Chiming Belle's Recipe for Heartburn Relief: Love, Laughter, and Less Processed Foods

This year, I made a promise to myself: to take back control of my health. After waking from a coma a few years ago, I never imagined I’d become so familiar with pill bottles and pharmacy aisles. While modern medicine gave me a second chance, I’ve learned that sometimes the gentlest remedies—like managing my acid reflux naturally—make the biggest difference. Every pill I don’t need to take feels like a small victory.

Grocery Shopping for Healthy Ingredients

 

But here’s the real motivation behind my health journey: my granddaughter, Olive. Whether we’re rolling tortillas for her beloved bean tacos, racing to the swings at the park (well, she races—I cheer!), or dissolving into giggles over her silly jokes and Snapchat lens antics, these moments are my heartbeat. That’s why it troubled me when, after meals or tough stressful days, a fiery discomfort would rise in my chest, threatening to steal my joy. Acid reflux had long overstayed its welcome.

Silly Poses using Snap Chat Filters! 

Research confirms what I’ve lived: stress doesn’t just feel like it worsens reflux—it actually heightens esophageal sensitivity, making even mild acid feel excruciating. Through trial and error—and a little science-backed insight—I’ve uncovered simple truths:

• Smaller, homemade meals which keeps heartburn at bay—and leave room for dessert (midnight snacks) with my granddaughter.
• Steer Clear from processed foods-  Not worth the aftermath. Though I’ll admit, grandkids have a way of making even carrot sticks exciting!
• Manage Stress - Stress melts fastest for me when I'm in Olive’s orbit, especially when she tells me a joke or we’re laughing at our Snapchat antics. Who knew laughter could soothe as well as antacids?

Evening prayers and garden-fresh meals aren’t just rituals—they’re proven stress reducers that help ease my reflux. Here’s my truth: Health isn’t about perfection or deprivation; it’s about living fully. I’ll trade spicy chili for Olive’s mild guacamole any day if it means more backyard campouts and bedtime stories. Because when you’re a grandparent, every symptom soothed naturally is another moment present—not sidelined by reflux or side effects. Science calls it “stress management.” I call it love.

Making Home-made Guacamole

These days, "taking my medicine" looks like sunset prayers, garden-fresh meals, and the healing power of a grandchild’s hug.  Because when you’re a grandparent, health isn’t just for you—it’s for them. Every sleepy "I love you, Nanna" at bedtime is why I choose mindful living. And if my sweet granddaughter ever feels that familiar burn in her chest one day, I’ll share the best remedy I know: 

Slow down, savor the love around you, and sip some warm, calming tea with a home cooked meal - Hopefully together.

Hugs

Love you so much, Olive—you always make me feel better just by being near.