Indigestion (discomfort felt as a burning pain in the chest and lower throat) is a symptom of an inflamed esophagus. Causes include hot or spicy foods, and acid flowing back from the stomach. A hiatus hernia, in which part of the stomach passes into the chest cavity through the hole for the esophagus, is often responsible, causing belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Symptoms

• Pain in the chest, throat and jaw
• Partially digested food that returns to the mouth on bending or lying down
• Pain between the ribs suggests a peptic ulcer
• Water brash – whereby the mouth suddenly fills with watery saliva – is also typical of a peptic ulcer

Cures

Vitamins and Minerals

Cabbage juice has long been taken to help heal peptic ulcers. Sip 10-13 fl. oz (300-400 ml) daily on an empty stomach, freshly juiced with a handful of fresh basil, marjoram and/or oregano leaves to improve the flavor and boost the effect. Small, regular meals taken 2-3 hours apart help to reduce stomach acid and soothe painful inflammation. Sip reduced-fat milk and milk beverages, and chew licorice, which has potent ulcer-healing properties. Follow a daily vitamin/mineral regimen and take 2 kelp (seaweed) tablets daily, because large quantities of raw cabbage (or juice) can affect thyroid gland function in people with an iodine deficiency. Take additional A, C and E vitamins; B complex vitamins for stress reduction; and zinc supplement, 40 mg twice daily, to boost the healing process.

Herbal Medicine

Aloe vera juice or gel taken orally before your three main meals and at bedtime has been clinically shown to combat peptic ulceration. A herbal practitioner might prescribe an infusion of marshmallow leaves, or medications containing ginger, bay leaves, thyme, caraway, marjoram, mint or savory. Follow recipes containing these herbs to increase ulcer healing. Chew slices of dried or candied root of angelica.

Aromatherapy

Add a couple of drops of essential oil of cardamom, laurel, basil, cinnamon and/or lavender to a carrier oil and heat in a burner, or add sparingly to bathwater.

Homeopathy

For acute attacks of indigestion, take every 10-15 minutes for up to 7 doses: Carbo veg. 30c for a stomach full of wind, relieved by belching, a burning sensation in the stomach felt through to the back, and a craving for fresh air; Nux 6c for heartburn half an hour after eating, painful retching leaving a bad taste in the mouth, irritability, and attacks triggered by stress of too much food or alcohol; and Capsicum 6c for indigestion during pregnancy, with a burning sensation behind the breastbone, great thirst, and drinking that causes flatulence and shuddering.

Medical Treatment

Reflux (acid flowing back from the stomach) suppressant mixtures containing sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate are suitable both for heartburn and for reflux episodes due to hiatus hernia. Antacids/antiflatulents (taken to combat wind) and antispasmodic medications may also be prescribed to control spasm triggered by gastric irritation. Medications used to control the acid concentration of the stomach contents may also be prescribed as a course accompanied by amoxycillin and clarithromycin (antibiotics) to overcome bacterial infection of the stomach, which is now recognized as an important contributory cause of peptic ulcers.

Prevention

• Reduce stomach acid with small, frequent meals and milky drinks
• Avoid acidic/spicy foods
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, strong tea and coffee
• Reduce stress by counseling/meditation
• Lose surplus weight to help combat reflux
• Raise the head of the bed to reduce night-time reflux

Caution

• A diagnosis by X-ray or an endoscopy is vital if there are persistent symptoms.
• Unexplained weight loss, jaundice or pain radiating into the back must all be traced to their cause
• Dark "tarry" stools or "coffee grounds" vomit (containing partly digested blood) suggest an active ulcer – see a doctor without delay.

   

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