Natural remedy for heartburn>>>>

>>>>Heartburn is a burn sensation we usually feel in the chest or below. The burning sensation may also be felt in the throat. Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. It is unpleasant and common. There are about 60 million people who have heartburn at least once a month, according to a study. Some common foods that we eat and drink, stimulate increased stomach acid secretion setting the stage for heartburn such as spicy food or fried food. According to Tara Coleman, a clinical nutritionist, eating a large portion of meal and getting to bed immediately after eating can cause the  lower esophageal sphincter (LES)and acid to reflux back into the esophagus. Drinking alcohol can also cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing acid to enter the esophagus, according to a nutrition specialist Dr. Scott Schreiber. Antacid and other medications such as diazepam,meperidine are usually prescribed or given to the person with heartburn, however, there are home remedies you can rely on get rid of heartburn.

Chewing Gum>>>>> Most people may find it hard to think of chewing gum as a remedy for heartburn, however several studies in recent years have shown that it can in fact help alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, better known to most people as GERD or heartburn. Chewing gum after eating to help produce saliva for soothing the esophagus and washing acid back into the stomach.  According to a research published in 2005 in The Journal of Dental Research, chewing sugarless gum for an hour after a large breakfast reduced acid reflux in both groups for up to three hours, particularly in the heartburn group.Another study, after presenting their subject with chewing gum and monitoring them for two hours after meal, found that acid levels were significantly lower when the participants chewed gum.

Baking soda>>> Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) has been found to be effective in reducing heartburn. It neutralizes the acid in the stomach so when the LES relaxes and the acid refluxes, you won;t feel a burning sensation.

Ginger>>>>Ginger tea promotes proper digestion. It helps to stimulate the saliva production and thus remove acid which has refluxed into esophagus. In a 2007 study published in the journal Molecular Research and Food Nutrition, researchers compared the anti-ulcer and anti-Helicobacter plyori (a bacteria linked to ulcers) properties of ginger and conventional acid-blockers like Lansoprazole, or Prevacid. Remarkably, ginger performed six to eight times better than did the drug.. Researchers cite the ginger root as “potential in-expensive multistep blockers against ulcer.

Aloe Vera juice>>> According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health recommends ingesting aloe vera juice to treat GERD and heal the lining of the stomach and esophagus. Studies prove that Aloe gel contain glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins are helpful to impede pain and inflammation enhancing the healing process, polysaccharides aids proper digestion of food and are known to repair skin cells and stimulate skin growth.


 Licorice>>>>> According to the National Medicines Comprehensive Database, licorice has been rated as “possibly effective” for heartburn relief based on the study of a supplement that included licorice and a variety of other herbs.  one study of 100 patients taking DGL for stomach ulcers for 6 weeks resulted in 22 people having full resolution, while 90% of participants improved. Preliminary studies suggest that a specific herbal formula containing licorice, called Iberogast or STW 5, may help relieve symptoms of indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Quit smoking
Smoking also dries up saliva that protects the esophagus from acid. They can also cause the oesophageal muscles to relax, allowing stomach acid to seep out and cause heartburn. Cigarettes will make heartburn more painful, by irritating the throat.. Ness-Jensen, a public health researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Levanger, noted that one of his previous studies showed quitting smoking reduced the risk of GERD symptoms, although the current study found that weight gain could take away that protection. 

Avoid lying down immediately after eating>>>Heartburn tends to get worse at night when you are sleeping. Avoid going to bed immediately after eating as it makes stomach contents press harder against your lower esophageal sphincter. GERD patients should avoid lying down right after eating and refrain from eating within two to three hours of bedtime, according to study. Elevating the head of the bed about six inches may also help. Wait about 3-4 hours after eating before getting to bed. Avoid eating large portion of meal at a time  as it may press hard on the LES causing it to relax.

Sources: everydayroots.com
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