What's In Season? ~ Gratitude

"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanksgiving weekend reminded us to count our blessings.  Research shows that an attitude of gratitude improves our health ~ gratitude initiates a positive healing effect in our mind and body.  It shifts our focus from negative thoughts and emotions that cause disease to an attitude that accelerates physiological and biochemical healing.  While I am truly grateful for my family, my health, and my home, I am also thankful for the little things in my life ~ for sunshine on the long weekend, for my tiny dog that thinks he is my bodyguard, for the full double rainbow I saw last week, for hugs, for the colour of the fall leaves, for printers that work properly, and for heartburn...

...for heartburn?  Well, I have to look at it positively.  Heartburn is a clear sign that something is wrong with my body, and gives me an opportunity to correct the problem and avoid any resulting health complications.  When it woke me up at 3:00 am, I was not feeling quite so positive about it, and was tempted to grab one of my husband's antacids and go back to sleep.  The last time I can remember having heartburn was 15 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first daughter.  Anyway, so I thought about it and recalled that heartburn is a sign that my stomach acid may be low.  If there is not enough digestive juice, nutrients will not be absorbed properly and mineral deficiencies will develop, as well as heartburn.  To confirm this, I conducted an apple cider vinegar test...at 3:30 am!  The leading cause of heartburn is hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), and so, although we automatically reach for the antacids, it will only provide temporary relief and may actually exacerbate the problem.  The cause needs to addressed and remedied.

Some Possible Causes:
  • Pregnancy
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Insufficient saliva production
  • Low stomach acid
  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • Aging
  • Certain foods
  • Food allergies
  • Stress
A Few Diet Recommendations:
  • Papaya ~ contains papain, a digestive enzyme that aids digestion and soothes the stomach.
  • Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of 2 or 3 large ones.
  • Drink less with meals, only taking occasional small sips, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Avoid fried and greasy foods, spicy foods, and heavy sauces.
  • Avoid minty foods, such as peppermint, which can aggravate heartburn.
  • Allow time before your last meal or snack and bedtime.
  • Test for and eliminate food sensitivities/allergies.
Possible Remedies:
  • Licorice root (DGL) for relief.
  • Homeopathic Nux Vomica may help if a result of stress or spicy foods.
  • Slippery elm to soothe and reduce inflammation.
  • Marshmallow root also soothes and reduces inflammation.
  • Digestive enzymes to help you digest foods more effectively.
  • Probiotic for friendly bacteria to improve digestive function.
  • Aloe vera gel promotes healing.
Not all remedies are right for everyone.  If you suffer from occasional or chronic heartburn, a holistic nutritionist can assist you in finding the cause and work with you to find a solution that will provide healing and prevent future complications.

Credits:  Prescription for Natural Cures

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