What Is Heartburn? How Can You Prevent Heartburn Naturally?
Ever get a feeling of burning pain in your chest right after you had a large heavy meal? You tried lying down waiting for the discomfort to pass but it only gets worse. What you experienced is the common condition known as heartburn, but worry not, besides the name, it has nothing to do with the heart and you can prevent heartburn naturally.
Why does heartburn happen?
When the muscular valve between your stomach and oesophagus loosens, allowing stomach acid to escape into your oesophagus you experience heartburn. Also known as acid reflux or acid indigestion, heartburn gives you a burning feeling that occurs when the content of your stomach rise into your food pipe. Most healthy people experience heartburn at some point in their life and heartburn can be prevented naturally.
What can trigger heartburn?
- Heartburn usually happens after eating
- Large meals
- Fatty and spicy meals
- Carbonated drinks
- Citrus foods
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Alcohol
Other factors that can increase your risk of heartburn include
- Being above a healthy weight
- Being pregnant
- Taking certain medications
- Feeling stressed
- Smoking
Managing and prevent heartburn naturally
There are many things you can do to prevent or manage heartburn like:
- Base daily meals around a variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, lean meat, dairy
- Eat frequent, smaller meals
- Eat your last meals a few hours before you hit the bed
- Use low-fat cooking methods
- Maintain an optimum weight
- Quit smoking
Treatments to prevent heartburn naturally
- Baking Soda: A teaspoon of baking soda neutralizes stomach acid so that even if it comes up, you won’t feel that burning sensation.
- Chew Gum: Chewing a piece of gum stimulates the salivary glands, which increases saliva and it helps wash away any acid.
- Don’t Lie Down After Eating: It’s best to eat three to four hours before you know you’ll be lying down to allow time for your food to fully digest.
- Eat Fruit: Bananas have natural antacid properties that counteract acid reflux. Another great fruit to try is an apple.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger tea is great for many stomach ailments, from the common stomachache to nausea to chronic acid reflux.
- Mustard: Try taking 1 teaspoon of mustard when you feel about of heartburn coming on, or if you’re already experiencing symptoms.
- Chamomile Tea: To balance the acidity levels in your stomach, drink a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
When to seek medical advice?
Mild, infrequent heartburn isn’t a cause of much concern, but if you experience heartburn more than once a week, it’s important to ask the right question to a holistic health expert.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
