A burning sensation in the stomach and/or chest, it often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the stomach to digest food, backs up into the esophagus, causing sensitive tissues to become irritated. This phenomenon is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux. Heartburn is a condition in which the blood becomes overly acidic. Heartburn occurs when the body loses its alkaline reserve. It is caused by improper diet (too much protein from animal foods- The World health organization (WHO) recommends that protein should only be 5% of the daily caloric intake, or about 40 grams.). The digestion of animal foods and excess protein causes large quantities of acids to be produced in the intestines. Sometimes, these acids are in such excess that they seep into the bloodstream and up into the esophagus causing heartburn. This makes the blood dangerously acidic and the body must use alkaline minerals to restore the pH balance immediately. The body leeches calcium from the bones and other alkaline minerals in order to restore the proper ph balance. Antacids mask the real underlying problem by only temporarily providing relief. If this condition is not dealt with, it can lead to much more serious ailments such as Peptic Ulcer, Kidney Stones, and Osteoporosis.
Symptoms:
A burning sensation in the stomach and/or chest.
- We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE™ that is complete, made from whole foods and may help with proper digestion and alkalizing the blood.
- Eat as many raw, fresh fruits and vegetables as possible as these are alkaline forming foods and have rich concentrations of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals. Alkaline forming foods include: avocado, corn, dates, fresh coconut, most fresh fruits, most fresh vegetables, raisins, soy products and kelp. Read: foods that heal.
- Digestive enzymes may also be helpful in properly digesting food and helping to alleviate acidosis. For more info, please see Digestion Enhancement Enzymes.
Things to Avoid:
- All Animal Foods: dairy foods (milk, cheese, butter, cream, ice cream), fish, meat, chicken, turkey, eggs, fried and greasy foods, margarine, and all other processed foods and animal derived products from your diet. These foods are laced with chemicals, pesticides, and toxins as well as high levels of saturated fats which have a very damaging a draining effect on the body.
- Salt, tobacco, caffeine, sodas, coffee, sugar, and refined white flour (breads, pastas, cereals- replace with whole wheat pastas, breads, and cereals). These products are extraordinarily destructive to the body.
References:
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
- S. Margen, “Studies in Calcium Metabolism, the Calciuretic Effect of Dietary Protein,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 27(1974): 584
- W. Rose, “The Amino Acid Requirement of Adult Man, XVI, the Role of the Nitrogen Intake,” J Boil Chem 217 91955): 997
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
