I've been catching up on my mail this evening. Someone wrote this to me: I read in your blog that the BTD helped with your heartburn. I am battling with digestive problems and heartburn. The thing that is difficult for me now is the healing of the tissue in my esophagus after the acid has leaked in. What do you do for immediate relief and healing?

This was my answer:

I've been faithful to the BTD for 2 ½ years now, and I rarely have stomach symptoms any more. When I do, I have four remedies.

1. Peppermint. Sometimes I brew peppermint tea. Sometimes I eat a piece of peppermint candy.

2. Ginger. I juice ginger root (available in any grocery store). If the discomfort is mild, I mix a teaspoon of ginger juice in water and drink it like tea. I find it very refreshing. If the discomfort is more severe, I take a teaspoon of ginger juice straight. It is hot, and makes me gasp, but it heals the inflammation.

3. Licorice I buy DGL licorice at the health food store and take the chewable tablets with me when I travel. It is great for when I eat unexpected wheat.

4. Olive oil. If I need quick relief I take a teaspoon of olive oil. It seems to coat the inflammation and make the pain go away until I can get my diet back where it ought to be.