Heartburn and Indigestion Treatment in Clearwater, FL
Odds are you or someone you know has had heartburn. In fact, it affects more than 60 million Americans every month. Fortunately, chiropractic care is a great way to manage and relieve the discomfort of heartburn.
Family Life Chiropractic offers heartburn and indigestion treatment among our alternative health services. Find out how our Clearwater chiropractor can help here.
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a type of indigestion that affects the lower part of the sternum. Although heartburn and indigestion are used interchangeably, they’re different conditions. For instance, indigestion refers to a wide range of digestive issues, while heartburn occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus.
In general, heartburn occurs when lying down after eating or as you bend over. It can also result in insomnia, especially if you eat less than two hours before bed.
Heartburn isn’t considered a disease and, in healthy people, usually only causes mild symptoms. However, as heartburn worsens and becomes more frequent, it can develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms of Heartburn and Indigestion
Indigestion is described as a dull pain in the chest and upper abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of fullness and bloating. Heartburn is more of a burning discomfort.
Common symptoms of heartburn and indigestion include:
- Acidic taste in the mouth
- Chest and abdominal pain
- Bloated, full-feeling in stomach
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Feeling choked or like your throat is blocked
- Inability to swallow
Your digestive tract is the central processing unit of your body. A healthy digestive tract is needed to feel good, function well, and prevent chronic disease. Think of indigestion as a warning sign that something is wrong.
Heartburn Treatment
Heartburn is usually treated with over-the-counter medications, like antacids. However, these products don’t get to the root of the problem and may even cause adverse side effects. Lifestyle and diet changes are key to stopping heartburn symptoms from coming back.
Chiropractic Treatment for Heartburn
Chiropractic care is a natural treatment for heartburn and indigestion. When the body is misaligned, this puts pressure on the stomach and esophageal region. This affects your spinal nerves and gastric muscles, which are vital to digestion.
Our chiropractor, Dr. Jere, uses muscle testing to locate the exact source of your indigestion-related problems. He’ll then perform chiropractic adjustments to reset your digestive system and increase blood flow. Finally, Dr. Jere may recommend nutritional supplements, such as digestive enzymes, to help break down food and regulate digestion.
How to Prevent Heartburn and Indigestion
If you experience digestive problems, start by making a few small changes to your diet. Changes in what and how you eat can alleviate mild cases of indigestion.
Dr. Jere recommends trying these tips to prevent heartburn and indigestion:
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid late-night meals
- Sit up after eating and try not to lie down for two hours
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Avoid carbonated beverages
- Don’t overuse antacids
- Take digestive enzymes
- Exercise regularly
- Monitor your stress and anxiety
Chiropractor in Clearwater, FL
Family Life Chiropractic has provided convenient, affordable care to the Clearwater community for over 30 years. Your consultation includes a health evaluation, a diagnostic chiropractic exam, and answers to any questions you may have.
Call 727-447-4647 or contact us to find out how we can help treat your chronic heartburn or indigestion today.