Heartburn is a symptom of a medical condition and is characterized by a burning feeling beginning in the stomach area moving up towards the throat. Usually it is a simple problem and can be remedied using a few of the natural cures for heartburn. This condition is called heartburn as the pain occurs close to the area of the heart. In reality, heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach finds its way back into the esophagus. Heartburn may be mistaken for angina, but it has little to do with the heart.

Heartburn attacks happen most commonly after a heavy meal containing saturated fat and/or highly acidic food. Other known triggers of heartburn include aspirin, smoking, caffeine, chocolates, mint, and other highly acidic food. Those people who are overweight or pregnant can experience heartburn more compared to others.

The most common cause of heartburn is acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This happens when the muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, found at the connecting point between the esophagus and the stomach allows acid material to regurgitate back into the esophagus. The esophagus does not contain a mucous lining like the stomach that protects it from the acids burning effect.

Heartburn remedies offered by a doctor typically involve some type of medication, the most common of which are antacids. For more severe cases there are other types of medication that can be used. The different types of medication can classed as H2 Blockers, Proton Inhibitors, or through a surgical procedure.

H2 blockers and its more potent counterpart, Proton inhibitors act by reducing the production of gastric acid. They perform this action by focusing on different areas of gastric acid production. Surgery on the other hand, involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the sphincter muscles thereby reducing the chances of acid reflux.

There are a number of lifestyle changes and activities that can also reduce the occurrence of heartburn. These natural remedies for heartburn primarily involve a change in nutrition. Listed below are a few other tips that can help to get rid of heartburn.

  • Avoid or limit alcohol intake;
  • Stop smoking;
  • Lose weight and begin an exercise regimen;
  • Avoid taking chocolates;
  • Avoid taking acidic food including citrus fruits, mint candies, and fatty foods;
  • Avoid taking a meal at least two hours before sleeping;
  • Try sleeping with your head and torso slightly elevated to keep acids inside the stomach;
  • Try sleeping on your left side as opposed to your right, if you need to sleep on your side. This allows the stomach to be lower than the esophagus and prevents putting too much pressure on the sphincter muscle.

Heartburn can be a symptom of a more complex condition. If you have suffered from heartburn more than once, it is recommended to see a physician to get a thorough analysis to determine the possible cause and apply the right treatment. This applies especially for those who are pregnant, are undergoing other types of medication and those suffering from other medical conditions

natural remedies for heartburn

Tagged with: get rid of heartburn • heartburn remedies • natural remedies for heartburn

Filed under: Digestion

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