Natural home Remedies For Heartburn

Heartburn is very common -- and very unpleasant. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. You may feel like someone lit a fire in your chest and is burning your neck.

Although you are likely aware of the fact that medication can calm heartburn, natural remedies for heartburn and lifestyle modifications may offer relief.

Calcium is a common "natural" remedy for heartburn. It is the active ingredient of many over-the counter antacids.

You should see a doctor if you feel like you're eating a lot of antacids or you have heartburn for more than two weeks. You may have a condition called GERD -- gastroesophageal reflux disease or another problem like peptic ulcer disease. Chronic heartburn may lead to serious health problems. This can lead to inflammation or strictures of your esophagus. Rarely, acid reflux can lead to cancer. However, acid reflux treatment can prevent future complications.

Below is a list of other home remedies that are commonly prescribed for heartburn.

Do Herbal Heartburn Remedies Work? Research into herbs for treating heartburn is sparse. The majority of research on heartburn has been focused around Iberogast. The product is made from 9 herbs including:

Studies have found that Iberogast can reduce heartburn. However, it is not known which of the herbs in this mixture relieves heartburn symptoms. Plus, peppermint oil can actually worsen heartburn, so it's not a good idea to take it if you have GERD.

What natural treatments are available for heartburn?

Heartburn relief can be achieved by taking melatonin (a sleep aid). However, the evidence is not conclusive as to its effectiveness for heartburn or other symptoms.

Check with your doctor before taking any kind of herbal supplement or remedy. Supplements can cause side effects, or interact with other medications.

Does drinking milk help with heartburn?

It is possible that you have heard of heartburn relief by drinking milk. It is true that milk temporarily buffers stomach acid. However, certain nutrients, including fat, can stimulate the stomach's production of more acid.

Although milk isn't a cure for heartburn or a strong source of bone-building calcium, Avoid fat-free, skim milk. Don't drink too much. You should not consume more than eight ounces of skimmilk at once -- it's best to have it as an occasional snack between meals. Heartburn can be increased by overfilling your stomach.

Is Chewing Gum an Effective Way to Get Heartburn Relief?

Although it may seem strange, gum stimulates saliva production, which acts as an acid buffer. Chewing gum can cause you to swallow more frequently, pushing those harmful acids back into your esophagus. Make sure you choose sugar-free gum when you buy a package. This will protect your teeth.

Finding Heartburn Relief at Home

These simple tips can ease the pain of heartburn.

  1. Be careful what you eat. Be aware of foods and drinks that may cause you to feel heartburn.
  2. Increase your fiber intake to maintain a healthy digestive system. Reduce your portions. Consider eating 5-6 small meals per day instead of three. Overeating can cause heartburn.
  3. Pay attention to what you are eating. To ensure your stomach is empty, you should remove the plate two to three hours before going to bed.
  4. Pay attention to what you eat. Eat slowly, taking smaller bites.
  5. Lose weight. Obesity can cause excess abdominal fat to press against your stomach. This could push acid up into your esophagus. For extra weight loss, follow a diet program and exercises.
  6. Keep a diary. You can keep track of your meals and times when you have heartburn.
  7. Stop smoking. Smoking can cause a decrease in muscle effectiveness that helps keep stomach acids balanced. It's always a good idea to stop smoking, for this and many other reasons.
  8. Loosen your belt. Get rid of the tight jeans. Wearing tight clothing puts extra pressure on your abdomen.
  9. Turn your head up. Place wood blocks beneath your bed to elevate the head by 6 inches. However, it isn't a good idea to elevate your pillows as this can cause heartburn.