Heartburn – 5 Easy Home Treatment
What Is Heartburn
Heartburn is not a disease and also it has nothing to do with heart disease. It is an irritation or burning sensation occurs in upper esophagus, the part which connects throat and stomach. This irritation is basically caused by stomach acid which leads to discomfort in upper belly or below breastbone or sternum. The pain of heartburn or acid reflux may remain in the lower chest but if it reaches near larynx it may cause coughing. Heartburn or acid reflux if persist for few time then it is ok, but if stays for a long time then it may lead to GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux Disease).
What Causes Heartburn
It can occur because of the dysfunctioning of lower esophageal sphincter (LES). LES is a valve which is located between esophagus and stomach below the rib cage. This helps to keep stomach acid at the appropriate place. If it is working properly it allows food to pass through the esophagus to stomach then close again but if it is not working properly the stomach acid can go back to the esophagus and cause burning sensation. Here are some more reasons or causes which can lead to heartburn.
- Consuming heavy meal and lying down right after a meal.
- Bending over waist after eating food.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Eating right before going to bed.
- Drinking some beverages such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea.
- Smoking
- Taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood pressure medications.
- Tomatoes or citrus foods.
- Garlic and raw onion.
- Food high in fats and oil.
- Stress and lack of sleep.
- Hiatal hernia
- pregnancy
Heartburn Symptoms
A feeling of food being stuck in the throat.
A sour taste at the back of the throat.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or a cold sweat.
Pain that worsens when lying down or bending down.
Some Lifestyle Changes That Can Treat Heartburn
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
- Leave smoking.
- Put blocks under the head of the bed to raise at least 4 to 6 inches.
- Avoid eating at least 2 3 hours before going to bed.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes.
- Try to lose some weight if obese.
Heartburn Relief or Heartburn Treatment
- Yellow Mustard – It is an alkalizing food that is full of minerals and contains a weak acid. It also has alkaline properties so it will help neutralize the acid in the stomach. So, therefore, relieve the burning sensation in esophageal part. Just consume 1 tsp of yellow mustard straight away to treat heartburn.
- Baking Soda – It is also one of the best home remedies to treat heartburn. Baking soda is actually a base so by consuming it acid will get neutralize in the stomach. Mix just about ½ tsp of baking soda in ¼ cup of water. Drink it straight away and get relief.
- Chew Gum – If you are suffering from heartburn, chew gum for at least 30 mins after a meal. This is because chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands and increase the flow of saliva. Any acid that has built up in the stomach will get diluted and washed away.
- Ginger Root Tea – It can also help you to relax acid reflux in the stomach. Sipping a cup of fresh tea about 20 mins before a meal can help relax your stomach and act as an acid buffer. Boil 3 pieces of ginger root in about 2 cups of water. Steep for 30 mins. Filter it and drinks all tea in about 20 mins before taking a meal.
- Loose Clothing – Heartburn can occur if you are wearing too tight clothes after eating a meal. Because it will tighten the stomach and content in the stomach can go back to the esophagus. If that is the case the first thing you do is to loosen up your belt or dress or whatever you are wearing at that time.
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