Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Homemade Remedies For Heartburn

Heartburn is a common condition with several causes. If persistent, heartburn could be a sign of acid-reflux disease, so you should talk to your doctor if the heartburn keeps coming back. For milder cases, home remedies can provide quick relief.


Baking Soda and Yogurt


Acids in the stomach that reflux higher in the digestive system can produce the unpleasant burning sensation of heartburn. Many remedies, including baking soda, work by neutralizing the acid. Put one tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it. The alkalinity of the baking soda will neutralize the acidity in your stomach, providing relief. This is how store-bought antacids work. Yogurt can also soothe the stomach and reduce the irritation caused by heartburn.








Teas


Some teas, such as fennel and chamomile, are said to relieve heartburn. Fennel seeds need to be boiled in water, then removed. The resulting tea should be sipped. You can add peppermint oil to the tea to improve the flavor. Chamomile tea can be purchased at most grocery stores. It is usually marketed as a soothing tea to drink before you go to sleep, but it can also soothe the digestive system. It is an herbal tea with no caffeine, and it is rich in calcium, which can help with heartburn.


Cumin


Cumin aids in digestion and can help with heartburn when it is added to foods. Cooked or raw ginger is also a home remedy for heartburn.


Smaller Portions


If you experience heartburn from certain foods, you may want to limit or eliminate them from your diet. If you don't want to give them up completely, try eating smaller amounts for a while and see if it helps. Alcohol, coffee or soda with a meal can aggravate heartburn, so try drinking plain water with meals.


Prevention








Besides eliminating foods, there are precautionary steps you can take. Salads and other green leafy vegetables aid digestion, so they should be added to your meals. Adding more fruit to your diet can be soothing on the stomach and prevent or alleviate heartburn, as well.

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