Just one heartburn attack is enough to familiarize a person with the pain and agony of this annoying condition.Heartburn is an all-too common condition.Millions of people experience heartburn.A lot of sufferers choose to take a prescription medication to get rid of the symptoms.Although these drugs are mostly effective, they are usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant side effects.Fortunately, there are safer ways of treating acid indigestion that involve improving your lifestyle.
Heartburn, often called GERD or acid reflux, is often caused by a full stomach that pushes acid up through the esophagusOne of the simplest methods to prevent heartburn is to make sure you do not overeat.It is prudent to refrain from gulping drinks during meals, as they will add to your stomach contents.Avoid excessive eating as well as drinking.Rather than eating huge meals three times a day, try eating more frequent, smaller meals spread out during the day. This will mean that you never get hungry enough to overeat.
When eating, take your time and chew your food completely and intentionally.Not only will this result in quicker digestion and less stomach bulk, but it will signal fullness sooner, thus preventing overeating.
Wait at least an hour, but preferably two or three hours after eating before lying down.Even when resting, make sure that the upper torso is higher by at least half a foot from the rest of the body.Pillows alone may not help you achieve this, as pillows only elevate your head. To prevent heartburn, the chest needs to be in an elevated position to make it difficult for acid to travel up the esophagus.
There are many foods that cause heartburn.Citrus foods and tomatoes are foods that have high acid in them that can lead to heartburn.Similarly red wine, coffee, soda, and chocolate are promoters of heartburn.Also refrain from fatty foods such as fries or burgers.To some, spicy foods may also induce indigestion; however, there are others who are not affected by spiciness.
Foods that help battle heartburn include buttermilk, apples, high fiber foods, and some fresh fruit juices, such as pear, guava, or even cabbage juice.Try eating bland foods, such as brown rice or soda crackers to soothe your stomach without adding bulk or acidic offenders.
The muscles that support the digestive system tends to slacken during a bout of smoking or drinking.This makes it harder for the stomach to keep the acid contained.Thus, avoiding nicotine and alcohol will reduce the intensity and regularity of your heartburn attacks.For good measure, you can try chewing sugar free gum.Your mouth will stay busy, and the frequent swallowing will help keep acid in your stomach where it belongs.
Giving up smoking is one way to help wipe out heartburn. Consider researching online for some info on the best way to quit smoking today.
Heartburn can also be treated with the judicious intake of supplements.Examples of these supplements are vitamin B, chamomile, and aloe vera juice.Sprinkle a little cinnamon or raw honey in your tea. Incorporate turmeric, cardamom, and sage into your cooking. Splash a little apple cider vinegar on a salad. All are excellent weapons against heartburn.Mix them into your drinks, eat them raw, or get them in pill form. Your options when using natural supplements are truly endless.
There is no reason why you have to experience heartburn regularly.You have the power to change on small step at a time and protect yourself from the agony of frequent heartburn and the dangerous conditions that can develop from it.Begin implementing these changes right away and you can live a life without heartburn.