- Aloe Vera Gel
- Cucumber
- Chamomile
- Papaya
- Potato
- Licorice
- Lime Juice
- Peppermint Tea
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Shitali Pranayama
What is Heartburn and Acid Reflux (GERD)?
Heartburn is also known as Acid Reflux / GERD (Scientific), pyrosis, acidity or cardialgia (Common English), Amla Pitta / seenay mein jalan (Hindi/Urdu), Chatit jaljal / Pitt Vadhane (Marathi), Nencericcal / Amila etukkutalin (Tamil), Gundello manta (Telugu), Ambala (Bengali), Wei zhuore (Chinese), Acidez (Spanish), Azia (Portuguese), izzhoga (Russian), maag (Indonesian). A burning sensation in the upper chest, and possibly a sour taste in the mouth, which are caused by acidic juices rising back up the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the basic problem with a backwash of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Normally, a band of muscle at the end of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter) prevents this reverse movement. Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in your chest that is often painful and uncomfortable, and intensifies when you lie down.
Heartburn Causes and Symptoms
The causes of GERD include laxity of the lower esophageal sphincter, slow emptying of the stomach, obesity, and hiatal hernia. Heartburn can be caused by foods that are acidic or greasy. Pregnant women may develop heartburn due to the pressure exerted by the developing fetus. The typical symptoms of heartburn, usually worse after meals, are burning pain behind the breastbone and occasional nausea. Reflux that occurs during the night can fracture sleep. If acidic material ascends high enough, it can cause coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, dental erosion, and worsened asthma. Two important strategies are eating smaller meals and staying upright for a few hours after eating. For those who suffer from the condition, changing dietary habits along with incorporating foods that alleviate heartburn make relief and prevention possible. People can also elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) by slipping blocks or large books under the mattress. Although sleeping on a second pillow keeps the head elevated, in back sleepers, that position can compress the abdomen, causing reflux. Because excess abdominal fat creates pressure against the stomach, causing re-flux, doctors recommend their overweight patients slim down. Studies show that weight loss can resolve GERD. In addition, stay away from tobacco smoke, which worsens GERD. Specific anti inflammatory compounds in some foods help to relieve gastrointestinal distress, including heartburn. The digestive enzymes papain and bromelain may also help to relieve heartburn. While there are a few foods that relieve heartburn, there are many more that cause it. If heartburn is a problem for you reduce your intake of high fat and spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, garlic, onion, milk, coffee, tea, chocolate, and mints. Although there are several rather strong medications on the market for heartburn and acid stomach, these conditions are usually quite easy to control with the following natural Ayurvedic home remedies. Here are 10 natural ways to stop heartburn and get instant relief. Heartburn natural remedies for Acid Reflux (GERD) in throat and heartburn during pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux
1. Aloe Vera Gel
It gives natural soothing effect. Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a pinch of baking soda. This will have an immediate soothing effect.
2. Cucumber
Treat Heartburn with cucumber. Drink cucumber juice or eat fresh cucumber to soothe heartburn or to improve an acid stomach.
3. Chamomile
Heal stomach problems with chamomile. Chamomile is the best source for heartburn and stomach problems.
4. Papaya
Get relief from hyper acidity instantly with papaya. For hyper-acidity and indigestion, try drinking 1 cup papaya juice with 1 teaspoon organic sugar and 2 pinches cardamom. But pregnant women should not eat papayas, which contain natural estrogen and may create the danger of miscarriage.
5. Potato
Soothe heart burn with potato. Heartburn is eased by slowly chewing a raw piece of potato, a few sips of milk or a spoonful of raw sauerkraut.
6. Licorice
Cure with kitchen spices and herb. Licorice might be a good choice, but take care. Too much Licorice will produce headache, lethargy, and a potential serious loss of potassium as well as the possibility of high blood pressure.
7. Lime Juice
It neutralizes stomach acid. Take 1 cup of water. Add 10 drops of lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon organic sugar. Now at the end add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda into the cup. When you add it, an effervescent reaction will occur. Immediately drink the mixture to neutralize heartburn and acid stomach.
8. Peppermint Tea
This is easy home remedy and can be used during pregnancy. If heart burn is due to pregnancy then eating yogurt will cool the pain of heartburn OR try drinking chamomile or peppermint tea will ease heartburn.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
If heartburn is due to indigestion take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and follow with a glass of water.
10. Shitali Pranayama
The breathing technique known as shitali pranayama is also helpful. It is not only cooling but also stimulates digestion.
Tips to Prevent Heartburn
- Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing around your waist.
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
- Strictly avoid all hot spicy food. No pickles, and no fermented food. Minimize or cut out citrus fruit and sour fruit. And avoid overeating.
- Elevate your head a few inches while you sleep.
- Relax to reduce your stress levels.
- Review your medications and dietary supplements with your doctor. Some can worsen GERD.
Warning and Caution
If your heartburn is not helped by common remedies or if it occurs often for no apparent reason, you should consult a doctor. If you feel you have heartburn and it is accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, chest pain radiating into your neck or shoulder, or shortness of breath, you need help immediately: You may be having a heart attack.