Heartburn

Heartburn is a temporary condition caused by stomach acid escaping the esophageal opening and making its way into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, there is no lining to protect the esophagus. The acid causes a burning sensation in the chest.

A large meal, vigorous activities or laying down on your back immediately after eating, spicy or fatty foods, pregnancy, smoking, being overweight or wearing tight pants can all cause or irritate heartburn. Eating smaller meals, practicing good posture, not smoking, wearing looser clothing and loosing weight can all help prevent episodes of heartburn.

Heartburn affects more than 40% of the American population on a regular basis. While there are plenty of over the counter and prescription choices for treating heartburn, there are even more natural cures for it. You may have to try a few before you find one that works well for you.

Home Remedies For Heartburn:

Prevention:

You know what they say; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The prevention, in this case, is avoiding acidy foods that can weaken the esophagus or stomach lining. These foods include coffee, citrus fruits, fried or fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and peppers.

Another home remedy for prevention of heartburn is ingesting a mixture of equal portions apple cider vinegar and raw honey mixed with a few ounces of water before a meal. The cider will promote digestion and is a great neutralizer of acids. Apple cider vinegar tablets are available if you can’t stand the drink.

Peppermint:

Peppermint has long been used as a natural cure for stomach ailments, including heartburn. The menthol in peppermint relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing a relieving burp. Menthol also acts as a mild pain reliever and can numb the nerves in your stomach, just enough to let the acids do their job. A cup of peppermint tea, cold or hot, is a simple way to serve up this home remedy. You can also take peppermint capsules – do not consume the essential oil on its own.

If capsules and tea doesn’t work, you can try a menthol cough drop (avoid giving these to children under 5, as they are a choking hazard.) Another home remedy is chewing a stick of peppermint gum.

Foods That Naturally Cure Heartburn:

Believe it or not, eating a bit of lemon or lemon rind before a meal can help prevent heartburn. Eat it after an acidy meal to cure heartburn. Eating almonds after a meal will relieve heartburn. Choosing a dessert of dried figs, fresh or dried papaya or fresh pineapple will also help to naturally cure heartburn.

Rest It Off:

When all else fails, you might need to take a rest. Lay down on your left side. This positions the stomach below the esophagus, preventing acid from making its way into your throat.

If you experience heartburn more than twice a week and don’t have success with the natural cures and home remedies listed above, consider visiting a doctor. Heartburn may be a symptom of a much more serious problem.