Stomach acidity, commonly known as heartburn, isn’t strange to an adult reader, I can categorically say. It may not be frequently experienced, however, there must have Ben times you had too much of those spicy foods or got engaged in other heartburn-causing activities.
Sadly, some people need to deal with heartburn on a daily basis, and a number of these people take drugs in some cases, terrible side effects to cure it. If only they knew they could deal with it in some simple natural ways. It’s time to get more enlightened. Let’s go!
Home Remedies for Heartburn
Apple Cider Vinegar
Don’t get it twisted — pure vinegar is highly acidic and will definitely worsen your heartburn, however, apple cider vinegar is not. Apple cider vinegar is an alkaline forming compound. It is acidic outside the body, but alkaline once consumed. Daily consumption of two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar is great at controlling excessive stomach acidity.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, no doubt, promotes digestion and healing. Added to its already profound profile is that it is effective for treating heartburn. Make it into a juice, and enjoy its cooling effect which relieves the intense burning that comes with heartburn. Aloe vera juice is also great for the management of gastric ulcers, which cause severe pain as acid interacts with the exposed mucosal lining of the stomach.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is one of the most effective alkaline substances that is ideal for regular consumption. It neutralizes the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach, putting an end to the discomfort instantly. To enjoy its benefit, just mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink. If you suffer from chronic heartburn, drink this mixture early in the morning before having anything else.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, like apple cider vinegar, functions as an acid outside of the body, but as an alkaline once consumed. It is super effective, and reliable for treating and preventing heartburn.
Ensure you use fresh lemons if you need it for the purpose of dealing with heartburn because bottled juices many times have preservatives which end up adversely affecting the required effects.
Milk or Dairy
Milk or dairy products are super effective at dealing with heartburn. They’re so effective because of their calcium content. However, with milk, there is a slight challenge — it contains fat, and this causes heartburn to return hours afterward. If you really must use milk, do so cautiously.
Grains and Potatoes
Would you believe that consuming grains and potatoes is linked to a 42% lower risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease? Yeah, that’s why they’re fit for heartburn relief.
Mustard
Just like apple cider vinegar and lemons, mustard is also alkaline forming in the body, so will not cause heartburn, but rather treat it. You may need to be careful in selecting the mustard used because when some are likely to have numerous preservatives and additives which may not be safe for the purpose of treating a heartburn. Natural mustard seeds are better used; they should be boiled before use for better results.
Fennel Tea
Fennel tea is effective to treat stomach acidity because of its soothing effect on the stomach. It is believed to help neutralize and suppress the production of gastric acid, which causes heartburn.
Ginger
Ginger is effective to treat heartburn and discomfort. It can be consumed as a tea or crushed as it is. It’s got antispasmodic action, which ensures it relieves pain. What else? It hastens stomach emptying so that there is less gastric acid in the stomach. Not to forget that ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory compound, which means it can relieve symptoms of gastritis, and aid the reinforcement of the integrity of a sphincter muscle that acts to keep acid out of the esophagus. When one lies down, acid reflux which often takes place. This means that acid travels upwards out of the stomach and towards the throat and mouth, which is the cause of the burning sensation felt.
Green Veggies
They’re naturally low in fat, acid, and sugar, making them for heartburn relief. So try green beans, spinach, broccoli, and celery. They’ll do your health some good.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is loaded with fiber, which is linked to a lower risk of acid reflux. This fiber does not contain Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols (FODMAPs), which are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. So you can be sure it doesn’t cause belching or reflux.
Licorice
Asides being a tasty candy, licorice has got medical properties too. DGL, a form of licorice, is effective for management of heartburn, as well as healing of ulcers in the stomach. DGL helps to promote the secretion of mucus by the cells of the stomach, which help in reducing the effects of acid on them.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a natural mucilage producing compound; it promotes the secretion of mucus in the stomach and suppresses the effect of acid.
Chamomile Tea
- Some people develop chronic heartburn as a result of a nervous stomach or anxiety, and not in response to the food they consume. For such people, their experience is an increase in the secretion of gastric acid as a result of agitation. Chamomile tea is a natural relaxant and sedative which decreases the secretion of acids by the cells in the stomach. Chamomile tea is also an effective stress remedy. And of course, stress is a major cause of heartburn, as being discussed in this section. You should remember that chamomile enhances sleep, so you can imagine how effective it is here.
What Triggers Heartburn?
These foods don’t cause heartburn for everyone, just those who have the tendency to suffer heartburn.
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits and products, such as oranges, orange juice after lemon
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks: tea and soda
- Alcohol, red wine especially
- Black pepper, raw onions, garlic, and other spices
- Peppermint
- Tomatoes
Do you Suffer Heartburn? Here’s how to Prevent it
- Don’t eat so much at a time. You may eat in bits for about five or six times each day, instead of having large meals at a go.
- Don’t eat shortly before bedtime. You should give about two hours for your food to digest before lying down. This allows time for the food to pass out of the stomach and into the small intestine, rather than having it back up into the esophagus. Lying down makes digestion difficult and makes the occurrence of heartburn more likely.
Heartburn Statistics
- More than 40% of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once each month.
- Almost 95% of people with heartburn link their symptoms to a particular food.
- 80% of heartburn happens during the night.
- Over 50% of pregnant women report heartburn—most in the third trimester.
- Almost everyone will experience heartburn at some point in their lives.
- Infants can experience acid reflux, but they usually grow out of it.
Final Words…
Now you know home remedies for treating heartburn and even more facts about it. Whether your case is: preventive or corrective, this article has given you answers. Note that home remedies are fit for mild to moderate cases. If you have to deal with severe heartburn, do visit a doctor.
