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30+ Simple Ways to Get Rid Of Heartburn Fast at Home

Updated on December 17, 2014
Source

Heartburn

In these days of celebrations, where food and drink are present in plenty, the heartburn can be a real problem which can ruin these moments of joy.

Heartburn is ultimately the irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid.

Heartburn is a burning sensation that starts in the lower chest and may spread to the throat. This feels like burning below or behind the breastbone and comes from the esophagus. It originates in the chest and radiates to the throat.

symptoms of heartburn
symptoms of heartburn | Source

Some foods that trigger heartburn

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Caffeinated drinks
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Chocolate
  • Acidic fruit juices
  • Very fatty foods, some like walnuts, sardines, tuna
  • Very spicy foods
  • Tomato and Ketchup
  • Mint
  • Raw onion
  • Garlic
  • Pepper
  • Vinegar
  • Sometimes whole grains

The stress and eating quickly is also a factor triggering heartburn.

Causes and symptoms of heartburn

Heavy meals, certain acidic foods, overweight, smoking or pregnancy are usually the cause of heartburn, also known as sour stomach.

However, check with your doctor if you have heartburn three or four times a week for several weeks as this could be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Symptoms of heartburn include a bitter taste in the throat and a burning sensation in the chest.

Most symptoms are caused by a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter, whose function is to keep the acids in the stomach. The sphincter relaxes, allowing what is in the stomach to escape and returned into the esophagus. Eating certain foods can help the sphincter remains closed as supposed to be, keeping stomach acids intact.

Main symptoms:

  • Burning sensation in the esophagus.
  • Continuing stomach cramps
  • Sickness
  • Vomiting

Main causes:

  • Overeating.
  • Keep the stomach empty for a long time or skipping breakfast.
  • Eating fatty foods (especially chocolate), acidic (tomato, orange, etc..) or spicy.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Aging.
  • Obesity.
  • Alcohol.

To relieve heartburn, you can use home remedies below.

Source

Home remedies for heartburn

1) MARSHMALLOW

Marshmallow contains mucilage that protects the esophageal wall. Add one teaspoon of dried root in boiling water, keep covered for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times daily.


2) GINGER

Fresh ginger is one of the oldest remedies for heartburn. It may be added in food, or take it as crude or infusion. Make a ginger tea by mixing one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root in a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes and then drink.

The ginger is widely used in remedies for the digestive system. For heartburn, ginger helps to maintain the pH balance in the stomach. Another option is to drink Ginger Ale.


3) BANANAS

Banana acts as a natural antacid in the body, both fresh and dry. Bananas have a pH level of 5.6 which makes a good meal to relieve heartburn.


4) GUM

Chewing gum can reduce heartburn as this action does secrete more saliva. This acts as a natural protector of the esophagus to cover the same. Use gums that do not contain sugar. Sweetened with xylitol are preferable.


causes explained
causes explained | Source

How to Relieve Heartburn During Pregnancy

1) Papaya

A home remedy to relieve heartburn during pregnancy is papaya. Papaya contains digestive enzymes that relieve heartburn.

You can eat a few pieces of ripe papaya after meals.

But it is very important that the papaya is ripe, otherwise may contain latex, a substance that can cause uterine contractions.

2) Yogurt

A few tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt can be very effective to relieve heartburn during pregnancy.

5) WATER

When you start to feel discomfort drink a glass of water. The water will dilute the acid and eventually lower heartburn.


6) ANISE INFUSION

Anise can be a good home remedy to relieve heartburn. Make an infusion of anise by adding two teaspoons of anise in a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes and then drink. Note that some people may be allergic to anise.


7) CINNAMON AND CARDAMOM

Other teas that act as a natural remedy for heartburn are the cinnamon and cardamom. The recipe is to add a teaspoon of either a cup of boiling water and let it stand. Drink!


8) FENUGREEK SEEDS

Take a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with water or juice before each meal to relieve heartburn. Fenugreek can protect the stomach lining and intestines. Pregnant women should not use this remedy.


9) PANELA

Panela which is very common in Latin America is very good for heartburn . Sucking a piece of panela, after eating is another good home remedy to relieve heartburn.


10) CLOVES

Another home remedy is to suck a clove after meals. Another option is to take about 3 drops of clove oil in a glass of water, stir and drink.


11) LETTUCE TEA

Mix a glass of water with a large lettuce leaf. Puree and drink slowly.


See Also

Drugs for heartburn

Although many people prefer natural remedies, others prefer to use medications that are faster to relieve discomfort.

Several pharmacies sell drugs to relieve heartburn that do not require a prescription.

1) Antacids

The most common commercial antacids include Maalox and Mylanta. These drugs act in ways that neutralize stomach acid.

Another common product to relieve heartburn is the Alka Seltzer and comes in the form of effervescent tablets.

2) H2 Blockers

Another type of medication for heartburn is blockers like Zantac, Pepcid AC and Tagamet. These products work by reducing the production of gastric acid.

