Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and throat, and it happens when the acid regurgitates. Some says that when acid regurgitates, it tastes sour. If heartburn happens more than twice a week, then it might no longer a simple heart burn. There is a high tendency that GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease might be the underlying cause of your heartburn. Aside from GERD, there are other reasons why GERD happens. Pregnancy, medications, alcohol and certain foods trigger the acid reflux. There are over the counter medication that can neutralize the acid in the stomach, but if you prefer natural and cost-effective remedies, home remedies for heartburn are the right choice.
Best Home Remedies for Heartburn:
- Apple cider vinegar- known to stop excessive acid production in the stomach.
- Baking soda- one of the most common home remedies for heartburn. However, improper use might worsen the condition. Baking soda neutralizes the acid, but it can also open the LES lower esophageal sphincter and lead to further reflux. The right mixture is one teaspoon of baking soda and a glass of water. You can add honey for additional relief to your throat.
- Ginger- ginger is not just one of the best home remedies for heartburn but also for nausea. It can be eaten fresh or raw and in a powder or tea form. Ginger has lots of benefits and has no side effects.
- Yogurt- this is the best relief for pregnant women. When you feel that the acid regurgitates, you can immediately eat yogurt to prevent the acid from damaging your esophagus.
- Mustard- it helps relieve the symptoms of heartburn. One to two tablespoon of mustard will help you feel better.
- Aloe vera juice- the juice is known as one of the common home remedies for heartburn. It soothes your esophagus, and is recommended to be drank just 20 minutes before you eat your meal.
- Slippery elm- the inner bark of the slippery elm has a gel-like substance that can coat the esophagus to help reduce irritation. But if you are pregnant and experiencing heartburn, it is better not to take slippery elm because it might have a teratogen effect.
- Marshmallow- it contains mucilage that has the ability to coat the lining of the esophagus and stomach. This is not the marshmallow that kids love to eat; it is an herb that is used as substitute for tea.
- Gum- though mint gum may worsen the GERD or heartburn, the non-mint gum is considered as one of the home remedies for heartburn. Chewing gum stimulates salivary production and serves as acid buffer.
Other important things to consider to prevent acid reflux:
- Watch your diet- foods that can trigger heartburn must be avoided such as peppermint, caffeine, sodas, chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions and fatty-foods.
- Avoid cigarettes- they promote more acid production and relax the LES lower esophageal sphincter, that’s why smoking can worsen the condition.
- Loosen extra pounds- more fats in the body can compress your stomach and push its content upwards, thus resulting to heartburn.
There are different home remedies for heartburn and all of them give relief. However, consulting your doctor for proper diagnosis is still the best thing to do.
