Heartburn, also known as pyrosis or acid indigestion, is a burning sensation in the abdomen, chest or throat. Heartburn is experienced when digestive acids rise into the esophagus from the stomach. Causes of heartburn include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, pregnancy, alcohol usage or eating certain foods. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs are effective at treating heartburn; however, there are also measures in which you can take to remedy heartburn symptoms naturally.
Prevention
Prevention is the most effective measure to take against heartburn. Avoid eating foods that are acidic, spicy or high in salt. This includes packaged foods that often have a high salt content. Also, avoid foods high in nitrites such as hot dogs, summer sausage and other preserved meats. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Allow yourself 2 to 3 hours for your food to digest before bedtime. Smoking and alcohol consumption also will worsen heartburn symptoms.
Remedies
In addition to preventing heartburn, there are a few steps you can take to treat your heartburn naturally. According to a GERD study published in the journal "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine," a formula containing melatonin and several other supplements significantly reduced the GERD symptoms over a period of 10 months. The formula contained 6 mg melatonin, 0.8 mg vitamin B6, 500 mg D, L-methionine, 100 mg 5-hydroxytryptophan,100 mg betaine, 50 mg calcium, 50 mg L-taurine, 1.7 mg riboflavin and 400 µg folic acid.
Banana is a food that provides a soothing effect to heartburn sufferers because of its natural antacid properties. Try eating a banana to remedy heartburn symptoms naturally.
Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion. Drink chamomile tea between meals 3 to 4 times daily to calm acid reflux flare-ups.
Licorice is a root that aids in mucin production, which protects the lining of our digestive tracts. Glycyrrhizin is an acid in licorice that may cause toxic side effects as well as high blood pressure. The glycyrrhizin is removed in deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), so try taking a chewable DGL tablet before your meal to prevent heartburn symptoms naturally.
Chronic Heartburn
Heartburn treatment is not only for palliative care. Chronic heartburn may be a symptom of a larger problem. According to a May 2007 publication by the National Institute of Health (NIH), left untreated, the acids that cause chronic heartburn can damage the esophageal lining and puts the patient at risk for esophageal cancer. If symptoms arise more than twice per week, see a physician.
