10 Ways to Cure Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest just behind the breast bone. The pain often rises in the chest, and may radiate to the neck, throat or angles of the jaw.

Despite its name, heartburn has got nothing to do with the heart. It usually results from excessive acidity in the stomach, or from improper functioning of the digestive system.

The point where esophagus (food pipe) and stomach join, a special muscle (sphincter muscle) controls the opening and closing of the esophagus. When we swallow food, it moves towards the stomach through esophagus and the sphincter muscles relax to let the food pass into the stomach and close again.

Sometimes this process malfunctions. As a result the contents of the stomach then rise back up the esophagus. When the stomach acid comes in contact the lining of esophagus, it causes irritation. This condition is termed as heartburn.

Heartburn is very common and almost 40% of the people worldwide experience heartburn at least once a month. Some individuals may also experience chronic heartburn, which occurs two or more times per week.

Heartburn could be due to a spicy meal or when you eat too much.

Heartburn can be avoided by practicing the following tips.

1.      Avoid acidic foods, for example, lemons, alcohol, fat or fried food, overcooked food, coffee, juices, tomato base products, chocolates and peppermint.

2.      Observe which foods bring on heartburn and avoid them.

3.      Don’t go to sleep right after eating.

4.      Don’t smoke especially after eating. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter muscles.

5.      Eat your meals at their specified time. Frequently changing your meal time can lead to heartburn.

6.      Use fiber rich diet. Rice husk is the best natural remedy to heartburn. You can use it with yogurt for your convenience.

7.      Eat smaller and frequent meals instead of 3 large ones.

8.      Raise the head of your bed several inches. It’ll help prevent the reflux at night.

9.      Lose weight. Obesity is one of the major reasons of obesity.

10.  Wear Lose fitting clothes. Tight clothing squeezes the midsection and tends to push stomach contents upwards.

If still your symptoms persists, please seek immediate medical help.