Heartburn is a symptom associated with many different causes. There isn’t one treatment plan that works for all patients with heartburn. At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, we understand that every person is unique and will require their own individual approach to achieve the success they are looking for. Although acid-blocking medications may reduce the symptoms of heartburn, long-term use can result in negative side-effects. Our naturopathic plans to treat heartburn typically includes a combination of the following:
Remove Food Sensitivities – Food sensitivities are a common cause of heartburn. These food reactions are usually caused by an immune reaction involving IgG antibodies that can be identified using a blood test. Elimination diets can also be helpful to identify food triggers.
Promote Digestion – Sluggish digestion can cause food to sit in the stomach and cause reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Certain herbs can help stimulate digestion and ensure that food is being rapidly digested and sent to the next phase of digestion!
Increase Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Tone – The LES separates the stomach from the esophagus. If it does not close properly, the stomach contents can splash into the esophagus causing gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). A naturopathic doctor can choose certain herbs for you to help increase LES tone and reduce symptoms of GERD.
Eradicate Infections – The bacteria H. pylori can cause stomach ulcers. H. pylori infections are sometimes resistant to antibiotics and an integrative approach with antimicrobial herbs may be required to eliminate the infection.
Protect the Stomach – The stomach produces mucous to protect itself from stomach acid. If mucous production is disrupted, it can lead to stomach acid eroding the tissues. Certain herbs can protect the stomach by supplementing and/or stimulating mucous production.
Identify and Remove Drug Cause – Some medications reduce mucous production or reduce LES tone. These medications should be identified and changed if possible.
Decrease Acid – Stomach acid is vital to digestive function, however, sometimes it needs to be suppressed to create an environment that an ulcer can heal in. Certain herbs have natural antacid properties that reduce stomach acidity and promote ulcer healing.
Manage Stress – Although stress is not the primary cause of heartburn, it can aggravate and trigger these episodes. Stress can be managed in many ways to help you cope better and subsequently improve symptoms of heartburn.
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. © 2022 Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine Inc. All rights reserved.