subject: Discover Some About Natural Cures For Heartburn [print this page] Dealing with heartburn isn't easyDealing with heartburn isn't easy. There are a wide variety of foods out there that can cause us problems. Bloating and burping, upset stomach, a tickling in the throat and that nagging discomfort or pain directly behind the chest bone are perfect example of how heartburn works. The drugs used to treat heartburn such as proton pump inhibitors have equally powerful side effects. More than twenty percent of people living in the United States are inflicted with this health issue and some of the blame goes to how we live. We overeat, eat foods that are acidic, spicy or greasy, drink too much coffee or sodas, and smoke and drink way more than we should. Lifestyle changes is said to be the best course of action for heartburn sufferers. There are also a number of natural cures for heartburn that are said to work wonders, but they should be used with caution, since there is not enough research into their effectiveness or their side effects.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum helps heartburn by producing excess saliva, which neutralizing stomach acid. It is important to avoid having mint-flavored gum, as mint is one of the triggers of heartburn.
Bananas
It's been said that bananas are nature's antacid. Digestive conditions like heartburn and ulcers can be prevented by eating a banana daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There has been some dispute about the validity of the claim that apple cider vinegar mixed in water cures heartburn. Doctors in particular rebuke this claim because, since heartburn is caused by acid in the esophagus, you're generally adding more acid to the propblem. It's best to discuss this type of treatment with your doctor as this cure could do more harm to your esophagus than good.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has long been used as a stress reliever to relax people. It is suggested that it also neutralizes stomach acid.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that used as a coloring agent as well as a seasoning. It is also said that it prevents the backup of acid by moving food along in the stomach.
Ginger root
Fresh ginger has been used to relieve heartburn for a long time. Some people just chew a piece of fresh ginger root, others put it in food, or drink ginger tea. Ginger is also good to help nausea.
Aloe Vera Juice
The juice from the Aloe vera plant has been mostly used against burns, wounds, and skin irritations. It has also been known to relieve the plight of heartburn as well. It's best to purchase it from someone trained in its preparation as if done incorrectly can be fatal.
Licorice
Mucosal cells in the stomach are stimluated by licorice. They produce mucin which is responsible for preventing acid from burning the stomach. It also helps with chemical balance.
Milk
Drinking fat-free milk will relieve an esophagus that is irritated and neutralize stomach acid as well. Avoid milk with fat in it as the fat may actually start a heartburn attack instead of ending one.
Baking soda
A spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water can bring quick relief from heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Like any other antacid, baking soda should be used with care. Since it can counteract stomach acid and affect normal digestion, it could do more harm than good.
