15 Natural Remedies for Heartburn!

Remember playing “connect” as a child?

No?

Okay here is a small sample for you; if kidney stones occur in the kidney, where does heartburn occur?

“Heart” Did you say?

Unfortunately, the answer is wrong, but we’re lucky heartburn doesn’t literally mean the heart on fire. It, in fact, has nothing to do with the heart.

It is more related to stomach as it is a form of indigestion which is characterized by a sharp pain in the upper abdomen and below the breastbone often creeping up to the throat as a result of regurgitation (voluntary /involuntary return of semi-digested food to the mouth from the stomach). It is also called “Acid reflux”.

Heartburn is an extremely uncomfortable pain, which can take some time to relax.

Now if you had paid some attention to your chemistry lessons from school, acid is neutralized by a base. Also, the strength of the acid is reduced by dilution (Addition of water). Does that also mean that these could potentially be the solutions to acid reflux?

YES!

Here are 15 natural remedies for people who suffer from Heartburn that is so easily available in your local groceries and even your home.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda or scientifically sodium bicarbonate is basic in nature, thus making it capable of neutralizing the excess acid. It is extremely efficient in easing the discomfort.

Add a small teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to a glass of fresh water. Stir well until all the baking soda dissolves and drink it. You will feel much better.

2. Chew some gum

Chewing a sugarless bubblegum helps generate saliva which helps dilute the acid and neutralizes the acidity. Swallow the extra saliva for relief. You can also eat anything that induces saliva. Think of it as a great way to eat something you really like.

3. Aloe Vera juice

Acid reflux is a type of inflammation. Nothing works best on inflammation than Aloe Vera. Aloe pulp is very effective for reducing the burning sensation. The cooling effect of Aloe Vera relieves the pain. Add the pulp in a glass of water and blend it with an electric blender. Store it in the refrigerator for a while and drink it. You will feel the acidity reducing in half an hour or so.

4. Chamomile Tea

As sophisticated as it sounds, Chamomile tea is actually a very powerful ingredient for treating acid reflux. Chamomile contains flavonoids, volatile oils, and mucilages, which soothe the walls of the esophagus. Chamomile also reduces the pepsin activity in the gastrointestinal tract and protects from the stomach acid. Chamomile tea is available in markets in the form of teabags. They are also known for their relaxing effect on the body.

 5. Go Bananas

Banana is a highly alkaline fruit and is capable of completely neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Eating bananas regularly can ease acid reflux quickly and completely. Eat a banana every day a couple of hours before bedtime to reduce discomfort.

 6. Apples

There is a reason why an apple a day keeps a doctor away. Apple’s numerous benefits have found a way into the cure for acid reflux. Apples create an alkaline environment in the stomach, which neutralizes the excess acid, providing relief. Sweet apples do a better job as the cure for acid reflux. Make sure to choose organic apples as they are free of pesticides which are capable of worsening the condition.

 7. Holy basil

The holy leaves are back. Tulsi, as they are commonly called in India, are a great way of reducing the acid reflux and relieving you of the pain and discomfort. Add 8-10 tulsi leaves to boiling water, and let the infusion rest for a while. Cool it and then drink it. Its anti-inflammable characteristics provide immediate comfort.

 8. Pineapple juice

It is tasty and it is packed with nutrients. Drinking pineapple juice reduces the hyperacidity and the discomfort of heartburn. It contains, bromelain, an enzyme that helps to control the hydrochloric acid content in the stomach. Make sure to drink fresh pineapple juice instead of packaged ones that are found in the market. The preservatives are capable of worsening the situation.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric or more commonly called “Haldi” in India is widely used and revered for its medicinal properties. Its anti-inflammatory nature makes it suitable for relief of heartburn. Also, turmeric has no records of any side effects thus making it one of the most effective natural remedies. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in milk or add it to your daily dishes.

Remember to use good quality organic turmeric.

10. Slippery Elm

It isn’t much heard of and we are disappointed that it doesn’t get the fame it deserves. It has been used in natural remedies for a very long time. Slippery elm is a tree extract that has the capability of thickening the mucous lining in the stomach protecting it from the excessive acid and the burning sensation.

Add one teaspoon of slippery elm powder to hot water and drink it throughout the course of the day.

Slippery elm is available in India if you were just wondering whether is availability is questionable or not!

11. Potato

Potato happens to be a misunderstood vegetable. We blame it for weight gain but often forget that it has the ability to cure a number of ailments. One of them being heartburn. Potato juice neutralizes the excess acid and also heals the esophageal lining.

Extract the juice of one raw potato and add it to cold water. Stir it well till the mixture becomes cloudy due the starch present in the potato. Drink it immediately for best results. It might not taste great, but it is definitely better than the burning sensation in your gut!

12. Ginger

Trust ginger to do the job for you, Always! Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which make it extremely effective for relief from heartburns. Its versatility makes it easier to consume as well. You can add it to food while cooking, you can eat it raw, or you can make ginger tea.

Mix a teaspoon of ginger and lemon and two teaspoons of honey in warm water. Drink it if you feel any signs of indigestion. It soothes the throat and the stomach and reduces the burning sensation.

13. Licorice

Another low profile remedy that can cure severe heartburn. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL It provides relief from the acid by facilitating mucus release in the stomach. DGL is available in pills in the market so you can chew on them like candies. Do not swallow them as DGL is activated by saliva.

14. Mustard

Mustard is a helpful remedy for reducing the pain of heartburn. It neutralizes the stomach acid and is great for instantaneous relief. Mix mustard with water, and drink it. It is one of the best instantaneous remedies for acid reflux.

15. Yogurt

Yogurt possesses amazing cooling properties that make it a great remedy for the burning sensation caused by heartburn. Also, its alkaline nature neutralizes the extra acid. The proteins in yogurt prevent acid reflux by properly digesting the food. Eat a bowl of yogurt as it is for fast relief of heartburn.

Apart from these natural remedies, there are also some lifestyle changes that you should adopt to reduce the chances of acid reflux. They are a more long-term solution to the problem and will keep you healthy for long.

1. Change your sleeping position

One of the main reasons you could be experiencing heartburns is that your sleeping position is not right. Scientifically, it is advisable to sleep on your left side instead of your right. The stomach and pancreas are on the left side of your body, and sleeping on the left enables proper digestion, by providing a better channel for the gastric juices and pancreatic enzymes.

2. Eat less spicy food

Spicy food creates heat in the body which is responsible for acid reflux in most cases. Limit your spice intake and eat relatively bland food.

3. Avoid tight fitting clothes

Think of your tight jeans or shirts as a corset. It squeezes your muscles forcing the acid buildup and the regurgitation. Wear loose, comfortable clothes which do not squeeze your internal organs to avoid acid reflux.

4. Lose weight

Losing weight is extremely helpful in reducing the occurrence of acid reflux. It is presumed that the fat around your belly causes a pressure buildup against your stomach, forcing the acid to rise up. With regular exercise and healthy eating habits, you can prevent the discomfort caused by heartburn.

5. Add fiber to your diet

Fiber is the answer to all your digestive issues. Add lots of fiber to your diet. They promote healthy digestion and also facilitate weight loss. Eat carrots and  radishes every day as a salad or drink them in the form of a juice.

6. Avoid fried and fatty foods

If you need another reason to quit these unhealthy things, they cause heartburn. They are hard to digest and cause acid reflux. Avoid junk food as much as you can and you will definitely see results.

These Natural Remedies for Heartburn will give you the much-needed relief and save you trip to the medical store!