How to Prevent and Relieve Heartburn Naturally

So many people deal with heartburn as they age that they think it is a normal part of the aging process. I’ve heard things like, “My parents both had digestive problems and now my siblings. It’s no wonder I am having these problems.”

Long-term Use of Heartburn Medications

Many of the patients I have worked with over the years who arrived needing help with heartburn were taking medications for acid reflux and did not like the side effects of the drugs. Many were just looking for a more complete solution. Even if the medications seemed to work, they were concerned because they had often been on these medications for 5-10 years and were worried about the long-term use of these drugs. Some patients experienced the drugs slowly becoming less and less effective and their medical doctor had to keep increasing their dose. Oftentimes there was still no complete relief.

Increased Risk for Heart Attack, Stroke, Kidney Function and Dementia

There is now significant evidence that the main type of medication used for heartburn, called proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) caused a 16-21% increased risk for heart attack and stroke compared to people not taking these medications. PPI’s include medications like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix and their generic counterparts Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole and Esomeprazole. This study, done at Stanford University and published in the Journal PLOS One in 2015 created some other concerns about these drugs as well. Dr. David Juurlink from the University of Toronto said, “these drugs can also cause kidney problems, osteoporosis, vitamin B-12 deficiency and low magnesium.”

As heartburn is often a disease more prevalent as we age, these PPI’s also have some risk to our mental health. A study published in the journal, Science Daily, November 15, 2016, by Thomas Schested, M.D. (lead author and researcher at the Danish Heart Foundation in Copenhagen, Denmark) quoted Schested as saying, “PPI’s have been associated with unhealthy vascular function, including heart attacks, kidney disease and dementia.”

Another more recent study published in the journal, Neurology, August 2023, done at the University of Minnesota showed that patients 45 and older who had taken PPI’s for more than four years had a 33% increased risk of dementia and an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

If all of that is not enough, the journal, Oncology Letters, January 2024 published data from a meta-analysis ( a meta-analysis is a study done from evaluating the results of multiple studies) of 23 different studies which revealed an association between PPI use and an increased risk of esophageal, gastric, liver and esophageal cancers.

We Address 3 Main Things In Treating Health Problems

I have surveyed over 7,000 people and the consensus is that they would prefer a natural treatment over a drug almost 100% of the time if the natural treatment is equally effective. In the case of heartburn, not only is the natural treatment effective, but also health-giving. We know of no harmful effects of the natural treatments we use. We are called the Human Engine Clinic because we address 3 main things in treating health problems: Oxygen, fuel and spark.

Here's The Good News

All of the organs of the digestive system are innervated (receive their nerve supply) from the vagus nerve which exits the brain through the base of the skull and can be affected by misalignment in the upper neck. They also receive innervation from some nerves that exit the thoracic spine. (rib cage area). Chiropractic adjustments activate the nervous system and also relieve irritation to the nerves. This helps the nervous system to function at a higher level and therefore helps the organs to function better in the process. These adjustments also dramatically activate the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates all of the digestive functions to work together.

improved oxygen levels make a significant contribution to helping people with digestive problems. As I said above, chiropractic adjustments dramatically activate the cerebellum. The tissues of the cerebellum are more sensitive to changing oxygen levels than any other tissues of the body. Increased oxygen causes increased cerebellar function which causes increased function of the organs of the digestive system.

Our Method Works

We have been extremely successful in dealing with heartburn in patients by doing a digestive work-up on them and finding out where the stresses are in the digestive system. Some of the areas we look at can include:

• Determining whether a patient is having difficulty digesting carbohydrates, proteins or fats.

• Evaluating their absorption.

• Looking for bacterial problems in the gut.

• Examining vitamin C levels, as low vitamin C reduces tissue healing capacity.

• And more…

In most cases, using nutritional therapies and chiropractic adjustments can reduce our patients symptoms and heal their body enough that they no longer have heartburn and their medical doctor is able to reduce and usually eliminate their medication(s) for heartburn.

Our Offer to You

We are offering you a consultation for only $149 (regular price is $215). We are offering this 30% discount to make it easy for you to get information and understanding around your heartburn condition and what may be causing it, so you have a clear path to resolving it.

Call our office today and schedule an appointment, (408) 984-7444.

In good health,

Richard F. Gringeri, DC