Living With Acid Reflux

What is heartburn?
Heartburn doesn’t actually affect the heart as the name would imply. Instead, heartburn is a burning feeling in the lower chest that is often accompanied with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and throat. It typically occurs after eating a large meal or when lying down. The painful sensation can last for a few minutes or a several hours.

What are the causes of heartburn?
When eaten, food passes from the mouth down a tube (that is about 10 inches long) called the esophagus. On this trip, the food must pass through an opening between the esophagus and stomach. This opening acts like a valve that allows food to pass into the stomach.

Usually, this opening closes after food passes through. However, if it doesn’t close completely, the acid from your stomach can backup into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux. The stomach acid can irritate the esophagus and cause the burning.

What is a hiatal hernia?
Hiatal hernia is an abnormal condition in which part of the stomach is pushed up through the diaphragm (the muscle wall between the stomach and chest) and into the chest. Sometimes this condition causes heartburn.

What factors worsen heartburn?
Many factors can make heartburn worse. Heartburn is common after overeating food, when bending over or when lying down on a flat surface. Other factors include pregnancy, clothing that’s so tight it puts pressure on your stomach, stress and certain foods. The list below shows other things that can aggravate heartburn symptoms.

Things that worsen heartburn

• Cigarette smoking

• Coffee (regular or decaf) and other drinks that contain caffeine

• Alcohol

• Citrus fruits

• Tomato products

• Chocolate, mints or peppermints

• Fatty foods or spicy foods (pizza, chili, curry)

• Onions

• Excess weight

• Aspirin or ibuprofen

• Some other medicines (check with your doctor)

Is heartburn serious?
If someone has heartburn now and then, it is probably not serious. However, if heartburn is frequent, it can lead to esophagitis (inflamed lining of the esophagus). When esophagitis becomes severe, the esophagus can narrow and might bleed or cause difficulty with swallowing.

More than occasional heartburn is often a symptom of acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an inflamed stomach lining (gastritis), hiatal hernia or peptic ulcer.

What to do to feel better?
The first step to avoid heartburn is to make some lifestyle changes. The list below shows several tips on how to prevent heartburn.

Tips on preventing heartburn

• Place 4- to 6-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed.

• Try to eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.

• Lose weight if overweight.

• Don’t overeat.

• Eat high-protein, low-fat meals.

• Avoid very tight clothes and tight belts.

• Avoid foods and liquids that give you heartburn.

Will antacids resolve heartburn?
Antacids neutralize acid that is in the stomach. For most people, antacids that are available without a prescription (over-the-counter) give quick, short-term relief.

However, antacids can sometimes cause diarrhea or constipation. For best results, look for antacids that contain both magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Some brands of antacids include Maalox, Mylanta and Riopan. Follow the directions printed on the package.

What to do if my symptoms get worse?
If lifestyle changes and antacids don’t resolve your symptoms, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to take perscription medicine or schedule you for some specific tests.

Tests might include an abdominal x-rays to check for ulcers, a pH test to check for acid in the esophagus, or an endoscopy to check for other conditions. During an endoscopy, a specially trained doctor can look into your stomach and through a long, thin tube which is inserted down your esophagus. Another test may check for H. pylori, a bacteria in the stomach that can cause ulcers.

What about medicines for heartburn?
Several families of medicine can be used to treat heartburn. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. Several are available without a prescription.

Other medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as omeprazole (brand name: Prilosec) and lansoprazole (brand name: Prevacid), also reduce how much acid the stomach makes.

Is heartburn associated with a heart attacks?
No. However, some pain in the chest may be mistaken for heartburn symptoms when it is really a sign of heart disease.

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There are many home remedies to consider when dealing with heartburn. Herbal remedies can be useful in easing chronic chest and stomach ailments including Heartburn. This article provides five effective herbal remedies to help with heartburn.

Heartburn is pain that occurs behind the breastbone and rises up into the chest, typically after meals. Commonly used herbal remedies for Heartburn include ginger, fennel tea, chamomile tea, cumin and anti-heartburn fruits. Below is a description of each of these herbs as well as dosage guidelines.

1. Ginger: Used to help with proper digestion, ginger has been found by many to greatly help with heartburn. In fact, it is considered to be one of the oldest home remedies for heartburn. Typically, it is either added to food as it is cooked or eaten it raw. A dose of 500mg of raw ginger is usually effective to stop heartburn. It can also be used to make ginger teas can be purchased in tablet form.

2. Fennel Tea: Fennel tea is another healpful home remedy for heartburn. To prepare, boil about 3 grams (1/2 tea spoon) of fennel seeds in 250ml of water for about 5 minutes. Cool the tea and then sip as needed. Drink a maximum of about three cups of tea daily. To add taste, add some drops of peppermint oil to the tea.

3. Chamomile: Home made Chamomile Tea is a safe and effective herbal heartburn remedy. It is naturally caffeine-free, rich in calcium and a time honored remedy that soothes gastrointestinal disorders and heartburn. To make your chamomile tea, damp dried or fresh herbs or infuse herbal tea bags in the boiling water in a teapot for three minutes. Mix and serve immediately. Add sugar to taste.

4. Cumin: As an alternate to drinking plain water with meals, adding a little cumin helps to stop the generation of gas in the stomach. Researchers have shown that cumin can stimulate digestion and nutrient assimilation. This seed seems to have extraordinary properties when it comes to health benefits.

5. Anti-Heartburn Fruits: Several delicious fruits are helpful in dealing with occasional heartburn. These fruits include bananas, papayas and rhubarb and have always had an impressive effect on heartburn. All three of these fruits should be eaten raw for the most benefit in calming the stomach and neutralizing the acid that causes heartburn.

In addition to these five herbal remedies, there are several other traditionally recognized herbal remedies like Aloe Vera, gentian root and vinegar which also thought to be helpful for heartburn.

