People's Pharmacy

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Treasure Hunt For Whole Grains Beyond Bread

Posting Date: 02/14/2005

Q. I keep reading that we should be eating more whole grains. But what are they? My neighbor, who is a nutrition nut, says that whole wheat bread doesn?t really count as a whole grain.

A. Many of the wheat breads found in the supermarket contain a fair amount of white flour. Unless they are made only with whole wheat flour and wheat berries, they are not really whole grain foods. Here is a list of some whole grains to look for: barley, buckwheat, millet, oats, quinoa, brown rice, rye and wheat berries.

Q. Is there a natural remedy for heartburn? I have recently been diagnosed with reflux. I have not gotten any relief from the proton pump inhibitors and I do not like the idea of suppressing acid. Isn?t there a reason for stomach acid in the digestive process? I have done everything recommended regarding diet restrictions and I am still suffering.

A. Acid is important in the stomach. For one thing, it creates an inhospitable environment. Germs have a hard time surviving in acid.

According to a study in Holland, people taking acid-suppressing drugs are more likely to come down with pneumonia (JAMA, Oct.27, 2004). Presumably, this is because bacteria not killed by stomach acid can get into the lungs and cause trouble.

If you are avoiding fatty foods, tomatoes, onions, mint and chocolate but still having heartburn, there are still some other approaches to try. One is simply chewing gum. This stimulates the flow of saliva and helps neutralize acid that has splashed into the lower esophagus. Sucking on hard candy may have the same effect. Propping the head of the bed higher than the foot can help reduce nighttime heartburn.

We are sending you our Guide to Digestive Disorders with a discussion of treatments for heartburn and drugs that can aggravate it. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.