NSPcentral.com

When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to feel the burn of acid reflux, even if you normally don’t suffer from it. That’s because the high levels of estrogen in your system can weaken part of your lower esophagus, making it easier for stomach acid to splash up and cause pain. But a new study shows that reaching for an antacid might be a bad move: Researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston have found that when a mother takes antacids during pregnancy, there’s a 51 percent greater likelihood that her child will be treated for asthma or other allergic conditions later in life.
Use natural strategies. To ease acid reflux symptoms in pregnancy, start eating smaller meals throughout the day, and avoid caffeine, spicy foods
, and anything that contains peppermint, says Elizabeth Hait, M.D., lead author of the study.

You can also try these safe, drug-free remedies, which can be purchased over the counter at your local health food
shop, says Roberta Lee, M.D., at the Continuum Center for Health & Healing in New York:

Ginger, This herb has been known to coat the mucous membrane of the stomach and help settle gut spasms, says Lee. Use 1 to 4 grams per cup of water.

Red Raspberry, Red raspberry possesses astringent qualities, and the leaves have been used by women for centuries as a support to the reproductive system

Papaya Mint, Papaya fruit contains an enzyme called papain that can break down protein, while peppermint leaves contain aromatic compounds that trigger the production of digestive fluids.

Talk to your doctor. Consult your doctor before going off acid suppressive medication, says Hait. “Some pregnant women have such severe heartburn they can’t eat,” she explains. “That’s obviously not good for the baby, either. Discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of taking medication to suppress acid versus modifying your diet,” says Hait.

For more information or to speak to Betty Russell call 800-579-8633

	Papaya Mint Chewable Tablets [Digestive] nutritionally support the digestive system, but they can also be used as tasty breath mints. Papaya fruit contains an enzyme called papain that can break down protein, while peppermint leaves contain aromatic compounds that trigger the production of digestive fluids. Tablets contain papaya fruit, peppermint leaf, fructose and sorbitol. Chew 2 tablets with a meal three times daily, or use between meals as a breath freshener.
	Description: Ginger [Digestive] has been cultivated for thousands of years in China and India.   It was written about in many ancient Chinese herbal texts and is an ingredient in as many as half of all Chinese herbal combinations.   The Chinese use it to buffer the effects of stronger herbs, and they drink it widely in tea.   Ginger nutritionally supports the digestive process and has the ability to help settle occasional stomach upset and prevent motion sickness.   The root has a strong, sweet scent.   Each capsule contains 500 mg ginger rhizome.
	Red Raspberry [Glandular]. The leaves of this popular fruit plant are widely used in herbology for their vitamin and tannin content. Red raspberry possesses astringent qualities, and the leaves have been used by women for centuries as a support to the reproductive system. Many find that the astringent compounds in red raspberry leaves also help support the digestive system. Each capsule contains 360 mg red raspberry leaves. Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.