Heartburn is an uncomfortable condition that has afflicted most people at one time or another. However, there is no need to rely on antacids or other medication to deal with it. There are some great natural remedies and prevention methods that will provide quick relief.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn results from the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Between the stomach and the esophagus is a sphincter muscle that allows food to enter the stomach and then closes again to stop stomach acid from flowing up the throat. If the muscle loosens or doesn’t work properly, the excess stomach acid backflows into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
Causes of Heartburn
There are several things that can cause heartburn. Some of the most common include:
- being overweight
- smoking
- lying down after eating
- bending over after eating
- pregnancy
- certain medications
- stress
- wearing tight clothing
- eating trigger foods
Common trigger foods include:
- fatty meats and deep fried foods
- citrus
- chocolate
- peppermint
- excessive alcohol
- tomato products
- colas and coffee
- orange juice
Preventing Heartburn
Prevention is the best cure for heartburn. Avoid putting pressure on the stomach wherever possible. Don’t wear tight clothes, and avoid drinks that contain carbon dioxide. Try not to eat meals that are too large. It is best to eat five to six small meals over the course of the day. Include fibre in your diet as the fibre will help to neutralise gastric acid. Try not to eat foods that are high in salt or are spicy. Coffee and tea should be drunk in moderation and alcohol should be avoided. Foods rich in vitamin C may prove helpful.
Ice cold meals and drinks should be avoided, as should foods that contain cocoa. Reduce the amount of high fat foods in your diet, and use low fat methods to prepare your food. Eat your last meal at least three hours before you go to sleep. When sleeping, the top half of the body should be higher than the feet; the mattress should be flat; and there should not be a sharp bend at the pillow.
If your heartburn is stress-related, look for ways to ease your stress. This could be through psychotherapy, talking your problems out, or using relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, yoga, meditation, and so forth. If you smoke, stop! Smoking stimulates acid production and also loosens the valve that protects your throat.
Relieving Heartburn
Heartburn is very uncomfortable but, thankfully, there are some ways that you can relieve the pain quickly. One thing that you can do is simply prop yourself up so that gravity can help to relieve the discomfort. Milk may also be of help, as the basic nature of milk may help to counteract the acid. Try mixing a little baking soda with a glass of water and then drink it. This brings quick relief for most people.
Licorice is an effective alternative to conventional medications as it supports and stimulates the stomach’s natural protection mechanisms. The stomach’s main defense against gastric acid is a fine layer of mucin, which is secreted by millions of mucosal cells that line the stomach wall. Licorice stimulates both the secretion of mucin and the formation of new mucosal cells. As well as supporting a normal chemical balance, licorice can help to inhibit the growth of potentially harmful intestinal bacteria.
Bitter herbs encourage the production of saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes. There are many herbs with bitter qualities but dandelion and blessed thistle are the two most commonly used for heartburn. Plant oils are also used for heartburn and indigestion due to their carminative effects and soothing action on the gastrointestinal tract. The most notable is peppermint oil. Peppermint oil can soothe bowel disruptions caused by nervousness, overeating and changes in the diet. It is also a smooth muscle relaxant and an effective remedy for cramps, gas, and nausea. The active ingredient in peppermint oil – menthol – relaxes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing trapped gas to escape in the form of a burp. If you are prone to heartburn more so than indigestion, peppermint tea is recommended as it contains less menthol, making it less likely to cause heartburn.
Another quick cure for heartburn is to take one to two tablespoons equally of apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of distilled water before meals. Acidophilus yoghurt will prevent indigestion as it contains good bacteria which fight bad bacteria. Eating several almonds will relieve heartburn. Eating lemons before meals can prevent heartburn. Lying on your left side can help to relieve heartburn by keeping the stomach below the esophagus. Avoid raw onions as these are often the cause of heartburn.
Originally published on Dec 05, 2008
