Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia is a common problem and many people experience it from time to time. Indigestion is not a serious problem in itself but it could be a sign that there is an underlying health condition that is affecting the digestive system such as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)

Indigestion occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive lining of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the lining which causes irritation and inflammation which in turn causes the indigestion symptoms.

Indigestion, most o the time, is related to eating though it could be caused by other factors like taking certain medications or infection.

Indigestion treatment depends on its cause or causes. Treatments include various medications like antacids and changes to your lifestyle and diet. If an underlying health problem is the cause of indigestion, further tests or investigation may be required. Tests that can be performed to find out more about the causes of indigestion include endoscopy, a procedure where the inside of the body is examined using an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that has a camera and light on one end.

Before we discuss indigestion symptoms, let us first look at the possible causes of indigestion.

• Medications – Some medicines like nitrates can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that closes the gullet to keep off stomach acid. Other medicines that can cause indigestion are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Hiatus hernia – this occurs when a part of your stomach pushes up into your diaphragm stopping the LES from closing.
• Peptic ulcers – an open sore that develops in the stomach lining or small intestine. Indigestion is one of the symptoms of peptic ulcer.
• Stomach cancer – cancer cells in the stomach break down the protective lining causing acid to come in contact with the walls of the stomach. Indigestion is one of the symptoms of stomach cancer.
• Obesity – being overweight can increase pressure in the stomach and can force the LES open exposing the esophagus to stomach acid.
• GERD – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a common condition and is one of the main reasons why recurring indigestion is experienced. In GERD, the sensitive lining of the esophagus is damaged due to the repeated exposure to stomach acid.

Common Indigestion Symptoms

The main symptom of indigestion is heartburn; the burning pain felt behind the breastbone and is caused by the acid passing from the stomach to the esophagus.

Aside from heartburn, other indigestion symptoms include:

• Belching
• Feeling full
• Regurgitation
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Vomiting

Serious Indigestion Symptoms

Indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem that is still undiagnosed like stomach cancer.

Consult your doctor immediately if your indigestion problems are recurring and if you:

• Are aged 55 or older
• Have difficulty swallowing
• Have iron deficiency anemia, a condition where the number of red blood cells are decreased because of not having enough iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia causes breathlessness, an irregular heartbeat and fatigue.
• Have gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in your intestines and stomach. A sign that you have gastrointestinal bleeding is having blood on your stools or vomit, breathlessness, dizziness and fatigue)
• Have lost weight unexpectedly
• Have persistent vomiting
• Have a lump in your stomach

Now that you know the common indigestion symptoms, if you experience these regularly or if you have more painful than usual indigestion, seek medical help immediately.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition caused by acid moving backward from the stomach into the esophagus. This acid activity happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or the muscular valve located where the esophagus joins the stomach fails to close properly or opens at the wrong moment.

Gastroesophageal reflux is also known as acid reflux and almost everyone has this type of reflux at some time where stomach contents – foods and acid – move backward into the esophagus. Many people are not even aware that it is happening.

Reflux produces heartburn, the burning sensation that most of us occasionally feel however though people experience heartburn from time to time, it does not necessarily mean that they have GERD.

People with GERD experience heartburn more often along with other symptoms that cause serious discomfort. If not treated at once, GERD can be a problem and lead to permanent damage of the esophagus and sometimes even the development of cancer.

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Aside from (frequent) heartburn, other symptoms of GERD include:

• Sore throat
• Laryngitis
• Asthma
• Bad breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Nausea
• Coughing at night
• Earaches
• Sometimes a feeling of something stuck in your throat

Children and infants who have gastroesophageal reflux disease may experience coughing, breathing problems and recurrent vomiting.

Treatments of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The purpose of treating GERD is to minimize the reflux of food and acid to the esophagus, prevent damage to the esophagus, keep GERD from recurring as well as to prevent other health problems from occurring.

