Seven Tips to Help You Cure Heartburn

Heartburn can strike at any time, even when you have been careful about what you eat. Try one of these these seven tips to cure heartburn next time you seek relief.
Most of us have suffered from heartburn at one time or another. Almost everyone suffers from it after a large holiday supper, and a few unfortunate people suffer from it almost daily. Common sense will tell us to monitor what we eat and drink, but even when we are diligent about our diet, heartburn can strike for no apparent reason.

There are several simple cures for heartburn. Some are natural solutions that have been passed down through generations and use ingredients that are in the kitchen pantry. Others are as close as the drug store shelf. The next time you seek a cure for heartburn, try one of these methods.

1. Add two heaping teaspoons of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water, and let it steep for several minutes. You can find fennel seeds in natural health food stores, and in the bulk area of your supermarket. You should find relief from your heartburn by the time you are finished your cup of tea.

2. Another common cure is ginger root. You will find it in the produce section of your supermarket. You will need to peel it, and then shred it. You can steep it in tea, or add it in with your cooking to aid digestion and prevent any discomfort.

3. Peppermint has been a long time favorite natural digestive solution. You can grow it in your garden or in a patio pot if you wish. It is also found in the supermarket. Simply wash the leaves and stems, and chew on them when you feel the start of an episode of heartburn.

4. Rhubarb is another natural solution for heartburn; however, the sour taste of it prevents this from being a popular cure. If you are up for it, chew on a slice of the stalk to find relief. Stewed rhubarb can also be effective. Wash the stems, and discard the leaves. Cook them with a bit of water and sugar. Adding a pint of strawberries will make it much more pleasant.

5. Try to include more raw vegetables with your meals, and eat smaller meals several times each day. Your stomach produces less stomach acid when you eat this way, so you have less chance of irritating the stomach lining. Adding fresh pineapple or papaya to your meals will naturally aid the digestive process and help prevent an episode of heartburn.

6. Antacids can provide a quick cure for heartburn, but they can also mask symptoms of any other underlying problems you may have. Most over the counter antacids contain excessive sodium, aluminum, magnesium and calcium. If these products are over used, harmful mineral imbalances can occur.

7. If you suffer from acid reflux at night, it is a good idea to stop eating three hours before you lay down. Some people have found that placing small blocks of wood under the head of the bed to elevate it is a good cure for their nighttime heartburn.

Not all heartburn cures work effectively for all people. Each of us has our own sensitivities and idiosyncrasies. The first step to take if you are frequently suffering from heartburn is to keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat and drink for several days, and see if you can find a common food trigger. The solution can be as easy as eliminating a specific food or spice from your diet. For some people, a combination of food and stress works as a heartburn trigger. If that is the case for you, then you won't have to give up anything, you will just have to enjoy your trigger foods on the weekend when you are away from stressful environments.
Being aware of your risk factors can help you avoid and episode of stomach distress, but it is not a perfect solution. Avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, strong spices and coffee is important, especially if you are a frequent sufferer, but it is not always possible to give up everything that can be a trigger. Chewable antacids can provide immediate relief, but if you find yourself reaching for them more than a few times a week, it is time to make an appointment with your health care provider. Heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious digestive problem, such as acid reflux.

Gerri Stone is an R.N. who enjoys sharing tips with others to help them stay healthy. Discover a free simple test to determine how acidic you really are, and the safe, all natural, guaranteed cure for permanent freedom from your heartburn and digestive problems at AcidsRefluxSolution.com

   By Gerri Stone
Published: 7/3/2007
 
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