Heartburn Cure - Something to Chew On

Heartburn treatment starts with a look at digestion and this first starts with when food enters the mouth. Teeth have a specialized purpose of grinding food into small bits, which gives more surface area for gastric juices to work on. Gulping food means a lot more work for the stomach, extending the time that it takes to process a meal. Correcting this can be a simple step toward a heartburn cure.

Saliva also plays a role. While the food is still in the mouth food is acted on by saliva. It’s the start the digestion process by moistening food and mixing it with salts and enzymes before it is swallowed. Saliva also acts to lubricate this bolus as it passes to the stomach.

The process actually starts with the aroma of cooking that begins to generate saliva and gastric juices. It is this anticipation that prepares the body for the coming meal. Shortening the time food is in the mouth can be a contributing cause of heartburn and over time lead to a need for a heartburn cure.

There a rhythm to this whole digestive process that has a purpose. Enjoying a meal is part of the eating experience; there is no prize for being the first one finished; decreasing the efficiency of the mouth’s role in preparing food for the stomach only puts a greater burden on the digestive tract.

There is no advantage in gulping food. Doing so points to an important cause of heartburn. When mealtime is rushed or stressful the brain alters its chemistry, a change that is not conducive to digesting and processing a meal. When this happens often enough it becomes a pattern, which often leads to unhealthy choices like thinking an antacid is a smart heartburn cure.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to develop new patterns to go with mealtimes. Small things can add up to big benefits.
* Chew food thoroughly - this can also cut down on gas.
* Drink water as a habit with meals - sodas, alcohol and coffee add acid to the meal.
* Strive for a peaceful setting for meals - a pleasant atmosphere makes food better digestion.
* Know when you are full - determine how much before you pick up a fork.
* Always include some alkaline food with every meal - dark colored vegetables are very important.

The points listed above can be helpful in the long run as little steps towards a heartburn cure. Introduce them on a timetable or randomly as seems appropriate to you. The point is that they should become a natural part of the healthy eating experience. They are both a natural way to cure heartburn with a lifestyle change and prompt other ideas for healthy living.

Even in an unavoidably hurried situation, you still have some control over the situation. As you are taking a few seconds to arrange yourself to eat, prepare your mind as well. Think of how thankful your are to have this food and the time to eat it. Relax your mind by taking a dozen deep breaths - inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This can help to set healthy chemistry in motion. Curing heartburn can lead to a healthier experience.

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