Heartburn: Risks and Natural Cures

The hectic pace of life today coupled with an inadequate diet often gives rise to a number of conditions. Heartburn is one of them. It is characterized by a painful burning sensation below the ribcage and is associated with the reflux of gastric acid. The name can be misleading as it has absolutely no connection to the heart. It is important to remember that certain food stuffs add to the condition and should be avoided at all costs.

Risks- Beverages containing caffeine will relax the esophageal sphincters causing a gastric acid reflux. The same is true of cocoa and cocoa products like chocolate. Fried food usually slows down the digestion by staying in the stomach for a longer period of time. This creates pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and the acidic contents of the stomach are regurgitated. Tomato as well as citrus fruits do likewise hence it is wise to stay away from them if you experience heart burn frequently. Alcohol and tobacco need to be strictly avoided by people suffering from heartburn.

Eating very large meals can worsen your condition as they increase the pressure on the already weakened sphincter. Almost all doctors  advise eating at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. A full stomach hampers the digestion process and causes acidic reflux if you lie down immediately after eating. Tight clothing around the abdomen can squeeze the stomach painfully and cause heart burn too

Herbal medicines- DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is recommended by some people for getting rid of heartburn. Studies have noted its effectiveness as far as decreasing inflammation and curing ulcers are concerned but the idea of treating heartburn with this licorice is yet to be proved conclusively.

Aloe Vera juice has been known to relieve heartburns quickly and effectively. It is widely used as a home medicine even though there has been no scientific evidence in support of it.

Both slippery elm and marshmallows contain mucilage which acts as a coating for the esophagus thereby preventing heartburn. However both these herbal remedies are used as home remedies and are not recommended by physicians.