Heartburn, also called gastroesophageal refux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing a burning sensation at night or after eating. While lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding fatty and acidic foods and wearing loose-fitting clothes, rank as the first line of defense for dousing the flames, natural home remedies offer a valuable approach for reducing and preventing heartburn.
Gum
Chewing gum offers temporary relief of heartburn when commercial antacids are not available. "It stimulates the flow of saliva, which neutralizes acid and helps push digestive juices back down where they belong," according to Dr. Timothy McCashland in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." In fact, a British study indicated that chewing gum doubles saliva production, making it a quick and handy way to extinguish heartburn discomfort.
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts have earned the stamp of approval as heartburn remedies by generations of home remedy practitioners. Almonds contain high amounts of oil that neutralize stomach acidity, according to GrannyMed.com. Walnuts also contain neutralizing-oils, as well as high concentrations of potassium which combat heartburn, as reported by Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of "Healing Remedies." Walnuts also soothe colic and dispel stomach gas. Simply eat a few almonds or walnuts at the first indication of heartburn.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera takes the sting out of heartburn by coating the lining of the esophagus and reducing stomach acid, according to the book "Amazing Antidotes," as stated by Dr. Anil Minocha, chief of gastroenterology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Chicago. Minocha recommends drinking 1/2 cup of aloe juice, available at health food stores, between meals.
Apple Cider Vinegar
While an overabundance of acidity may commonly be the cause of heartburn, inadequate acidity is also a culprit. Apple cider warrants a try when you experience heartburn coupled with a sour stomach and a feeling of fullness, according to Dr. Ronald L. Hoffman, author of "Seven Weeks to a Settled Stomach."
Mix 1 tsp. of unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 1/2 cup of water, and sip it with each meal.
Licorice
Licorice, a natural antacid, helps protect the lining of the esophagus. It can heal an inflamed esophagus and calm indigestion that causes acid buildup. In the book "Alternative Cures," Rita Elkins, a Utah-based master herbalist, recommends chewing two tablets of of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) 20 minutes before each meal. "This form of licorice is thought to be more effective than regular licorice," Elkins states.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Rodale; 2009
- Granny Med: Almonds for Heartburn
- "Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D.; 2002
- "Amazing Antidotes"; Marcia Holman; 2004
- "Seven Weeks to a Settled Stomach"; Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.; 1991
