Digestive System Enzymes - Help for Indigestion, Heart Burn, Bloating, and Weight Loss

What is a natural remedy for heart burn that I can use without taking something unhealthy for me. Does baking soda work, or is that just a myth. Thanks, Marty

Dear Marty, Thank you for asking this important question. Heartburn occurs when there is acid in your esophagus and when acid sometimes escapes from the stomach upward into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in the chest area. Often times it is difficult to distinguish between heartburn and angina or heart pain. Angina is an indication that the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen and this is a serious sign and needs to be confirmed by further testing by your doctor. Once you can distinguish between heartburn and the more serious symptoms of angina then you might want to consider if your symptoms are just an occasional simple case of heartburn or if it is GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a more serious problem and is characterized by increased frequency as compared to simple heartburn from eating too much or the wrong kinds of foods, such as too much spicy food. In chronic GERD cases, there is usually a defect in the sphincter or muscle which guards the opening between the esophagus and the stomach and which prevents the stomach acid from reversing backward into the esophagus. GERD can erode the lining of the esophagus if it occurs often and frequently enough. The stomach contains digestive enzymes for a reason....to digest the food and break it down so that it can be absorbed by the body. To use excessive amounts of antacids, is really not addressing the cause of the problem of acid reflux in the first place. Baking soda or sodium hydroxide, even though it is a strong base as opposed to an acid, it is really not recommended to use as an antacid because it contains too much sodium and also when it is broken down in the stomach, it releases carbon dioxide which could potentially cause distention and bloating in the stomach and rarely, stomach rupture. So, to answer your question, baking soda, even though it has been around for a long time, it is not recommended to use for heartburn. If you are experiencing chronic heartburn, then please visit your doctor and see if it is related to your diet or some other more serious disorder. After a thorough diagnosis and testing, you might want to try acupuncture or a visit to your naturopathic doctor if you want to go the natural route rather than the chemical drug route.