How To Cure Heartburn

Heartburn is primarily caused due to acidity. When acid rises up and reaches the esophagus, it creates a burning sensation which creates a lot of discomfort and uneasiness. Overeating, eating oily and spicy food or untimely eating may result in acid reflux which causes heartburn. It normally occurs after meals and elevates when we lie down or bend over. It is important to keep heartburn under check because prolonged acid reflux and heartburn can wear away the enamel of teeth, ulcers and esophageal cancer. 

There are a number of medicines available in the markets that helps in curing heartburn. However, there are also some natural home remedies that are not only effective, but also saves the money required to buy medicines, which are usually costly. We also need to make some correction in our lifestyle, which will help in preventing acid reflux and heartburn in the long run.

Various Ways To Cure Heartburn

Calcium

Calcium helps in tightening the lower esophageal sphincter valve(LES valve) and provides relief from heartburn. The intake of calcium from natural sources is better than swallowing calcium pills because calcium pills do not dissolve immediately.

It is used to neutralize the acid in the body and maintain its Ph balance. Sometimes, the deficiency of calcium can cause health issues like acid reflux, indigestion, arthritis, kidney stones and many other medical conditions. Eating a calcium rich diet helps in preventing heartburn.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice-cream is anti-acidic in nature and the content of sugar in it is also equally beneficial.  It is a very quick and easy way to get rid of heartburn. Vanilla helps in diffusing the burning sensation by lowering the acidity. Consume a cup of vanilla ice-cream to ward off acid reflux that causes burning sensation in the heart.

Baking Soda

Baking soda works as an acid neutralizing agent.  Half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water works as an excellent remedy against heartburn.

However, it is worth mentioning that baking powder and baking soda are not equally effective as the powder contains some other ingredients also, apart from soda. Baking soda should be taken in moderation. Avoid using it on regular basis which will otherwise cause sodium bicarbonate abuse.

Water

Water flushes out the harmful toxins from the body and cleanses the digestive tract by washing out the excess acid from the stomach. Drinking a few glasses of lukewarm water at the slightest sign of acidity helps in removing it from the body.

Drinking a glass of water empty stomach, every morning , followed by 8 to 10 glasses throughout the day, helps in preventing and curing acidity and heartburn. However, avoid drinking water during meals as it may lead to indigestion.

Ginger

Ginger is full of anti-inflammatory properties which helps in getting rid of acidity by neutralizing it and removing heart burn. While ginger is used in preparing food as a culinary herb or spice, it is best to consume it raw, in order to get relief from acidity.

Make some small pieces or raw ginger and keep chewing them several times of the day, especially before meals. This will prevent the formation of acidity. You may also use freshly extracted ginger juice instead of raw pieces. However, be careful not to drink water immediately after having ginger, or it may elevate the heartburn.

Mint Leaves

Intake of fresh mint leaves not only provides relief from acid reflux and heart burn, but also soothes the digestive track  and helps in preventing indigestion. Its results are almost instant. Chewing raw mint leaves every morning, empty stomach, reduces acidity and burning sensation in the heart.

For good digestion of food, you may add some mint leaves to your  dishes and salads. You may also drink mint juice after a meal in order to avoid acidity and gas.

Food To Avoid

Acidity and heart burn can be prevented to a great extent by avoiding the consumption of food that triggers it.  Moreover, some healthy eating habits goes a long way in keeping heart burns at bay. Oily and spicy food triggers heartburn in some people, although it may not cause the same in some other people.

It is better to avoid tangy citrus fruits like oranges and grapes or eat them in moderation, as they are acidic in nature and are likely to cause acidity and heart burn. Vegetables like peppers, capsicum, chili also causes acidity. Raw fruits and vegetables also causes acidity, especially during the evening and the night.

It is also beneficial if the meals are divided into smaller portions so that there is no difficulty in digesting the food. Cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking are also very effective in getting rid of heart burn.