Herbal Remedies For Acid Indigestion

By Sandra Kim Leong

Herbal remedies for acid indigestion can be considered if you do not want to take antacids. Generally, as herbal remedies are natural, they are less harmful to our body. It is true that indigestion is becoming a pervasive problem in modern society. You just need to look around to get an indication. If you look at supermarket and drugstore shelves, you can find them filled with antacids. Television or radio commercials have also been heavily promoting antacids as the cure for heartburn.

An acid indigestion that persists or worsens, despite various solutions you try or adjustments you make in your diet, should not be left unattended. You should have it checked by a health professional.

To achieve proper digestion, your stomach needs to be relaxed. If you tend to overeat or eat too quickly, you are likely to suffer from indigestion. Consuming too much food at one sitting burdens the stomach; its digestive juices get diluted making them function less efficiently. Thus, you may taste the stomach acid and feel pain.

You can try herbal remedies for acid indigestion as safer alternatives to antacids. Herbal remedies have virtually little or no toxicity unlike manufactured over-the-counter medicines. These does not mean that herbs are not potent at all; if fact, some of them are. Before using any natural remedies, you should check with your doctor that it is safe for you to do so. Here are some known herbal remedies for acid indigestion:

Slippery Elm. This herb was used by early folk healers as a digestive tonic and for treatment of acid indigestion and dysentery. The relief it brings to acid indigestion derives from its healing action on the mucous membranes. Herbalists believe it soothes inflamed tissues and draws toxins and other irritants from body tissues.

Licorice. A form of licorice called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), a chewable form of the herb, is a natural antacid. Unlike a regular licorice, DGL does not have hormonal side effects. This makes DGL more effective and will not contribute to elevated blood pressures, which can be a side effect of other forms. Licorice helps fight ulcerations caused by hyperacidity.

Mint. An ancient medicinal herb, mint is a cooling diaphoretic that relieves indigestion, gas or colic, and heartburn. It can also calm nausea and vomiting. The menthol in mint appears to soothe the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. Some studies show peppermint also may help to prevent stomach ulcers and stimulate bile secretions.

Gentian. Gentian contains a chemical (gentianine) that stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, lending some credence to its 3,000-year old history as a digestive aid. Try it before meals. Gentian tastes very bitter, so you might want to add honey to your decoction.

Papaya (Fruit and Leaves). While papaya is not known as a herb, its plant has a surprising potency in combating digestive disorders and calming down a disturbed gastrointestinal tract. Its powerful enzyme, papain, helps to breakdown complex proteins, reducing the digestive load on the stomach.

In addition to the above suggestions, you can also try steamed cabbage. The glutamine in cabbage apparently settles an irritated stomach. Fresh cabbage juice, drank immediately after preparation, also helps in soothing. You should always chew your food well and eat in a stress-free setting to prevent acid indigestion.

Sandra Kim Leong is the author to the ebook, Detox Diet Secrets. She recommends adopting a detox diet progam to help remove accumulated toxins from the body. She believes that the key to overall health lies in good digestion. For free research, please sign up to her newsletter at http://www.Detox-Cleansing-Diet.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Kim_Leong

Herbal Colon Cleansers For Use At Home

By Sandra Kim Leong

Herbal colon cleansers are now widely sold in several pharmacy outlets. Alternative health practitioners say that the fecal matter which the body fails to evacuate can cause several health problems, such as constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and in some cases contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. Inadequate fiber intake is often cited as the reason for incomplete evacuation of feces during bowel movements. Over a period of time, a certain quantity of such matter will latch on to the walls of the intestines. This eventually results in the development of digestive diseases.

While claims that more than 20 to 40 pounds of feces may be found in the colon at any one time appear to be mostly exaggerated, a more realistic figure stands at perhaps one to perhaps three pounds, depending on your height and weight. A lot has been written about the need for colon cleansing. Some more hype than others. Many of them are written to promote the various herbal ones in the market. There are some things you need to be aware of, before buying one for use at home.

The first step is to review your diet. If you are eating mainly refined and processed foods, it is time for a change! Instead, consider switching to organic vegetables and fruits as well as organically produced milk and meats. Choose whole grain and consume enough water so that your intestines can break down the foods and extract the nutrients needed. Avoid consuming fast food, sugary snacks, and fried foods. A review of your diet can definitely help to prevent constipation and for the easy evacuation of fecal matter from your body.

If you suspect that you have lots of toxins in your body due to years of gastrointestinal abuse, then opt to use a herbal colon cleanser for some help. Most cleansers will work in as few as three to seven days. There is no reason to do it for 30 or more days, as some regimens suggest. However, if you have several severe symptoms of diseases, get more guidance with a detailed cleansing program from a qualified naturopathic doctor.

It is in your best interest to purchase herbal colon cleansers with supplements that are certified organic and that provide a guaranteed analysis of the ingredients with respect to weight. If your natural colon cleanser relies on psyllium husks to do its work, then do make sure that you abide by the instructions so that you can obtain maximum benefits. While it, you may also want to go for body massages to help stimulate your digestive system in shedding hardened fecal matter.

An alternative to herbal colon cleansers are cleansers with chemical ingredients. However, try to stay away from the latter as these tend to be harsh and will cause severe abdominal discomfort. Additionally, avoid the use of cleansers that require usage for a prolonged period of time. While they are helpful, you also do not want to build up a dependency on laxatives either. A dependency can in turn, result in other serious health risks. If in doubt, always seek the advice of your health care provider.

Sandra Kim Leong recommends adopting a detox diet program to help remove accumulated toxins from the body. She strongly believes in the importance of digestive health. For free research, please sign up to her newsletter at http://www.Detox-Cleansing-Diet.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Kim_Leong