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