Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium. Also known as pyrosis, or acid ingestion, the pain in heartburn often arises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.
It is commonly associated with acid reflux disease where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus. This problem happens when the pressure between the valve of the stomach and the esophagus is altered. With acid reflux, the pressure from the stomach below increases over the pressure from above, and the digested or partially digested food comes splashing back up.
Fortunately, treatment of heartburn involves conservative and natural methods. It can usually be corrected by initiating lifestyle and dietary changes.
Natural Heartburn Remedies & Treatment
Avoid Heartburn trigger foods
The most common foods that cause heartburn include citrus fruits, citrus juices, chocolate, peppermint, excessive alcohol consumption, tomatoes and tomato-based products, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, and carbonated drinks such as colas.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
This will prevent the stomach from expanding abruptly. Large meals can expand he stomach and increase upward pressure against the esophageal pressure.
Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before heading to bed
Gravity helps keep the stomach juices from backing into the esophagus and assists the flow of food and digestive juices from the intestines. This explains why you will usually feel better standing up right after eating than laying down.
Elevate your head while you sleep
When you lay down flat, the contents of your stomach can press down on against the lower esophageal sphincter, the connection between esophagus and stomach. However, when the head is higher than the stomach, gravity works with this, helping to reduce the pressure. Sleeping at night on a flat position will cause the acid to pool in the esophagus, causing erosions that are harmful and painful in the long run.
Don’t Smoke
The danger of smoking predisposes the esophageal sphincter to relax. It also stimulates the production of stomach acid.
Just Relax
The occurrence of heartburn is associated with stress. because of this, it is important to relieve anxiety and worries that may increase the risk of having heartburn.
Use baking soda
Because of its natural antacid ability, using baking soda dissolved in water can be used to neutralize acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux.
Herbs as a heartburn home remedy
- Slippery Elm - He inner bark of slippery elm is thought to contain a mucilage, a gel-like substance hat swells when it is mixed with water. His mucilage is thought to coat the esophagus and educe irritation. Slippery elm is the primary ingredient in herbal sore throat lozenges found in health food stores or in the natural food section of some grocery stores and drug stores.
- Marshmallow root - Marshmallow root, like the slippery elm, contains mucilage, which is thought to oat and soother the lining of the esophagus. Herbalists often recommend marshmallow root tea. It is usually made by adding one tablespoon of dried root to a cup of boiling water, steeping it covered for at least 10 minutes, and then straining.
Foods that will help against heartburn
- Bananas - These act as a natural antacid in the body. You can take either fresh or dried bananas.
- Chamomile tea - Chamomile tea has been used to help neutralize acid stomach acid.
- Apple cider vinegar - Apple cider also counteracts against acid in the stomach. It can be taken in many forms – from tablet, capsule, or liquid form.
- Ginger - Ginger can be used to prevent nausea and heartburn. It is one of the oldest know remedies for this condition. Ginger can be incorporated in food, or it can also be taken as tea.
- Turmeric - Turmeric helps stimulate digestion and prevent acid build-up.
- Aloe vera juice - Aloe vera juice is known to soothe an irritated esophagus. It has long been used as treatment to heartburn. Taking ¼ cup of aloe vera juice approximately 20 minutes before a meal can help prevent heartburn. Aloe vera contains a powerful component that has laxative effects. Take care to use only juice or gel preparations, as aloe gel taken directly from the aloe vera as the gel can he contaminated with the laxative effect.
From the age of about 19 I started suffering with heartburn, acid reflux, GERD – call it whatever you want ... It was bloody hell. I’m 41 now ... and have been free from it for 4 ½ years ... in those 4 ½ years I haven’t had it once ... yep not even once … and like thousands of others I’ve shown … I gonna tell you how to get rid of it for good (full stop). 
