Recently, I had a dream in
the morning, just prior to awakening for the day -- an old friend, who passed
away a couple of decades ago, handed me a book and a banana and said,
"Here, you'll need these."
It was a vivid dream, one
that was easy to remember.
Later that morning, during
a light meal, I had a regurgitation experience whereby food seemed to be
backing up into my throat and mouth. I was forced to rush to the bathroom and
throw-up whatever had backed-up. This condition is called acid reflux or
heartburn.
Shortly thereafter, I sat
down in my den and noticed a book that I had been reading recently, on the
stand next to the chair, titled "HEALING FOODS" by James A. Duke,
PhD. I went to the index and looked up acid reflux -- the very first food
listed for combating acid reflux was banana -- so, I ate a banana and the
condition seemed to soon disappear.
Yes, I had a dream about a
book and a banana -- then amazingly it all unfolded a few hours later.
Once again, the Dream World
became a mysterious guiding force in my life.
Acid reflux is the backward
flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (the gullet), the tube that connects
the stomach and throat. Acid reflux is more specifically known as
gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). During an episode of acid reflux, there may be
a burning sensation in the chest, which is called heartburn.
Some causes of acid reflux
include eating too fast, large meals, not chewing food well, fried foods,
high-fat foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, rich sauces, chocolate, alcohol and
coffee.
Bananas contain an enzyme
that stimulates mucus production in the lining of the stomach, helping to
soothe inflammation and relieve acid reflux.
According to HEALING FOODS,
some other foods that combat acid reflux include ginger, chamomile, cinnamon,
licorice, papaya and pineapple.
Ginger contains chemical
compounds that soothe the gastrointestinal tract and relaxes the walls of the
esophagus thereby eliminating stomach acid and aiding digestion.
Chamomile treats digestive
problems with a combination of anti-inflammatory and stomach soothing
properties.
Cinnamon minimizes gas and
soothes the digestive tract.
Licorice also helps protect
the lining of the stomach. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) causes the release
of certain compounds in saliva that may stimulate the healing of stomach and
intestinal cells. The flavonoids in licorice are also helpful in preventing
ulcers.
Papaya contains papain, an
enzyme that soothes the stomach, relieving indigestion and acid reflux.
When I was released from
the hospital in June of 2012, after about 10 days of hospital food and total
physical inactivity (bedridden), I had digestive problems. I learned that
pineapples were loaded with digestive enzymes such as glutamine, which helps protect
the lining of the stomach. I had a half bowl of pineapple chunks almost daily
for a couple of weeks and my digestion function seemed to return to normal.
There are many
over-the-counter pills for acid reflux or heartburn -- some may work, some may
not work, some may have adverse side effects.
However, when I have a
minor health problem, I first seek a natural solution through diet and physical
activity. I also practice meditation, thereby relaxing body, mind and soul --
directing healing energy toward ailments, potentially healing from within.
It's my life, my body, my
soul -- it's my duty to keep it all on the correct path -- but if I need some
medical advice or assistance, I will seek that path too.
A book, a banana and an old
friend in a dream -- Life is grand and mysterious once you begin to notice
synchronicities beyond logical explanation.
May the Force be with you.
___________
Quote for the Day -- "Time
flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." Groucho Marx
___________
Bret Burquest is the author
of 11 books. He lives in the Ozark Mountains with a few dogs and where life is unexpected
intrusions of mystery.
___________
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