Can you relieve heartburn without meds?

HeartburnHeartburn is a very common condition , with one in 10 Americans experiencing heartburn symptoms at least once a week.  It can be brought on by a number of different factors, including stress, obesity, pregnancy, being a smoker and eating certain foods.  Symptoms of Heartburn can be described as a burning sensation in the chest which may radiate to the throat or jaw.

Many people with heartburn turn immediately to medication for relief of their symptoms, but often lifestyle changes are just as effective, and reduce the risk of side effects from prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs.  These side effects can include infections, pneumonia and even increased risk of bone fractures.  In fact, some experts say that 60 to 70 percent of people taking heartburn drugs probably don’t need them, or could see just as much benefit from simple lifestyle changes.

Before you turn to medication to manage your heartburn, consider these alternative treatments:

Lose weight. Obesity can cause heartburn: losing a few pounds can help clear up the condition.

Quit smoking. Smoking can damage your mucus membranes, impair throat muscle reflexes, increase acid secretion and reduce saliva—all of which can lead to heartburn.

Eat earlier.  If you are still digesting food at bedtime, your stomach acids are more likely to back up into your esophagus during sleep, causing heartburn.

Chew gum. Interestingly, chewing gum for 30 minutes after a meal can reduce the risk of heartburn by encouraging you to produce saliva that washes down stomach acids.

Increase Water. Heartburn is one way the body signals that there is a shortage of water in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, generally the esophagus or stomach. Alkaline water will help to balance the levels of acid in the body compared non-alkaline water . Learn more about the Alkal-Life.

Keep a “food diary.”
Make a note of the foods that trigger your heartburn.  Common triggers include: alcohol, soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and tea, fatty or fried foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic and onions, and spicy foods.  Once you have identified your triggers, eliminate them from your diet.

Manage your stress. Stress and anxiety can trigger heartburn.  Try using your BioMat to de-stress and relax for 15 to 30 minutes each evening, while you’re reading a book, watching television or just thinking peaceful thoughts. If you are using it after a meal, make sure you lie so that your upper body is elevated.  This will prevent stomach acids from washing back into your esophagus.


  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003407364796 Wagiran

    Hi There,Solutions for acid reflux inolvve making lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods, losing weight, and stopping smoking and exercising regularly. Try to eat 4-5 small meals a day instead of 1-2 large, heavy meals. Do not eat just before going to bed and avoid eating in a hurry. Proper chewing is very important.In acid reflux, the list of what not to eat is much bigger and specific than what to eat. Certain foods and fluids to avoid are:• Salad vegetables like onions, radishes and cucumber hard to digest.• Too much liquid, especially just after the meals, dilutes the digestive juices. Hence, liquids in small quantities should be taken before or during the meals only. A glass of wine on the other hand will aid in digestion.• Peppermint tea, alcohol and coffee relax the esophagus sphincter thereby aiding in spurring of the backward flow of food from the stomach. Alcohol also causes stomach acidity whereas coffee causes irritation. So, it’s a double whammy for people facing acid reflux.• Pectin in unripe foods makes them hard to digest whereas high fat content in cheese slows down digestion, especially if taken just before going to bed.• Fats, protein and calcium present in the milk stimulate acid production in the stomach. Normal diet of milk is fine but don’t take it for treating acid reflux, as is advised by some wise people.• Chocolate, containing fats and caffeine is also a usual suspect.• Fizzy drinks expand your stomach having the same effect as that of overeating. Avoid themAvoid the overuse of over-the-counter medications such as antacids, anti-gas or ant-flatulence drugs, oral suspension and H-2 receptor blockers as they may cause side effects such as constipation and diarrhea. Try these simple techniques- Never lie down flat on the bed immediately after the meals.- Raise the head end of your bed by about 3-4 inches, using bed blocks or bricks. Pillows over pillows won’t help.- Nicotine increase the amount of gastric acids secreted. It also loosens the valve, i.e., relaxes the sphincter. So, don’t smoke.- Wear suspenders instead of a belt. This creates less pressure on the stomach.- Bend on your knees if you are going down. If you bend your stomach, you’ll compress it forcing the acids upwards.- Try yoga or some form of stress relieving exercises in addition to the herbs mentioned above.Natural RemediesNatural and holistic treatments have been used for centuries to treat and provide symptomatic relief for digestive problems. Homeopathic remedies are safe and effective to use for people of all ages without unwanted side effects. Carefully selected ingredients such as Calc phos, Carbo veg, Nat phos, Mag carb and Silicea helps to neutralize acid in the stomach as well as cleanse and eliminate toxins from the body and relieve symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, bloating and gas.Hope all that helpedGood Luck!

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