A Natural Approach To Heartburn & GERD
If we were to ask the average individual what is the cause for acid reflux – it’s very likely to get the response “there is too much stomach acid”. However, this may be entirely wrong. In fact, it is. The mainstream approach to treating heartburn and GERD often involves taking acid suppressing drugs such as “zantac”. However, not only do these drugs fail to address the underlying cause of heartburn and GERD, but they may be making the condition worse. The truth is that acid reflux and heart burn is actually not an excess acid problem but rather an issue of an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter [LES]. The LES is located at the bottom of the esophagus where the esophagus meets the entrance of the stomach. A properly functioning sphincter will allow food to move down the esophagus into the stomach and not allow stomach acid to reflux back into the esophagus to create symptoms of heart burn.

Acid-Balance
To help maintain proper stomach balance; soothes occasional acid indigestion and heartburn;
helps with occasional flatulence and sour belching.

How To Naturally Heal Low Stomach Acid – Dr. Josh Axe

Your stomach must be highly acidic to break down the foods you’re consuming for proper absorption. If you have health conditions similar to leaky gut, you may have low stomach acid. Top five natural remedies to improve your stomach acid, digestive function and help acid reflux are:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (Take 1 tablespoon before meals for optimal results)
2. Digestive Enzymes (1-2 capsules before meals)
3. HCL with pepsin (only consume with protein in a meal, please consult with your physician)
4. Manuka Honey
5. Lifestyle change: chew your food, eat smaller meals, and try intermittent fasting
– Source: Dr. Josh Axe

Herbal Di-Gest
Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus)
Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.

Why Antacids Are Likely Not Helping You
There are several reasons why the LES becomes incompetent. For example, scientific literature is now supporting the idea that acid reflux is likely due to too little acid within the stomach.

Too little acid within the stomach may lead to:

• bacterial overgrowth [i.e. H. pylori]
• poorly digested or partially digested food
• fermentation and putrefaction of the poorly digested food
• gas formation and increased intra-abdominal pressure
• increased intra-abdominal pressure overcoming the LES tone
• acid refluxing back into the esophagus which causes “heartburn” symptoms!

Amrit Kalash – The Nectar Of Immortality
Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E.

Full-spectrum antioxidant: targets mind & nervous system

1. 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals than vitamins C or E1
2. powerful food for the brain
3. significantly boosts immunity & vitality
4. best taken with Amrit Nectar
5. vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)

Respecting The Digestive Flame Called “Agni”
Imagine if you will, a beautiful radiant flame. This fire that you imagine is representative to the digestive flame within your belly. The ancients explained this fire as “agni” which literally means fire. It’s interesting that both “ignite” and “agni” have the same linguistic root.

A Closer Look At “Agni”
In truth, agni is not only the digestive fire but instead … everything. More accurately, agni can be thought of as that which allows for and brings forth proper digestion, absorption, assimilation, metabolism, perception, vitality, clarity and alertness. In other words, agni is responsible for just about everything.

The Digestive Fire
The ancients did not explain digestion with terms such as hydrochloric acid [HCL], and digestive juices such as mucin and gastrin but rather as a simile of fire [“agni”] – the digestive flame. As we know, the function of fire is to burn. I know that may not sound very profound but let’s take a closer look at this principle.

The Basic Qualities Of Agni
– hot
– sharp & penetrating
– transformative

HOT QUALITY:
The moment we introduce food into the digestive tract, it is of vital importance to sterilize this food before it enters into the body. The hot quality of this digestive fire does just that. We can liken this to one of the functions of hydrochloric acid [HCL] which normally keeps the stomach pH between 1.5 – 3.5 but closer to 2. This is a very acidic environment in which most bacteria cannot survive more than 15 minutes. This very fact is something to consider for those taking antacids and/or proton pump inhibitors in order to help reduce the amount of acid within the stomach. By taking acid suppressing medications, you may be doing yourself a great disservice. That said, never discontinue prescribed medications without first discussing risks/benefits/alternatives with your primary care physician.

Sharp & Penetrating Qualities: 
As we know, hydrochloric acid and digestive juices have the sharp and penetrating qualities to break down food into its basic units. For example, carbohydrates break down into sugar, protein into amino acids, and fat into fatty acids. This was explained thousands of years ago with the same analogy of fire being sharp and penetrating and having the ability to engulf objects within its flame to produce ash; fire being the most primordial means of transformation.

Transformative Quality:
This digestive flame of agni is the master alchemist. It is only due to this transformative quality of the digestive fire which allows for us to convert food into energy. The more efficient this process of transformation the more vitality one will embody. It is with this basic introduction that we shall discuss below how to convert lead [poor digestion] into gold [optimal digestion] through the alchemical properties of ayurveda, figuratively speaking.

Ayurveda is a natural preventative science and a way of life which takes into consideration the whole person. Often poor health is seldom due to a single cause. Rather, various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and seasonal changes have an influence on the overall health of any individual – which Ayurveda takes into great consideration.

Practical Guidelines
In regards to diet, Ayurveda provides practical guidelines on how to develop a more balanced way of being. For example:
– how to eat with the proper state of mind [i.e. “mindful eating”]
– eating the right kinds of food suitable to each individual’s needs
– the correct timing of meals throughout the day
– seasonal fasting and cleansing diets to harmonize with nature

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.