Imagine sitting and concentrating on an important project and mid-way you get the feeling of a burning sensation in your chest. Either it could be because of having a late night dinner or lack of physical exercise. Well, chances are it is ‘Heartburn’, a malady that is catching up fast in adults.
Causes of Heartburn
Usually, Heartburn happens due to acid reflux, a syndrome that takes shape when the muscle ring that allows food to enter the stomach for digestion relaxes, when it shouldn’t. This leads to the acid going back to the food pipe thereby leading to the uncomforting sensation of Heartburn. The sensation is quite disgusting when you feel the gastric acid burning your throat. In order to escape this plight, over-the-counter medicines are available. But that is of no use for a longer time period. Lifestyle changes and home remedies are the best saviours in such a situation. Let’s find out how.
Remedy 1: Baking Soda: Commonly known as Sodium Bicarbonate, a teaspoonful can help put an end to the burning sensation. Since it has a pH higher than 7, it therefore neutralizes stomach acid.
Remedy 2: Chewing Gum: Chew a piece of sugar-free gum, after a meal for about 30 minutes. It helps ward off heartburn since chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands, thereby increasing the saliva generation needed in proper food digestion. Incidentally, it also helps fight garlic breath.
Remedy 3: Aloe Juice: The wonder plant Aloe Vera known for healing and moisturising skin comes of great help in soothing burning stomach. The juice of Aloe Vera reduces inflammation in the food pipe and in the stomach. Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice before having meals. However, since the juice is a laxative, consume brands whose laxative component has been removed, such as Aloe Vera Power.
Remedy 4: Gingerroot Tea: Ah, this is a classical remedy to ease out stomach woes such as nausea and acid reflux. Every day, sip a cup of fresh ginger-root tea 20 minutes before a meal, as that will help calm down your stomach and in the process act as a great acid buffer. To do that, slice 3 quarter sized ginger-root slices and simmer them in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Remove the ginger pieces, and drink the juice before the meal.
Remedy 5: Mustard: The mineral-rich Mustard has alkaline properties that helps neutralise the acids that might come into your mouth. It proves of great help when you start to feel uneasy with the disturbing feeling of acid reflux. Just take 1 teaspoon of good quality yellow mustard and take it down your throat. The effects it has would put a smile on your face and gut as well!
Other than the above remedies of fighting heartburn, you can snack on almonds, bananas and apples, have chamomile tea before going off to sleep or else keep a gap of 3-4 hours after eating and falling off to sleep.