and allows the not fully-processed stomach contents into the duodenum. Because the stomach empties faster, there is less chance of the contents escaping back up into the esophagus. Plus, anything that does back up is less acidic, and less irritating to the esophagus. So why is this bad? There are some important reasons:
• Proteins that were supposed to be broken down in the stomach are now in the intestines, and could actually act as an allergen.
• Protein not being broken down properly means that calcium and iron aren’ t being absorbed properly either.
• Harmful bacteria that could have been neutralized by stomach acids now have a“ free pass” into the intestines, where they could do much more harm. Fortunately, there are ingredients that help relieve and prevent heartburn naturally.
NATURAL INGREDIENTS WORK WITH YOUR BODY
One of the best ingredients to fight heartburn and GERD naturally is D-limonene. This clinically tested component of citrus oil is found in oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Although citrus fruits are typically associated with causing heartburn, d-limonene has been shown to help stop it.
In one study, 19 adults with a history( at least 5 years) of mild to moderate symptoms of heartburn or GERD were asked to discontinue their OTC or prescription
medications and take d-limonene instead. Initially, many of the participants rated their pain on a scale of 1 to 10,( 1 meaning pain free, and 10 equaling severe pain) at 5 or greater. By the second day of taking d-limonene, 32 percent of the participants experienced symptom relief, rating at 1 or 2. After 14 days, 89 percent of the participants were symptom free!
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 13 participants followed the same symptom severity scale, and by the fourth day, 29 percent in the d-limonene group experienced significant relief( a 1 to 2 rating), versus zero in the placebo group. By day 14, 86 percent of the d-limonene group reported complete relief.
The exact reasons for d-limonene’ s success are still being investigated. It appears that it coats and protects the stomach walls and mucosa from the potential damage of stomach acid( without interfering with acid production), and supports healthy peristalsis – the muscle action of the intestines that moves food through the digestive system.
Sea buckthorn( Hippophae rhamnoides), another important botanical ingredient for heartburn and GERD, works in a different way. It has a protective effect on the stomach and actually helps prevent and heal gastric ulcers. It also soothes the mucosa in the digestive tract. Sea buckthorn may not sound familiar to many, but this plant – naturally grown in Europe and Asia
16 HimPower August 2017