Natural Treatment for GERD/Heart Burn

It is not only the serious ailments like hepatitis or gallstones that can make people uncomfortable and undergo lots of pain. There are some temporary physical conditions can make you wither in pain and utter discomfort as well. One such instance is heartburn. Characterized by an uncomfortable burning and warm sensation in the chest, especially behind the breastbone, heartburn can prove to be a nightmare to anybody. It occurs after eating in most instances and when you get into certain postures like bending, the pain can worsen. It is also called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Ironically, this condition has nothing to do with your heart, as far as medical perspective goes.

What Leads to Heartburn?

When you eat any food, lower esophageal sphincter is relaxed and the food eventually reaches the stomach. Thereafter, the sphincter is closed once more. If the sphincter is not closed well, the gastric acids generated in the stomach can reach oesophagus, leading to the burning sensation. Unusually, overeating or gorging on excessive amounts of fat laden and spicy foods can also lead to this condition in people.

Natural Ways to Treat Heartburn

Heartburn does not last for a long time, but the pain can be really excruciating in some instances. While a lot of people opt for OTC medications and antacids, you can try some natural remedies. The advantage is that you will not have to deal with side effects. Besides, these natural remedies are neither expensive nor are easy to find.

Chewing Gum

While this may sound ludicrous to some, chewing a sugarless gum can actually be helpful if you are suffering from heartburn after gulping down a heavy meal. Doing so will generate extra saliva in mouth and you will swallow it. This in turn will neutralize stomach acid. It has also been corroborated by some studies.

Baking Soda

It is quite well known that baking soda is alkaline by nature and in taking it will help you counter the stomach acid. However, it is prudent that you don’t eat baking soda directly. To get better effect and relief from heartburn, mix baking soda with water and lemon juice in a glass.

Fruit Juices With Alkaline Components

If you are looking for a natural remedy from heartburn, fruit juices can be ideal. However, just any fruit will not do when you have heartburn. Drink the juice of carrot or cucumber. You may add some salt or pepper for bringing flavour to the juice.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known mostly for its skin healing and soothing properties. While it is used in many skin care products, you can use this plant to get relief from heartburn as well. Aloe vera juice has anti inflammatory properties. It can help soothe stomach issues like acid reflux.

Ginger

Ginger is an herb that is used to make various dishes. However, it can also be used to deal with GERD symptoms. You can eat it raw and if that is not what you like, grate it and mix with herbal tea.

Dairy Products

You can have selected dairy products to cope with the pain of heartburn. It would be a good idea to drink a cup of cold buttermilk. Drinking regular milk can actually be counterproductive. However, you can also take fermented milk products to tackle acid reflux.

Staying in Right Posture

No matter what you eat or drink for coping with heartburn, it is also important that you stay in right posture during the period. Even if you feel like lying down or bending, refrain from doing so. Try to sit upright for some time. The gravity will help keep the acid in the stomach. If you really feel like you cannot sit or stand upright, use more pillows to keep your body tilted. It will be a good idea to eat meals at least a couple of hours before you hit the bed. This will give the stomach enough time to digest the food ingested.

Sehat provides list of best Heart Doctors in Chennai from which you can research and choose the right doctor for your condition.