Heartburn can, and does, happen to just about every one of us at one time or another. However, the fact that heartburn is a common problem is hardly a comfort when you are the one suffering from the painful burning in your chest and back of the throat. When those symptoms become a frequent "friend", the need for relief becomes even more pronounced and the search for natural heartburn treatment begins. The good news is that there are many options in heartburn home treatment that sufferers can use to keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay.
What to Avoid
Heartburn can be caused and exacerbated by many different factors, so the first step in natural heartburn treatment is to identify those triggers so they can be avoided as much as possible. Some common culprits include eating too close to bedtime or indulging in alcoholic or carbonated beverages. Lying down right after a meal can make it easier for those digestive acids to work their way back up the digestive tract.
It is best to wait two or three hours after a meal before assuming a reclining position. Alcoholic beverages can relax the muscle at the base of the esophagus that is responsible for keeping stomach acids where they belong and away from the esophageal lining. Carbonated beverages like soda can also add pressure to the stomach, increasing the possibility of heartburn. Simply avoiding some of these habits can be an effective method of natural heartburn treatment.
Other things to avoid are some types of pain medication, caffeine and smoking. Medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate an esophagus that is already tender from acid reflux or heartburn. If you suffer from frequent bouts, it is best to choose acetaminophen for your occasional headaches as a natural heartburn treatment. Nicotine can also irritate the esophagus as well as the lining of the stomach, so kick the habit for natural heartburn treatment. Caffeine, like alcohol, can relax the muscle of the esophagus, making it easier for stomach acids to sneak back up. Avoidance of these substances is one of the easiest and healthiest methods of natural heartburn treatment.
Of course, some foods are known heartburn agents as well, such as chocolate, peppermint, tomatoes, citrus fruits and some spicy foods. Once you identify your heartburn triggers from this list, you can stay away from those foods that cause your painful symptoms as a natural heartburn treatment. If you simply must indulge in your favorite spaghetti sauce or grapefruit, there are medications that will reduce acid production. If you take one of these medications one half hour before a meal, it can help keep your heartburn symptoms at bay.
Heartburn hurts, but help is available. By using a method of natural heartburn treatment, you can prevent heartburn before it begins.
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