Acid reflux is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain.
While there are many medications and lifestyle changes that can help manage acid reflux, some people are turning to natural remedies like pink Himalayan salt.
But is this trendy salt really effective in preventing acid reflux?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind pink Himalayan salt and its potential benefits for those with acid reflux.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of salt and digestion.
Is Pink Himalayan Salt Good For Acid Reflux?
Pink Himalayan salt has gained popularity in recent years for its supposed health benefits. One of these benefits is its potential to prevent acid reflux.
According to modern science, Himalayan salt can help prevent acid reflux by balancing and regulating the pH of the body. It also contains rich iron content, which can manage heartburn, bloating, and flatulence.
Moreover, Himalayan salt has Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion), and Sita (cold) properties that can help maintain good digestion and reduce acid reflux.
However, the holistic medicine perspective suggests that acid reflux is caused by poor stomach acid production rather than too much acid. In this case, salt can play a vital role in digestion since it contains chloride, which is necessary for producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Doctors of naturopathic and holistic medicine recommend using unprocessed salt like Himalayan or sea salt to support proper acid production in the stomach. Consuming the right amount of sea salt helps the body produce proper amounts of HCL since sea salt provides chloride, which is the building block of stomach acid.
Sea salt or good Himalayan salt strengthens digestion, increases stomach acid, purifies the system, and is critical for proper hydration. Unlike table salt, sea salt contains over 90 health-promoting trace minerals that are essential to almost all physiological functions.
Pink sea salt is an important source of chloride, which is necessary for producing HCL in the body. HCL is needed for the digestion of proteins. Without proper HCL production, food sits in the digestive system leading to a host of issues ranging from eczema, acne, fatigue, acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion.
Understanding Acid Reflux: Causes And Symptoms
Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, doesn’t close properly after food passes through it. When the LES is weak or relaxed, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of acid reflux. These include:
– Eating large meals or lying down immediately after eating
– Being overweight or obese
– Pregnancy
– Hiatal hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity
– Smoking
– Certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood pressure medications
Symptoms of acid reflux can vary from person to person but commonly include:
– Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat
– Regurgitation, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth
– Difficulty swallowing
– Chest pain
– Hoarseness or sore throat
If you experience these symptoms frequently or they interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating your head while sleeping. They may also prescribe medications to reduce acid production or strengthen the LES.
What Is Pink Himalayan Salt?
Pink Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine, which is located near the Himalayas in Pakistan. It’s believed to have been formed millions of years ago from the evaporation of ancient bodies of water. The salt is hand-extracted and minimally processed to yield an unrefined product that’s free of additives and thought to be much more natural than table salt. The natural harvesting process allows pink Himalayan salt to possess many other minerals and trace elements that are not found in regular table salt. In fact, it’s these very minerals, especially iron, that give it its characteristic pink color. Some people estimate it may contain up to 84 different minerals and trace elements. Pink Himalayan salt is chemically similar to table salt, containing up to 98% sodium chloride (regular table salt usually has 97%-99%). However, its natural harvesting process allows it to contain additional minerals that are beneficial for health.
The Science Behind Pink Himalayan Salt And Acid Reflux
The science behind pink Himalayan salt and acid reflux lies in its ability to balance and regulate the pH of the body. This is important because acid reflux occurs when there is an imbalance in the pH levels of the body, leading to excess acid in the stomach.
Himalayan salt contains rich iron content, which can manage heartburn, bloating, and flatulence. It also has Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion), and Sita (cold) properties that can help maintain good digestion and reduce acid reflux.
Moreover, Himalayan salt contains chloride, which is necessary for producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid is essential for breaking down proteins, and without adequate levels of this acid, food sits in the digestive system leading to a host of digestive issues including acid reflux.
Unprocessed salt like Himalayan or sea salt is recommended by doctors of naturopathic and holistic medicine to support proper acid production in the stomach. Unlike table salt, sea salt contains over 90 health-promoting trace minerals that are essential to almost all physiological functions.
However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of any type of salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Therefore, it is important to consume Himalayan salt in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
How To Incorporate Pink Himalayan Salt Into Your Diet For Acid Reflux Relief
If you’re looking to incorporate pink Himalayan salt into your diet to help relieve acid reflux, there are several ways to do so. Here are some tips:
1. Add it to your meals: Pink Himalayan salt can be used just like regular table salt. You can sprinkle it on your food while cooking or add it to your meals at the dinner table.
2. Drink it with water: Dissolve a pinch of pink Himalayan salt in a glass of warm purified water and drink it first thing in the morning. This can help improve digestion over time and boost metabolism.
3. Take it with dried ginger: Before meals, take dried ginger pieces with Himalayan salt twice a day. This can help reduce loss of appetite and promote digestive fire.
4. Gargle with it: If you have a sore throat, mix 1-2 pinches of pink Himalayan salt with warm water and gargle with it once or twice a day. It can soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and balance Kapha and Pitta.
5. Try the SOLE method: The SOLE method involves using Himalayan salt stones to create a concentrated solution of saltwater that you drink each day. To make it, place a few Himalayan salt stones in a glass jar filled with purified water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, drink a small amount of the concentrated solution mixed with water.
Remember that while pink Himalayan salt may help relieve acid reflux, it should not be used by people who have high blood pressure or need to be on a low sodium diet. As with any dietary changes, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
Other Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux
Aside from Himalayan salt, there are other natural remedies that people have used to treat acid reflux. These remedies include:
– Chamomile: Chamomile tea has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and can help ease heartburn symptoms. However, people with ragweed allergies should avoid chamomile.
– Ginger: Ginger has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for heartburn. It is another well-known herbal digestive aid that can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
– Licorice: Licorice has been proven effective in several studies. It is said to increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, helping it resist the irritating effects of stomach acid. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is available in pill or liquid form.
– Other natural remedies: Many other “natural” remedies have been used to treat heartburn over the centuries, but there is little scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness. Catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea have all been said to aid in digestion and stop heartburn. Some people eat fresh papaya as a digestive aid, while others swear by raw potato juice three times a day.
It’s important to note that herbal remedies do not undergo testing for safety and effectiveness by the federal government. They are not approved by the FDA and do not have to meet the same standards for manufacturing and packaging that drugs do. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new natural remedies or supplements for acid reflux.
