Statistics show that almost 20% of the world population suffers from heartburn. An unbalanced diet, certain medications, stress, and smoking, are some of the causes of heartburn.
Typically, heartburn is triggered by eating and occurs when stomach acid enters the gastrointestinal tract, burning on the back of the neck. Thus, severe pain can radiate to the chest, going behind the sternum to the throat.
Heartburn may be accompanied by nausea and flatulence while the discomfort can take up to two hours.
However, if you suffer from indigestion at least twice a week, then you may have what doctors call gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
GERD can cause continuous irritation of the lining of the esophagus which can lead to other health problems. It is important to visit a health professional if you have frequent heartburn and home treatments do not relieve the discomfort.
It is mandatory; you should not ignore this condition. Its symptoms include painful heartburn, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, increased salivation, chronic hoarseness, regurgitation, and sometimes chest pain.
The disease should be treated properly as corrosive stomach acid can gradually erode the delicate lining of the esophagus. This process is linked to esophageal cancer.
In this case, I recommend you to change your diet (and avoid foods that cause heartburn), along with natural remedies that can control the problem of burns.
Don’t be concerned if you have heartburn occasionally; nearly everyone does. Following the home treatment, tips can prevent most cases of heartburn.
Here are a few effective remedies to relieve heartburn:
Marigold Tea
When you have heartburn, Marigold tea is indicated because it is soothing the stomach mucosa.
For this tea, you need 40 g of marigold plant per 1 liter of cold water. Simmer the mixture about 15 minutes, then filter and drink more than 3 cups per day, maximum two weeks. You can take this cure again after six weeks.
Chamomile Tea
When you have heartburn, instead of painkillers from the pharmacy you can use with confidence remedies of chamomile.
You can prepare a chamomile infusion: add a spoonful of flowers per cup of boiling water. Leave it covered for 15 minutes and after you can serve. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
Acacia Tea
Also, an infusion made from acacia is indicated to relieve stomach acidity.
Add a tablespoon of dried acacia flowers in a cup of hot water, and then drink 3 cups of this infusion daily for 1-2 weeks.
Licorice Tea
Another useful remedy for heartburn is licorice tea. For licorice tea, you need 1-2 teaspoons of the grated root. Leave them to soak in a bowl of cold water for 12 hours. Drink one cup per day for 3-4 weeks.
Basil Tea
You can drink basil tea after every meal, no more than a small cup. You can prepare it with 30 g of this herb and 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the tea to brew for 10 minutes, and then filter and drink it.
Fresh Juice or Carrot Potato
To get rid of heartburn, you can try the fresh potato juice or crushed egg shell, which you take in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, you can try the Aloe Vera and carrot juice (2 teaspoons per day both).
Aloe Vera “cure”
It takes three months. Combine one liter of Aloe Vera gel with 20 grams of turmeric. Consume two tablespoons in the morning and evening before meals.
Prevention and Treatment of Heartburn
- Avoid heartburn foods like chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods, peppermint, spearmint, and spicy ingredients.
- Limit drinks like coffee, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
- If irritant foods and drinks are on the menu, just eat small portions and do not have late night snacks.
- To eliminate the discomfort, drink beverages between meals instead of drinking at the table. Also, stand up approximately an hour after eating and don’t eat two or three hours before bedtime.
- Do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours after eating.
- Avoid clothes that have tight belts or tight waistbands.
- Stop smoking. Smoking promotes heartburn.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- If you get heartburn at night, raise your head 15 to 20 cm. Use blocks or foam wedges.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause heartburn. Acetaminophen is much easier on the stomach
- Take over the counter heartburn products to neutralize stomach acids or try stomach acid reducers. Ask your pharmacist to help choose a product then follow the package instructions or your doctor’s advice.
Try these home remedies before taking antacids or stomach acid reducers to relieve heartburn. If you take medications to relieve your heartburn without doing other home treatments, your heartburn will likely return. If your symptoms cannot be relieved by home treatments or if they last more than two weeks you should see your doctor.
How do you get rid of heartburn? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.