It seems that every semester I inevitably enter this dark tunnel that most students refer to as “Crunch Time”. Somehow, against my best efforts, I become engulfed by my scholarly duties and I can’t help but feel the effects of stress on my mind, energy, and body. Even with my best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and regular heart-pumping activities, daily meditation, and a full night’s rest, stress seeps it’s way into my temple-of-a-body and slowly erodes my innards….yep, my stress symbol is a nasty case of heartburn.
Just like Mother Nature wants us to be real with Her, She also doesn’t want us to suffer in the name of being real. So here are a few tips for dealing with the nasty heartburn, unnaturally brought on by the modern day stresses:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural antacid. If you dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water, it can neutralize acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux. There are some drawbacks, however, to this. When you add baking soda to water, it releases carbon dioxide. That’s what causes the fizz. This fizz can open the LES to enable you to burp, and help relieve the pressure from bloating. Unfortunately, though, opening the LES can also allow stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus.
DGL
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is another remedy used for heartburn. It is available in chewable tablets or capsules you can break open and dissolve in water. You should not use DGL if you have been diagnosed with hypertension and/or are receiving treatment for hypertension.
Bananas
Bananas act as a natural antacid in the body. You can eat either fresh or dried bananas.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has been used to help neutralize stomach acid. It is also used by people as a stress reliever.
Apple Cider Vinegar
People have reported that natural apple cider vinegar works for them. Apple cider vinegar can be taken in tablet, capsule, or liquid form.
Ginger
Fresh ginger is one of the oldest remedies for heartburn. It is also used to help treat nausea. Ginger can be added to food when it’s cooked, eaten raw, or consumed as ginger tea.
Turmeric
Turmeric helps stimulate digestion and prevent acid build-up. Turmeric is used in curried foods. If you don’t want to use turmeric in your cooking, it is available in capsule form and can be taken before meals.
Aloe Vera Juice
The juice from the aloe vera plant has been used to soothe an irritated esophagus. Aloe vera juice has a long history of use in Europe as a natural home remedy to relive heartburn. You should only use aloe vera juice that has been specifically prepared for internal use.