Heartburn is a common complaint that many people take medication for. This often seems like a quick solution, but it is not without risks. That's why it's important to consider what heartburn actually means and what your body is trying to tell you.
The stomach is an essential organ
The stomach plays a central role in Chinese medicine. That's not for nothing. Thousands of years ago, it was understood how essential a well-functioning stomach is to life.
When I first heard this, it also had to land on me. The brain, blood vessels and the heart seemed more important to me. But what are all these systems built from? From the nutrients that we absorb through our stomach and intestines. Without proper digestion and absorption of food, no other organ can function properly.
The stomach and intestines thus literally form the basis of our energy and health.
Heartburn as a side effect of medication
Heartburn, also known as reflux, is a signal that digestion is not going well at the level of the stomach. Everyone experiences this from time to time after eating too much or wrong. Once in a while is no problem. When the symptoms persist, there is usually more to it.
A common cause is the use of medication. According to information from the website webmd Among others, the following types of medications can cause heartburn:
- anxiety medication
- antihypertensive drugs
- antibiotics
- antidepressants
- nitroglycerin (heart medication)
- painkillers
It is therefore not uncommon for people to be prescribed antacids in addition to these medicines. These are often seen as innocent, but that image is not entirely correct.
This is because stomach acid is necessary for good digestion. The stomach acid (HCL) prepares the food for further absorption in the intestines. By suppressing this acid, digestion is inhibited. Heartburn is therefore a symptom, not the cause of the problem.
Sometimes antacids are necessary, but it is important to work at the same time to strengthen the stomach so that long-term use can be prevented.
Consequences of antacids
The gastro-liver-bowel foundation distinguishes between antacids and antacids. More and more side effects are becoming known, especially from antacids, such as:
- vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- an increased risk of intestinal infections
- changes in microbiome composition
This also makes sense. When the stomach cannot do its job properly, food becomes less prepared for absorption into the intestines. In addition, germs are broken down less effectively, which promotes infections.
Chinese medicine adds an extra aspect to this: poorly digested food can lead to waste. These in turn can cause inflammation and other complaints.
Chinese healing methods are functional
Chinese medicine looks at health in a functional way. This means: as long as an organ functions properly, no complaints arise.
When the function of the stomach is disrupted, symptoms develop. Heartburn is one of them. It is therefore essential not only to inhibit the acid, but to support and strengthen the entire digestive system.
The good news is that this also works the other way around. When the stomach and intestines function better, symptoms such as heartburn often subside on their own. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional advice can play a valuable role here.
Do this to cure heartburn
Some practical advice that can help reduce heartburn:
- do not use antacids without consulting a doctor for more than two weeks
- be moderate with fatty and spicy foods (ginger can sometimes help)
- be moderate with coffee, orange juice and carbonated drinks
- quit smoking; smoking hinders the recovery of the gastric mucosa
- natural remedies that can provide relief are tomato juice, cucumber, lettuce, beet and chamomile tea
- eat smaller portions
- don't eat too late at night
- consult with your treating doctor if you have questions about medication
Have you found a natural way to help with heartburn yourself? Feel free to share this by leaving a comment below.
Also interesting
Want to know more about how acupuncture and herbal therapy can support a healthy digestive system? Please also check out the links below or read the blog about vapour and wastes.
- Our healthy page digestion
- Our page about spices
- Our page about acupuncture
