Heartburn occurs when acid or other stomach contents back up in the esophagus, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. A sign of heartburn, or acid reflux, involves tasting fluid or food in the back of your mouth. When this occurs, your daily activities and productivity level can be severely limited. Using a plethora of natural ways to eliminate heartburn can help you lead a healthier, more productive lifestyle. All are under your control.
Elevate Your Upper Body
Start elevating your head and upper body while you lie down. Placing a 6 to 9-inch pillow or wedge underneath your upper body can help diminish your heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Purchase wedges at either pharmacies or medical supply stores. Another alternative involves elevating your bed. Do this by placing cement blocks or wood underneath the feet of your bed underneath the side where your head lies.
Stop Smoking
Tobacco use can contribute to heartburn, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you smoke, stop. Smoking "decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly," according to the Mayo Clinic.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Another benefit of maintaining a healthy weight is the positive effect upon eliminating heartburn. Carrying around excess weight puts additional pressure on your abdomen, states the Mayo Clinic. Extra pounds also push your stomach upward and cause your esophagus to accumulate acid backup. This condition is known as acid reflux, according to Natural-Cure-Guide.com. Slowly lose weight, if you are obese or overweight. The clinic recommends not losing more than one or two pounds per week. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain it.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes
Wearing the correct clothing is a natural way to eliminate heartburn. Avoiding tight clothes and tight belts will help you. Know that when you wear clothes that tighten your waist, it puts extra pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter and abdomen, according to the Mayo Clinic. This extra pressure can lead to heartburn. Start wearing looser-fitting clothes that give your waist room to breathe.
Avoid Heartburn-Triggering Foods and Beverages
Certain foods can cause heartburn. Trigger foods can irritate the lining of your esophagus and/or affect how your esophagus operates, states the American Gastroenterological Association. Alcohol and tomatoes are common culprits, states the Mayo Clinic. Start eliminating fried, fatty, pickled, greasy and spicy foods from your diet. Be sure your fruit is ripe, since unripe fruit is a common culprit of heartburn, according to Natural-Cure-Guide.com. Other recommended foods you need to avoid include radishes, cabbages, onions, peppers, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, peppermint, chocolate, vinegar, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, ketchup, mustard and garlic, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
Use Herbs
Enjoying fresh herbs can be another natural way to eliminate heartburn. Chewing on some basil leaves is recommended by Natural-Cure-Guide.com. Preparing and enjoying a beverage combining equal amounts of chamomile, ginger, licorice root and catnip may help. Steep the herbs in water for two minutes prior to drinking. Remove the herbs by straining prior to drinking. Drink this beverage after dinner.
