iSing Issue 1 | Page 34

Mind, Body & Soul NUTRiTiON I think I have reflux!˝ There are 2 simple tests you can do to get a good idea if your digestive issues and/or heartburn are caused by too little stomach acid. Test 1! ! Firstly, get yourself some good quality apple cider vinegar  (ACV). It needs to be unfiltered and unpasteurised, so you’ll have to hunt it down in a health food shop or buy online. It should contain floaty bits and sediment – this is the good stuff, full of beneficial bacteria and enzymes known as ‘The Mother”. Take 1 tablespoon in some water with your first mouthful of food. This will help generate a balanced amount of stomach acid and ensure your sphincter shuts properly. If better after a meal using the ACV, it is very likely you have low acid. If you feel worse, you are probably producing excess stomach acid. Remedies˝ Here are a few suggestions to correct levels of low levels of stomach acid and to address acid reflux: 1 2 iSing | issue 1 Take a tablespoon of apple cider in a little water (as above) at the start of each of your meals. If this does not prove effective, a more potent remedy is to actually take some hydrochloric acid (see next pointer). Take a Betaine and Pepsin supplement – this stimulates hydrochloric acid production in your stomach and helps in the breakdown of proteins. Test 2 ! ! Add a level teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to a glass of water and drink on an empty stomach. The very alkaline bicarb will react with your strong stomach acid and cause gases to be produced. Time how long it takes you to burp. Immediately producing large ‘comedy burps’ indicates high levels of stomach acid; burping after 2 – 3 minutes, a healthy level and no or few burps after 5 minutes indicates your acid levels are low. 3 Liquorice - you can chew on natural liquorice sticks, or use a chewable liquorice supplement (Called DGL liquorice). This is highly healing for an inflamed oesophagus and helps to manage acid reflux. IMAGE 4 Aloe Vera – highly anti inflammatory, soothing and healing. Gargle with a high quality Aloe Vera gel in a little water to soothe a tired, sore, inflamed throat. 5 Take a broad spectrum digestive enzyme with your meals to help breakdown your food. isingmag.com