11 Tips To Get Rid Of Heartburn

Heartburn is a condition when there is a burning sensation in the chest and throat. It is basically gastrointestinal reflux in which the food moves backward and upward into the food pipe.

It is triggered by eating spicy, oily, or acidic food.
The lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm prevent heartburn. It is when these muscles relax the stomach acid gain access into the food pipe.

It can lead to the following symptoms:

Burning sensation in the food pipe behind the breastbone, neck, and throat
Coughing
Taste changes
Hoarseness of voice which worsens on eating, leaning forward, and lying down

This discomfort can last for several hours and in some may develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

11 Tips To Get Rid Of Heartburn

There are a few easy ways to get rid of this discomfort.

Wear Loose Clothing

In some people, heartburn may occur due to the compression on the stomach by tight clothing.

In such cases loosening the belt, or the pant or dress can be a good option to quickly get relief from the symptom.

Stand Up Straight

The posture can also contribute to heartburn. If you are at a sitting or lying posture and have a feeling of burning in the food pipe, stand up straight.

An upright posture lessens the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This prevents the stomach acid to rise up in the esophagus.

Elevate The Upper Body

Lying down can worsen the symptom of heartburn. Try sleeping, by elevating the upper body from the waist up.

Just elevating the head with few extra pillows would not be of any help.

If having an adjustable bed, set it at a suitable angle to get relief.

Baking Soda And Water

Baking soda can calm down the episodes of heartburn. It neutralizes stomach acid.

Take one teaspoon of baking soda and dissolve it in a glass of water. Consume it slowly in sips

Try Ginger

Ginger has been used to treat heartburn for centuries. It is extremely helpful in relieving nausea, so it is believed to be a remedy for heartburn too ⁽¹⁾

It can be added to the stir-fry recipes, soups, and other recipes. It can also be consumed in tea.

Licorice Supplements

Licorice root is another remedy to treat heartburn. It helps in decreasing the mucous coating of the esophageal lining and protects it from the damage caused by stomach acid.

Also, excess of licorice can raise the blood pressure, interfere with certain medications and lower the potassium levels ⁽²⁾. It is, therefore, advisable to speak with your doctor before consuming licorice.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is another remedy to get rid of the fire in the esophagus. It is believed, it may neutralize the stomach acid.

Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. Research done showed positive effects on some people ⁽²⁾. However, more research is needed for the same.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum increases saliva production and swallowing, which might dilute stomach acid in the esophagus.

A research done in 2014 suggested, chewing a gum, half n hour after meals would help reduce heartburn ⁽³⁾.

Avoid Cigarette

Smoking is bad for health and can also contribute to heartburn.

If you have got a habit of smoking and are suffering from heartburn, do not smoke at that moment, as it might worsen the condition.

Over The Counter Prescription Drugs

There are numerous over the counter medication such as antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can provide quick relief from heartburn.

The antacids help neutralize the stomach acid while the PPIs and H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjustment in daily habits also helps in preventing heartburn symptoms. Try the following changes and avoid the heartburn from developing.

Maintain a healthy weight
Do not eat while lying down
Eat at least 3 hours before the bedtime

Avoid the triggers for heartburn such as fatty and spicy food

Heartburn can be quite a discomfort. The above mentioned easy tips can help provide relief.

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11 Tips To Get Rid Of Heartburn