Heartburn/ Acid Reflux

Heartburn is a condition where liquid content (acid) of the stomach backs up (refluxes) into the esophagus or the food pipe. The common symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation in the middle portion of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus. It is sometimes referred to as acid reflux, also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which is a different condition though similar to heartburn. The patients of acid reflux suffer from persistent heartburn two or more days in a week. However, some people have acid reflux without heartburn too. In such cases, symptoms of acid reflux include chest pain, wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis or bad breath. Acid reflux can sometimes lead to regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating or bending down or going to bed just after a meal.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn, which is known by different names such as indigestion, bloating, borborygmus and dyspepsia, results from excessive acid in stomach. Blood is 20% acid and 80% alkali an when the proportion of acid in the blood increases, it affects the digestive system in the body causing acidity and heartburn. Acid in body can increase due to many reasons

• • Rich and spicy foods
• • Improper chewing of food, having large meals, and eating hurriedly.
• • Seep disorder
• • Alcohol intake
• • force exerted by uterus on the digestive area and hormone imbalance during pregnancy.
• • Unnecessary pressure on digestive tract of overweight people.
• • Stress
• • Certain antidepressants and sedatives
• • Improper gaps between meals and eating right before going to bed
• • Constipation, irritable bowel movement.
• • Smoking
• • Having disproportionate amounts of carbonated beverages such as cold drinks and soda.
• • Certain diseases that weaken the esophageal muscle, such as scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, or hiatal hernias.

Best heartburn remedy and acidity cure lie in avoiding the above conditions or causes. Particular foods too sometimes trigger heartburn. A daily food diary can identify such food triggers which can be avoided by the heartburn patients. Common heartburn triggers include chocolate, fried and fatty foods, and spices. Certain natural heartburn remedies too can be adopted to get rid of acid reflux and heartache. However before knowing heartburn remedies, one must know how to prevent it.

Prevention of Heartburn/ Acidity

Heartburn can often be prevented or minimized by following measures.

• • Quit smoking Meanwhile don't smoke before or while eating. Smoking often causes one to swallow small amounts of air, that creates air pockets in the digestive tract with the added pressure of food. It also slows down the body's ability to digest food. chewing gums before meals can also cause one to swallow air.
• • Avoid gas forming foods like beans, cauliflower etc. Avoid raw vegetables like cabbage, cucumbers, onion, radish, and peppers.
• • Improve sitting posture while eating. Sit at the dining table in an upright position.
• • Walk a little after eating. It helps stimulate the digestive system but avoid brisk walking just after meals. Never exercise after a large meal.
• • Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.
• • Chew food thoroughly and slowly.
• • Avoid alcohol intake while having meals.

Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Adopt one or many home remedies listed here to treat heartburn depending upon its seriousness.

Have apple cider vinegar & Baking Soda- Drink 2 table spoons of apple cider vinegar after adding it to a lots of water throughout the day. Alternatively mix 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp of honey in a glass of water and take before meals. You can also add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 1/2 glass of water and sip it while having your meals. Baking Soda taken with water helps neutralize stomach acid but this remedy should be used moderately as it increases salt intake in the body. Pregnant women should not use this remedy.

Cut on Sugar and carbohydrates- Have low sugar index fruits only and take lesser carbohydrates. Sugar forms more of acid so be careful with the fruits you eat. Avocado, apples, banana, melon, walnuts, almonds, tofu, sweet potato, fish, grilled chicken etc. are easier on your stomach. Bananas particularly have defensive action against acidity and heart burn.

Increase Favorable Liquids Intake- Drink lots of water during day. Have lots of coconut water about 4-5 times a day. If you feel the symptoms of acidity, immediately drink a glass of cold milk for quick relief from heartburn and acid reflux. Drink fresh pudina (mint) juice after meals. Although traditional tea is risky in conditions of heartburn, green tea and other herbal tea containing chamomile, ginger, liquorice root and catnip help the stomach lining repair itself and aid the body in the digestion process. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to half a glass of water and drink for heartburn relief.

Herbal Remedies for Heartburn

Use certain herbs for getting relief from acidity.

• • Chew half a tea spoon of fennel seeds slowly after your meals. Fennel seed is an aromatic herb that helps in digestive conditions through its compound 'Anethole.' Fennel seeds suppress spasms of the stomach or gastrointestinal tract spasms.
• • Have aloe vera juice before every meal.
• • Use ginger while preparing food. Fresh ginger can be ground and added to dishes while cooking or can be taken in tea.
• • Keep a single piece of clove in mouth after meals and suck on it gradually.
• • Drink a 1 tsp juice of chebulic myrobalan (haritika) mixed with 1 tsp of Emblica Officinalis or Indian gooseberry (amla) juice daily.
• • Chew some leaves of basil herb (tulsi ) to get relief from blazing, nausea and gastric problem.