How Does Mustard Fight Acid Indigestion?
- Acid indigestion, more commonly known as heartburn or reflux, is a result of unbalanced, acidic pH levels in the stomach. Heartburn can be identified by a burning sensation in the chest felt below the sternum (breastbone). Improving your pH level by balancing your intake of alkaline and acids can help reduce occurrence of indigestion symptoms. Everything you ingest affects your stomach's pH level. Higher alkalinity helps to neutralize acids. Most manufactured or processed foods are acid producing. Stimulants like coffee, tea, smoking and alcohol produce acids in the body, as well.
More extreme cases of reflux are called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). GERD is a chronic digestive condition that occurs twice per week or more. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease occurs when bile backs up into the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining. - Mustard is an alkalizing food that contains a weak acid (vinegar) and is rich in minerals. Consuming 1 tsp. mustard will cure heartburn in minutes by neutralizing acids in the stomach without harsh chemicals or medicines.
- Acid indigestion can be caused by eating too much, eating too fast, consuming foods high in fat content or eating under stressful conditions. Each person may be affected by certain foods differently. People with different blood types get heartburn or indigestion from different food sources. For example, a person with type O blood will be affected by different foods than someone with type A blood.
- GERD can lead to other more serious conditions like esophageal stricture (narrowing of esophagus), esophageal ulcers (open sores in the esophagus) or Barrett's esophagus (pre-cancerous stage of esophagus). Several options are available to help treat symptoms of GERD.
- Antacids help neutralize acids in the stomach and work well for infrequent heartburn and indigestion. The H-2 receptor blockers are available in other over-the-counter medications that reduce the production of acid, cutting down on the frequency of occurrence. Another option in reflux medication is a product like Prilosec OTC. Prilosec blocks the production of acids while taking the medication so that the esophagus has a chance to heal.