The following are ways to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease:

• Take medicines – take your medicines as instructed by your doctor because stopping may bring back symptoms. If you are taking over-the-counter medicines for heartburn, take them as recommended by the manufacturer. If you are taking OTC products for more than 2 weeks without any improvement in your heartburn or reflux symptoms, talk to your doctor.
• Lifestyle changes – make some changes in your life to treat GERD like losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcoholic beverages and changing your eating habits. Lifestyle changes are the most natural heartburn treatment.
• Avoid your heartburn or GERD triggers – find out what triggers your gastroesophageal reflux disease and avoid or minimize them. Common GERD triggers include fatty and spicy foods, certain medicines and drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine.

Prevention Tips for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The following are simple ways to prevent GERD. Take note that in treating as well as preventing gastroesophageal reflux disease, making changes in the way you live is very important.

• Eat smaller meals instead of 3 large meals daily. You should also prepare meals from heartburn friendly recipes.
• Avoid eating right before bedtime – make a 2-3 hours allowance
• Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
• Elevate your bed head
• Avoid tight clothes, don’t wear belts when unnecessary
• Quit your bad habits: smoking, alcohol consumption, food bingeing
• Take your medication regularly and as instructed

Gastroesophageal reflux disease should not rule your life. There are ways to live and cope with this condition and some of these are mentioned in this article. More than treating GERD, prevention is the best way to address the problem.

Once you are sure that you are suffering from heartburn, there are a number of heartburn remedies you can choose from.

Keep in mind that there is no quick way to get rid of this condition since it is life-lasting and usually, along with treatments, several changes in your lifestyle must be undergone as well.

Some Heartburn Remedies or You 

OTC Heartburn Remedies

Antacids and H2 blockers are over-the-counter heartburn remedies. Antacids work by reducing the acid content in the stomach thus providing relief from heartburn. The relief given by antacids however is short-lived and these are not recommended to treat frequent heartburn. The best way to use antacid if you are prone to heartburn is to take it an hour after your meal or take it as soon as heartburn symptoms are felt.

Antacids that contain aluminum may cause constipation while those that contain magnesium may cause diarrhea. When these side effects occur, it is best to stop using the antacids containing aluminum or magnesium or switch the antacids.

Prescribed Heartburn Remedies

Pro-kinetic agents and proton pump inhibitors are prescription medication for heartburn.

Pro-kinetic agents work by helping to empty the stomach so it does not stay full. Proton pump inhibitors on the other hand work by reducing the production of acids in the stomach. They act by blocking the cells of the stomach walls that make and release acid in the stomach.

Natural Heartburn Remedies

The following are some of the natural methods of treating heartburn:

• Increase your water intake – water dilutes the acid in the stomach thus reducing acid reflux symptoms. Aside from minimizing heartburn, water is also beneficial for the overall function of the body.
• Chew gum – when you chew gum, you stimulate saliva production. Saliva works to stabilize the acids in the stomach thus preventing acid reflux.
• Eat an apple – eating an apple after a meal can also keep heartburn symptoms under control. Apple, when chewed well and slowly, reduces stomach acid levels thus preventing reflux.
• Drink fennel tea or chamomile tea – these can bring relief from the symptoms of heartburn.
• Eat ginger – you can take ginger in pill, capsule or candy form. It has been known to reduce acid reflux and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
• Take apple cider vinegar – one of the quickest acting heartburn remedies. Take  1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar for quick heartburn relief. ACV tastes nasty so you can follow up with a teaspoon of honey. Honey by the way is also a good natural remedy for acid reflux though not as quick-acting as apple cider vinegar. Some people who use ACV as their home remedy for heartburn say that it is better if taken with the mother or the pulp-looking substance floating within the vinegar.
• Eat almonds – these are also excellent heartburn remedies for people suffering from occasional acid reflux. Chew almonds very well to get the most of it. Almonds can help relieve acid reflux symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes as Heartburn Remedies

Whether or not you are taking heartburn medications, lifestyle changes are necessary to ease the discomfort caused by this condition. Some of the simplest changes you can make involve avoiding acidic and fatty foods and quitting bad habits such as cigarette smoking and unchecked alcohol consumption.

When it comes to your meal portions, it is also recommended to cut down and instead of eating 3 full meals a day, you should try eating 5 or 6 small meals a day. This will ensure that your stomach is not always overfilled and that your digestive system can work smoothly and without pressure.

Taking enough sleep and exercising regularly also helps reduce the occurrence of acid reflux as you feel more relaxed and at ease. When you’re stressed, you are more prone to acid reflux.

