Heartburn is a condition when the acid present in the stomach that helps in digestion moves up to the esophagus. It is also known as acid reflux or dyspepsia or pyrosis or gas or indigestion. The acid moves upwards towards the chest and heart and hence gets the name heartburn. Knowledge of the home remedies for heartburn is important as if it goes unnoticed; it may lead to a heart attack or cancer and may be fatal too. Heartburn can hamper the vital parts of the body. You feel gaseous fumes in your stomach that gives you a feeling of being bloated up.
Before going into the details of the home remedies for heartburn, you should know the foods that you have to avoid first. You have to avoid dairy products that are full in fat. Avoid fatty foods as they cause acidity. Do not eat spicy foods too. All types of sodas and caffeinated beverages have to be avoided. Strictly avoid alcohol as it is very harmful. Coffee and caffeine products have to be avoided. Tomatoes and tomato sauces have to be avoided. Avoid citrus fruits and vegetables. Besides these, you have to avoid all those foods that cause acidity and flatulence. Do not smoke.
Good nutrition is the key to good digestion. The essential home remedies for heartburn is to maintain a proper diet as it prevents indigestion. Eat your food at regular intervals - small meals 4-5 times a day. A healthy dietary supplement based on fruits that are not citrus, is important. Include whole grains, carbohydrates and proteins - soy products, chicken and fish in your diet. Papaya is a very useful ingredient as it helps in the digestion of food. Ginger is very helpful as it reduces flatulence. You can have it raw or add it to your cooking or else buy ginger capsules and have it before meals.
Water cleanses the esophagus and you can drink it if you feel a mild heartburn. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. Almonds and nuts are important home remedies for heartburn as they help in reducing acidity. Aloe juice is a great healer of heartburns. But always remember not to have it directly as a plant extract as it has laxative properties. You must have the juice available in the market. Heartburn and indigestion can be relieved by sipping chamomile and peppermint tea after heavy meals. Bananas are useful too.
Apple cider vinegar is among useful home remedies for heartburn. In half a cup of water, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, mix it and drink it. It is very useful in reducing the problem. You will be thinking that cider vinegar is acidic, but vinegar has the useful acids that cure heartburns but the quantity has to be kept in mind. Coral calcium is a natural supplement that corrects your body's PH balance. You should include it in your diet. Drink a mixture of baking soda and water to reduce the burning sensation. Do not overeat and avoid late night meals or snacks.
