Heartburn refers to the pain and burning sensation in the chest, usually felt below the breastbone. This has nothing to do with your heart, and is instead related to the oesophagus. Heartburn sometimes spreads to other areas like the neck, throat and jaw. It is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] and comes hand in hand with bloating and an acidic taste in the mouth.
Around 70 million persons in the US alone suffer from heartburn. If you are one of the unlucky ones, you must have tried various forms of medicine which bring about temporary relief. A few adjustments you could make to your lifestyle could dramatically relieve to prevent heartburn. They include:
” Smaller meals throughout the day
” Eat slowly, chew thoroughly
” Avoid caffeine. Limit intake of acid-stimulating food and drink.
” Drink fat-free milk
” Drink lots of water
” Elevate your head with extra pillows when you sleep
” Relax
” Maintain a reasonable weight
” Do not smoke and reduce alcohol intake
A few natural remedies that could relieve heartburn include. Try one of the following:
” Chew a stick of gum till it has no more flavour and then drink a lot of water.
” Try a handful of roasted, unsalted almonds
” Mix 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz water and drink.
” A teaspoon of vinegar.
” Eat a slice or two of a Braeburn apple.
” Eat a stick of celery.
” One teaspoon of yellow mustard with about 1/2 glass of water.
” Drink an 8oz glass of chilled milk.