Heartburn is a very uncomfortable burning sensation in the lower chest, and in most cases, it begins to spread to the throat. Some factors that cause heartburn are eating large meals, being overweight, pregnancy, or smoking.
Causes of Heartburn
Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, and is caused by acid refluxing into the oesophagus. Some of the risk factors in this disease involve those that increase the production of acid in the stomach and structural problems that allow acid reflux to reach the oesophagus.
Much of the food we eat and even drink can stimulate stomach acid secretion, causing heartburn. Many over-the-counter medications can also cause heartburn.
Habits and Foods that Cause Heartburn
Some of the most annoying and common habits and foods for the oesophagus are:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Carbonated drinks
- Sour fruit juices (oranges, lemon)
- Chocolate
- Tomato products
- Fatty or spicy foods
Smoking and eating high-fat foods affect the function of the lower oesophagal sphincter, causing the stomach to relax and allowing acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
Hiatal hernia can affect the function of the lower oesophagal sphincter and is a risk factor for reflux.
Pregnancy can cause increased pressure within the abdominal cavity and affect sphincter function, causing increased gastrointestinal reflux.
Another cause of heartburn is obesity, which is responsible for the increased pressure in the abdomen that causes this problem.
Home Remedies for Heartburn
In the case of a temporary condition or frequent heartburn, some natural remedies are an option to consider to treat your troublesome symptoms.
1. Water
Of course, water is the first food we eat to relieve the burning caused by heartburn. Drinking water facilitates the return of acid to the stomach, and if it is cold, it helps to relieve symptoms. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day is recommended, and it is a way to treat various health problems.
2. Baking Soda
Due to its alkaline properties, baking soda helps neutralize the acid in the stomach and the body, making it a great home remedy for heartburn. To use it, dilute a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
3. Potato Juice
Thanks to the active compounds of the potato, it is possible to regulate gastric juices and avoid burns or problems such as gastritis or heartburn. Learn more benefits and see how to prepare potato juice.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a root with a powerful alkaline effect that regulates the pH of the stomach and thus controls the acidic compounds that cause heartburn.
To use it in treating heartburn, you must heat a little water and add a teaspoon of ginger root when it reaches its boiling point. Please leave it in decoction for 10 minutes and strain the content ready to be consumed.
5. Yerbace Tea
Several studies show that fennel is a very effective remedy against heartburn. Make tea from this plant and drink it daily to receive the benefits of this tea for heartburn.
Tips to Avoid Heartburn
1. Eat Small Meals
Eat 5-6 small meals daily instead of a few large meals. This can help your body digest food better. Fasting also increases the chances of heartburn.
2. Papaya
Papaya is a great medicine for heartburn that you can use without fear. It aids digestion and is capable of relieving discomfort caused by heartburn. It is also beneficial in cases of gastritis.
3. Drink Less Liquid When Eating
Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals. Try to drink fluids between meals.
4. Avoid Going to Bed Right After Eating
Lying down right after eating puts the body in a position that facilitates gastric reflux and causes heartburn. After meals, sit down, do light housework, or take a walk to aid digestion.
5. Ice Milk
Some people often drink iced milk to treat heartburn. However, this can even make your situation worse. This drink may cause temporary relief, but it is rich in calcium, which stimulates the production of stomach acid. In addition, its full version contains fats that also facilitate heartburn attacks. Soy milk is an alternative and can be used without problems.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Tighter clothing puts pressure on the stomach and abdomen. Wear loose clothing to feel more comfortable.
More Information
Various types of medications can be used to treat heartburn. Antacids neutralize the acid produced by the stomach and can be purchased without a prescription for quick, short-term relief. However, if too many antacids are used, they can cause diarrhoea or constipation.
