Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs directly beneath the breastbone. After eating, in the evening, or while laying down or bending over, the discomfort is usually greater. Heartburn is a regular occurrence that is not reason for concern.
Are you looking for natural remedies for heartburn relief? Heartburn is that burning sensation in the chest that occurs directly beneath the breastbone.
After eating, in the evening, or while lying down or bending over, the discomfort is usually greater.
Heartburn is a burning pain behind your sternum caused by your stomach. Common triggers include a substantial dinner with friends, dessert, and drinks. The burning feeling in your chest often appears not long after eating.
Symptoms of heartburn can include stomach aching, discomfort, bloating after meals, feeling unwell or fatigued right after meals, food or water ‘sitting in the stomach,’ nausea, undigested food in stool, reflux, poor appetite, and more.
By improving your stomach function, you will enhance your overall health.
Think of your stomach as the center of your universe. A stomach that is functioning optimally, can break down foods and absorb nutrients efficiently. If this process is hindered, deficiencies occur. So, lets look at what one can do.
There are several natural ways to treat an under-active stomach, including taking digestive enzymes, consuming lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, and using herbal medicines like gentian. These remedies can help restore stomach acid levels and improve digestion. Lets look at some natural remedies for heartburn relief now:
Ginger root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn by calming the stomach. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as raw, in tea, or as a supplement.
Aloe vera juice is another natural remedy that can help soothe the lining of the esophagus and stomach, reducing the discomfort of heartburn. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice before meals can help prevent heartburn.
Slippery elm is a herb that has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues. It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which coats and soothes the digestive tract. Taking slippery elm in supplement form or as a tea can help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
Licorice root, especially in the form of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), is known for its soothing properties. It can help increase the mucus coating in the esophagus and stomach, providing relief from heartburn. It’s essential to use DGL to avoid the potential side effects of glycyrrhizin.
Chamomile tea can help calm the stomach and reduce inflammation. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime can help prevent nighttime heartburn and promote better sleep.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural antacid that can help neutralize stomach acid. Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drinking it can provide quick relief from heartburn. However, it should be used sparingly as overuse can lead to imbalances in your body’s electrolytes.
While it might seem counterintuitive to treat acid reflux with an acid, apple cider vinegar can help balance stomach pH levels.
Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals. This can help improve digestion and prevent heartburn.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance your gut microbiome. A healthy gut flora can improve digestion and reduce symptoms of heartburn. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and in supplement form.
Instead of three large meals a day, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. This can help reduce the pressure on your stomach and lower the risk of acid reflux.
If you frequently experience heartburn at night, try elevating the head of your bed by a few inches. This can prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus while you sleep.
Certain foods and beverages can trigger heartburn. Common culprits include spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Keeping a food diary can help you identify and avoid these triggers.
Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn.
Chewing gum increases saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn symptoms. Choose sugar-free gum to avoid adding extra calories.
Eating slowly and mindfully can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of heartburn. Avoid eating when stressed or in a hurry, and focus on thoroughly chewing your food.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help dilute stomach acid and prevent heartburn. However, avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals, as this can increase stomach pressure.
In addition to chamomile, other herbal teas like fennel, marshmallow root, and licorice tea can also help soothe the digestive tract and reduce heartburn symptoms.
Stress can exacerbate heartburn, so incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress levels and reduce symptoms.
Our stomachs are supposed to be acidic. Stomach acid (HCl) is crucial for digesting protein and absorbing nutrients. Low stomach acid causes malabsorption, leading to various digestive problems and health issues. When HCl is low, it can result in malnutrition and other health problems.
HCl mainly digests protein, breaking it down into smaller molecules for absorption in the intestines. Without enough HCl, proteins are not properly digested, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and nutrient deficiencies.
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and more can be linked to low stomach acid. It is important to address hypochlorhydria to improve overall health and digestive function.
Stomach problems and various kinds of digestive issues are among the most common reasons patients visit me. Hypochlorhydria is the lack of adequate stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Some people, particularly our older population, may have a condition known as achlorhydria, where very little stomach acid is produced. Dorothy Hall, a well-known naturopath, once told me that 50% of 50-year-olds have hypochlorhydria, and this increases with age.
Many medical doctors might find it hard to believe, but a percentage of our population suffers from hypochlorhydria and are virtually ignored. Functional problems such as hypochlorhydria, irritable bowel syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and even hypothyroidism can be quite difficult to diagnose.
Risks of Acid BlockersDoctors often prescribe acid blockers to patients experiencing heartburn. However, some individuals with an under-acidic stomach may also exhibit heartburn symptoms, which can be misinterpreted by doctors as over-acidity. Unfortunately, the use of antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can lead to hypochlorhydria, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Processed Foods and Digestive HealthIf you eat a diet of supermarket foods, you will most certainly benefit from pepping up your stomach. Especially if you like tea, coffee, alcohol, red meats, and foods containing sugars, starches, or any form of processing.
Are you over 40?
You may benefit from digestive enzymes if you suffer from heartburn. Digestive Enzymes are a great natural remedy for heartburn relief. You can read more here about Digestive Enzymes
Improving your stomach function with natural remedies can significantly enhance your overall health. If you experience symptoms of heartburn or digestive issues, consider trying digestive enzymes or other natural treatments to restore your stomach’s acidity and digestive function.
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