Although many people treat heartburn with a selection of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, there are many foods that will help reduce symptoms of burning, bloating and painful backup of stomach acids in the esophagus. Most heartburn is caused by a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter, which keeps digesting foods and acids in the stomach. Certain foods can actually help the sphincter remain closed, keeping stomach digest where it belongs and allowing healing to take place in the esophagus.
Sweet, Red Apples
An apple a day keeps the heartburn away. Sweet, red apples eaten as desserts and snacks aid in reducing heartburn symptoms. Taken at bed time, a slice or two of red apple will help overcome acid reflux during sleep.
Licorice Root Tea
Soothing and calming on the stomach, licorice root tea works wonders on pain from heartburn. Available as a loose tea or in tea bags, brew some in hot water without adding dairy products or creamer. The tea can be consumed any time of day or night. If you have high blood pressure, keep track of your blood pressure if you use licorice root. It is known to raise the blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger of all forms helps decrease symptoms of heartburn. Make a tea by soaking a small piece of raw ginger in hot water and adding a bit of raw honey to sweeten. Eating candied ginger or even drinking ginger ale as long as there is real ginger in it works well to reduce burning and bloating from acid reflux.
Raw Honey
Unrefined, organic raw honey, high in potassium, is excellent for soothing away the pain of acid reflux. Because honey is predigested in the bodies of bees, it is an extremely easy substance for people to digest. Honey helps to create an alkaline environment in the stomach, aiding in protein digestion. Take 1 or 2 tsp. of honey straight or mix with apple cider vinegar for an excellent remedy for heartburn. Honey can be taken before bed to dispel acid reflux during sleep.
Mustard
Some people find relief from heartburn by eating mustard. One to 2 tsp. can reduce burning pains in the stomach. Go slowly with this remedy and use less rather than more until you know whether it will work for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Consuming organic apple cider vinegar containing the "mother" of vinegar, a cloudy-looking substance floating in the vinegar, which indicates it is organic, is a wonderful product for reducing symptoms of heartburn. Take 1 or 2 tsp. mixed with 8 oz. of water twice a day for relief.
Lemons
Drink some lemonade, but make it with freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you can drink it unsweetened, all the better. If not, add a little raw honey. The acid in lemon juice creates a paradoxical reaction in the stomach creating an alkaline environment reducing reflux symptoms.
References
- Earth Clinic. com
- Alkalinize or Die; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
- The pH Miracle, Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health; Robert O. Young Ph.D. and Shelley Redford Young; 2002
