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There are many kinds of home remedy for heartburn, also
known as acid reflux. Some work better for some people than
others.
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Although the
sufferer may feel pain in the chest, it is really a form
of indigestion occurring in the upper portion of the stomach.
The term 'heartburn' is used to cover two forms
of digestive problem:
1. Acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach cannot cope with the
amount or type of food that has just been eaten. Often this
relates to spicy foods. The person feels a severe churning
sensation and a strong urge to vomit, often accompanied
by a burning pain.
2. Gastroesophogeal reflux disease
(GERD)
In the beginning, GERD is usually caused by inability to
digest certain foods or overeating. If it happens repeatedly,
the muscle acting as the valve between stomach and esophagus
is weakened, making the situation worse. In some people
the valve becomes so weak that heartburn is experienced
after every meal.
This is a form of indigestion where the digestive process
'backs up' and sends juices from the stomach up through
a valve into the esophagus (lower part of the throat). These
juices contain digestive acids which cause the uncomfortable
burning sensation in the throat that is so familiar to sufferers.
Heartburn Treatment
Many people take antacids for heartburn but this will only
provide temporary relief. Antacids work by reducing the
excess digestive acids to make you more comfortable. They
do not improve your ability to digest the foods that you
are eating. Antacids may become less effective with repeated
use, so people start to take more and more. This is not
a healthy situation.
Eating
smaller, more frequent meals helps many people, especially
if the heartburn is only occasional or mild. Eating more
fresh vegetables (especially salads and raw vegetables)
will help restore the balance of acidity in your stomach,
as these are alkaline producing foods. Do not use a lot
of mayonnaise or dressing, however, as foods with a high
fat content can make the heartburn worse.
The following are recommended as home remedies. Heartburn
can have different causes so different remedies will work
for different people.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw natural apple cider vinegar (ACV) - the type that is
live, with a 'vinegar mother' - can be taken in small doses
to ease heartburn. Use 1-2 tablespoons mixed with fruit
juice or honey or diluted in water, and sip slowly.
Mustard
Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of mustard whenever symptoms
occur. Do not eat or drink anything else for 15 minutes.
Either mustard or ACV can relieve heartburn and in some
cases will cure it completely, if attention is paid to the
diet at the same time.
Celery
Eat raw celery when symptoms occur. About half a stalk
is usually enough.
Milk
Cold milk can relieve heartburn symptoms, especially if
they were caused by eating spicy food. However, milk is
a fat-based food so it may not help in the long term. If
you like to drink milk for heartburn, choose skim milk.
All instances of pain in the chest should be reported to
your doctor. It is better to be sent home with antacids
than to stay home with a chest pain that turns out to be
a serious cardiac problem. Always consult a qualified medical
practitioner before taking any home remedy for heartburn,
to check that it is suitable for you.
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