Heartburn is a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and / or chest behind the breastbone. It may be accompanied by bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath, and / or an acidic or sour taste in the throat.

It often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the stomach to digest food, backs up into the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach), causing sensitive tissues to become irritated. Normally, the esophageal sphincter muscle pinches itself shut and prevents stomach acid from surging upward. However, if the sphincter is not functioning properly, the acid can slip past it and into the esophagus. This is gastroesophageal reflux.  

Frequent heartburn can lead to long-term problems. It can cause inflammation and strictures in your esophagus.  In rare cases, it may even lead to cancer. But stopping the acid reflux can help prevent complications in the future.

Heartburn  can be triggered by excessive consumption of spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, or cooked tomato-based foods. Ulcers, gallbladder problems, stress, allergies and enzyme deficiencies are other possible contributing factors.

Here are four simple tips that will help ease your heartburn naturally:

1. Try raw potato juice. Do not peel the potato - just wash it and put it in the juicer. Mix the juice with an equal amount of water. Drink it immediately after preparation, three times a day. You may also boil a potato and drink the water that it has been boiled in.
2. Change your eating habits. Eat more raw vegetables/ eat smaller more frequent meals. Chew your food well. Eat slowly and enjoy your food. 
3. Avoid cooked tomato-based foods especially in combination with starches. i.e pasta, pizza, potatoes. 
4. Do not eat for three hours before bedtime. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.
   

If you find that you are still popping antacids like candy and you're having heartburn more than a couple of times a week, or if you are using antacids for longer than two weeks, it's time to see a professional that can help. They can create a proper meal plan and make additional recommendations as to which herbs and supplements you may take, to help you on your way to good health.

Latest research from the University of East Anglia in the UK suggests that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts, could help fight osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

The study showed that sulforaphane blocked cartilage-destroying enzymes by intercepting a molecule that causes inflammation.

Sulforaphane is released when eating cruciferous vegetables such as:

• Broccoli
• Broccoli Sprouts (20 times more sulforaphane than whole broccoli) 
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Kale
• Savoy Cabbage and Red Cabbage
• Bok choy or Chinese cabbage.
• Horseradish
• Arugula
• Collard Greens

In addition to protecting bone-cushioning cartilage in your joints, it will help prevent cancer, diabetes, gastro distress, heart disease and protect your liver.

Steamed, puréed, in soups and in stir-fries, or oven-roasted - even raw - this cruciferous vegetable delivers two bioactive chemicals: Sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol.

The sulforaphane seems particularly joint-friendly and, when teamed with its partner indole-3-carbinol,  it helps every system in your body.

For maximum joint protection, make sure to eat plenty of those tasty veggies and other ant-inflammatory foods.

Those include strawberries, blueberries and carrots, as well as healthy olive, walnut and canola oil, and fatty fish with omega-3 DHA; we like salmon and ocean trout.

I also suggest you take 900 mg daily of an algal oil DHA supplement. You'll stay flexible, reduce pain and feel younger.

A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to virtually every type of illness and disease, especially when the seasonal shift from the late summer to autumn is marked by the arrival of a new generation of viruses causing coughs and colds.
Although the immune system can recognise viral strains it has encountered and beaten off before, it will not recognise a virus that has mutated. Even the smallest genetic change will trick it into thinking a brand new species, for which it has no antibodies, has landed - and while a strong immune system will cope with this attack, one that has been weakened by poor nutrition and too much stress will struggle to get you back to good health.

Fatigue, lethargy, repeated infections, slow wound healing, allergies, thrush, colds and flu are all signs that the body’s immune system is functioning below par. A healthy adult, for example, should suffer no more than two colds a year - so if you do succumb more to every passing infection, you definitely need to start supporting your immune system.

Our Immune system may be weakened and damaged by as a result of:

• Disease
• Stress
• Inadequate nutrition
• Poor living habits
• Chemotherapy
• Environmental pollutants
• Or a Combination of the above

The Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System are:

1.  Omega 3 & 6 Oils

Eat Healthy fats ! Research has shown that omega-3 fats have the ability to reduce inflammation and regulate the T and B lymphocyte functions.

 2. Strengthen Your Digestive / elimination system

The friendly bacteria residing in your gut are there to help with digestion and protect you against invaders. If the bacteria population becomes thinned from the use of antibiotics, chlorinated water or pesticides in food, there will not be enough friendly bacteria on the job to keep you healthy. Beneficial bacteria manufacture potent immune boosters such as transfer factor and lactoferrin right in the intestinal tract, so the proper balance of bacteria in the gut can substantially boost the immune system. Replace friendly bacteria daily with the use of a probiotic supplement, drinking kefir, eating other fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Problems with elimination tend to disappear with regular use of Chlorella and probiotics.

