What Are The Home Remedies For Heartburn? Here Is What To Know

Learn more about ‘What Are The Home Remedies For Heartburn?’ Heartburn is characterized by a burning feeling in the neck and upper stomach region, which is sometimes accompanied by a sour aftertaste. It is more likely to happen after a substantial meal or when lying down and is brought on by stomach acid rising into the esophagus. Nearly 12% of people worldwide have heartburn. 

According to gastroenterologist Kevin M. Cronley, MD, of Gastro Health, “Heartburn is the most typical symptom of GERD.” “You can have heartburn without having GERD,” the doctor said. “Heartburn can be a sign of GERD.”

Causes Of Heartburn

Food passes via a tube called the esophagus on its way to the stomach. Normal closure of the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach prevents food and stomach contents from ascending into the esophagus. It opens to let saliva and food interact within, then closes once again.

It is possible for stomach contents to go back into the esophagus if the sphincter is weak or loose. Reflux is a name for this. Heartburn is a burning sensation that is brought on by the esophageal lining being irritated by stomach acids. Fluid retention will worsen irritation, which will lead to pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Because of the hormone progesterone’s release during pregnancy, which causes the sphincter to relax and cause reflux and heartburn, heartburn can occasionally get worse during pregnancy. Heartburn typically happens after meals and might get worse when you lie down or lean over.

Home Remedies For Heartburn

The secret to controlling heartburn symptoms is heartburn prevention. But if you experience heartburn, try these natural remedies to reduce acid reflux quickly.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Acid reflux is brought on by eating specific trigger foods. By avoiding certain items, you’ll have less stomach acid, which will assist to lessen and prevent heartburn.

To give your stomach and esophagus time to recover, avoid trigger foods for two weeks. Keep a food diary and record your symptoms to assist you identify the precise items that cause your acid reflux.

Chew Gum

You probably will attempt virtually anything to stop experiencing heartburn. It seems that chewing gum can aid with acid reflux. How? Read on.

Gum chewing causes more swallowing, which speeds up the removal of acid from the esophagus. According to one research, eating sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal helps to prevent acid reflux.

Additionally, chewing gum promotes saliva production, which can assist neutralize stomach acid and alleviate the strain on the esophagus in the event of reflux.

To prevent aggravating reflux symptoms, use a gum that does not include mint or citrus.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol consumption may enhance the production of acid and dramatically worsen acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn. Even while more study is still needed to determine the exact link between alcohol usage and reflux, it is known that alcohol can harm the esophagus, which isn’t good for someone who already often experiences heartburn.

Alcohol affects people differently, much like trigger foods do. Keep a log of the foods and beverages you consume, as well as any heartburn symptoms. This will enable you to keep track of your intake and identify which alcoholic beverages you should limit.

Do not combine alcohol with substances that cause triggering. For instance, it is well known that orange juice and fizzy drinks aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Replace trigger drinks with less acidic choices like water, apple juice, or carrot juice.

Drink no alcohol at least two hours before going to bed. Following a drink, lying down may make acid reflux and heartburn sensations worse.

Elevate The Bed

The worst heartburn is when it wakes you up in the middle of the night. Having a flat back increases the chance of stomach contents entering the esophagus. Think about using a wedge cushion or placing a stack of books beneath the mattress to raise the head of the bed. This will assist in preserving stomach acid where it belongs.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to finish your meal for the day at least three hours before you go to bed. You are less likely to get heartburn in the morning the less food you have in your stomach.

The next best thing to do is to buy over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers (like famotidine), and proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) if home remedies simply don’t work. If you’re unsure of what to do next, a healthcare professional can assist you in creating a plan.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

Burning in the chest is very similar to heart attack symptoms and should not be disregarded. It could be time to go to a healthcare specialist if your chest discomfort is severe and neither over-the-counter medications nor at-home methods are providing relief.

According to Dr. Cronley, you should also visit a doctor if you have trouble swallowing, unintended weight loss, or vomiting blood. Heartburn symptoms typically appear after eating or after lying down. Additional signs might include:

• Burning sensation in the chest moving up toward the mouth
• Lump in the throat or feeling of fullness
• Acid regurgitation, sometimes accompanied by food
• Sour taste in the mouth, especially when lying down
• Cough or hoarse voice
• Nausea, vomiting, and burping

For chest discomfort that does not go away or deviates from its typical pattern, seek emergency medical assistance. A heart attack might be in the horizon if you ignore the pain or wish it away. Quick action can help you avoid death.