Home remedies for Heartburn

SYMPTOMS

A burning sensation in the stomach or chest.

CAUSES

Heartburn is a sense of burning in the stomach. In most instances, some of the stomach digestive juices have backed up out of the stomach into the esophagus (the food tube between the mouth and the stomach). This backing-up action is called reflux. These juices include hydrochloric acid, which is a rather powerful acid. It is used in industry to clean metal. When it comes in contact with the esophagus, it burns the wall. Normally, the esophageal sphincter muscle shuts and prevents stomach acids from pushing upward.

   Chronic heartburn can scar the esophagus. The acids make their way into the lungs, and asthma-like-conditions can result. Chronic heartburn is now officially known as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease).

   Heartburn can be caused by excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, chocolate or just having too much food in the stomach. Citrus fruits or tomato-based foods cause it in a few people.

   Other contributing factors are hiatal hernia, allergies, stress, gallbladder problems and enzyme deficiencies.

   Having too little stomach acid can cause a similar condition. People over 50 often have a deficiency; and the discomfort is nearly identical to having too much. Proper digestion does not occur; this causes bloating, belching, and other symptoms of heartburn. If this is your problem, you need to take lemon juice and water with your meal. If symptoms continue after taking the lemon juice, then your stomach is making too much acid.

NATURAL REMEDIES

IMMEDIATELY

·         Drink a large glass of water. This will help wash the HCI back down and dilute it as well. Or drink some raw potato juice. Whiz up an unpeeled potato and drink it down.

·         Do not lie down. Remain upright, so gravity can help push the HCI down and keep it down.

·         Lose weight. The pressure of extra weight causes heartburn more frequently.

·         Do not wear tight clothing around the waist. Loosen your belt; better yet, wear suspenders.

·         Eat more raw vegetables, chew your food well, take small mouthfuls and eat slowly.

HERBS

·         Peppermint is excellent for heartburn. Make a tea and drink it. Lemon balm, basil and oregano are also good.

·         Chewing licorice protects the lining of the esophagus, which can be damaged by chronic heartburn. For best results, use deglycerinated licorice, which is a chewable form. Take 1-2 chewable tablets 3 times daily on an empty stomach. It can help protect against stomach ulcers from an excess of stomach acid.

·         Two natural antacids are “bitters” (bitter herbs) and ginger root. Bitters include golden-seal, gentian root, and wormwood. Take a small amount before the meal to prevent heartburn. Take 2 capsules ginger root at the end of the meal to prevent heartburn.

·         Papaya and pineapple contain bromelain, which is a digestive enzyme.

·         Drink a cup of aloe Vera to stop heartburn symptoms rather quickly. It helps protect the lining of the esophagus.

·         Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn for centuries. Crush a few seeds and make a tea of it. (If pregnant, do not use dill.) Fennel is another favorite for treating heartburn.

·         Slippery Elm helps relieve the symptoms of acid indigestion by healing the mucous membranes.

·         Angelica is good for heartburn in adults and colic and gas in children.

·         Cardamom help eliminate gas.

·         A cup of gentian, taken 30 minutes before a meal, prevents heartburn. Simmer 1 tsp. in a cup of water for 30 minutes then add a sprinkle of cayenne and ginger and drink it.

AVOID

·         Avoid bending over; if you must lift something bend at the knees. You do not want to compress your stomach when you have heartburn. Do not lift heavy objects.

·         Do not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime or lie down after meal. Acid can more easily flow into the esophagus; and, by doing so, it can also bring on a heart attack. Do not use extra pillows under your head; you do not want your body to bend at the waist. It is best to sleep on your left side; doing so helps prevent stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus. Temporarily elevate the bed at the head by 4-6 inches.

·         Do not eat big meals. Do not eat high-fat foods. Do not eat spices, chocolate or mints.

·         Avoid foods which upset you.

·         Do not drink anything caffeinated; for it will irritate the esophagus even more. Caffeine relaxes the sphincter, so stomach contents can move on up. Estrogens relax it also. Smoking weakens your esophageal muscle.

·         Drinking milk may feel good going down; but it encourages the stomach to secrete more acid.

·         Drinks with (carbonated) fizz in them expand the stomach and make it more likely that HCI will come up the food pipe. So no colas or beer.

·         Greasy, fried and fatty foods sit in the stomach for long time and increase HCI production. Avoid meat and dairy products.

·         Antidepressants and sedatives aggravate heartburn. Aspirin and ibuprofen cause heartburn.

Antacids only mask the symptoms. They also contain aluminum, which is a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Antacids interfere with the body’s ability to digest and absorb food.

WARNING

Angina and heart attack signals: are both very dangerous conditions. Among the earliest symptoms of both is, what appears to be, an “acid stomach”. Beware. You are wise to eat so that you do not have heartburn. Then if major heart trouble sends a warning message that seems like heartburn, you will not ignore a crucial first signal of terrible trouble.

    Heartburn usually occurs during, or shortly after a meal and produces pain or burning in the chest. Heart attack and angina can strike at any time. The pain often radiates from the chest up under the jaw or along an arm, producing faintness and sweating.