Heartburn

Also known as:  Esophageal Reflux;  Gastroesophageal Reflux;  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease;  GERD;  Pyrosis

Heartburn is discomfort or Pain, usually burning in character, that is felt behind the breastbone in the upper chest - it often appears to rise from the abdomen towards or into the Throat.  Heartburn typically commences 30 – 60 minutes after eating.

 Approximately 44% of persons experience Heartburn at least once per month:

 Of these, 7% - 10% have Heartburn on a weekly or more frequent basis, to such an extent that there is a disruption of lifestyle.

The proper treatment for Heartburn involves healing the tissue damaged from ulceration, and strengthening the esophageal sphincter.

Alkaloids

 Betaine Hydrochloride (Betaine HCl) (2 ml diluted in 200 ml Water and sipped through a straw to avoid contact with the Teeth) may alleviate many cases of Heartburn (by increasing the level of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach).  ^[1]

Carbohydrates

 Dietary Fiber may benefit Heartburn sufferers.  references

Enzymes

 Supplemental Digestive Enzymes may alleviate Heartburn (by facilitating the digestion of undigested food in the Stomach that may be causing Heartburn).  ^[2]  The principal Digestive Enzymes used to treat Heartburn include:

-                      Salivary Amylase (which digest Polysaccharides)

-                      Cellulase (which digests Cellulose)

-                      Lipases (which digest dietary Fats)  ^[3]

-                      Proteolytic Enzymes - Dietary (which digest dietary Proteins)

Hormones

 Melatonin may alleviate Heartburn.  ^[4]

Lipids

 Limonene (1,000 mg per day) may alleviate Heartburn.  ^[5]

Minerals

 Calcium (600 mg of the liquid or tablet form of the Calcium Carbonate form of Calcium taken every two to three hours) may alleviate Heartburn (according to some naturopaths).  ^[6]

 Magnesium (tablets chewed) coat the damaged area involved in Heartburn and may prevent further Heartburn.