How Do You Cure Heartburn?

Heartburn or the pain that an individual experiences in the chest after having a meal is the result of acid reflux. Acid reflux is a disease experienced by all the people at some point during their life span. The reason could be due to excessive eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and wearing tight fitting clothes. An occasional occurrence of heartburn is not a problem. However, when things turn south, it is time to see a doctor.

The main reason why an individual experiences heartburn is due to the backwash of the acids produced in the stomach into the esophagus tube. The esophagus tube is the connectivity between the mouth the opening of the stomach, where the lower esophageal sphincter separates the stomach and chest region. The lower esophageal sphincter is the wall that prevents the entrance of the acids into the esophagus tube.

Unlike the stomach, the esophagus tube does not have a lining or shield to prevent it from acids. In the stomach, the covering protects the stomach from the harsh chemicals, enzymes, and acids released by the digestive system to break down the food particles. When the lower esophageal sphincter is weak, the acids escape into the esophagus tube causing the burning sensation or heartburn. The underlying reason is gastroesophageal reflux disease, pancreatic inflammation, ulcers, and other unknown reasons. Finding a cure for heartburn is important as it can lead to chronic health problems.

Curing the heartburn is very crucial. The reason behind the heartburn, as you have come to know, is due to backwash of acids. Now, the reasons for the same are many. For instance, a person who suffers from lactose intolerance shows symptoms of heartburn immediately after consuming any dairy product. But, when another person consumes the same product, he/she may not suffer from the same symptoms of heartburn. It states that the reaction taking place in the stomach may not be the same for all and does not show the same symptoms. Regardless, it is still possible to cure heartburn permanently with little changes to the food habits and lifestyle.

1. Drinking Water to Cure Heartburn

   Water has a pH content of 7.0, which is neutral and helps in preventing excessive or lower levels of acids produced in the body. Drinking little water throughout the day is helpful in keeping the body hydrated. It further helps in flushing the acids residing in the esophagus tube and cure heartburn.

2. Another Way to Cure Heartburn is to Avoid Certain Foods

   All the foods contain fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, citrus, nutrients, and other chemical compounds that are essential in producing energy for the body. However, people suffering from acid reflux symptoms like heartburn will have to keep away from certain foods to avoid the enhancement and proper cure of heartburn. Fatty foods, foods rich in citrus content, deep-fried foods, onions, and tomatoes, dairy products for those who are intolerant towards lactose, and alcohol and smoking are part of the list.

3. Reducing Weight Can Help Cure Heartburn

   Reduction in the weight is also helpful in curing heartburn. Excessive weight causes expansion of the abdomen, causing a severe stress on the digestive system. Due to this, the acids released during digestion, venture into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation. Losing weight further supports good health, and assists in the smooth flow of the blood that carries oxygen to every corner of the body with ease.

Apart from changing food and lifestyle habits, if you are experiencing the heartburn, you can visit a doctor to find the actual cause. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor will prescribe medications such as antacids to create a soothing effect. With the combination of medicines and diet changes, curing heartburn is no longer a tedious procedure.

Make sure to follow them and ensure that you do not get back to your old habits, which will once again trigger the symptoms and worsen the situation of heartburn.