Despite its name, heartburn doesn't involve your heart. Instead, it's a burning feeling in your chest caused by stomach acid flowing into the esophagus.
Many people deal with this uncomfortable sensation, but there are home remedies that can help ease heartburn relief.
Understanding Heartburn
The esophagus connects your mouth to your stomach, and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a valve, preventing stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. When the LES relaxes improperly, acid reflux occurs, leading to stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
Common signs of heartburn include:
- A burning sensation in the chest
- A sour taste in the mouth
- An acidic taste in the throat
- A burning pain that moves up toward the throat
- Symptoms that worsen at night or when lying down
What Causes Heartburn Symptoms?
Heartburn symptoms are often triggered by dietary choices and lifestyle habits. These symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent.
Some common triggers for heartburn include:
- Overeating
- Certain foods and beverages
- Lying down after eating
- Smoking
- Excess weight
- Certain medications
7 Home Remedies for Heartburn Relief
Here are some natural home remedies that may help alleviate heartburn:
1. Licorice Root
Source: Today, many people utilize licorice root to treat ailments like heartburn, acid reflux
It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It contains compounds that may protect the stomach and esophagus lining, potentially reducing irritation from stomach acid.
Licorice root can be consumed as a tea, supplements, or chewable tablets, but caution is advised due to potential interactions with medications and health conditions.
2. Turmeric
This is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to its active compound, curcumin. While research suggests it may help with heartburn by reducing inflammation, more evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness specifically for heartburn relief.
It can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or ground turmeric, supplements, and tea or Cumargold
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and drinking it before meals might provide relief for some individuals, although caution is advised due to its acidic nature.
4. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe the esophagus. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals may offer relief.
5. Chewing Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and ease heartburn. Avoid mint-flavored gums, as peppermint may relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms.
6. Baking Soda
Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in water and drinking it can temporarily neutralize stomach acid. However, use this remedy sparingly to avoid electrolyte imbalances.
7. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile's calming properties can help soothe the digestive tract and alleviate heartburn symptoms. Drinking chamomile tea may provide relief.
Long-Term Strategies for Heartburn Relief
If you often suffer from heartburn, here are some simple steps you can take at home to feel better:
- Keep track of what you eat: Write down what you eat and notice if certain foods make your heartburn worse.
Common culprits include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Fatty foods
- Citrus fruits
- Chocolate.
Try to avoid these triggers as much as possible.
- Eat slowly and in smaller portions: Rushing through meals or eating too much at once can put pressure on your stomach, leading to acid reflux. Take your time and eat smaller meals to prevent discomfort.
- Avoid eating before bed: Give yourself a few hours between your last meal or snack and bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach can make heartburn worse.
- Include foods that neutralize acid: Foods like ripe bananas and nuts can help balance out the acidity in your stomach. Try adding these to your diet to ease heartburn symptoms.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight clothes, especially around your waist, can squeeze your stomach and trigger heartburn. Opt for looser outfits for more comfort.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent acid from creeping up while you sleep.
Source: Belching and heartburn can be avoided simply by sleeping with your head raised 6 – 8 inches
- Shed some extra pounds: Carrying extra weight can put pressure on your stomach and worsen heartburn. Losing weight through healthy eating and exercise can help relieve symptoms.
- Quit smoking: Smoking weakens the muscle that keeps acid in your stomach, making heartburn more likely. If you smoke, consider quitting with the help of your doctor or free support resources.
Talking to a Doctor for Heartburn Relief
If you're dealing with mild or occasional heartburn, you can often find relief with home remedies or over-the-counter medications like antacids.
However, if you're experiencing heartburn more than twice a week or can't manage your symptoms, it might be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can lead to complications such as inflammation, narrowing, or precancerous changes in the esophagus.
If you have chronic heartburn, it's essential to see a gastroenterologist. They can prescribe stronger medications and perform tests like an upper endoscopy to evaluate for GERD.
Don't suffer in silence with chronic heartburn and acid reflux. Schedule an appointment with a doctor today to find relief and protect your health.