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Makes 4 servings of 2 ouces of pasta

4 quarts water
8 ounces penne pasta
1/2 of a 4 ounce carton egg substitute
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 cup 1% milk
5 ounces reduced-fat cheddar cheese (grated)
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Place water in a medium stock-pot over high heat burner and bring to a rapid boil. Add pasta and cook until done. Do not overcook.

While pasta is cooking, combine egg substitute, cornstarch, 1 % milk, reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salt in a small microwave safe mixing bowl.

Place the mixing bowl in the microwave and heat on high in 30-second intervals until hot. Whisk with a fork after each interval. Do not allow the mixture to get hot enough to boil.

When the pasta is done, drain well and return it to the pot. Add the cheese mixture and mix well until the cheese is completely melted and creamy.

Add fresh ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 2 ounces pasta | Servings 4

Calories 304 | Calories from Fat 36

Amount Per Serving (% Daily Value)

Total Fat 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat 2g (10%)

Monounsaturated Fat 1g | Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 9 mg (3 %) | Sodium 340 mg (14 %)

Total Carbohydrates 46g (14%) | Sugars 1g

Dietary Fiber 2g (7%) | Protein 19g

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Make 3 servings of 2 cups each

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 small white onion
1/4 lb button mushrooms
1 cup arborio rice
1/4 cup white wine
2 cups water
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
2 ounces wild mushrooms
1 Tbsp fresh basil
1 1/2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 medium tomatoes

Heat olive oil over medium-heat burner in a medium sized stock-pot. Add minced garlic and cook slowly. Do not allow to brown as garlic will become bitter.

When garlic is soft and translucent, add onions and cook until they are translucent. Add button mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat until they begin to turn brown. Continue cooking, stir continuously until the mushrooms are a dark brown.

Add risotto and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat to medium and add white wine . Stir well. Cook for one minute and add 2 cups of water and salt and pepper.

Cook over medium-heat, stirring frequently so that the rice does not stick to the bottom. After 15 minutes, check to see if the rice is done. Add more water, 1/4 cup at a time as needed.

Slice the wild mushrooms.

When the rice is soft and not mushy, add basil, wild mushrooms and parmesan cheese. Stir and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes over very low heat burner.

May be served topped with the julienne tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: about 2 cups | Servings 3

Calories 416 | Calories from Fat 52

Amount Per Serving (% Daily Value)

Total Fat 6g (9%) | Saturated Fat 3g (13%)

Monounsaturated Fat 2g | Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 10 mg (3 %) | Sodium 336 mg (14 %)

Total Carbohydrates 76g (25%) | Sugars 4g

Dietary Fiber 6g (24%) | Protein 14g

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Makes 2 servings of 2 ounces with sauce

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves roasted garlic (mashed)
2 tsp all purpose flour
3/4 cup 2% milk
1 ounce semi-soft goat cheese
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated)
4 quarts water
4 ounces whole wheat fettuccine
1 Tbsp parsley (minced)

Heat the olive oil in a ten-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat burner and add in minced garlic. Cook slowly and stir frequently. Do not allow garlic to brown as it will become bitter.

Add flour slowly and cook for one minute. Stir continuously to blend the oil and flour. The mixture should be like coarse corn meal. Cook gently and don’t allow the mixture to brown.

Add cold milk slowly whisking to keep the sauce from clumping. Blend all of the milk in until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken.

Add cheese and whisk as it melts in. When the sauce is smooth add Parmigiano-Reggiano and whisk as it melts until the sauce becomes creamy. Reduce the heat to very low or simmer.

In a large pot heat water to a rapid boil. Add fettuccine and cook until it is just tender (usually 12 – 15 minutes for dried pasta). Drain well and then add pasta to the sauce, tossing to completely coat. Sprinkle minced parsley over the top and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 2 ounces pasta | Servings 2

Calories 389 | Calories from Fat 107

Amount Per Serving (% Daily Value)

Total Fat 12g (19%) | Saturated Fat 6g (30%)

Monounsaturated Fat 5g | Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 23 mg (8 %) | Sodium 337 mg (14 %)

Total Carbohydrates 53g (18%) | Sugars 5g

Dietary Fiber 5g (20%) | Protein 20g

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1 large egg yolk
1 Tbsp reduced-fat buttery spread
2/3 cup Splenda
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 medium bananas
3 large egg whites
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
1/4 cup non-fat buttermilk
2 tsp light brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 1 1/2 quart glass Pyrex oblong loaf pan with non-stick foil.

Whisk egg yolk until smooth. Add reduced-fat spread and whisk together until smooth.

Mash bananas into the mixture until smooth using the whisk . Add Splenda and vanilla extract and whisk in until smooth.

In another bowl whisk egg whites until they start to become very frothy and white. Do not beat into stiff peaks.

Place all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and wheat germ into a sifter and sift into mixing bowl.

Gently fold creamed mixture together with flour mixture. As this is blended add pecans. When the mixture is well blended add frothed egg whites and fold together until smooth.

When the pecans are just blended in, add buttermilk and fold until smooth.

Pour batter into the lined Pyrex dish and sprinkle light brown sugar over the top. Place loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 55 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 slice | Servings 8

Calories 223 | Calories from Fat 60

Amount Per Serving (% Daily Value)

Total Fat 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat 1g (4%)

Monounsaturated Fat 3g | Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 27 mg (9 %) | Sodium 312 mg (13 %)

Total Carbohydrates 35g (12%) | Sugars 6g

Dietary Fiber 4g (15%) | Protein 7g

Vitamin A 3% | Vitamin C 5 % | Calcium 9% | Iron 11%

Vitamin K 1 mcg | Potassium 271 mg | Magnesium 48 mg

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