Other tips to reduce heartburn:

• Wear loose clothing
• Don’t eat your last meal of the day less than 2 hours before bedtime
• Avoid bending over after eating.
• Raise the head of your bed if you are prone to nighttime heartburn

Surgical Procedures as Heartburn Remedies

When all else fails, you may consider undergoing surgery. Take note however that this is rarely recommended and it is reserved for severe cases only. Also, most surgeries only work for a short time and they may need to be done again and again increasing the risk of complications. The most common complication after surgery to treat acid reflux is that foods swallowed tend to stick at the artificial sphincter however this sticking is only temporary.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES stops working properly. When the LES, which is the muscles that closes off the esophagus from the stomach, fails to close, acid from the stomach can seep or reflux into the esophagus, damaging the sensitive esophageal lining and causing that burning sensation called heartburn.

There are a number of reasons why the LES fails to close:

• Large meals
• Certain food types
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Peptic ulcers
• Insufficient digestive enzymes
• Pregnancy

The causes of acid reflux vary from person to person. For example, some people suffer from acid reflux after eating pasta with tomato sauce while others don’t. What triggers your acid reflux may not be the same as the next person’s trigger. Though causes vary, the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn are the same.

Acid Reflux Symptoms – What You Need To Know

Acid reflux has many different symptoms which can make the sufferer’s life really difficult. The most common acid reflux symptoms are the following:

• Heartburn – this is also known as acid indigestion and it is a burning sensation felt in the chest. It also causes pain in the middle abdomen and throat. This symptom is usually felt after eating a large meal. About 20% of people experience heartburn at least once in a week. Heartburn is considered mild if it happens at least once a month, mild if felt at least once a week and severe if felt more than twice a week.
• Dyspepsia – also known as indigestion, this is a feeling of fullness in the stomach which may come and go but is mostly there. Anyone can have dyspepsia. This acid reflux symptom can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen and it also causes difficult or painful digestion. Dyspepsia is caused by the malfunctioning of the muscular activities of the intestine or stomach or the nervous system.
• Change in voice – this is one of the acid reflux symptoms that some people who suffer from acid reflux may experience. Their voice may become hoarse or unpleasant and the change can either be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of damage caused by the acid on the vocal cords. Severely damaged vocal cords can be repaired through surgery.
• Regurgitation – this is one of the most common acid reflux symptoms where food is expelled back into the throat or mouth. The action produces a bitter or sour taste and it can also cause difficulty in swallowing.
• Dry cough and breathing difficulties – breathing problems occur when the throat become inflamed due to acid reflux. Usually, the saliva is used to lessen the impact of these symptoms however certain habits like drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes lower the level of saliva. Aside from breathing problems, swallowing food and dry cough can also arise.
• Chest pain – when acid refluxes, the acid from the stomach travels from the stomach to the esophagus to towards the chest causing pain. Of all acid reflux symptoms, chest pain is considered the most frightening and some people even mistake it as a sign of heart attack.

Now that you know the different acid reflux symptoms, it is now time to look into the various heartburn treatment options for you.

What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

Change in hormonal levels is the main culprit. The steroid hormone progesterone usually reaches a very high level during pregnancy which can cause stomach acids to back up into the esophagus causing irritation and heartburn.

The growing size of the uterus also contributes to the occurrence of heartburn during pregnancy as the pressure on the intestines is increased. This can result to stomach acids passing into the esophagus causing heartburn.

Expectant mothers also tend to experiences changes in their eating habits and may crave more food. Eating big meals at one time can also contribute to heartburn. It is advisable to break down your meals into smaller portions i.e. instead of 3 big meals, eat 6 small meals a day. This method will also curb your craving and so you won’t gain weight easily.

How do you treat heartburn during pregnancy?

There are various ways to prevent heartburn during these crucial 9 months.

• Eat at least 1 hour before sleeping to allow your meal to settle and get properly digested before lying down.
• Don’t drink lots of fluids during meal.
• Don’t drink too many caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
• Antacids can relieve severe heartburn and are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy. Still, consult with your health provider before taking antacids.
• Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes at the waist.
• Chew gum after meals to help neutralize your stomach acids and reduce heartburn.

