11 Natural Remedies to Treat Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus.
Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts.
Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid.
Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice.
Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable.
Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms. Mustard has alkaline properties which will help counter the sudden reflex and neutralize the acid in your stomach. Whenever heartburn symptoms arise, just eat a spoonful of mustard and you are good to go.
Ginger: Incorporating ginger in your diet can help ease up a number of stomach discomforts you might face, including heartburn symptoms. Ginger root, especially, will act as an acid buffer. Making ginger root tea and having it twenty minutes before any meal will help control acid reflux and heartburn.
Apple cider vinegar: With apple cider vinegar being the versatile ingredient it is, it is essential to balance the acid levels which results in LES sphincter malfunctioning. Too much acid and the sphincter can remain open for prolonged periods causing stomach acid to seep into the esophagus. Too little acid can make it shut down completely, which also provokes and acid reflux. Raw apple cider vinegar mixed with water is an effective home remedy to control he reflux thus keep any heartburn symptom at bay.
Diet changes: Heartburn symptoms or any other discomfort caused for that matter, everything is connected to your diet. An improper diet will result in complications down the line since there are a number of dietary triggers that may cause acid reflux. Certain types of foods which are spicy or greasy should be avoided. Drinks which have a high amount of caffeine should be avoided. Have more fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber to help aid digestion and keep the stomach acid levels in check.
Maintaining overall health: Obesity or being overweight will not help your cause. Especially when it comes to heartburn symptoms that are caused due to acid reflux. The extra weight and pressure will push on the stomach and squeeze the esophageal sphincter thus causing the stomach acid to travel up from the open sphincter. Maintaining a healthy tummy and waistline for that matter will reduce the pressure on the lower esophagus.
Stress relaxation: Heartburn symptoms can also be induced due to stress. Stress and tension will never do any good to your system. Try yoga or stress relieving techniques like acupuncture therapy.
Exercise: It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to curb problems like heartburn or persistent symptoms of acid reflux. Having a healthy and balanced diet is necessary and it should exclude dietary triggers which can cause acid reflux. Having a healthy diet will not be enough if there isn’t enough exercise to burn off those extra accumulated calories. Exercise releases endorphins which are also known as happy hormones which are a very good for our overall system development.
Bad habits: Quit smoking and drinking as they are heavy indicators of heartburn symptoms and any discomfort caused due to it.