Heartburn happens when the gastric acid in the stomach gets regurgitated into the lower esophageal sphincter that lies in the region to the breastbone. When this process takes place a person usually suffers from what is known a heart burn, or a burning sensation in the chest area. This sensation usually happens at night and worsens as you bend over or lie down. I have myself, had heartburn on several occasion and I’ve tried several products for relief. In this article I will describe my experiences with some heart burn relief remedies.
Common Causes of Heart Burn:
- Spicy food consumption
- Fatty or greasy food consumption
- Eating at bed time
- Over eating
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Alcohol
- Tomato sauces
- Drinks containing caffeine
- Obesity
Antacids and Pregnancy:
Antacids that are safe to use during pregnancy are those made from calcium carbonate. They have proven to give fast and effective relief.
Antacids to avoid during pregnancy include those that contain aspirin (which can be listed as salicylate or acetylsalicylic on medicine bottles) like alka-seltzer, avoid baking soda, those antacids that have aluminum as an ingredient. Also, look at the ingredients of those chewable antacids that come in fruit flavors for possible medicine, avoid these also.
Natural Heartburn Remedies:
- Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)-I’ve been told that baking soda can aid in heartburn relief so in an attempt to save money I tried it. This is supposed to neutralize stomach acid. I took a few teaspoons of baking soda and dissolved it in a glass of water and almost gagged as I drank it. Yes, I did consume the entire glass, as the heart burn pain was a lot worst than the taste of the water/baking soda solution. I waited five, ten, thirty minutes and achieved no relief. This method may work for some people with mild forms of heart burn but for the more severe or chronic forms, this is not recommended.
- Aloe Vera- Although I haven’t tried this method, some say that chewing leaves of the Aloe Vera herb are affective.
- Apple Cider Vinegar-This is probably one of the most widely used natural heartburn remedy. Although no one can quite determine why this remedy works for some, it is suggested that the acid in the vinegar halts the build up of stomach acid.
- Banana-eating a banana slowly may serve to minimize the acid in the stomach
- Broccoli-The raw broccoli binds stomach acid in the esophagus.
- Ginger-Doctors even agree that ginger works to aid in heart burn and it is believed that it’s due to the absorption of stomach acid.
- Herbal teas-Anise and Lavender or green teas are said to reduce stomach acid.
- Chewing Gum-This was indeed my favorite natural remedy for heart burn when I was pregnant. This causes you to swallow more frequently and produce saliva which naturally aid in the neutralization of stomach acid.
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