Worry No More! Heartburn Remedies You Could Try at Home

Heartburn stands as one of the most common concerns adults complain about worldwide. According to experts, heartburn occurs when partially digested liquids or foods that have mixed with stomach acid regurgitate which consequently causes acid reflux. This mixture of acidic juices in your stomach could potentially climb up back to your esophagus then up to throat where it consequently trigger irritation. Occasional heartburn is not really a major concern but to some who frequently have heartburn, the condition should be dealt with seriously. That is, frequent heartburns could lead to chronic digestive disorders.



Good thing, Readers Digest recently released an article which presents 13 home-based remedies people could try to appease the unfavorable sensation caused by heartburn.

1. Chew Gum 

Gum is considered one of the best remedies for heartburn. That is, chewing gum according to studies, increases one's production of saliva. This alkaline-based liquid aids in neutralizing the acid in the esophagus and in the throat thereby giving oneself an immediate relief from the annoying burning sensation.

2. Drink a Glass of Water

Drinking water, as how studies has put it, also provide an immediate relief from heartburn. That is, water worked faster than several ulcer medications by raising the pH level in one's gut and relieve heartburn symptoms.

3. Change Body Position

One's body position also aids in preventing heartburn symptoms. For one, standing up straight after every meal prevents food from going out of your stomach thereby preventing it from entering your esophagus. During sleep, it is recommended to sleep on sideward instead of lying down with your stomach up. You also need to elevate your head and upper body to prevent acid reflux.

4. Deep Breathing Exercises 

Deep breathing exercises, according to studies, reduce the amount of air swallowed and strengthen the muscles surrounding the lower esophageal sphincter. This consequently prevents the comeuppance of some acid reflux symptoms. This makes breathing exercise one of the most effective home-based remedies for heartburn.

5. Avoid Heartburn-causing Food 

Food such as chocolate, alcohol, meat, dairy, spicy foods, fried foods, and other acidic foods are considered common culprits of heartburn.

6. Eat Protein-rich Meals and Avoid Fatty Meals 

Protein rich food increases the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. This makes it stronger against acid reflux and one of the best home remedies for heartburn.

7. Lose Weight and Eat Smaller Meals 

Worrisome conditions such as Obesity can also cause increased pressure on the abdomen, which forces stomach contents up the esophagus. In the same way acid reflux occurs when there is an increased pressure on the abdomen due to large, heavy meals. Smaller meals and weight loss therefore aids in preventing and addressing heartburn issues.

8. Quit Smoking

Chemicals found tobacco could potentially damage one's lower esophageal sphincter which is in-charge of preventing food from entering back the esophagus. Once damaged, regurgitated food along with its acidic juices could easily enter the esophagus.

9. Sip A Baking Soda Concoction 

Baking soda also helps neutralize the acid caused by regurgitated food from the stomach. This is why sipping baking soda concoction is considered one of the best home remedies for heartburn.

10. Calming Heartburn with Chamomile 

Chamomile, a form of herbal medicine commonly used in Germany is also another remedy for heartburn. The compounds contained by this herb could ease spasms, and provide a gentle sedative effect that could appease the burning sensation caused by heartburn.

11. Honey and Vinegar Mixture 

An old Amish heartburn remedy, a mixture of honey and vinegar could potentially appease the discomfort caused by heartburn. This can be done by mixing a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. This needs to be consumed 30 minutes before meal.

12. Go Herbal

Common herbs usually used in the kitchen when cooking are also helpful in addressing heartburn. Examples of which are mint, dill, caraway, horse-radish, bay, fennel, tarragon, marjoram, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.

13. Drink Fennel seed 

Tea Fennel seed is said to contain at least 16 compounds that sooth stomach spasms thereby making it an effective remedy for heartburn. To do so, one has to put 3 teaspoons of the seeds in a coffee grinder and place in a heat-resistant bowl or saucepan. Add 3 cups of boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. That makes 3 cups of tea; drink in 1 cup portions throughout the day, preferably on an empty stomach.

Try these 13 home-based heartburn remedies and who knows, you might save yourself some bucks and avoided some hassle seeking expensive medication in a hospital or clinic to treat your heartburn.