12) ALOE JUICE

Some people say that taking aloe vera juice has helped them relieve heartburn. The amount is 1/4 cup (two ounces) 20 minutes before each meal.


13) CHANGE YOUR DIET

Small changes in your diet can help to control the symptoms caused by heartburn. Avoid acidic foods, fatty foods, large meals, red meat, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods.

Do not eat too much food and that do not have a combination. If you eat too much at one meal that combines meat, carbohydrates, sugar, soda, fats and processed foods, the foods that your stomach can not digest will be acidic. This acid creates gas and can put pressure on the esophagus causing them to open the valve.

A weak valve can be caused by eating foods that are too acidic for a long time. It can also be caused by the mixture of many types of food during a meal. A balanced diet of alkaline and acidic foods makes the valve remains strong and will not open if you occasionally eat more of the bill.


14) SPIRULINA AND CHLORELLA SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements such as spirulina and chlorella help to neutralize the acid in the stomach. They are sold in health food stores and pharmacies. Take as directed on the bottle.


Some useful tips to reduce heartburn

  • Position to sleep: Avoid lying down or bending over after eating. Eat at least two hours before bedtime.
  • Several meals a day: Eat several small meals during the day instead of eating three large meals.
  • Digestive enzymes: Just before eating, drinking 2 to 3 capsules of digestive enzymes to help digest food. If food stays longer than it should, it decomposes in the stomach to produce gas and a source of acids. And if that undigested food passes into the large intestine, it can cause disease in the colon if this problem persists for many years.
  • Too much of anything is dangerous. Even if its water: Limit the amount of fluids you drink and eat. Drinking too much water dilutes the stomach acid needed to digest food. Drink water at room temperature, because cold water slows digestion.
  • Less sugar: Limit your intake of sugar when you eat. Sugar has no nutritional value and causes calcium to be expelled with the urine. You will also need extra minerals during digestion, and this can lead to a reduction in alkaline mineral reserve and the acidity increases. Be sure not to drink soda or other sweetened beverages during meals.
  • Avoid tight dresses or very tight belts: You should avoid wearing tight clothing such as pants, tights or tight belts (especially after eating), as it may put extra pressure causing the acid escape into the esophagus.
  • Exercise is beneficial for heartburn: People who exercise regularly rarely have heartburn. Even mild exercise, such as walking daily can help relieve digestive problems. However, avoid exercise immediately after a meal.
  • Smoking: Nicotine irritates both the esophageal valve and the stomach lining. Due to this, smokers tend to have more acidity.
  • Reduce Stress: Emotional stress contributes to the production of acids
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages and soft drinks: Alcohol can irritate the stomach while soft drinks can cause bloating in the stomach. This can contribute to cause reflux.
  • Check your painkillers: Avoid aspirin, as these contain a product that upsets your stomach.

15) CARROT JUICE

Make a juice with 4 carrots and 2 lettuce leaves. Place ingredients in a blender with 1 cup water for 5 minutes. Strain the juice and drink in the morning.


16) BASIL LEAVES

Pour 15 grams of dried basil leaves in 1 liter of water which is boiling. Cover and let cool. Take 3 cups daily after meals.


17) CHAMOMILE FLOWERS

Boil a handful of chamomile flowers in 1 cup water for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and drink before the meal.


18) OLIVE OIL WITH EGG WHITE

Mix 2 tablespoons of pure virgin olive oil with egg white. Taken several times a day to experience immediate relief.


19) DATES

Place several dates soaked in a cup of hot water for a couple of minutes and then drink the liquid.


20) MULLEIN LEAVES

Soak 2 handfuls of mullein leaves and flowers in 1.5 liters of boiling water for 15 minutes, strain and drink in two days.


21) COMFREY AND CALENDULA

Pour 1 tablespoon of comfrey root and calendula in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and allow to cool slightly. Take 1 cup, still warm, just after the main meal. This remedy is an excellent antacid and its effectiveness is attributed to the properties of silicon, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen found in allantoin.


22) RAW ALMONDS

Chewing a handful of raw almonds, as they are very alkaline will help to combat heartburn.


Foods that reduce gastric acid

1) Oats

Oatmeal is very good for people suffering from acidity. You can eat at any time of day without causing heartburn.

2) Melon

Melon is in the same category banana. Many people find relief from heartburn eating melons.

3) Fennel

Fennel is very good for heartburn and is said to improve digestion too. It can be added to salads.

4) Fish, chicken and turkey

These meats are also recommended to relieve heartburn. But they cannot be fried, should be cooked grilled or baked.

5) Parsley

For many years parsley has been used to improve digestion. It's a great way to spice up meals to prevent heartburn.

6) Brown Rice

A very complex carbohydrate recommended for people who suffer from heartburn.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention

  • If you vomit blood
  • If you feel a squeezing pain in the heart area
  • If your symptoms get worse after antacids
  • If you are losing weight without special diets
  • If you experience difficulty in swallowing

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