Natural Ways of Curing Heartburn

It is said that curing heartburn is one of the easiest things to do. Heartburn is quite a common affliction and everybody suffers it from time to time. Severe and chronic heartburn is usually a symptom of an underlying disease. A doctor should be consulted in this case. However, for mild heartburn, there is a wide range of remedies for curing heartburn.

Many people think that the easiest and best method for curing heartburn is to take an antacid. While this method will work, there are other natural remedies that will achieve the same result. In many cases, natural remedies should be considered first.

Water – This should be your first remedy for curing heartburn. Heartburn is caused by a buildup of stomach acid. Water acts by diluting this acid and therefore causing relief. Drink a tall glass of ice cold water for quick relief. Warm water should also do the trick. You should drink plenty of water right after a meal and throughout the day.

Yoghurt – Yoghurt not only contains good bacteria that promotes healthy digestion, it also acts by balancing the PH levels in the stomach.

Apple cider vinegar – This acts in the opposite way from water in curing heartburn. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and therefore raises the acidic levels in the stomach. This is said to aid in digestion. Heartburn is sometimes causes by slow digestion and increasing the rate of digestion should ease the discomfort.

Ginger root –An excellent remedy for curing heartburn because it aids in the digestive process. Besides aiding digestion, it helps in the removing of gas trapped in the digestive tract. On top of this, it has anti-inflammatory action which is good for overall well-being.

Apples – Believe it or not apples help many individuals with heartburn. They act by soaking up any excess acid.

Chamomile tea- Chamomile tea and other herbal teas like fennel tea can also be used to ease the discomfort caused by heartburn.

Even though there are many methods for curing heartburn, the best option is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You should adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating the right food. You should avoid foods that are high in acidic content like citrus fruit juices and tomato based foods and ketchup. Other foods to avoid include deep fried fatty food like French fries, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, chocolate and peppermint.

You should avoid eating very large meals as this will lead to heartburn. It is best to eat 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day. Try to avoid drinking alcohol with your meal. Alcohol loosens the sphincter muscle which in turn will lead to heartburn.

You should avoid lying down immediately after a meal, particularly after a large one. When you are sitting or standing gravity will help you digest your meal more comfortably. When lying down your food is more apt to find its way upward.