Women who have experienced heartburn even before pregnancy may find their heartburn during pregnancy symptoms a lot more difficult and may need more aggressive forms of treatment. If the above measures are not helpful in relieving your heartburn check in with your health provider as he may be able to prescribe something stronger to ease your discomfort.

Many of us rely on the World Wide Web these days for solutions to all sorts of problems even medically related. And why not – the internet is free and is very easy to access and there are some really useful tips that can be taken from there as well.

Check Out These FREE Heartburn Friendly Recipes Here

When it comes to something as common as heartburn though, one must be careful when taking treatment advice from a stranger on the internet. Anyone can pose as an expert and share his ‘expertise’ but the information he provides may not be useful and can even put you at greater risk. When looking for heartburn treatment, it is always best to speak personally to a physician. Your doctor can provide the right information you need about heartburn and the options available for you to treat it.

What Doctors Say about Heartburn Treatment

Heartburn, that burning pain you feel when reclining after eating or which keeps you awake at night is a major problem for millions of people especially in western countries.

There isn’t just one type of heartburn as many believe. This condition which is caused by stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus has three main types:

1. Episodic heartburn – occurs infrequently and is often predictable and manageable in the short term.
2. Frequent heartburn – occurs two or more days a week. People suffering from this type of heartburn often take multiple over-the-counter medications more than twice a week in order to get relief.
3. Persistent heartburn – this is a more severe form of this condition which does not respond to over-the-counter medications and keeps on recurring. Persistent heartburn could be an indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and must be evaluated by a doctor.

Check Out These FREE Heartburn Friendly Recipes Here

If you know the type of heartburn you have, then it’ll be easier to find a suitable heartburn treatment. Your physician will likely tell you that heartburn medications are effective but knowing the differences between them can increase the chances of keeping heartburn episodes at bay.

The stomach is lined with millions of pumps that produce acid and these pumps rely on 3 chemical signals that tell them to produce acid. The main point of difference between OTC heartburn treatments occur at a cellular level within the stomach.

Heartburn Treatment and Their Differences

1. Histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) – this blocks one of the chemical signals thus reducing the amount of acid produced. One dose of H2RA works rather quickly and can generally last up to 12 hours.
2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – these work by shutting down the active pumps themselves and when taken as directed, one dose can block acid production for 24 hours.
3. Antacids – these don’t affect acid production at all however they work to neutralize existing stomach acid. Antacid as a heartburn treatment is really fast however the relief it provides lasts only for a couple of hours.

Actually, there is no such thing as Gerds disease. ‘GERD’ is not a name but an acronym for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as acid reflux disease.

It is best to set things straight so as to avoid wrongly referring to this condition as Gerd’s disease to your doctor or to other people which might cause some embarrassment on your part.

So the correct question is what is GERD instead of what is Gerds disease?

Gerds Disease – Clarifying Things

GERD is a regularly occurring reflux that spans a lengthy period of time. One of the most distinctive symptoms of GERD is the frequent occurrence of heartburn, an indication that acid regularly refluxes into the esophagus causing damage. Untreated GERD may result in life-threatening health problems so it is important that the disease is addressed the moment it makers its presence known.

What causes GERD?

Acid reflux disease occurs when food or liquid leaves the stomach and travels up to the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, the muscle which closes the esophagus and prevents stomach contents from re-entering, becomes inhibited or relaxed.

The LES normally remains in a contracted position, effectively sealing off the top of the stomach however, there are some factors that cause this band of muscle to relax and not function well. Some of the things that can cause the LES to relax include certain foods, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. Occasional acid reflux due to relaxed LES is normal but frequent reflux is often called GERD. This disease may also develop due to other health factors like obesity and physical defects like a recent abdominal surgery or hiatal hernia.

Causes of GERD vary from person to person and if you suffer from frequent acid reflux, start a food journal and note when certain foods result to reflux. A food journal will help you identify your GERD triggers and avoid them in the future.

How is this Gerds disease treated?

