How Do You Get Rid of Heartburn?
What Is Heartburn?
There are times when you feel a slight hiccup with a burning sensation in your chest and throat after having a greasy, spicy meal. If this has happened to you, you might know it’s called heartburn. It can occur due to the foods you eat, especially acidic foods, or you could have a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Whatever the reason, heartburn can make you feel uncomfortable.
However, a few simple solutions can make it all go away or at least soothe the burn. Moreover, addressing the issue of acid reflux, of which heartburn is the main symptom, can help you deal with the problem. Today, you will learn more about these natural ways by which you can reduce heartburn.
15 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Heartburn
Since heartburn is a minor problem, it usually goes away just as quickly. However, the discomfort can last for days if you continue with your current lifestyle and diet. If you have noticed that specific foods or beverages trigger heartburn, you should regulate your diet and avoid these eatables as much as you can. Alcohol, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits, sodas, greasy foods, fatty or fried foods, etc., can cause heartburn so, avoid them.
Now, let’s take a look at 15 home remedies that can help you get rid of heartburn.
1. Avoid Overeating
If you usually eat large meals, cut down on the quantity. Acid reflux, which causes heartburn, increases after meals, and if you overeat, it can add to the problem. So, to prevent the acidic contents of your stomach from going back up into your esophagus, stop overindulging during meals. It can weaken the muscles around it and render them dysfunctional in some cases.
2. Lose Weight
One of the causes of acid reflux is excessive abdominal pressure. Losing belly fat may help alleviate some of your symptoms. When you have too much belly fat, the weight on your abdomen can become so high that the lower esophageal sphincter gets pushed upward, away from the support of the diaphragm. Hiatus hernia is the medical term for this condition.
3. Adopt A Low-Card Diet
Poor carb digestion and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine may cause acid reflux. Low-carb diets appear to be an effective treatment, but more research is required.
4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. If you suffer from heartburn, limiting your alcohol consumption may help alleviate some of your symptoms.
5. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Coffee has been shown in studies to temporarily weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux. Coffee consumption may worsen acid reflux depending on the individual. If coffee causes heartburn, avoid it or limit your consumption.
6. Chew Gum
Chewing gum has been shown in a few studies to reduce acidity in the esophagus. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production and aids in stomach acid removal from the esophagus, preventing heartburn.
7. Avoid Eating Raw Onion
In one study, eating a meal containing raw onion increased heartburn, acid reflux, and belching in people who had acid reflux. Raw onions may also irritate the lining of the esophagus, exacerbating heartburn. Whatever the reason, if you believe that eating raw onion aggravates your symptoms, you should avoid it.
8. Limit Intake Of Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages increase the frequency of belching temporarily, which may promote acid reflux and heartburn. If they aggravate your symptoms, try drinking less or avoiding them entirely.
9. Limit Citrus Juice Intake
While citrus juice is unlikely to cause acid reflux, it may temporarily aggravate heartburn. The majority of acid reflux patients report that drinking citrus juice aggravates their symptoms. Citrus juice, according to researchers, irritates the lining of the esophagus.
10. Eat Less Of Chocolate
There is little evidence that chocolate aggravates reflux symptoms. A few studies indicate that it may, but more research is needed.
11. Eat Less Of Mint
High doses of spearmint may aggravate acid reflux symptoms by irritating the lining of the esophagus. If you find that mint aggravates your heartburn, avoid it.
12. Elevate The Head Of Your Bed
Some people experience nighttime heartburn. It may interfere with their sleep quality and make falling asleep difficult. According to one study, patients who raised the head of their bed experienced significantly fewer reflux episodes and symptoms.
13. Avoid Eating Three Hours Before Bedtime
People who suffer from acid reflux get advised to avoid eating three hours before going to bed. Observational studies suggest that eating close to bedtime may aggravate nighttime heartburn. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and more research is required.
14. Wear Loose Clothing
Heartburn occurs when stomach contents rise into your esophagus, where stomach acids can burn the tissue. In some cases, heartburn may occur as a result of tight clothing compressing your stomach. If that’s the case, the first thing you should do is loosen your belt – or your pants, dress, or whatever else is keeping you in place.
15. Don’t Sleep On Your Right Side
Several studies have found that sleeping on your right side can aggravate nighttime heartburn. Stomach acid covers the lower esophageal sphincter when you lie on your right side. It raises the possibility of acid leaking through it and causing reflux.
Medications For Heartburn
Heartburn can be relieved by a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can assist you in determining which one is best for you.
If your heartburn isn’t improving, your medications are causing side effects you can’t handle, or you have other complications, you may require surgery. However, it is uncommon to require surgery for heartburn.
Let us take a look at some of the medications for heartburn that may give you relief.
1. Antacids
Use an antacid containing calcium carbonate or magnesium to relieve occasional, mild heartburn. Antacids aid in the removal of stomach acid. Some may get used to prevent acid reflux. Those containing magnesium may also aid in the healing of stomach ulcers. They are available in liquids and pills, and they work quickly.
2. Blockers
H2 blockers relieve and prevent occasional heartburn by lowering the amount of acid produced by your stomach. They do not work as quickly as antacids, but their effects last longer. Your doctor may advise you to take an antacid and an H2 blocker at the same time. However, talk to your doctor if you take other medicines and need to take H2 blockers as well to ensure they don’t interfere with your stomach.
3. Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs get used to treating heartburn that occurs more than twice a week. They work by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach. They frequently outperform H2 blockers. You can also take these medications for an extended period than H2 blockers.
Note: Do not take any medications before consulting your doctor to avoid any hassles.
Summary
When heartburn strikes, many over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lifestyle changes can help. Making changes to your daily routine can also help prevent heartburn symptoms from arising in the first place. Consult your doctor if you experience heartburn more than twice or three times per week. They may prescribe medications or other treatments in some cases.
If you believe the problem persists, you can contact Aims Healthcare’s Home Visit Doctor in Dubai. You can subscribe to our service any time of the day, 365 days a year, and round-the-clock. The DHA-licensed doctors and practitioners affiliated with us make sure you get the best possible treatment in the comfort of your home, office, or hotel. If you wish to opt for personalized medical care, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and after-care therapy exclusively at your doorstep – contact us at +971 505 136 505.
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