How to cure heartburn? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that causes heartburn. GERD happens when acid is pushed up from the stomach back into the esophagus, which results in a heartburn sensation. Although people frequently use medications to treat acid reflux and heartburn, many lifestyle changes can also help.
How to cure heartburn?
Here are 14 natural remedies for heartburn and acid reflux that are all supported by research:
1. Chew Gum
Chewing gum can increase saliva production, which may help clear the esophagus of acid. It cannot cure or treat acid reflux, but it can alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. Gum that contains bicarbonate appears to be especially effective because it can help neutralize acid to prevent reflux.
2. Sleep on Your Left Side
Resting on your left side may decrease acid exposure in the esophagus by up to 71%. The lower esophageal sphincter sits above the level of stomach acid when you are on your left side, while when you are on your right side, stomach acid covers the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of reflux.
3. Raise Your Head When You Sleep
Some people have nighttime reflux symptoms, which can impair sleep quality and make it harder to fall asleep. Elevating the head of your bed at a considerable angle while you sleep could help lessen these symptoms and enhance sleep quality.
4. Eat Dinner Earlier
Because lying down after right eating makes digestion more difficult and may make GERD symptoms worse, doctors advise persons with acid reflux to avoid eating three hours before going to bed.
5. Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently
Most acid reflux symptoms are experienced after a meal. Eating more frequently but in smaller portions throughout the day may assist to lessen acid reflux symptoms.
6. Maintain Healthy Weight
The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a valve to prevent excessive amounts of stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. It is naturally strengthened by the diaphragm, which is a muscle located above your stomach. However, if you have excess belly fat, the pressure in your abdomen may become so high that the lower esophageal sphincter gets pushed upward, away from the support of the diaphragm.
Research indicates that having extra belly fat may be associated with a higher risk of acid reflux and GERD. As a result, some studies suggest that losing at least 10% of your body weight could significantly decrease symptoms of GERD.
Long-term relief from acid reflux can be obtained by maintaining modest body weight. Consult your doctor on how to lose weight safely and sustainably.
7. Consume Alcohol in Moderation
Alcohol aggravates symptoms by increasing stomach acid, relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, and impairing the ability of the esophagus to clear up acid. Some studies show that drinking wine or beer increases reflux symptoms.
8. Consumer Fewer Carbonated Beverages
Regular consumption of carbonated or fizzy beverages, including soft drinks, club soda, and seltzer, is linked to a higher risk of reflux,
One study discovered that certain acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, fullness, and burping, were worsened by carbonated soft drinks in particular. The main cause of this is that the carbon dioxide gas (the bubbles) in these drinks makes people burp more frequently, which can lead to an increase in the amount of acid leaking into the esophagus.
9. Limit Intake of Citrus Juice
Citrus juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice, are recognized as typical heartburn triggers. These foods are quite acidic in nature and contain components like citric acid, which may cause indigestion if consumed in significant quantities.
Citrus juice contains components that may irritate the lining of the esophagus. Although citrus juice is unlikely to directly induce acid reflux, it may temporarily worsen heartburn.
10. Instead of Raw Onions, Eat Them Cooked
One older study in persons with acid reflux found that having a meal with raw onion significantly enhanced heartburn, acid reflux, and burping compared to consuming a meal without onions. Raw onions are a typical trigger for acid reflux and heartburn.
Since raw onions are harder to digest and may irritate the lining of the esophagus. They worsen the symptoms of heartburn and more frequent burping may indicate that more gas is being produced.
11. Consume Fewer Carbohydrates
Some researchers believe that undigested carbohydrates may lead to bacterial proliferation and increased pressure inside the abdomen, which may contribute to acid reflux. In this case, low-carb diets may improve acid reflux symptoms.
Burping is a common symptom of too many undigested carbohydrates in your digestive tract.
Key Takeaways
How to cure heartburn? Heartburn may be uncomfortable and is caused by different factors. Although there are many medications and treatment options available to ease heartburn, making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle may also be beneficial. Try some of the tips above to find what works for you to reduce heartburn and acid reflux.
Before changing your diet and lifestyle, always consult your doctor.
Learn more about Heartburn here.
[embed-health-tool-bmr]
