Heartburn is very common. It’s triggered when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It can make you feel as though someone has lit a small bonfire in your chest, and it’s burning its way up to your neck. You’re probably well aware that medications can help calm the burn, but natural heartburn remedies and lifestyle changes may be another way to help. Here are some natural remedies to help get heartburn relief.
- Juices
If you are suffering from heartburn, then you may try some juices, such as Aloe Vera juice, pineapple juice, papaya juice and certain vegetable juices. Just as Aloe Vera acts as a coolant and reduces the inflammation on the skin, it also cools down the stomach and provides heartburn relief. Pineapple juice can also alleviate heartburn symptoms. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that helps control levels of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Drink it after meals and it can reduce hyperacidity and heartburn. Similarly, papaya juice contains the digestive enzyme papain, which has a soothing effect on the stomach and aids in the breaking down of protein. So, it is also good to drink papaya juice in the case of a heartburn attack. Another choice for you to get heartburn relief is to drink certain vegetable juices. For example, raw potato, celery and cabbage are very alkaline in nature and are helpful in correcting an acidic stomach.
- Fruits
There are some fruits that you may try in the case of heartburn. You may try apples, bananas or grapes. Even a slice of apple can calm down acid production and reduce the burning sensation. This is because apples neutralize the acid in your stomach in about 5 minutes. Braeburn or Gala apples work best. Some people also sip apple cider vinegar is another folk to treat heartburn. One study found that drinking diluted apple cider vinegar after a meal might help alleviate heartburn for some people. If you want to try it, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and drink it after your meal. Another fruit you can try during a heartburn attack are bananas as they act as a natural antacid in the body. Besides, grapes are also very good at relieving indigestion, as well as an upset stomach.
- MixBaking Soda with Water
You might have a heartburn remedy at hand in your kitchen, without even knowing it. Baking soda can calm some episodes of heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly. In fact, you should drink everything slowly when you have heartburn.
- Try Gingerand Turmeric
Another natural remedy for heartburn is fresh ground ginger tea because it helps with digestion and is soothing to the stomach and intestines. Ginger contains gingerol, an anti-inflammatory compound good for soothing digestion. It helps keep food moving along the digestive tract and strengthens muscle tone in the digestive tract as well, meaning it keeps that lower esophageal sphincter (connection between stomach and esophagus) tight so that acid can’t come up. Ginger can be added to food when it’s cooked, eaten raw, or consumed as ginger tea. Another natural remedy for heartburn is turmeric. Turmeric helps stimulate digestion and prevent acid build-up, and is commonly found in curried foods. If you don’t want to use turmeric in your cooking, it is available in capsule form and can be taken before meals.