Natural Heartburn Home Remedies

Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling of a burning sensation or warmth in the chest. This is a condition that affects your digestive system and is extremely common. Although heartburn may be named so and may be experienced in the chest it has little to do with your heart, but is the result of stomach acid. Hyperacidity is a condition characterized by excessive production or an excessive presence of digestive acids and juices.

Heartburn and hyperacidity are not necessarily conditions in themselves, but are more often than not indicative of some other underlying health condition or simply occur as symptoms warning of unhealthy eating habits or lifestyle. On a positive note, home remedies for heartburn can offer considerable relief from these symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux and generally include easy to acquire ingredients like baking soda or apple cider vinegar that are even safe to consume while pregnant.

Under normal circumstances the digestive juices and stomach acids remain trapped in the digestive system or stomach where they perform the important task of helping digest and absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. These stomach juices are prevented from resurfacing to the mouth, throat or esophagus by a valve like muscle that only relaxes or opens to allow for the passage of food in.

If this valve does not function efficiently or if there is an overwhelming build up of pressure on the stomach then the contents of the stomach, namely these digestive juices may be forced back up - a process termed as reflux. Acid reflux that occurs with heartburn and hyperacidity causes severe irritation to the lining of the throat and esophagus. The burning sensation that is produced from the acids travelling in this reverse direction is what is generally described as heartburn.

Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn Remedies Have apple cider vinegar & Baking Soda- Drink 2 table spoons of apple cider vinegar after adding it to a lots of water throughout the day. Alternatively mix 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp of honey in a glass of water and take before meals. You can also add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1/2 glass of water and sip it while having your meals. Baking Soda taken with water helps neutralize stomach acid but this remedy should be used moderately as it increases salt intake in the body. Pregnant women should not use this remedy.

Cut on Sugar and carbohydrates- Have low sugar index fruits only and take lesser carbohydrates. Sugar forms more of acid so be careful with the fruits you eat. Avocado, apples, banana, melon, walnuts, almonds, tofu, sweet potato, fish, grilled chicken etc. are easier on your stomach. Bananas particularly have defensive action against acidity and heart burn.

Find powerful herbal remedies Acidity, Heartburn and Flatulence

Increase Favorable Liquids Intake- Drink lots of water during day. Have lots of coconut water about 4-5 times a day. If you feel the symptoms of acidity, immediately drink a glass of cold milk for quick relief from heartburn and acid reflux. Drink fresh pudina (mint) juice after meals. Although traditional tea is risky in conditions of heartburn, green tea and other herbal tea containing chamomile, ginger, liquorice root and catnip help the stomach lining repair itself and aid the body in the digestion process. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to half a glass of water and drink for heartburn relief.

You can pop an antacid. Generally, antacids need to be taken every six hours. Over-the-counter antacids can cool off the burn. However, don't take too many antacid tablets because this can cause diarrhea or constipation. If you suffer from heartburn, then it is advisable to keep you head in an elevated position when you sleep. When your sleep like this, the gravity will help keep the food and acid in your stomach, and prevent it from burping up. You can raise the head of your bed by placing wooden blocks under the legs. You must avoid waterbeds because you body lies flat on these.

Be very careful about your meal times. You must eat a few hours before you lie down or sleep. You should wait for at least an hour before you lie down. If you can, wait for three hours before hitting the couch. After a meal, stay upright. Be very careful about what you drink. Alcohol isn't good for those who suffer from heartburn because it can irritate the stomach. Coffee too isn't good for people with heartburn because caffeine can relax the esophageal sphincter. It is a good idea to cur down on coffee to prevent heartburn. You also need to minimize your intake of soda and other bubbly beverages because these can cause stomach distension and cause heartburn.