Have you ever felt like your chest is on fire after eating a greasy or big meal? If so, you are familiar with a common digestive problem known as heartburn. Whether it happens to you more often or occasionally, there are essential steps you can take to ensure that you saw the burn and the pain. Be sure to consult with your health care provider to find various ways you can achieve heartburn relief, particularly if you intend to use any medication for heartburn.
This article focuses on easy ways to soothe the pain associated with heartburn or preventing it.
Wear loose clothing
In most cases, heartburn happens when the food or contents of your stomach rise up into your esophagus. This is where most stomach acids tend to burn the tissue and cause pain. There are cases when you might be having an episode of this kind of heartburn because you are wearing clothing that is compressing your stomach. In that case, the best way to deal with heartburn is to loosen your belt dress or your pants.
Stand up
Many medical practitioners and a nutritionist believe that your posture can contribute to heartburn. Suppose you are lying down or sitting and you are experiencing heartburn. One of the ways to relieve the pain of heartburn is to stand up straight. Generally, an upright posture often puts less pressure on your esophageal sphincter. This is the ring of muscle that plays a crucial role in stopping stomach acid from rising into your esophagus.
Keep your upper body elevated
If you are experiencing heartburn, lying down can make it worse. Suppose it is your bedtime and you are still experiencing heartburn. In that case, you are supposed to adjust your sleeping surface to keep your upper body elevated. Recent research published in the Mayo Clinic platform suggests that lifting your head with additional pillows is not usually enough. Indeed, the objective is to keep your upper body, particularly from the waist upwards, elevated.
Having an adjustable bed could be very helpful because you can set it to a position that provides relief from the pain caused by heartburn. It is also possible to change your sleeping angle using a wedge pillow. But always remember that lying down when having heartburn could worsen the pain.
Mix baking soda with your drinking water
Did you know that you might have a heartburn remedy in your kitchen? Mixing baking soda with your drinking water can help calm some of the episodes of heartburn simply by neutralizing your stomach acid. To achieve this, simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a single glass of water, then drink it slowly. Keep in mind that you must drink everything slowly if you are experiencing heartburn.
It is essential to mention that you should first consult with your doctor if you have any chronic disease, particularly related to the digestion system. There are also instances where pregnant ladies experience higher levels of heartburn than usual. In this case, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before you use any method of relieving heartburn.
Use ginger
Ginger and other plants have been used as a folk remedy for heartburn-related issues for many centuries. It can also help relieve nausea which is why many health care practitioners believe that it can help soothe heartburn as well. If you intend to use ginger for heartburn, simply add grated or diced ginger to your favorite recipes, soups, and other foods. It is also possible to make ginger tea. Simply steep raw ginger root or ginger tea bags or even dried ginger root in boiling water.
It is essential to mention that carbonated beverages are one of the common heartburn triggers. So, it is recommended to avoid brands of ginger ale prepared with artificial flavoring. If you can successfully avoid issues that trigger heartburn, you won’t have to deal with it in the first place.
Try apple cider vinegar.
Another common heartburn remedy found in your kitchen is apple cider vinegar. Most people, including some nutritionists, believe that it can help neutralize stomach acid. Recent research suggested that sipping diluted apple cider vinegar after a meal can help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn for most people. Unfortunately, these effects did not reach a level of statistical significance, and further research is required in this field.
If you decide to use apple cider vinegar as a heartburn remedy, it is recommended to dilute apple cider vinegar with water and keep it after your meal. Keep in mind that drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar is not recommended.
Summary
Most people may experience heartburn after a big meal or greasy meal. The tips discussed in this article work perfectly under such conditions. However, heartburn could be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this case, it’s recommended to seek a specialized medical condition.