10 Ways to Help You Get Rid of Heartburn

Millions of people today suffer from a condition called heartburn. Although most of us suffer from a minor case of heartburn, you have to consider the fact that this condition can really be a nuisance as it can hinder us from doing our daily activities normally.

You have to remember that heartburn is a lifestyle disease. It is basically caused by poor eating habits and a poor lifestyle. People who suffer from heartburn either eat too fast or that they eat the wrong kind of food.

First, you have to understand that heartburn is a digestive condition. Despite its name and what you will feel during an episode of heartburn, it is in no way related to the heart.

Heartburn happens when stomach acid comes into contact with our esophagus. You have to remember that stomach acid can reflux or travel back up inside our body. When stomach acid comes into contact with our esophagus, it will cause irritation, and we will feel that burning sensation that starts in our diaphragm all the way to our chest, which is basically what we all know as heartburn.

It’s an unpleasant feeling that you have to learn how to prevent in order for you to continue living a normal life and also keep your body healthy.

The first way to get rid of heartburn is to lose weight if you are overweight. Too much fat in the midsection will mean too much pressure in the stomach. When there is too much pressure on the stomach, it will force stomach acid to go up. This is why you have to lose weight.

The second way is to avoid having large meals. Instead of 3 large meals a day, try to eat 6 smaller meals a day. This will keep stomach acid production at a minimum, therefore, minimizing the likelihood of heartburn.

The third is to have soup, salad, or sandwiches for dinner. Avoid big dinners before going to bed. Doing so will keep the stomach light and digestion easy. Carbohydrates and starch-based food can also help neutralize stomach acid.

The fourth is to maintain good posture whenever you eat and after you eat. This way, you will avoid putting pressure on the stomach, which will help in avoiding stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

The fifth is to drink plenty of water instead of drinking carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks increase the amount of gas in the body, which will eventually put pressure on the stomach. On the other hand, water does not and it will help flush down stomach acid.

The sixth way is to drink a cup of green tea every day. The antioxidants in green tea will help get rid of unwanted toxins in your body. With fewer toxins, the stomach will have an easier time digesting food and will produce less acid.

The seventh is to wear loose-fitting clothes. Wearing tight clothes can produce a lot of pressure on your stomach, which will force stomach acid up to your esophagus.

The eighth is to have ginger tea whenever you feel heartburn symptoms. This provides faster relief and it’s also a healthier alternative than antacids.

The ninth is to quit smoking. Keep in mind that the nicotine inside cigarettes and cigars can prevent the LES or lower esophageal sphincter from functioning properly. The LES acts as a valve that separates the stomach acid from the esophagus.

Lastly, try to adjust your body position when sleeping. If you have nighttime heartburn, try to elevate your head. But, try not to use extra pillows to elevate your head. Instead, place a wedge underneath the mattress or raise the bed with a 6-inch block on the part where your head is.

These are the 10 ways on how you can get rid of heartburn. As you can see, a few lifestyle modifications can go a long way in treating heartburn. Just keep in mind that by living a healthier lifestyle, you will be able to prevent heartburn from taking control of your life.