At Rooted by Oils, we believe in supporting the body the way it was designed to work—nourishing it with natural solutions rather than masking symptoms. One common concern I hear from friends and customers is acid reflux or heartburn.
It’s easy to see why Tums and other antacids are so popular. A quick chew and that burning feeling often fades within minutes. For occasional, mild discomfort, they can feel like a miracle.
But when heartburn becomes a frequent visitor and Tums becomes a daily habit, your gut may be paying a price.
The Quick Fix vs. Your Digestive Design
Heartburn happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. The burn comes from stomach acid doing what it’s meant to do—break down food—but in the wrong place.
Antacids like Tums neutralize stomach acid on contact. Relief is quick, but here’s the problem: your stomach actually needs acid to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and maintain a healthy microbiome.
When you repeatedly blunt acid production:
• Digestion slows – Low acid makes it harder to break down proteins and absorb key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
• Microbial imbalance – The stomach’s acidity keeps harmful bacteria in check. Reducing it can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
• Rebound acid – After the antacid wears off, the body may respond by making more acid, which can trigger even stronger reflux episodes.
Masking the Root Cause
Chronic acid reflux often signals deeper issues, such as:
• A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach contents from backing up.
• Poor eating habits (large meals, late-night snacking, excess caffeine or alcohol).
• Food sensitivities, excess sugar, or a highly processed diet.
Tums only address the symptom, not the reason acid is escaping. Relying on them can delay real solutions—like dietary adjustments, stress management, or evaluation for underlying conditions.
Gut-Friendly Alternatives
Instead of reaching for antacids as a daily crutch, try supporting your gut’s natural function:
• Eat smaller, slower meals to reduce pressure on the LES.
• Identify trigger foods (spicy, fried, citrus, chocolate, etc.) and reduce or avoid them.
• Support digestion with fermented foods (like traditionally fermented sourdough!), probiotic-rich foods, and adequate hydration.
• Consider magnesium—certain forms like magnesium glycinate may help relax the LES and support motility.
• Maintain a healthy weight and posture, especially after eating.
Nourish Your Gut—Naturally
At Rooted by Oils, I’m passionate about sharing natural ways to care for your body, including what’s on your plate. That’s one reason I bake Crust & Crumb Sourdough using traditional fermentation and premium flours.
Properly fermented sourdough is easier to digest, supports a healthy microbiome, and many people with mild gluten sensitivity find they can enjoy it without discomfort.
✨ Order a loaf or starter today to bring this gut-friendly staple into your own kitchen!
📞 Call/Text: 540-569-6041
📧 Email: crustandcrumbdoughlene@gmail.com
🛒 🛒 Order Online Here
Bottom Line:
Tums may provide quick relief, but frequent use can disrupt the very system your body relies on for digestion and long-term gut health. Instead of silencing the burn, nourish your gut with natural solutions—and let every bite work with your body, not against it.
The Health Benefits of Fresh Milled BreadWhy It’s Time to Rethink What’s in Your Loaf
In a world where convenience often trumps quality, bread has become one of the most misunderstood staples on our table. But when we return to the roots of baking—with fresh, whole grains—we rediscover the deep nourishment bread was always meant to provide.
A Brief History: From Whole Grain to White Powder
Up until the late 1800s, all flour was freshly milled from whole grains. It was ground in small batches and used quickly, while it still held all the nutrients God placed in the wheat kernel: the bran, germ, and endosperm.
When modern roller milling came along, the process was changed. The bran and germ were stripped away to increase shelf life and reduce spoilage. All that remained was the starchy white endosperm—what we now call white flour.
It looked cleaner, baked softer, and lasted longer. But in the process, we lost most of the nutrition.
What’s Missing in Processed Flour
That white flour in your sandwich bread or store-bought bagel? It’s missing:
• Fiber for gut health and digestion
• B vitamins like folate, niacin, and thiamin
• Minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc
• Vitamin E and healthy fats that support brain and heart function
Though manufacturers “enrich” flour with synthetic vitamins, it’s no substitute for the real, living nutrition of whole grains.
Why Fresh Milled Bread is a Game Changer
Bread made with freshly milled flour is a return to nature’s design. When all three parts of the grain are kept intact and milled just before baking, bread becomes a nourishing food again—full of:
• Real vitamins and minerals
• Natural oils that support hormone and brain health
• Fiber that keeps your gut microbiome thriving
• Enzymes that aid digestion and make nutrients more bioavailable
Fresh milled bread doesn’t just feed your body—it fuels your life.
A Better Way Forward for Our Families
In an age of fast food and empty carbs, many families are unknowingly feeding their children bread that’s been stripped of nearly all nutritional value. It’s time to turn the tide.
Start reading labels. Ask your local baker if they mill their own grains. Consider learning how to bake with whole grains at home. Even if you’re not baking yourself, you can make intentional choices about what kind of bread is on your family’s table.
Spread the Word
Help others understand the truth behind modern flour and the benefits of fresh milled bread. Share what you’ve learned. Talk about it at the farmers market, with friends at church, or over coffee. Our collective choices shape the market. When we start demanding better food, better food becomes available.
Let’s bring bread back to what it was meant to be: real, nourishing, life-giving- the staff of life!
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