Ask Dr. Davis

Heartburn

Question

I was working with an Ayurvedic doctor and had fantastic results in reducing heartburn. Now the doctor has moved away. What would you recommend?
~ A.P. of Michigan

Answer

Heartburn is due to too much stomach acid. It's an imbalance in Pachaka Pitta which is responsible for breaking down the food you eat.

Digestion is like cooking a soup. There are three basic elements, the heat (Pachaka Pitta and Pachaka Agni), the broth (Kledaka Kapha) and stirring the soup (Samana Vata). Good digestion, like a good soup, requires coordination among all three factors.

To restore balance, follow a Pitta balancing diet and routine.

Diet and lifestyle tips

• Take Herbal Aci-Balance formula. It helps balance stomach acidity.
• Chew on a few fennel seeds four times a day. Half the seeds should be baked and half raw.
• Favor sweet, bitter, astringent, heavy, dry and cooling foods.
• Reduce sour, pungent, salty foods.
• Take Rose Petal Preserve, especially during hot summer weather (Pitta season).
• Add Pitta Tea and Pitta Churna seasoning to your diet.
• Drink a little cool milk but not with meals.
• Have an apple boiled with 2-3 cloves at breakfast.
• Regular daily bowel movements are important. Psyllium seed husks or Herbal Cleanse can help.
• Favor fresh foods. Avoid leftovers and alcohol.
• Try to eat your main meal at midday.
• Avoid hot temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Try to avoid stressful situations.
• Don't overwork. Make sure you get enough rest and leisure time.