Acid
reflux and lemons often
appear together when people talk about the
treatment for acid reflux.
Acid reflux is a condition that plagues millions
of people worldwide. It is caused by stomach acid
splashing up into the esophagus. The lower
esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring-like valve at
the intersection of the esophagus and the stomach.
It opens to allow food to enter the stomach and
then closes to keep it there. When the LES becomes
dysfunctional or relaxed, stomach fluids are
refluxed up into the esophagus and throat. The
hydrochloric acid in this fluid is very corrosive
to the sensitive tissues of the
esophagus.
However,
in some cases what seems to be an excess acid
problem may actually be due to excess gas and poor
digestion due to lack of acid in the stomach.
Improper chewing of food or improper combinations
of food could cause gaseous eruption due to
fermentation of undigested food. Too much gas can
also cause abdominal or chest pain which may be so
severe, the person may think he is having a heart
attack. This fermentation of undigested food
likely occurs due to the stomach producing too
little acid. For every decade of life the body
loses about 13% stomach
acid.
The
lack of stomach acid may be corrected by drinking
lemon juice with hot water about 20 minutes before
a meal. In fact, a simple
test to differentiate stomach hypoacidity from
hyperacidity can be tried at home. Take a
tablespoon of either straight lemon juice or mild
vinegar. If the acid reflux decreases, the person
may be hypoacidic. If the lemon juice or vinegar
increases the burning sensation then it may be
safely assumed that the person was indeed
hyperacidic. In the second case drinking plenty of
water immediately will decrease the
discomfort.
Citrus
fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are
said to be acidic and increase the production of
gastric acid with negative consequences for those
suffering from acid reflux. However, recent
studies show that though these fruits are acidic
they actually have an alkalizing effect in the
body. But as each person is different, they may
not have the same effect on everybody. So, if
lemons cause your acidity to flare up, it is best
to give them up.
A
recent study shows that one serving of citrus
fruit a day can reduce the risk of esophageal
cancer by 62%. Citrus fruits are found to contain
d-limonene that prevents the cancer cells from
multiplying. So, it may not be a very good idea to
totally avoid citrus fruits for acid reflux, which
is a precursor for esophageal cancer. Many people
have found relief from acid reflux by eating
lemons dipped in salt.
For
permanent relief of acid reflux, it is best to go
in for holistic medicine. Disease is a
manifestation of imbalance between the physical,
mental, and emotional aspects of the body.
Holistic medicine will try to restore the balance
and boost your own desire to improve your health
and rid yourself of lots of future grief.
