Are you tired of that burning sensation creeping up your chest or the pain that jolts you awake at night? If you’re nodding, you’re definitely not alone. While most people reach for medications that offer short-lived relief, the reality is: those burning symptoms are not normal, and there is a much better way—a true solution that restores your stomach naturally. Today, I’ll guide you step by step through a protocol based on science and nature to finally heal your stomach, fix the underlying issues, and get your life back (yes, really!). (Based on the insights of Dr. Iñigo Martín)
Key Takeaways
- Heartburn and reflux are often signs your stomach is out of balance—not just too acidic, but possibly not acidic enough.
- Quick fixes like antacids and proton pump inhibitors can backfire long-term.
- Using natural remedies like aloe vera, ginger, and apple cider vinegar can heal and strengthen your digestive system.
- Simple lifestyle tweaks—especially how and when you eat, and even how you sleep—make a huge difference.
1. Aloe Vera: Your Internal Bandage
Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns! Its gel acts like a fresh, cooling bandage on irritated tissue inside your digestive tract. If you feel that burning, rising sensation, it’s your body crying out for soothing repair. Aloe coats your throat and stomach lining with polysaccharides, reducing inflammation and promoting cell healing. Just remember: if using the fresh plant, let cut leaves drain overnight in water to remove the laxative yellow sap (aloin) before filleting and blending the clear gel. Or buy a guaranteed aloin-free gel. Take two tablespoons about 20 minutes before meals to form a protective layer—your stomach will thank you!
2. Reconsider Chronic Use of Antacids and PPIs
Acid blockers like PPIs have their place for ulcers or acute gastritis, but using them long-term for reflux can be counterproductive. Here’s the kicker: your stomach’s upper valve (lower esophageal sphincter) seals tight only in response to strong acid. Suppress acid for too long, and that valve can become lax, letting even small amounts of acid (and food) creep upward. Plus, stomach acid is your first defense against bacteria—reduce it, and you risk bacterial overgrowth, fermentation, and—ironically—even more reflux. Never stop acid-blockers suddenly; work with your healthcare provider to taper and introduce natural support.
3. Position Yourself for Success While Sleeping
The shape and angle of your stomach affect nighttime reflux risk. Lying on your right side positions your stomach entrance lower, so gravity helps acid escape. Instead, sleep on your left side: this curves your stomach so the entrance stays above the acid line, like a bottle standing upright. Avoid simply piling up pillows—this bends your middle, raising internal pressure. Instead, raise the bed head 6 inches (15 cm) or use a wedge under your mattress for a gentle slope. This lets gravity work with you, not against you.
4. Natural Digestive Boosters: Ginger Root
Struggling with slow digestion? As food lingers, it ferments, producing gas that pushes everything—the wrong way! Enter ginger: its bioactive compounds (gingerols and shogaols) gently stimulate your stomach muscles to move food along (prokinetic effect). A simple ginger tea—simmer sliced fresh root, cover, and let it steep—before or after meals can speed up digestion and ease that pesky pressure. Just start mildly if your stomach lining is highly sensitive.
5. Embrace the Power of Acid (Yes, Really!)
Believe it or not, many people with reflux or heartburn lack enough stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), especially if you’re older, stressed, or have a long history of antacid use. Low acid means poor digestion, bacterial overgrowth, and—a weakened valve! Taking a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in water before meals can restore proper acidity, signal your valve to close, and spark better digestion. If that’s not enough, a supplement with betaine HCl and pepsin (never on an empty stomach and always with protein) can push the needle further—listen to your body and start slow.
6. Repair & Rebuild: Zinc Carnosine and Glutamine
After calming things down, it’s time to rebuild the protective wall of your stomach. Zinc carnosine targets damaged areas, adhering like a smart patch and locally delivering healing zinc and carnosine where it’s most needed. Glutamine, found in foods like cabbage or as a flavorless supplement, is the primary fuel for your gut-lining cells—helping them multiply and seal up any gaps. Some people juice raw cabbage or add pure glutamine powder to water or aloe—it’s a classic for a reason.
7. Don’t Ignore Your Nervous System: Activate the Vagus Nerve
Ever notice how stress affects your stomach? When your body goes into “fight-or-flight,” it shuts down digestion to prioritize muscle action—disaster for your gut! Trigger your natural “rest-and-digest” mode before meals with three to four slow, deep breaths, expanding your belly. This simple step activates your vagus nerve, improving acid and enzyme secretion—priming your gut for real healing.
8. Enzyme Helpers: Fruits and Supplements
If your system feels overwhelmed after meals, inject a dose of natural enzymes! Pineapple (core included) provides bromelain, papaya offers gentle papain (especially for sensitive stomachs), and kiwi contains actinidin which helps with protein and dairy breakdown. Eat these fresh fruits about 20 minutes before meals—never canned or cooked (heat destroys the enzymes). If you need more help, full-spectrum plant-based digestive enzymes can make meals easier to process as your stomach recovers.
9. Respect the Night: Early, Light Dinners for Digestive Peace
Late-night meals are a recipe for trouble. Your body is primed to clean and repair, not digest, after sunset. The “migrating motor complex” only sweeps up the digestive tract when your stomach is completely empty. Night snacking or late dinners keep the system in digestion mode, leaving bacteria and debris behind and setting the stage for morning discomfort and even abdominal weight gain. Choose cooked, easily digested meals like soups or steamed vegetables, and aim to finish eating at least 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. If you’re hungry, an herbal tea or warm water will do the trick.
Conclusion
Your stomach isn’t simply a passive bag—it’s a marvel of natural engineering, and your symptoms are clear messages for change. With the right information, patience, and consistent natural support, you can gradually rebuild your digestive fire, strengthen your internal barriers, and say goodbye to that burning pain for good. Start with one or two steps, observe how your body responds, and build from there. Trust the process—healing is a journey, not a sprint, and you deserve to enjoy food, sleep, and life without fear. Remember, nature has your back!
Source: Dr. Iñigo Martín