Heartburn is a medical condition in which the contents of the stomach move backward and upward into the esophagus. Heartburn is also known as gastrointestinal reflux. During a heartburn attack, you may have a slight hiccup, followed by a burning sensation in your chest and throat. There are may ways to get relief from heartburn, and the following are some tips that can help.
- Avoid HeartburnTriggers
Certain foods and drinks should be avoided because they may lead to or worsen heartburn symptoms. For example, some common heartburn triggers include alcohol, coffee, citrus juice, soft drinks that are have an acid pH, peppermint, chocolates, tomato products and chili peppers. Of course, different people may not have the same triggers, and it is important to pay attention to your specific triggers that worsen heartburn symptoms. You can learn from experience what foods give you heartburn symptoms and then avoid those foods.
- Don’t Eat Too Much
In most cases, acid reflux symptoms take place after a meal and large meals may worsen reflux symptoms. Therefore, it is important not to each too much at a time. Instead, opt for five or six smaller meals each day.
- Loosen Clothing
In some cases, you might be have heartburn due to tight clothing that is compressing your stomach. In that case, the first thing you need to do is loosen your clothing. It may be your belt, pants, dress, or whatever else is holding you tight. Try to abandon the skin-tight jeans because tight clothes put added pressure on the abdomen.
- Stand up Straight
Your posture can also contribute to heartburn. If you’re sitting or lying down, try standing up. If you’re already standing, try standing up more straightly. An upright posture puts less pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter, which is a ring of muscle that helps stop stomach acid from rising into your esophagus. Stand up straight instead of slouching after meals can help food and acid stay in your stomach and out of your esophagus.
- Elevate the Head of Your Bed
Some people suffer from reflux symptoms during the night. This may disrupt their sleep quality and make it difficult for them to fall asleep. When it comes time for bed, adjust sleeping surface to raise the upper body. Try sleeping on the side instead of the stomach, and elevate the head and upper body when you lie down. This can greatly reduce heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
- Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing is one of the heartburn home remedies that anyone can do. Deep breathing exercises can reduce the amount of air swallowed and strengthen the muscles surrounding the lower esophageal sphincter, relieving some acid reflux symptoms. And the breathing exercises are unbelievably simple: just breathe in deeply, breathe out slowly.
- TakeOTC Heartburn Medication
Apart from lifestyle changes, you can also try OTC medicines to get rid of heartburn. There are plenty of them that you can find at just about any pharmacy or grocery store. These medicines come in three classes: antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Antacids neutralize stomach acid, while PPIs and H2 blockers reduce how much acid your stomach secretes, which can help prevent and reduce heartburn symptoms. After you take the medications for some time and your symptoms do not go way, then it is time to go to the doctor.