All Natural Remedies For Heartburn Relief - Femina

Image: Shutterstock

1. What And Why: What Is A Heartburn And What Are Its Causes?
2. Identification: Symptoms Of Heartburn
3. Heartburn Vs Heart Attack: Differentiating Between The Two
4. Treat It At Home: Instant Relief From Heartburn
5. Long Term Relief: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Heartburns
6. FAQs

What And Why: What Is A Heartburn And What Are Its Causes?

Burning sensation and pain in the middle of the chest is how heartburn feels like. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition wherein stomach acid travels upwards through the esophagus.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve-like muscular structure that is located at the meeting position of the food pipe and stomach. LES closes to prevent the flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. When it fails to perform this function, the acid from the stomach travels upwards through the esophagus, this results in acid reflux and heartburn.

Image: Shutterstock

Acid reflux and heartburn can be triggered by certain food and lifestyle problems. Spicy, fatty and fried foods are known to be triggers of acid reflux. Onion, citrus products, tomato products can sometimes also contribute to the issue. Being overweight is also a reason for acid reflux. Regular and excess intake of alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeinated beverages and smoking are also causes of acid reflux. Certain medications can also result in acid reflux and thus, antacids are often prescribed by doctors along with medication such as aspirin and antibiotics.

Image: Shutterstock

Heartburns are common in pregnant women. In some cases, heartburns can be a result of a serious condition known as hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through the diaphragm.

Identification: Symptoms Of Heartburn

Heartburn is often accompanied by several other symptoms other than a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, right behind the breastbone.

Image: Shutterstock

• Other symptoms of heartburn are:
• Chest pain while bending or laying down
• An acidic, bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Feeling bloated
• Long-term cough, or hoarseness

Heartburn Vs. Heart Attack: Differentiating Between The Two

Image: Pexels

Due to overlapping symptoms, heartburn can often be mistaken for a heart attack or vice versa. Chest pain is the most important and common symptom in both health problems. Chest pain with a burning sensation is heartburn whereas, chest pain due to cardiac reasons brings along a tightness and pressure in the chest region.

Heart attack symptoms can also include breathlessness, sweating, and the patient becoming pale.

If you have chest pain and are confused about the reason, it's best to contact a doctor immediately.

Treat It At Home: Instant Relief From Heartburn

Image: Shutterstock

1. Sometimes, tight clothes can be the reason behind acid reflux and heartburn. Thus, wearing loose clothing can provide relief.

2. Instead of lying down, standing up or elevating the upper body can help provide relief from symptoms of heartburn.

Image: Shutterstock

3. For instant relief, antacid powder like Eno can be used. However, Eno or any other similar product does not work on the issue or prevent more episodes of heartburn in the future. A mixture of baking soda and water can also be consumed as a replacement to store brought antacids.

4. Ginger works like magic when it comes to instant relief from heartburn. It can be included in the diet by adding it to teas. Again, ginger must be taken in small doses, and can help with heartburn symptoms but doesn't prevent heartburn in the future.

Image: Pexels

5. Although, this might sound counterintuitive, for many people, sipping on apple cider vinegar mixed with water helps with the symptoms of heartburn.

6. Chewing gum is also known to help subdued symptoms of heartburn. It helps lower down the amount of acid in the esophagus. Look for flavors like mint and ginger which have soothing properties and avoid peppermint as it might do more harm than good.

Image: Pexels

7. Drinking cold milk is known to be one of the best solutions for quick relief from heartburn.

Image: Pixabay

8. Licorice is a herb found in parts of Europe and Asia. Its root contains glycyrrhizin which can help with heartburn. Please note that, if taken in large quantities, licorice can have adverse effects.

9. Naturally watery and alkaline foods like banana, melon and cucumber can also provide quick relief by neutralizing the acid.

Image: Unsplash

10. Although, citrus products are known to be triggers of acid reflux and heartburn, a small amount of diluted lemon juice and honey can help provide ease.

11. Lastly, OTC antacids can help provide instant relief. H2 blocker drugs are effective in acid-related problems.

Long Term Relief: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Heartburns

Image: Pexels

While the above-mentioned home remedies do help in easing heartburn symptoms, they have no effect in preventing heartburns. The only way to prevent future episodes of heartburn is through certain lifestyle changes.

Ensure a break of 2-3 hours between eating and lying down. Eat smaller portions spread across the day, instead of bigger ones. Eating slowly can also help manage heartburn.

Know your heartburn triggers and avoid them.

Heartburn can be a serious problem in overweight people, thus maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in heartburn management.

Smoking can weaken the LES, and thus quitting smoking can have long-term benefits in terms of heartburns. Similarly, avoiding alcohol would also be useful.

Sometimes, heartburn can be triggered by exercise. To prevent that, time your meals and exercise in such a way, that there is a gap of at least 2 hours between the two.

If taken in a controlled amount, antacids and other medication can keep a check on the production of acid.

FAQs

Q. Can heartburns be a sign of something serious?

A. Infrequent and occasional heartburns aren't a sign of something serious but, if you are experiencing regular heartburns, contact your doctor. They can be signs of a chronic disease like GERD which can further in more serious, even life-threatening conditions.

Q. What is GERD?

A. If you observe symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you might have developed a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious complications. In a few GERD cases, patients have difficulty in swallowing, they might even develop breathing problems like a chronic cough.

Changing food and lifestyle habits can help prevent, or manage the symptoms of GERD. In most cases, this works but in some cases, surgery might also be needed.

Q. When should one seek medical attention?

A. Seek immediate medical help if the patient is sweating, feeling tightness in the chest or is growing pale. In case, you're not able to distinguish if the symptoms are heartburn or a heart attack, contact your doctor immediately. Also, contact your doctor, if you are suffering from heartburn twice a week or more.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel