Foods That May Cause Heartburn
Foods commonly known to be heartburn triggers cause the esophageal sphincter to relax and delay the digestive process, letting food sit in the stomach longer, says Gupta. The worst culprits? Foods that are high in fat, salt or spice such as:
- Carbonated beverages
“Moderation is key since many people may not be able to or want to completely eliminate these foods,” says Gupta. “But try to avoid eating problem foods late in the evening closer to bedtime, so they’re not sitting in your stomach and then coming up your esophagus when you lay down at night. It’s also a good idea to eat small frequent meals instead of bigger, heavier meals and avoid late-night dinners and bedtime snacks.”
Calcium Citrate Powder To The Rescue
It is a good idea to take around 150 mg of calcium citrate powder after your meals. You can dissolve the powder in a small amount of water and have it after each meal, particularly at bedtime to prevent acid reflux during the night. The role of calcium is often not properly understood in the prevention of GERD. There are preparations like Tums and Rolaids which are made from calcium carbonate and serve as antacids. However, these products do not really have any substantial impact on the level of acidity of the stomach or on the esophagus. Calcium citrate, which is a mild acidic form of calcium, is known to work better than calcium carbonate. This is because of the reason that calcium citrate is more soluble than calcium carbonate. Thus, this form of calcium gets absorbed by the esophagus cells faster. However, keep in mind that calcium supplements are not the same thing as calcium citrate. Calcium citrate has to be taken in a solution form so that it can easily reach the lower esophagus, preventing heartburn and acid reflux without resorting to medications.
Some Factor Which Can Aggregate Heartburn So You Should Avoid That Factor
Food factors:
Try to avoid eating too much spicy food. Some food acts as a trigger for heartburn. You should identify that food and avoid them as much as possible. Usually chocolate, tomato, fatty food, spicy food, fast food may act as a trigger for heartburn.
Body weight issue:
Study shows that, obese person are more sufferer than the person whose body weight is normal. Because excessive body weight produces more pressure on the stomach so try to control your body weight.Leave smoking: smoking can make your heartburn more painful. So try to avoid smoking completely, at least leave smoking during the period of heartburn.
See your doctor:
we hope, if you follow above mentioned tips than surely you will get benefit. But if you face heartburn frequently than you should visit doctors chamber for actual diagnosis.
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Mix Baking Soda And Water
Some OTC antacids, like Alka-Seltzer, contain baking soda .
Baking soda works to neutralize stomach acid and temporarily relieve some symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux. Just add ½ teaspoon to four ounces of water and drink the solution.
But be careful not to use too much. One study found that adults should have no more than seven ½ teaspoons of baking soda in one day, and no more than three ½ teaspoons if over the age of 60.
Follow A Low Carb Diet
Growing evidence suggests that low carb diets may relieve acid reflux symptoms.
In fact, some researchers suspect that undigested carbs may cause bacterial overgrowth and increased pressure inside the abdomen, which could contribute to acid reflux (
Summary
Excessive alcohol intake can worsen acid reflux symptoms. If you experience heartburn, limiting your alcohol intake might help ease some of your discomfort.
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Vinegar To Cure Heartburn
Vinegar has long been used to get rid of heartburn. Although there is no medical proof of vinegar being a remedy for heartburn, people who use it swear by its efficacy. You too can use vinegar- white or apple cider vinegar- to treat your heartburn but only after diluting it with water. It may or may not give you the required relief from acid reflux but you can know that only after experimenting with it at least once.
Get this:
- Add the vinegar to your glass of water and mix well.
- Now have this water.
- You may have it 2-3 times a day if you dont notice any discomfort.
- Take it before meals or before bedtime if you cant sleep due to heartburn at night.
Warning: Never use vinegar undiluted. When done so, vinegars acidity may cause damage not only to your esophagus but also to your tooth enamel. Always dilute the vinegar with water before consuming it and wash your mouth with clean water after having it to protect your tooth enamel. If you are not comfortable after having diluted vinegar, immediately stop having it.
Dont Drink Too Much Coffee
Studies have found that coffee temporarily relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of acid reflux .
Some evidence also points toward caffeine as a possible cause. Similarly to coffee, caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which could cause reflux .
Nevertheless, although several studies suggest that coffee and caffeine may worsen acid reflux for some people, the evidence is not entirely conclusive.
For example, one analysis of observational studies found no significant effects of coffee intake on the self-reported symptoms of GERD.
Yet, when researchers investigated the signs of acid reflux with a small camera, they found coffee consumption was linked to greater acid damage in the esophagus .
Thus, whether coffee intake worsens acid reflux may depend on the individual. If you find coffee gives you heartburn, its best to simply avoid it or limit your intake.
Summary
Evidence suggests that coffee may make acid reflux and heartburn worse. If you feel like coffee worsens your symptoms, consider limiting your intake.
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How Is Acid Reflux Diagnosed
If you experience heartburn 2 or more times a week, you may be suffering from GERD and should consult a gastroenterologist. Tests used to diagnose the condition may include:
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy: Involves inserting a small, flexible tube with a camera through the mouth to view the GI tract.
- Ambulatory acid probe test: A 24-hour probe study to monitor the esophageal pH
- Esophageal manometry: Done through a catheter that measures pressure and movement in the esophagus.
Mint To Get Rid Of Heartburn
Mint also has soothing properties that help cure heartburn naturally at home. Its cooling effects calms down the burning sensation and provide instant relief from heartburn. It also helps with improved digestion. You can chew a few mint leaves to avoid heartburn. You can also use it another way as well. Follow the given steps to use it:
- Take a glass of water and add a few mint leaves to it.
- Cover it with a lid and leave for half an hour.
- Strain it and drink it.
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Apple Cider Vinegar To Get Rid Of Heartburn
Apple cider vinegar is a remedy that has been used to treat a number of health related issues. It is also one of the finest remedies for heartburn also. It has properties that helps calm down the symptoms of heartburn. Follow the given steps to use it:
- Take a glass of water and add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to it.
- Mix it well and drink it.
- It will give you instant relief from the sensations.
Ways To Quell The Fire Of Heartburn
Heartburn is a common problem. Its caused by the backwash of stomach acid into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This is formally called gastroesophageal reflux disease . More than just a minor discomfort, heartburn can significantly reduce quality of life. Heartburn can cause damage to the esophagus and even increase the risk of cancer if ignored and untreated, says Dr. William Kormos, editor in chief of Harvard Mens Health Watch and a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
These eight steps can help ease heartburn.
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Eat Smaller Meals Slower
Be mindful of how much and how fast youre eating at mealtime. Too much food in your stomach can put pressure on the valve that keeps stomach acid from coming up your esophagus, thus making heartburn more likely, says , the chief medical officer and co-founder of Redirect Health. Also, eating too fast can trigger heartburn, so Dr. Johnston says chewing slowly or taking smaller bites can help slow down the process.
Elevate Your Upper Body
Lying down can make heartburn worse. When it comes time for bed, adjust your sleeping surface to raise your upper body.
Lifting your head with extra pillows may not be enough. To get relief, try elevating your body from the waist up.
You can change the angle of your sleeping surface by using a wedge pillow. Or, if you have an adjustable bed, you can set it at a suitable angle.
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Maintaining A Moderate Weight
Eating a balanced diet is key for a persons general health, and it can also help them manage their body weight.
According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020 2025, approximately Research suggests that there is a link between having obesity and an increased risk of developing acid reflux.
The reason for the link seems to be that excess fat around the abdominal area puts pressure on the stomach, making the body work harder to keep acid down.People with obesity may find that reaching and maintaining a moderate weight helps them reduce the frequency of acid reflux.
It is important that people focus on safe ways to lose weight, as losing too much weight too quickly may cause health problems.
Eat Smaller Meals Slower And More Often
If youre eating three square meals a day and have heartburn, you might want to mix things up. Too much food at too few sittings may be contributing to your discomfort. Instead, eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day, chewing slowly and thoroughly to maximize digestion. When the stomach is too full or the food is too fatty, the esophageal valve opens and food and acid move from the stomach back up toward your throat, leading to heartburn, says Scott Gabbard, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Meals that are more than 500 calories cause more reflux than lower-calorie meals, says Dr. Gabbard, and foods that contain more than 10 to 15 grams of fat tend to increase the amount of heartburn.
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Home Remedies To Treat Heartburn
Instead of rushing to a doctor, just check your kitchen cabinet. It has all the ingredients that can cure heartburn. These home remedies are natural and have no side effects.
1. Easy Heartburn Remedies:Honey
Honey is a natural treatment for heartburn. As you feel the symptoms of heartburn, heat 1 tablespoon of honey. Alternatively, mix honey in chamomile tea and sip it slowly.
2. Natural Treatment Against Heartburn:Almonds
Snack on 15-20 almonds. After half an hour, you will feel relief from the pain, caused due to heartburn. Almonds will completely vanish the burning sensation. To reduce the instances of heartburn, it is suggested to eat some almonds after every meal.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar : Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV into a half cup of water or apple juice. Drink it after each meal. This will help to calm down the upset stomach and make heartburn go away.
4. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is the best remedy for treating really bad heartburn. It will remove the pain and inflammation. Make sure, you use only organic and fresh aloe vera juice.
5. Apples: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This is absolutely right! Apple contains several beneficial properties. Eat an apple for instant relief of heartburn. It neutralizes the acid in your tummy in just 4-5 minutes.
6. Natural Treatment Against Heartburn:Bananas
Banana is a natural home remedy for quick heartburn relief. Eat a banana to get rid of severe heartburn.
7. Easy Heartburn Remedies:Baking Soda
A Pharmacist Can Help With Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Speak to a pharmacist for advice if you keep getting heartburn.
They may recommend medicines called antacids that can help ease your symptoms.
It’s best to take these with food or soon after eating, as this is when you’re most likely to get heartburn. They may also work for longer if taken with food.
Although antacids help symptoms in the short term, they will not cure the problem and should not be taken regularly for long periods.
If youre pregnant, a pharmacist can advise you about medicines you can take.
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Apple To Get Rid Of Heartburn
You can also go for apple in order to treat heartburn. Apple has antacids that helps prevent the formation of acids in the stomach. What you have to do is eat a whole apple to get rid of the problem of heartburn. Consume a whole apple before going to bed. This will prevent the problems of heartburn. If you do not like apple them you can also go for banana. Banana is also one of the most simplest remedies for heartburn treatment. It also helps with the problem of acid reflux. What you can do is eat a banana daily and you will be able to avoid the problem of heartburn naturally at home.
How To Get Rid Of Heartburn Quickly: Medications & Home Remedies
If youve ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest after eating, youve probably had heartburn.
Caused by stomach acid coming up into the esophaguswhich is called acid refluxheartburn can happen to anyone, and it may get worse after eating certain foods, bending over, or lying down.
Heartburn, as common as it is, can be painful and even debilitating.
Luckily, there are several at-home remedies for heartburn that can help improve your symptoms, including over-the-counter medications.
If you find your heartburn symptoms are occurring more frequently or not going away when you try to treat them, its important to talk to a doctor who can rule out serious medical conditions and help you find a treatment that decreases your discomfort.
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When Can I Expect Heartburn To End
Someday, scientists may very well invent a miracle medication that promises permanent pregnancy heartburn relief. Unfortunately, that hasnt happened yet.
So, if youre wondering how long you can expect to deal with heartburn while youre pregnant, it will probably be throughout your entire pregnancy.
However, just because theres no cure, that doesnt mean you cant find some relief in the meantime.
Marshmallow Can Heal Heartburn
The very popular herb marshmallow contains a mucilage property that helps coat your esophagus and stomach lining. This creates a protective barrier against stomach acid and you get rid of heartburn. What more, marshmallow can even repair the damage done to your food pipe and stomach lining by excessive acid.Make Marshmallow Infusion for Heartburn
Get this:
- In the morning, drink this thick herbal infusion which would taste bitter-sweet.
Precaution: If you are taking some medication, consult your doctor before using any herb.
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What Home Remedies Kill Heartburn
Heartburn can be uncomfortable and be triggered by the foods you eat. If you suffer from heartburn, try the following home remedies:
Here are 15 natural products that can relieve heartburn: