Natural and Synthetic Heartburn Cures

Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, is a painful and burning sensation felt in the upper gastrointestinal tract that is usually associated with the reflux or backward movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. This condition often irritates the inner lining of the esophagus and causes an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Because of the location and the nature of discomfort, people often mistakenly relate this as an onset of a heart attack, thus the name. Excessive eating, intake of fatty and spicy foods, lying down immediately after eating, too much consumption of alcohol or caffeine, and regular smoking are all possible causes of heartburn. Because most of people will experience heartburn at some point of their lives, whether serious or not, here are some natural and artificial heartburn cures that would be beneficial in alleviating the discomforts caused by this condition:

Dairy products are effective heartburn cures. Drinking milk during episodes of heartburn will ease the burning sensation. The alkaline nature of the calcium component of milks will help counteract the acid inside the digestive tract. Consuming yogurts is also a helpful remedy for heartburn. The curd in yogurts aids in the quick digestion of food.

Ginger has abundant medicinal properties. Not only that it helps in stimulating digestion, taking ginger capsules or drinking ginger tea after a meal is also helpful in relieving the pain associated with heartburn. Taking Peppermint and chamomile tea after meals are also natural heartburn cures.

Apple cider vinegar is helpful in maintaining normal acid levels in the body. Mixing and drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 6 ounces of water will also help in easing heartburn. The acetic acid present in this kind of vinegar neutralizes the hydrochloric acid inside the stomach. Furthermore, freshly squeezed lemon juice added to a glass of cold water is also helpful in counteracting the harmful effects of excessive gastric acids.

Eating fruits which are rich in enzymes such as apple, banana and pineapple are effective remedies of heartburn at home. Green leafy vegetables like celery and spinach are also good for heartburn as well.

If all of these natural remedies fail, synthetic heartburn cures are often prescribed by doctors. The medications of choice are proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Most antacids have a chemical property that quickly absorbs excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach, eliminating the pain caused by the acid regurgitation. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the secretion of gastric acid by the cells in the stomach. Moreover, some medications like certain steroids and antibiotics can increase acid production in the stomach. Thus, consulting the doctor about the intake of these medicines should be considered when one is experiencing occasional heartburn.

Lying down instantly after a heavy meal is one of the common causes of the occurrence of heartburn. Going for a walk or sitting upright after a meal is highly advisable to prevent heartburn and will also aid in food digestion. Minimizing the intake of acidic beverages is also a way to decrease unnecessary acids in the stomach. Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles in the body and that includes the cardiac sphincter that prevents reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. Wearing tight clothes should also be avoided as they can push acid into the esophagus.

Natural heartburn cures are always better than taking heartburn medications regularly. Being aware of the causes of heartburn is essential in preventing the stomach from producing too much acid that could be released back into the esophagus. Knowledge of its causes will decrease the possibilities of experiencing heartburn episodes.