Heartburn
or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive
disorder which can be
significantly relieved using heartburn
natural remedies.
It is caused by the corrosive stomach contents
splashing into the esophagus due to various
internal and external causes. Most of us believe
that that only over-the counter or even
prescription drugs can relieve symptoms of
heartburn. Antacids provide relief temporarily and
are full of harmful ingredients such as sodium and
aluminum. Acid blockers and proton-pump inhibitors
can be taken for eight weeks and have dangerous
side effects, besides doing nothing at all to make
you well. All these drugs are extremely good
business for pharmaceutical giants.
There
are many natural ingredients available in grocery
and health stores or even in your kitchen which
can provide tremendous relief from heartburn
effectively and safely.
1)
Herbs such as slippery elm and marshmallow have
wonderful healing
properties.
2)
Licorice, aloe vera, and natural honey are
soothing to the esophagus.
3)
Fruits such as banana, apple, papaya, pineapple
contain natural enzymes which aid in
digestion.
4)
Natural enzymes taken with probiotics are also
excellent in normalizing the digestive process and
making the body alkaline. Diseases do not exist in
an alkaline environment.
5)
Drink plenty of water to aid digestion as well as
to hydrate the body and get rid of
toxins.
6)
Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production
which is alkaline and helps neutralize the acid.
Also, the swallowing action will push any
regurgitated food back into the
esophagus.
7)
Ginger has the ability to absorb acid and helps in
digestion.
8)
Cumin and turmeric too have carminative and
antibacterial properties.
9)
Chamomile tea is also
helpful.
10)
Some people consider apple cider vinegar as a
miracle treat.
11)
Orange peel extract is another beneficial
treat.
This
list of natural remedies does not purport to be
exhaustive or accurate. The remedies may work for
some people and in others they may actually
aggravate the condition. It is best to work
through the suggestions and choose the best option
for you.
Along
with those heartburn natural remedies,
making small changes in your lifestyle will help
ease heartburn. Eating smaller frequent meals,
keeping a food diary, avoiding foods that trigger
symptoms, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and
caffeinated beverages, stopping smoking, not lying
down for at least three hours after the last meal,
chewing food well, eating in a cheerful
environment, avoiding tight clothes, stress
management, elevating the head of the bed at least
six inches will all help in reducing heartburn.
Note
that while specific heartburn natural
remedies can help you to achieve significant relief
from heartburn, they cannot treat the
disorder completely. However this is a holistic
approach which will treat the body as a whole and
not merely do away with the symptoms. Heartburn is
a complex, multifactoral disorder, and eliminating
its root causes is the only solution to getting
rid of it permanently.
