it works.
Patricia Wagner says
Kombucha tea works great.
Denise Wilson says
Bill Byram
Nikki says
I was wondering if a “leaky gut” could also be responsible for the large number of people suffering in our country. For nearly a year i had terrible heartburn and nausea every time i ate regardless oc how hungry i was or the meals content. After reading about the GAPS diet and crossing it with the whole food principles of “trim healthy mamma” i have been heartburn free for a month. Yay!
Joanie Blaxter says
Hi Nikki,
Actually, I suspect that rather than leaky gut causing heartburn, it’s usually low stomach acidity that contributes to gut flora imbalance which leads to leaky gut.
Heather Brenner says
Dandelion root tincture knocks out the most stubborn heartburn the good way
Joanie Blaxter says
Oh, thank you, Heather! I’ll have to try that!
DS says
You can feel the difference if you take Urban Moonshine digestive bitters. It gets your digestive juices flowing. It is easy to forget to take them, but bitters really help. I was on Prevacid for years and quit gradually, but the resulting acid still damaged my esophagus and I must have it widened by my gastroenterologist. He wants me back on Prevacid but there is no way I will take that evil stuff. I never had pain from “acid reflux” until I really DID have the acid that happens when you quit Prevacid. I think medical schools need to teach doctors better before they “learn” from drug reps. I asked my doctor if he ever measured the amount of acid in my stomach and he said he didn’t want to argue. He does a good job of widening my esophagus, but he just DOESN’T GET IT as to what caused my problem in the first place.
Joanie Blaxter says
DS, yes, thanks for that reminder about digestive bitters. They stimulate HCL production naturally.
Angela Gora says
I wonder why heart burn is more of a problem in pregnancy and what that has to do with stomach acid, adrenal gland, and gut flora?
Joanie Blaxter says
Baby is pressing the stomach up, so if there’s any gas or floating, it’s that much easier for the vale to be forced open.
Lisa Wanderlingh says
We use Apple Cider Vinegar! It will heal you permanently!
Joanie Blaxter says
What I like about raw apple cider vinegar is that it also contains enzymes that help digestion. My concern about ACV depends on how much you need it. It functions basically the same way HCL tabs and caps do in that it’s adding acidity to the stomach – except it’s liquid. And if you need to take it with every meal, that’s a lot of acidity passing over the enamel of your teeth.
Ann says
If HCL does not work, there is a congested liver that can be another cause. Many women who have had a few children, or have been on birth control, will develop a congested liver, and a Liver Gallbladder Flush, a simple recipe that involves apple cider vinegar, magnesium, extra virgin olive oil and grapefruit will assist in flushing out the cholesterol stones that form as a result of a congested liver.
Joanie Blaxter says
Ann, thank you for that information!
Sarah says
For my husband we did chiropractic care to push the hiatal hernia back down. The chiropractor showed me how to do this so we do in on a regular basis. We then did slippery elm for 2-3 months to heal the ulcers that had developed. This was a year ago. Things are much better. We may need to consider having him taking slippery elm for maintenance but for the most part he is significantly better. All the doctors offered were PPI.
KitchenKop says
Sarah, good for you guys for looking for alternate/better solutions!
Kelly
euphoriagoodapple says
I had a woman chiropractor years ago whose specialties were women and children. She was a midwife as well….she came of age in Latvia growing up with women of her community learning herbal medicine…she taught me about the adjustment for hiatal hernia and how we can do it for ourselves.
This is a good but tediously long article….for someone currently suffering, they might slog through this…but for important info to have, i think a shorter article with the gist of things would be very useful