Heartburn Remedies
Using Natural Heartburn Remedies to Alleviate Symptoms
Heartburn remedies refer to various natural and home treatments that can be used to alleviate the burning sensation and pain which usually occur in the stomach and the chest due to acids produced by heartburn . These natural remedies for heartburn include the following:
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of the common heartburn home remedies. Apple cider vinegar consist of acetic acid which is responsible in the treatment of heartburn as it lowers acids associated with heartburn. When one is experiencing heartburn and takes this remedy, it is able to stop stomach acid which is responsible for the burning sensation associated with heartburn thus bringing the relief that is required.
Aloe Vera Juice
Extracted aloe Vera juice can be used in the treatment of heartburn as one of the home remedies for heartburn. This is because aloe Vera juice has an effect on the irritated esophagus due to acids. The juice works by soothing these irritations in the esophagus and only aloe vera juice that is free from aloe aloin and latex is recommended for internal use. For better results it is advisable that aloe vera juice be taken thirty minutes to forty minutes before taking meals as this will increase the effectiveness of the juice in combating heartburn.
Ginger
Various forms of ginger ( ginger tea, ginger powder, minced ginger root or pickled ginger root) can be used as natural remedies in alleviating heartburn. This is because ginger is able to relax the smooth muscles along the walls of the esophagus which are irritated by the acid that is produced due to heartburn hence relief. In most cases ginger root/rhizome is the one that is used in the treatment of heartburn.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can also be used as a natural remedy. Oatmeal is rich in fiber which is basically bran from unsifted oatmeal. If one suffering from heartburn eats a bowl of oatmeal daily then this will lead into clearance of heartburn. Oatmeal can also be administered in another form where by it is mixed with water and allowed to stand for twenty four hours followed by sieving the mixture. The strained liquid which is usually referred to as broth can be refrigerated and taken twenty minutes before meals hence bringing relief to the muscles which was caused by the acids.
Baking Soda
This is one of the most common heartburn remedies. This is usually administered by mixing some parts of baking soda with some parts of water. This should me mixed well before it can be taken. It is advisable that the mixture be taken regularly until the heartburn clears. The only demerit with this home remedy for heartburn is that it has got a lot of salt which may not be good with people who are suffering from high blood pressure and it is not good for pregnant women hence if used it should be used with moderation.
Mustard
Mustard seeds contain a weak acid, vinegar and other minerals which are alkaline in nature. This alkalinity is important is slowing down or neutralizing the effects of acids that are produced by the heartburn hence bringing the relief to the sufferer. This is usually administered by taking a teaspoonful of mustard.
Milk
Milk can be of great use as a heartburn remedy. Fermented milk for example yogurt is rich in probiotics and other products of fermentation which will help in neutralizing acids that are produced due to acid reflux. When one senses the beginning of a reflux attack, it is advisable to take this fermented milk as it will prevent occurrence of heartburn. This milk is also important as it not only helps in bringing relief to muscles of the esophagus due to heartburn but also helps in the regulation of the digestive system and the colon in pregnant women.
Marshmellow
This herb forms one of the effective heartburn remedies. This is because the herb is rich in mucilage and this is the one which takes care of the acids that are produced by heartburn. The mucilage works by coating and soothing the inner lining of the esophagus which are affected by the acids thus the relief. In some cases this herb can be made into tea which if taken thrice a day, it will help in clearing heartburn.
Slippery Elm
This is a herb which belongs to the slippery elm tree that can be used as a natural heartburn remedy. The inner bark of this tree is the one that is used in treating heartburn and this is because it contains a gel like substance which is able to swell when mixed with water. This gel like substance is the one that is responsible in coating the inner lining of the esophagus thus reducing the irritations which may be caused by acids produced due to heartburn.
Raw Potatoes
This is prepared by first washing the potatoes which are then put in a juicer without removing the peels. Then the juice extracted can be taken without adding anything or in some cases some other juices can be added into it so that it can taste well before taking it. This will help in neutralizing the acids in the stomach hence bringing relief to the esophagus muscles.
Water
Water is an important home remedy for heartburn and it is usually used when the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn are not too strong. It is advisable that water should be taken when the first signs of heartburn are realized.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum can be used in treating heartburn naturally. By chewing gum, secretion of saliva is stimulated which acts as an acid buffer therefore relieving the irritations of the esophagus muscles due to heartburn. Also it is important to note that when chewing one swallows more which helps in pushing the acids from the esophagus hence bringing relief.
DIET also plays a significant role in heartburn relief. What one eats may trigger heartburn hence should be avoided for example foods which contain peppermint, sodas, high fatty foods among others should be avoided.
Other heartburn remedies include papaya, being involved in exercises, avoiding cigarettes, avoiding tight clothes, the time when to eat and the posture for example head tilt up will help in treating heartburn.
Heartburn Remedies - Closing Thoughts
No matter which one of the above heartburn remedies you may try, it is always the better option than running straight to a pharmacy when faced with the discomfort from heartburn and acid reflux.
Watch this video for advice on remedies for heartburn from family practitioner Ken Savage in this medical conditions presentation.
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Remedies for Heartburn
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