There are two main treatment approaches for GERD – medication and basic lifestyle changes. The occasional acid reflux symptoms can be eased by antacids which are available over-the-counter however, as GERD is a more serious condition, prescribed medicines are often necessary. Doctors typically prescribe proton-pump inhibitors or H2-blockers. These are short-term medications that work by reducing the amount of acids produced and blocking the chemicals that produce acids in the stomach.

Recommended lifestyle changes include:

• Quitting smoking
• Losing weight (if obese)
• Eating foods good for acid reflux.
• Avoiding foods that trigger the condition.
• Minimizing intake of alcohol and coffee or tea.
• Exercising right.

Doctors and other medical professionals say that this Gerds disease can be treated simply by making the necessary lifestyle changes, however many individuals find that making lifestyle changes is difficult. Due to this, unnecessary GERD medications are building a multi-billion dollar industry.

These pillows are wedge-shaped and are designed to keep stomach contents from backing up the esophagus as the person lies down to sleep. Standing upright, the esophagus is above the stomach, but this changes when we lay down and the stomach and esophagus are at the same elevation. In this set-up, stomach contents (food, acids) flow out of the stomach and into the esophagus leading to reflux and heartburn which can disrupt sleep.

Acid reflux pillows with their wedge-shape design help keep stomach contents in the stomach, thus minimizing the incidence of acid reflux while sleeping and also reducing nighttime heartburn. The question now is – are these pillows comfortable to use and are they effective as long-term acid reflux remedy?

Acid Reflux Pillows – A Deeper Look

When it comes to these pillows’ effectiveness and comfort, this depends on which brand you choose. The most comfortable ones are made with memory foam but of course, different people have varying opinions on what is comfortable.

Many people do find that using a wedge pillow to elevate the torso, is an effective way to manage heartburn. Some people however find that these pillows are unnecessary as they can simply arrange their normal pillows in a way that elevates their torsos comfortably – but trying this, it turns out that it is not at all an easy task. For people who prefer to sleep on their stomach or on their side, the shape of acid reflux pillows may make sleeping very uncomfortable.

Some experts on kinesiology (the scientific study of human movement) may not be very keen on the use of acid reflux pillows as long-term acid reflux remedy because these wedge-shaped pillows may cause possible lasting side effects on one’s posture, hip flexors and spine. Their argument is that since wedge pillows are not hard, they cannot support the spine very well and it remains slightly curved as you sleep. If the spine is curved for long periods of time, there is a risk that the individual develops a herniated disc or facet joint pain. And even if the pillow is made of memory foam which is known to follow the body’s natural curve, the hips still remain flexed throughout the night which can cause it to degenerate into dysfunction and pain in the long term. However, there have been no studies made to support this claim, nor are there any studies linking wedge pillows with acid reflux and this is mainly due to the fact that such studies will take extremely long to complete and no-one would want to fund such research.

Acid Reflux Pillows – The Bottom Line

So, in conclusion, acid reflux pillows are best used by people with acid reflux problems who prefer sleeping on their backs but are not advisable to be used every night as they risk back problems and tight hips.

An alternative solution would be elevating the head of your bed to put it on an incline. You can take wooden blocks, stacks of magazines or books and put them under the bedposts at the head of your bed. Be sure that the bed is raised evenly by about 4-6 inches. This is enough to reduce heartburn and you can sleep any which way you want without worrying about waking up aching and sore all over. Simply raising your bed can eliminate the need for acid reflux pillows, although these wedge-shaped pillows may be helpful for occasional use like when you are travelling.

Acid reflux means the backflow of stomach acids to the esophagus. As the acid reaches the esophagus, it creates the symptoms of heartburn – the burning sensation that starts from the upper stomach and travels to the throat and gives a sour taste in the mouth.

Everyone experiences acid reflux and heartburn from time to time. This usually happens when a person eats a large meal or if he lies down soon after eating. Frequent acid reflux could already mean that the person is suffering from acid reflux disease which could lead to other problems. What is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease is also called gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD occurs when the stomach acids are getting into the esophagus consistently that damage to the esophagus is already being done. This condition is a lot more serious than the occasional heartburn.

