Home Remedies for Heartburn

Heartburn is a common problem that causes a burning sensation in your chest (just behind your breastbone) and throat. It may also be accompanied by a bitter taste. Other related symptoms may include gas, nausea, bloating, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms usually get worse after eating a large meal or while lying down.

The burning sensation is caused by acidic stomach juices rising into the esophagus when the valve between the esophagus and stomach does not close properly. This is why heartburn often occurs after eating fatty, fried or acidic foods.

Heartburn can also be due to a hiatal hernia, which means part of the stomach is pushing through an opening in the diaphragm and into the chest. Heartburn is also a common condition during pregnancy.

Other health conditions or lifestyle choices that can cause heartburn include smoking, obesity, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, eating spicy foods, lying down immediately after eating and taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. A variety of natural treatments can provide relief from heartburn symptoms.

However, if heartburn occurs frequently and interferes with your routine, then you may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). See your doctor immediately, as untreated GERD can seriously damage your esophagus.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for heartburn.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, provides quick and easy relief from heartburn. Being a natural antacid, it neutralizes stomach acid and works within minutes, giving you relief from heartburn pain.

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water.
2. Optionally, you can also mix in a few drops of lemon juice.
3. Drink it for instant relief.
4. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily, if needed.

Caution: Any kind of antacid should not be given to children under 6 years of age.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

If you suffer from heartburn, try apple cider vinegar. It triggers the sphincter below the esophagus to close, thus preventing acid from rising. It also helps lower the pH of the stomach contents, making it more acidic to improve digestion.

Plus, it contains probiotics and enzymes that help your body fight infections and prevent acid reflux.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of lukewarm water.
2. Add a little honey and mix thoroughly.
3. Drink it before each meal.

3. Fennel Seeds

Another popular heartburn remedy is fennel seeds. There are several compounds in fennel seeds that aid in controlling the production of stomach acid. They also support proper digestion.

• Chew dry roasted fennel seeds, especially after eating your meal.
• You can also drink tea made from fennel seeds. To make this herbal tea, add 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then strain it and drink it.

4. Mustard

Mustard is a highly beneficial food that helps treat heartburn. It helps neutralize the acid that may cause a bad taste in your throat or mouth.

Plus, mustard seeds will make your digestive organs strong to boost the flow of gastric juices, which help you digest food properly.

Also, the nutrients in mustard seeds like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acids improve digestion.

• Just swallow 2 teaspoons of yellow mustard seeds with a glass of water. Remember not to chew the seeds. You should feel immediate relief from the heartburn.
• Alternatively, mix 2 teaspoons of mustard paste into a glass of buttermilk. Drink it once or twice daily.

5. Ginger

Fresh ginger provides relief from heartburn in two ways – it absorbs acid in the stomach and helps calm the nerves that contribute to heartburn.

It reduces the likelihood of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus. It also reduces inflammation, thus providing quick relief from heartburn symptoms.

You can use ginger as a spice in cooking, eat raw ginger pieces or drink ginger tea. This natural herb can be consumed regularly to prevent heartburn from recurring.

To make ginger tea:

1. Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Let it steep for a few minutes.
3. Drink this herbal tea several times a day.

Caution: Take ginger in small doses, as too much can make your symptoms worse.

6. Aloe Vera Juice

The juice extracted from the aloe vera plant is a popular home remedy for heartburn. Aloe vera juice controls heartburn by reducing inflammation and healing the gastrointestinal tract.

It also boosts digestion as well as removes toxins from the body.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine reports that aloe vera juice can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux without any side effects. Researchers noted that aloe vera reduces acid production by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

For best results, drink a ¼ cup of the juice about 20 to 30 minutes before eating a meal. Be careful not to drink too much of it in one day, as it can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.