The Best Home Remedy For Heartburn

There are many kinds of home remedy for heartburn, also known as acid reflux. Some work better for some people than others.

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Although the sufferer may feel pain in the chest, it is really a form of indigestion occurring in the upper portion of the stomach.

The term 'heartburn' is used to cover two forms of digestive problem:

1. Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the stomach cannot cope with the amount or type of food that has just been eaten. Often this relates to spicy foods. The person feels a severe churning sensation and a strong urge to vomit, often accompanied by a burning pain.

2. Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD)

This is a form of indigestion where the digestive process 'backs up' and sends juices from the stomach up through a valve into the esophagus (lower part of the throat). These juices contain digestive acids which cause the uncomfortable burning sensation in the throat that is so familiar to sufferers.

In the beginning, GERD is usually caused by inability to digest certain foods or overeating. If it happens repeatedly, the muscle acting as the valve between stomach and esophagus is weakened, making the situation worse. In some people the valve becomes so weak that heartburn is experienced after every meal.

Treatment

Many people take antacids for heartburn but this will only provide temporary relief. Antacids work by reducing the excess digestive acids to make you more comfortable. They do not improve your ability to digest the foods that you are eating. Antacids may become less effective with repeated use, so people start to take more and more. This is not a healthy situation.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps many people, especially if the heartburn is only occasional or mild. Eating more fresh vegetables (especially salads and raw vegetables) will help restore the balance of acidity in your stomach, as these are alkaline producing foods. Do not use a lot of mayonnaise or dressing, however, as foods with a high fat content can make the heartburn worse.

The following are recommended as home remedies. Heartburn can have different causes so different remedies will work for different people.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw natural apple cider vinegar (ACV) - the type that is live, with a 'vinegar mother' - can be taken in small doses to ease heartburn. Use 1-2 tablespoons mixed with fruit juice or honey or diluted in water, and sip slowly.

Mustard

Take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of mustard whenever symptoms occur. Do not eat or drink anything else for 15 minutes.

Either mustard or ACV can relieve heartburn and in some cases will cure it completely, if attention is paid to the diet at the same time.

Celery

Eat raw celery when symptoms occur. About half a stalk is usually enough.

Milk

Cold milk can relieve heartburn symptoms, especially if they were caused by eating spicy food. However, milk is a fat-based food so it may not help in the long term. If you like to drink milk for heartburn, choose skim milk.

All instances of pain in the chest should be reported to your doctor. It is better to be sent home with antacids than to stay home with a chest pain that turns out to be a serious cardiac problem. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before taking any home remedy for heartburn, to check that it is suitable for you.