What Is Acid Reflux – Know the Symptoms

Although heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, there are other signs that indicate this condition which are:

• Regurgitation – the sensation of acid and food backing up into your throat or mouth. This often produces sour or bitter taste. Sometimes, you may even vomit some contents of your stomach.
• Dyspepsia – stomach discomfort that is accompanied by burping, bloating, nausea after eating and upper abdominal pain. Some people with dyspepsia don’t necessarily suffer from acid reflux though.

What Is Acid Reflux – Its Prevention and Treatments

Although a lot of people ask ‘what is acid reflux?’, they have probably experienced heartburn at some time, which is basically the result of acid reflux. Acid reflux can be prevented if you know what foods to avoid and which habits to stop.

There is a long list of foods that potentially cause heartburn however it does not mean that you should avoid all these. The foods that trigger heartburn in people vary and your food triggers may not be similar to another person’s. The following are some of the foods known to cause acid reflux:

• Sodas
• High acid vegetables i.e. raw onions and tomatoes
• caffeinated beverages i.e. coffee, tea
• chocolates
• chili peppers
• foods high in fats i.e. high fat meats, high fat dairy products, fried foods
• acidic fruits or citrus fruits i.e. oranges, lemons and grapefruits
• garlic
• Alcoholic beverages
• spear mints, peppermint

Finding out the foods that trigger your acid reflux is enough to prevent this problem. It will help if you keep a food journal where you take note of the foods you take and their effects on your digestion.

Obesity and other health issues like hiatal hernia are also seen as causes of acid reflux disease. If you are overweight, losing some weight can ease the reflux problem. If your weight is not a problem but you still suffer from frequent heartburn, you may need to consult a physician for some tests.

For existing acid reflux disease, typical medications involve antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. These medications are not recommended for long term use though and lifestyle changes are often encouraged. Surgery is not common solution for acid reflux disease.

For more in-depth information on ‘what is acid reflux?’, you may speak with your doctor and he’ll be able to discuss the condition further and provide you insights on things like natural remedies, complications, etc.

Heartburn Friendly Recipes – Roasted Eggplant

Ingredients

• 2 eggplants – small eggplants are best however you can also use large ones.
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme – anything that you can tolerate)
• 1tbsp each of extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice eggplants lengthwise into 2 parts and using a small knife, make diagonal, horizontal and vertical cuts across the flesh without cutting through the skin.
3. Chop all the herbs and the garlic finely and fill all the cuts you made on the eggplant.
4. Take an ovenproof dish and put the eggplants skin side down, sprinkle eggplants with olive oil.
5. Bake for about 45 minutes or until flesh is soft and slightly brown.
6. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the eggplants and cook for 2 minutes more. Cover the dish with aluminum foil if the eggplants get brown too early and continue baking. Serves 4 people.

Heartburn Friendly Recipes – Grilled Flank Steak

Ingredients:

• 1–1½ pounds flank steak
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup dry red wine
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp each of chopped gingerroot and Worcestershire sauce
• Celery seed (optional ingredient)

What to do:

1. Mix all ingredients (except the steak) in a large bowl and separate a small portion of the marinade to use later. Add the meat to the remaining marinade.
2. Marinate the steak for 2-12 hours in the refrigerator (turn the meat from time to time).
3. Cook steak on medium-high grill for 10-15 minutes on each side. brush the meat with the reserved marinade as it grills.
4. Slice the meat diagonally across the grain before serving. Serves 4.

Heartburn Friendly Recipes – Cornbread Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup each of yellow corn meal and low-fat buttermilk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup egg substitute, beaten
• ¼ cup ground flax seed
• ¼ cup wheat germ
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp each of vegetable oil and sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix and sift all dry ingredients.
3. Add the oil, buttermilk and egg substitute.
4. Take muffin tins, spray with nonstick spray and pour in ingredients.
5. Bake 20-30 minutes or until the top of the muffins are golden brown. Serves 8.

Heartburn Friendly Recipes – Bottom Line

There are a lot of dishes available for people who are prone to heartburn. You can search recipes online and try them out. You don’t really have to give up your favorite dishes just because they trigger your heartburn; there are actually a lot of alternative ingredients you can use. You can look up heartburn friendly recipes for chicken, beef, pork, turkey, seafood/fish, rice, pasta, casserole and stew, salads, side dish, breakfast recipes as well as vegetarian recipes online.