The best natural remedies to stop heartburn
Heartburn, medically referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), occurs when stomach acid backs up into the food pipe (esophagus). Such acid reflux irritates the esophagus and one feels a burning sensation behind the chest. Although GERD is a chronic digestive disease, occasional heartburn can be considered a condition and not a disease if we understand its cause and treat heartburn naturally. Here are some things we can do to reduce and stop heartburn naturally:
When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle responsible for keeping stomach contents in place, begins to relax or leak, it causes heartburn. If we are careful not to allow the valve between the stomach and the esophagus to become loose, we can greatly prevent heartburn. Controlling how we eat is just as important as choosing the foods we eat. Overeating, frequent or irregular eating habits, drinking less water, etc. can cause this problem despite maintaining healthy food choices.
- When we eat more than our stomach can handle, we increase the chance that excess matter will move into the esophagus, thus causing the burning sensation. Likewise, when we don’t eat for a long time and let heartburn build up and then put the food back into the stomach, it can allow acid to be pumped up into the esophagus. In such cases, it is advisable to drink some water to calm the acid rage in the stomach before eating anything. But more importantly, one should avoid freakish intervals of eating and overeating.
- Weight gain also increases the possibility of heartburn, as it slows the movement of food in the digestive system and puts pressure on the abdomen. Taking weight control measures can provide a general solution to the problem of heartburn. Eating a balanced diet at regular intervals and exercising that helps digest food not only helps reduce weight and thus trigger heartburn, but also leads to maintaining a healthy lifestyle!
- Going to bed right after a heavy meal can also cause heartburn. Allow food to settle and go to bed at least 1/2 hour after eating. If heartburn persists, sleeping with your head in an elevated position will also help.
- The chances of heartburn are higher during pregnancy as the uterus puts more pressure on the stomach and esophagus. The hormone also slows down digestion and thus causes the flow of acid into the esophagus. To avoid heartburn during pregnancy, you should reduce the amount of food and cover it by increasing the frequency. Tea/coffee, fried and spicy foods should also be avoided or reduced. Although citrus food is good during pregnancy, but if it causes heartburn, it can be diluted or added with sugar to prevent heartburn.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption also cause heartburn. Excessive alcohol consumption relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to leak into the esophagus.
- Age weakens the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In such a case, it will help to be careful to choose the right foods and eat at regular intervals. Since the digestive system would also be less active, it is important to maintain a balanced diet.
- Avoiding certain foods that cause heartburn helps stop heartburn. Excessive consumption of spicy and fried foods, tea or coffee, or citrus fruits and even chocolate can cause acid reflux. You just need to control the acid content that builds up in your stomach so it doesn’t burst against your lower esophageal sphincter and leave you with heartburn and a grimace.
If heartburn is permanent, the liver may be affected. One should seek medical help and take care of the liver.