3. Wholefood Supplements /  Superfoods

a)  Bee Pollen and Propolis.

Bee Pollen is one of the most well known superfoods on the planet. Bee Pollen is a rich source of highly concentrated vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats. Most of the known vitamins in bee pollen exist in perfect proportion, so they optimally work together. This further enhances their value. This powerful superfood also contains a vast array of phytonutrients, many of which have yet to be identified.

Scientists have labeled it the most nutritious supplement on the planet. In fact, many nutritional experts say bee pollen contains everything we need to live!

Studies have shown that Bee Pollen can Offer the Following Benefits:

• For vibrant mental clarity and concentration.

• Bee pollen is helpful for losing weight because it naturally balances hormones and chemicals in the body, improves the metabolism and helps reduce cravings for food.

• Many studies have shown that bee pollen is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

• The sexual health benefits of bee pollen are well documented. It boosts fertility and can relieve PMS.Researchers have found that bee pollen is very effective in helping prevent prostate problems. In one study, over 50% of men who were given bee pollen experienced a dramatic improvement in sperm count and were able to perform better sexually after just one month.

• Bee Pollen is a potent immune system booster, so the body can fight illnesses, and even allergies.

• It is a powerful detoxifier.

• Bee propolis has even been described as having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties with immune boosting effects. Propolis has with its high levels of B-vitamin complex and notable quantities of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.
  

b)  Micro - Algae.

Some micro-algae have very favorable nutritional profiles for cancer and immune therapies. Spirulina, chlorella and wild blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) provide cellular protection with exceptional amounts of beta-carotene.

c)  Chlorella:

The alga to emphasize in those with the greatest deficiency, stimulates immunity in the treatment of all degenerative diseases by means of the "Chlorella Growth Factor" (CGF).

d)  Spirulina.

Is also the highest plant source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid which strengthens immunity and inhibits excessive cell division. Spirulina is also rich in phycocyanin a pigment with anti-cancer properties.

e)  Chlorella and Spirulina.  

Are also amazing body detoxifiers. Heavy metals and toxins in the body are a burden on the immune system. Slow deep breaths also help to release toxins.

f)       Adaptogens.

 Work to normalize physiological responses and keep them at optimal levels. They are agents that allow the body to counter adverse physical, chemical or biological stressors while maintaining equilibrium. There are many adaptogens that have been used for thousands of years. They are: medicinal mushrooms(shiitake, chaga, maitake, reishi), garlic, eleuthero, maca, liquorice root astragalus and shizandra.

4. Fresh Air and Sunlight

Open your windows to let fresh air come into your workplace and home. Go out for a walk or sit in the sun.

Sunshine About an hour of unfiltered sunshine each day improves your immunity, prevents disease, increases intelligence, stimulates your metabolism, and boosts your energy level.

5. Avoid and Eliminate

a) Toxic food and drink from your diet:

Get into the habit of reading the labels of every packaged product you buy. There are many food products which contain hundreds of chemicals that are not recognizable to the body as food. This means that they are perceived by the immune system as foreign invaders that must be dealt with. Shop for organic foods when possible, and eat whole foods that are raw or cooked at home.

b)  Get rid of personal care products containing toxic chemicals:

Most personal care products (such as shampoos, shower gels and body creams) sold at traditional supermarkets contain toxic ingredients that threaten your health. When these products are rubbed into the skin they enter the bloodstream as if they had been eaten. Replace these with products that contain only naturally occurring ingredients that your immune system will recognize as naturally belonging in your body and not a foreign invader.

c)    Get The Toxins Out Of Your Home and Workplace:  

The cleaning products in a typical house are filled with toxic chemicals. Throw out the anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap. The bacteria killing agents they contain create havoc with your immune system and actually make you more susceptible to infectious diseases. Get rid of stored paint cans and other chemicals in your house. They allow toxic gas to escape into your home.


Immune Boosting Power Smoothie !!

2 bananas
1 cup strawberries or blackberries 
2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
1 apple
1 tablespoon omega 3 & 6
1 tablespoon bee pollen  
1 tablespoon tahini
½ teaspoon maca powder

Put all ingredients in a blender.
Blend and drink.

I wish you all Incredible Health !

Barbara.