INDIGESTION

A new client of mine called for an appointment as she has been suffering from indigestion since having a bad virus. After a prolonged browse on the ‘web’ I am left totally amazed. Why amazed you ask? Well so many people/clients of mine suffer from heartburn/acid reflux/indigestion; including myself sometimes if I eat a pastry. One of my clients often sits in my chair sucking an anti-acid. I have thought nothing of it. But I do now!

Acid reflux/heartburn/indigestion is NOT a disease of too much hydrochloric acid being produced BUT TOO LITTLE and by taking anti-acids it continues to decrease the acids in your stomach – why would you want to do this? Low stomach acids can be caused by:

• Overuse of NSAIDs aspirin, ibuprofen etc., which wear down the stomach lining;
• Overuse of anti-biotics which transform your microbiome (the bacteria in your gut) and cause an increase in intestinal related inflammation in the body. This inflammation causes a rise in stress hormones which reduce the body’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid and the proliferation of H Pylori. When an overgrowth of H Pylori develops, an enzyme called “urease” which breaks down the urea in the stomach into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Which in turn causes belching and bad breath for a person, as it reduces the effects of hydrochloric acid allowing for a further overgrowth.
• Chronic stress also damages the digestive system’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid;
• A poor diet rich in processed foods and sugar can cause chronic inflammation and elevated stress hormone production.
• Eating too quickly or on the go – as proper digestion relies on us being in a parasympathetic dominant state so that our body can digest, repair and reproduce.
• Using Proton Pump Inhibitors, these acid-blocking medications reduce acid levels in the stomach which does give relief to those with acid reflux which leads to a microbial overgrowth and further stress on the body.
• Taking anti-acid whenever you have indigestion/heartburn/acid reflux.

I would like to interject at this point, that if you are suffering from the above, it would be wise to see your doctor to ascertain whether you are suffering from a hiatal hernia, which is a condition where the acid is coming out of your stomach – when it should remain in)! There are several brilliant youtube videos showing you how you can check to see if you may have this condition. One of these videos being “Release Hiatel Hernia and Relieve GERD Asthma and Heart Palpitations” by Monica Yearwood – definitely worth looking at. She advises that if we carry out her little practice, we should get some instant relief – I need some people to try this out for me and come back to me, – as in general I am not a sufferer of the above and therefore even though I will practice this sequence to demonstrate to clients – I really don’t know how effective it is, but I believe it could be.

In conclusion, if you suffer from the above we are holistically talking:

* Adding Apple Cider Vinegar between 1-2 teaspoons/tablespoons in half a glass of warm water depending on how much we can cope with, half an hour before a meal. I recommend Biona Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother, I buy mine on Amazon and it is most palatable. Or the same amount after a meal if you have indigestion.

* A Healthy Diet – cutting out processed foods, sugars and reducing carbohydrates and adding more vegetables and fruit. Reducing caffeine and alcohol. Maintain a sensible body weight.

* Kefir – add Kefir to your diet a natural digestive enzyme which has so many nutritional benefits (See Dr Axe’s website on Kefir) and my blog. As far as I am concerned, I could not be without it – if you are one of my clients I can give you some grains and teach you how to make it – you can also buy grains on the internet or it is available ready-made in good supermarkets.

* Brew your own Kombucha – yet another fabulous digestive enzyme – rich in probiotic bacteria, amino acids and vitamins which is made from fermenting tea and a little sugar with a “Scoby” (a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) that can heal the health of your gut and build your immunity. If you are one of my clients, yet again, I can give you a Scoby and teach you how to make it, or you can buy it in some reputable supermarkets.

* Bone broths which improve digestion and so much more.

* Exercise, half an hour a day, walk, jog, HIIT programme, swim, yoga – whatever floats your boat – but get moving.

* Eat slowly allowing time in a relaxed manner to enjoy your food.

* Stop taking anti-acids/syrups – start helping yourself.

So what has Reflexology got to do with the above condition? Simple by working all the reflexes it helps to relax the neck muscles and throat muscles, encourage digestive enzyme production and release, stimulating the spinal nerves to aid digestion, encouraging absorption of nutrients and water, releasing digestive enzymes and aiding digestion, stimulating production of bile and improving intestinal movement and the breakdown of food and moving it through the intestinal tract of the body. Bringing a greater balance to the body’s functions.

If you take into account some of the above suggestions, I am sure with practice indigestion can be a condition of the past. Move on to the more positive, fit and healthy person that YOU CAN BE. Oh and find a good Reflexologist to help you on your way.

If you live in Hornchurch or surrounding area, I will, of course, be happy to work with you.

Sue Pecoraro, MAR

Dr Jockers.com Supercharge your health website (Hydrochloric acid in the stomach and digestive problems.

Dr Axe – Indigestion, Bone Broths, Kefir, Kombucha etc.