How to Get Rid of Heartburn

Heartburn is a health problem related to the digestive system. The other names of heartburn are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and acid reflux disease. It occurs when the hydrochloric acid of the stomach is pushed back to the food pipe or esophagus. As a result, the highly sensitive lining of the esophagus gets irritated and inflamed and gives the feeling of heartburn. Improper dietary habit is one of the main factor responsible for this problem. It can also be triggered by mental stress, obesity, side effects of medicines and smoking. In women, it is often caused due to certain hormonal changes.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn Naturally

Heartburn cure is possible using some natural substances that are easily found in our homes. It should be accompanied by a few changes in your lifestyle. Here are a few tips for heartburn relief:

Drink Water: When you get heartburn in the middle of the night, the simplest treatment is a glass of cold water. It dilutes the stomach acid which can then be easily flushed out from your digestive system. For an instant relief from the symptom, add two teaspoons of baking soda into it. This will have neutralizing effect on the acids and provide quick relief. However, patients of high blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid intake of baking soda.

Take Vinegar: In spite of the fact that apple cider vinegar itself is an acidic substance, it is capable of fighting heartburn. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in cup of water and have it in small sips. For best results, you should take this mixture regularly along with your meals.

Watch Your Diet: There are some foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn. It include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolates, garlic, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, etc. If you avoid all these foods that cause heartburn, your digestive health would improve and frequency of heartburn would be minimized. Many people make the mistake of drinking milk when heartburn is bothering them. It may give you a soothing effect temporarily. However, the fat and protein content of the milk which trigger excess production of acid in the stomach often aggravate the symptoms. Therefore, stay away from whole milk and other dairy products.

Change Your Eating Habit: When you are suffering from heartburn, you have to bring about a lot of changes in your eating habits. Heavy large meals often lead to heartburn. Therefore, try to have light meals a number of times throughout the day. While eating make sure you maintain an upright sitting position. Do not eat in a hurry or eat in front of television. Take an early dinner. It should be taken two hours before you retire for the day. This will ensure that the food get digested before you go to sleep. Thus the stomach acid production will go down as well.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn During Pregnancy

Heartburn in pregnant women is very common. Instead of using any over the counter medicines, it is always advisable that they opt for home remedies. Here are a few home remedies to get rid of heartburn:

Almonds: Chewing of a few almonds every morning provides a lot of relief from the burning sensation in the chest. However, it has to be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Otherwise, it can have an adverse effect on your health.

Ginger: Ginger has an amazing effect on your digestive health. It can be taken in various forms. You can take powdered ginger, pickled ginger or just simple fresh ginger. Every time you feel the heartburn sensation, chew a small piece of ginger. This will have a relaxing effect on the walls esophagus and ease off the discomfort.

Herbal Tea: Herbal tea such as peppermint and aniseed are excellent natural remedies as they eliminate gas and other unwanted toxins from the body. This gives a soothing feeling on the burning sensation. Take a cup of herbal tea to which a teaspoon of honey has been added early in the morning before breakfast. This will control the heartburn sensation throughout the day.

Aloe Vera Juice: Many people consider aloe vera as one of the best home remedy for heartburn during pregnancy. It has a soothing effect on the irritating sensation of esophagus. You have to take two teaspoon of this juice daily in the morning after breakfast. Just make sure that you do not take it in empty stomach.

You can reduce the chances of heartburn at night by sleeping upright. Just raise your head with a few extra pillows which in turn will keep the upper body in elevated condition. Thus it will prevent flowing of acid from the stomach towards the esophagus. It is also very important to avoid tight fitting clothes during bedtime. Such clothes puts additional pressure on the stomach and the acid contents are forced to move upwards.