Natural Heartburn Remedies

Heartburn is commonly observed disorder of the digestive system which leads to a burning sensation in the esophagus, below the sternum because of the regurgitation of gastric acid. Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart problem, though many symptoms of heartburn and heart attack are similar. The burning sensation experienced in the food pipe or esophagus due to the back flow of small amount of stomach acid is known as heartburn.

Heartburn Causes

• Mental stress
• Wrong dietary habits
• Hormonal changes
• Dysfunction of digestive system
• Side effect of some medicines
• Alcohol abuse

Heartburn Symptoms

• Heartburn or the burning sensation that rises from the lower chest or stomach towards the neck or throat.
• Dehydration due to insufficient intake of water and fluids.
• Pain when swallowing food, as the esophagus is damaged and sore.
• Difficulty in swallowing due to the stricture of the esophagus.
• A strange feeling of something stuck in the throat.
• A bitter or sour taste at the back of the throat.
• Blood can be present either in vomit or in stools.
• A hole in the esophagus leading to sharp chest pain along with shortness of breath and fever, in case of severe damage.

Natural Heartburn Remedies

Usually the stomach acid is locked inside the stomach as the valve at the lower end of the esophagus, known as lower esophageal sphincter or LES, opens for a brief period to let the food enter the stomach and for belching. When the valve opens up frequently or does not close properly, then only the acid from stomach can enter back into the esophagus, causing damage to the unprotected lining of the esophagus, leading to irritation and inflammation. This is how you get heartburn. Lifestyle changes are expected from the patients, constantly suffering from heartburn. Following natural heartburn remedies can help prevent and avoid heartburn.

• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
• Stay away from spicy food.
• Avoid eating hard food like nuts if there is difficulty while swallowing.
• Try to manage stress with the help of stress management exercises.
• Over the counter antacids can be taken.
• Do not lie down for 2-3 hours after eating.
• Check and avoid the medicines causing heartburn. The doctor can replace such medicines with another ones easily.
• Exercise regularly, as exercises help lose the excess weight. They can keep you physically and mentally fit.
• If you are suffering from digestive system problem, opt for a high fiber diet, which facilitates the process of digestion.
• The natural home remedies for heartburn include consumption of papaya, pineapple, marshmallow tea, aloe vera juice, chewing gum, etc.
• The easiest natural heartburn home remedy is to lose weight. Obesity can be the root cause of heartburn, which you can easily avoid by opting for any of the weight loss diets.
• Avoid consumption of acidic foods like citrus, tomato, etc. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, chocolates, caffeinated beverages, alcohol often loosen up the muscles of the LES valve.
• Avoid oily and fatty foods or even large quantities of meals at a time, as these are digested very slowly and the food remains in the stomach for longer period. The increased internal pressure of the stomach is exerted on the LES making the valve weak and often allowing back the flow of stomach acid.
• For natural heartburn relief during pregnancy, take the help of pillows or blankets to sleep propped up. The above home remedies can be useful for pregnant women too; but they need to follow all the dietary rules, mentioned above.

All the natural heartburn cures mentioned in this article are easy to follow. A little bit of discipline and control over your mind is necessary to change some of your bad habits. That's all.