How to Relieve Heartburn Naturally? 15 Home Remedies
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Heartburn, that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, can be a real pain. But don't reach for antacids just yet. There are several natural remedies that can help relieve your symptoms.
From simple dietary changes to soothing herbal teas, these home remedies offer a gentle and effective approach to managing heartburn. In this article, we'll explore 15 natural remedies that can help you find relief.
1. Alkaline Foods
An alkaline diet helps eliminate the root cause. It neutralizes the excess acidity in the esophageal region, reducing the burning sensation ultimately.
There are many alkaline foods available naturally. Some foods alkaline in nature include cauliflower, spinach, asparagus, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, apples, bananas and melons, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds, and more.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another acid-neutralizing remedy for heartburn. Diluting a small amount of apple cider vinegar in water and consuming it can help with heartburn.
The symptoms of heartburn slowly get away after the consumption of ACV. Among many other benefits of ACV, it also aids the digestion process increasing the production of enzymes that break food particles.
3. Baking Soda Water
Alike alkaline foods and ACV, baking soda also helps to neutralize the acidity of the backflowing stomach acids. This easily available pantry ingredient has a pH of around 9, making it a perfect home remedy to cancel out all the effects related to acidic conditions.
For use, mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it upon heartburn. This remedy can drastically reduce the severity of symptoms.
4. Chewing Gum
The magic of chewing gum lies in its ability to increase saliva production. The more the amount of saliva is, the easier the acids in the esophageal tract are washed down.
Due to this clearance effect, individuals who face heartburn often can chew gum after their meal. Opt for sugar-free ones and monitor symptoms. If there is no improvement as desired or the symptoms are worsening, it's better to discontinue this remedy.
5. Aloe Vera
The compounds present in aloe vera make it a popular remedy for heartburn. Available in almost every household, the gelatinous substance in aloe forms a protective layer on the lining of the esophagus. This layer perfectly alleviates irritation and reduces the discomfort associated with heartburn.
Moreover, the inflammatory properties of aloe vera equally help to soothe the irritated esophageal tissues. This gentle remedy has different ways of consumption. You can either scoop out the gel and mix it into smoothies or drinks. Alternatively, you can consume diluted aloe vera juice.
6. Honey
The viscous texture of honey perfectly coats the esophagus. The coating promotes healing as it takes care of the irritated tissues. Honey, particularly manuka honey, has also been shown to be an effective remedy for GERD.
The sugars present in honey have alkalizing properties, helping fix acidity symptoms. Moreover, being naturally sweet, it makes a palatable remedy option for many.
7. Ginger
There are many bioactive compounds in ginger. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, the inherent ones like gingerol and zingerone make a significant impact in improving heartburn symptoms.
Many studies have indicated the use of ginger in reducing heartburn symptoms when used regularly. For instance, ginger improves bloating, gas, and nausea as well as helps the digestive tract to relax. Not only the ginger roots but the use of ginger supplements is also equally effective for heartburn.
8. Turmeric Tea
A balanced stomach environment can be achieved by consuming turmeric tea. The balance is what reduces the severity and frequency of heartburn episodes. Turmeric has abundant benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, proven to be beneficial for GERD as well.
Particularly curcumin, the most beneficial compound present in turmeric can reduce the inflammation of the stomach and esophageal lining. Turmeric is also known to support mucosal health, which is most affected during heartburn.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt can also be used to soothe the inflamed gut lining during acid reflux. Savoring a cup of yogurt as heartburn symptoms start to show up can cool down the whole tract.
The probiotics present in yogurt can prevent heartburn. The probiotics allow the gut function to run smoothly hence there are very few chances for the occurrence of abnormalities like reflux. Full-fat yogurt is however not recommended as it can only worsen the symptoms.
We recommend you to start with a small serving size, 1/4 cup or 60 ml, to see if the symptoms start to disappear. Increase this amount only upon positive effects. Also, opt for low-acidic yogurts like Greek yogurt.
10. Licorice Root Supplements
Licorice roots are bitter-sweet-tasting. Though the taste is not appealing, their supplements are known to have a promising effect against heartburn.
The supplements are known to increase the production rate of mucus in our digestive tract. As a result, the tissues irritated by the acid are protected against further damage. Moreover, the healing time of these tissues decreases. If you are considering adding these supplements to your diet, you must take medical advice first.
11. Use Lean Protein In Your Diet
If you face heartburn regularly, prioritize lean protein in your foods. Some of the best Lean protein sources consists of chicken, fish, and tofu. They are less likely to trigger acid reflux compared to fatty or fried foods. Also, focusing on a protein-filled diet makes you less hungry.
This means you won't be facing the heartburn that also comes with overeating.
12. Whole Grains
Grains that retain all parts of the seed (bran, germ, and endosperm), are called whole grains. Making these grains part of your diet also means you are adding fiber (a lot of it) to your diet. Fiber in turn absorbs excess acids of the stomach.
Adding foods like oats, brown rice, and quinoa to the diet can be the best measure for preventing heartburn.
13. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
Your sleeping position can also lead to heartburn. Whenever the head and chest are elevated, it prevents the chances of reflux of the stomach acids. This is all due to gravity.
A wedge pillow can be used to increase the height of the upper body or you may also elevate the head of the bed by placing blocks or risers under the bedposts.
14. Stay Upright After Eating
We should maintain an upright position after eating for a few hours. This way, stomach acid can not reverse back to the esophagus. The gravity helps keep food and stomach acid down, making it a natural way to prevent heartburn.
By avoiding lying down immediately after meals, you also allow the digestive system to work more efficiently.
15. Eat Smaller Meals
You can get rid of heartburn by opting for smaller, more frequent meals as it reduces the pressure on the stomach. So, controlling the portion size may be another key to reducing the amount of stomach acids produced thereby preventing chances of heartburn.
Overall, a smaller meal gives time to digest the food properly and decreases the pressure pushing up against the valve to keep stomach acid down, preventing chances of heartburn.
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