What Factors Add to Heartburn

Heartburn can cause much discomfort. One feels a burning sensation in the chest. Food that we eat passes through our mouth into a tube known as esophagus. It has to pass through an opening that lies between the esophagus and the stomach. The opening closes as soon as the food passes. In case it does not close then the acid formed in the stomach goes into the esophagus causing heartburn.

What causes heartburn?
Some of the top causes of heartburn are:

• Overeating causes heartburn.
• In case one has chilly foods then one may suffer from heartburn.
• Indigestion also causes heartburn.
• Pregnancy can also worsen heartburn.
• Tension and stress can also cause heart burn.
• Tight clothing also causes much discomfort leading to heartburn.
• Smoking cigarettes is another cause for this health condition.
• Coffee and drinks that contain caffeine can also cause it.
• Alcohol.
• Tomato products.
• Spicy or fatty foods.
• Onions.
• Overweight.
• Ibuprofen.

Is heartburn a serious condition?
If heartburn is occasional it is not very serious. In case it persists it results in condition known as esophagitis. In case esophagitis becomes serious then esophagus will become narrow and as a result one can suffer from bleeding and will find it difficult to swallow food.

Prevention of Heartburn
Some of the top ways to prevent heartburn are:

• Raise the bed 4 to 6 inches by placing blocks under it.
• One must have food at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
• In case one sleeps, try to sleep in a sleeping chair.
• One must lose weight in case one is over weight.
• Avoid overeating.
• Eat high protein, low fat foods.
• Do not wear tight belts or tight clothes.
• Avoid foods that cause heartburn.
• One can change one’s lifestyle. One must avoid stress and tension and eat the right kinds of foods.

Medication for Heartburn
Antacids give temporary relief. These antacids can cause diarrhea or constipation.

Home Remedies for Heartburn Acid Reflux
Do you have any idea about heartburn? If you have a burning feeling in your chest or throat, you may experience heartburn, which is triggered by acid rising up from your stomach. Heartburn, generally called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a prevalent symptom of the condition. One in ten Americans suffers from heartburn at least once a week.

Many things cause heartburn, such as unhealthy lifestyle, eating habits, smoking, hiatal hernia, foods, medicines, obesity or even stress. Once you suffer from heartburn, it is smart to find effective home remedies to heal the acid reflux and keep it from worsening.

Baking Soda
Baking soda is suitable for all kinds of home remedies. Put half a teaspoon of baking soda into half a cup of cool water, then drink it to ease the burning feelings triggered by heartburn.

Water
Drink clean water as much as possible when you first feel the burning sensation. This also goes for situations when your symptom is not serious.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water, and drink it while you are having dinner.

Fennel Seeds
Fennel seed is an aromatic herb which helps digestion. Chewing half a teaspoon of fennel seeds proves beneficial.

Other Home Remedies for Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Listed below are some other home remedies for gastroesophageal reflux:

• Aloe Vera Juice to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux: It is suggested that aloe vera contains powerful laxative known as aloe-emoin. This may help treat gastroesophageal reflux. One can take one-fourth cup of aloe vera juice approximately fifteen minutes before taking a meal, twice everyday
• Black Pepper, Yogurt and Rock Salt for Gastroesophageal Reflux Cure: Black pepper is considered as a natural carminative; it can relieve intestinal gas. Moreover, black pepper can stimulate stomach to increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid. Increased secretion of hydrochloric acid might treat gastroesophageal reflux. For this, one might mix a pinch of rock salt and black pepper in 250 ml of yogurt and have it regularly
• Ginger for Natural Gastroesophageal Reflux Cure: It is believed that ginger has anti inflammatory and carminative properties. These properties might help in treating gastroesophageal reflux. One might chop fine pieces of fresh ginger root and have it with tea regularly twice daily. Excess ginger can also be harmful to the body
• Indian Gooseberry for Natural Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Experts suggest that the antioxidant property of Indian gooseberry can treat gastromucosal injury and reduce acid reflux. One can take Indian gooseberry in powdered form or can eat raw gooseberry along with a little salt once regularly, after a meal
• Chamomile Tea as a Natural Remedy for Gastroesophageal Reflux: It is believed that chamomile tea has antispasmodic property. This property can treat spasm of the walls of the stomach and esophagus by soothing them. This can help in treating gastroesophageal reflux. One can drink a cup of chamomile tea twice regularly

Change Your Eating Habits

• Healthy Diet: Eat more rich-fiber foods like oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. Chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol and spicy foods all make your heartburn symptoms worse. Refrain from sugar and carbohydrates
• Eating Method: It is smart to divide your daily meals into several small meals, instead of two or three large meals
• After Eating: It’s good for you to take a walk for a while. Avoid eating snacks before bedtime

Heartburn is something that often experiences in this stressful modern life. Many people do not have the time to eat proper meals. This results in indigestion and heartburn problem.