Heartburn is very uncomfortable yet extremely common. Research shows heartburn strikes an estimated 20% of world population at least once a week.
Heartburn or acidity is when you experience a sour and sometimes bitter taste in your mouth or a burning sensation
Heartburn is very uncomfortable yet extremely common. Research shows heartburn strikes an estimated 20% of world population at least once a week.
Heartburn or acidity is when you experience a sour and sometimes bitter taste in your mouth or a burning sensation in the throat, chest or stomach. Ignoring constant heartburn or heartburn for days, can actually lead to more serious and complicated problems like peptic ulcers.
What causes Heartburn
Heartburn or acid reflux is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken seriously. Heartburn is due to the excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid that is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system. This acid further secretes various digestive enzymes like pepsin that break the food particles down for easy digestion. A normal level of acid is required in the stomach for proper digestion of the complex foods. When there is excess secretion of this gastric acid, it gives rise to acidity and heartburn. It seems to be very simple but the damage it can cause in the body is hard to imagine.
Like its name, there are many causes of this acidity or heartburn :
- Stress is one of the main causes.
- Smoking and excess of alcohol tends to weaken the nervous system, as a result the mucus membrane and the stomach lining stops functioning properly.
- High intakes of fatty and spicy foods, refined and fiber-less foods, overeating and eating hurriedly are few causes that aggravate acidity.
- Heartburn is also caused by high fat cuts of meat like beef, pork, lamb which stay longer in the stomach and increase the chance of acid reflux
- Excessive intake of caffeine and nicotine.
- Skipping meals/fasting. Other causes of acidity or heartburn are pregnancy, aging, anxiety and insomnia, obesity, posture, erratic meal timings and bad eating habits.
Instant Heartburn Relief
- Have plenty of milk and milk products – having yogurts and buttermilk at regular intervals will help to subside acidity. Have a glass of cold milk or a cup of vanilla ice cream for instant relief from heartburn.
- Mustard is full of minerals and because of its alkaline properties,it will instantly neutralize the pain of acid reflux. Just get a saltine cracker or slice of bread, put some mustard sauce on it, eat and you’ll begin feeling relief almost instantly.
- Mix 2 tsp. raw apple cider vinegar with 1/4 – 1/2 cup water and drink at the first sign of heartburn. Add 1 tsp honey if mixture tastes too sour for you. You can continue to take this every 5-10 minutes until you have relief, but one serving usually takes action within just three minutes.
- Baking soda helps neutralize stomach acid. Mix between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water for instant relief. You can repeat this as needed but should not exceed 3 teaspoon doses in a 24 hour period. Baking soda is extremely high in salt and may result in water retention and increased blood pressure so don’t apply this remedy regularly.
- Bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a neutralize acid reflux and heartburn. Similarly, eating an apple couple of hours before bedtime relieves or prevent discomfort due to acid reflux.
Heartburn relief : Home remedies for Heartburn
Some very simple, natural home remedies can be used to treat and