Many women experience indigestion and heartburn, and sometimes gas, during pregnancy. This may be caused by the stomach having less room to do its work, nervous tension which inhibits good digestion, too many stomach acids, or a relaxed stomach, which allows foods to back up.

Be sure that you DO NOT TAKE antacids during pregnancy. They further inhibit digestion, and they may cross over the placenta into the baby.

The Digestive Tonic is an excellent remedy for all cases of Heartburn.  Add one teaspoon to a glass of water and drink all at once.  This is a simple but effective formula made up of Ginger Root, Peppermint Leaf, Fennel Seed and Peppermint Oil.   The Digestive Tonic can be used freely.

To deal with symptoms of Heartburn, Dr. Christopher first emphasized that we must chew our food. Many of us just gulp it down, and the large particles cause gas, fermentation, and pain. Chew well; even juices should be swished in the mouth to mix them with saliva and begin digestion.

Avoid drinking with your meals; water or other liquids dilute the digestive fluids; you may, however, want to take broth or juices with the meal, but you should “chew” these, too.

Increase your B-vitamin foods, including whole grains, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, yogurt, perhaps acidophilus.

Don’t smoke or drink tea or coffee; these irritate the stomach and increase heartburn.

Eat small meals frequently; if you must be away from home, take juice, fruit and nuts with you to prevent your blood sugar going down and stomach acids overproducing.

Papaya can aid digestion–fresh, dried or in tablets.

Some women take tablets of activated charcoal to absorb gases in the system.

Slippery elm gruel will alleviate heartburn and absorb gases and toxins.