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I finally got reflux and heartburn after all these years. I have newfound respect for those of you who deal with it!

I traced my problem to drinking shots of yerba mate. I drank them several times a week for energy. I noticed heartburn about 20 minutes after drinking one tiny glass bottle of it.

After it happened three times last week, I made the connection. I did a little research and learned that drinking too much mate, especially hot mate, apparently is tied to esophageal cancer. I’ve stopped drinking yerba mate shots as a result of my pain as well as these concerns.

I didn’t take acid blockers like famotidine (H2 antagonists) or omeprazole (Prilosec, a popular PPI med) to deal with my reflux.

Acid blockers don’t soothe, coat or directly patch up your mucosal lining. They suppress acid, which gives your esophagus a break. It’s an indirect treatment, but it’s okay if that’s what your doctor recommended.

In my case, instead I started taking natural remedies. I’m happy to report my strategy worked! Just one week later, I’m 75 percent better.

Here’s the short story of my strategy:

1. Discontinue the offender.

For me, the yerba mate was the problem. For others, it may be smoking, spicy foods, alcohol or hot drinks. Whatever it is, discontinue your trigger.

2. Discontinue spices and hot foods.

I’ve temporarily given up spicy mayo, cayenne and black pepper, and even vinegar to give my esophagus a rest.

Also, I noticed it would hurt when I drank hot coffee or tea. According to an article published in International Journal of Cancer, drinking hot tea dramatically increases your chance for developing esophageal cancer. So drink your beverages lukewarm.

3. Drink marshmallow root water.

Fill a big glass jar with cold water and put about 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root per cup of water. In a few hours, you will have a water that is somewhat thicker, preserving the mucilaginous properties of the marshmallow, which coats and soothes delicate membranes as you drink it.

4. Mastic Gum

Mastic Gum is a resin that is extracted from a tree. This is sold as a dietary supplement and is used as a natural remedy for many intestinal problems, including indigestion, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis and ulcers.

5. Zinc Carnosine

This is a dietary supplement that chemically ties together a zinc molecule to a carnosine molecule. The tissue-healing effects come from both compounds, which allow for tissue repair and a reduction in intestinal inflammation.

Symptoms of esophagitis vary and include some of the following: Swallowing food and then experiencing mild pain in the chest or throat, the sensation that something is stuck in the throat or sternum, early satiety, belching, mouth sores, heartburn, reflux and mild nausea.

If you’re not significantly better within a week of your home treatment (natural or over-the-counter), see a specialist to make sure there is no serious underlying cause.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Visit suzycohen.com for more.