Heartburn is symptom of a more serious condition called gastrointestinal reflux disease. When you get it, you experience a painful, burning sensation right behind your sternum. This is due to acid backing up into your lower esophagus from your stomach. Heartburn can be cured with several conventional and home remedies.
Antacids
As the name implies, antacids are medications that can be taken to neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief when you feel pain. Examples of these are Rolaids, Tums, Maalox and Mylanta. These are all over-the-counter medications.
Blockers
H-2 receptor blockers go one step further than antacids. They stop the production of acid in your stomach, and they also offer longer-lasting relief. You can get these over-the-counter, and examples are nizatidine, famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine.
Healers
Proton pump inhibitors are over-the-counter medications that block the production of acid and also help heal esophageal tissue that has been damaged. Lansoprazole and omeprazole are examples of these.
Weight Loss
Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions, including heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess pounds can put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. To lose one pound of weight a week, decrease your daily intake by 500 calories.
Avoidance
Heartburn can be triggered from eating or drinking certain foods and beverages. Examples of some of the most common ones are tomato products, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, chocolate, onions, mints and spicy foods.
Meals
When you eat high amounts of food, your stomach has to pump out a lot of acid to digest it. This can cause a heartburn attack to flare up. To prevent this from happening, eat smaller portions of food and spread your meals out through the course of the day. Also, after you eat your last meal, wait at least two to three hours before going to sleep.
Elevation
When you lie down for long periods of time, as is the case when you are sleeping, acid has a tendency to back up in the esophagus and cause heartburn. To remedy this problem, elevate the head side of your bed by placing wood or concrete blocks under the feet.
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