The best remedies for heartburn

You don't need to be a doctor to know how to relieve the temporary discomfort of heartburn. Occasional heartburn is manageable and preventable, but persistent attacks offer clues that something else is going on.


There are a number of heartburn triggers including being overweight, overeating, high acid food, stress, and alcohol. Heartburn can even be triggered by some prescription medications. Whether looking into medicine or a lifestyle change, there are many ways to get relief.

I’m in pain – SOS!

Simple solutions and natural remedies you can introduce into your daily routine.
Drink 1 cup of water or alkaline vegetable juice (carrot, cucumber, beetroot and radish).
Chew gum to increase saliva flow and neutralize acid.
Drink plenty of tea. Among some of the most effective herbs and plants are ginger, mint, anise, cinnamon, cardamom and marshmallow root.
Eat a banana to either relieve or prevent symptoms.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of lemon juice in a glass of water; drink it immediately before it fizzes out.
Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in ¼ cup of water; drink it 30 minutes after your meal to prevent an attack.
Mix 1 oz of aloe gel with 2 oz of water.
Eat oats (oatmeal) for breakfast.
Have a (fat-free) yogurt a day.

What habits I need to change?

Avoid fatty or acidic foods.
Reduce or stop your use of tobacco and alcohol.
Eat lighter meals but more frequently throughout the day.
Lose weight.
Avoid eating at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Stack your pillows, or place a book under the head of your mattress to create an inclination while you sleep.
Lie on your left side to provide stomach support and help eliminate acid.
Replace your table salt (acid) with sea salt (alkaline).
Eat foods rich in glutamine: eggs, milk, fish, and spinach.

Over-the-counter antacid medicine

If natural remedies are not doing the trick, pharmaceuticals (e.g. Maalox, Tums, Rolaids, Gaviscon, Zantac, Pepto, Bismol, etc.) offer temporarily but effective relief. There’s a very wide selection of antacids and acid blockers available on the market, so don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for recommendations.

Persistent burning symptoms despite everything

You should be evaluated by a physician if you experience persistent discomfort, especially lasting more than a week. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, vocal inflammation (raspy voice), changes in appetite, difficulty swallowing and weight loss may overlap with chronic heartburn. If you’ve modified your habits, used known remedies but still suffer from stomach irritation, it’s time to make an appointment and get treatment.


Source:  http://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/the-best-remedies-for-heartburn/?ypmedium=tdpartner&ypsource=taboola&ypterm=dailymail-row