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How To Stop Heartburn, Acid Reflux And Related Conditions...
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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. |
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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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