The burning can start in your stomach and work its way up to your throat, or your entire chest region can feel like it's on fire, or the pain can come in spurts and waves. The symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux can vary, but relief is often as close as your kitchen. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, the common name for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and while long-term treatment of acid reflux is best left to a doctor, there are home remedies that can treat heartburn and ease acid reflux.
Ginger
The root of the ginger plant is a spice used in many cuisines. Ginger is found in many forms, all of which can help heartburn due to gingerol, the active ingredient found in the root. Ginger capsules can be used to treat heartburn, but if you don't keep the capsules around, the ginger in your spice rack also works. Eat a small amount of ground ginger or brew it into tea. Prepackaged ginger tea can also be purchased in most health food stores. Candied and pickled ginger, eaten in small amounts as needed, will help relieve your symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It may seem strange to use an acid like apple cider vinegar to control acid reflux and heartburn, but it works for many people. Add a spoonful of vinegar to a cup of water and sip slowly. You can also add a small amount of honey to the drink if the vinegar is too overpowering. Honey itself is an unproven folk remedy for heartburn.
Antacids
Over the counter antacids may not seem like a home remedy for acid reflux, but they are easily purchased and kept at home. Liquid and tablet forms both work to neutralize the acid in your stomach and quickly relieve acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
Chewing Gum
Experts at the Southwestern Medical Center assert that chewing a stick of gum may relieve heartburn. Chewing increases swallowing, which helps wash acid out of the esophagus, and chewing gum produces saliva, which is an alkaline substance that counters the acid in your stomach.
Prevention
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, so if heartburn is a recurring problem, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent heartburn in the future. Avoid foods that bring on heartburn, reduce or cut out beverages that contain caffeine or carbonation, eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones and don't lie down right after eating. Managing your weight and stress levels can also have positive effects on heartburn.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- University of Arkansas Medical Sciences: Ginger
- The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: Heartburn
- Southwestern Medical Center: Health Watch--Heartburn: Home Remedies
