Natural heartburn treatments have been gaining momentum as the choice heartburn treatments in many households. Though there are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and drugs to treat heartburn, most are non-curative unlike natural heartburn treatments. People are also increasingly concerned about the harmful side-effects of such medicines. Folks are now more willing and ready to learn about heartburn, its preventive measures and natural heartburn treatments.



Before we head to the local pharmacy for quick fixes with over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, we need to be aware of the different self care tips we can use to reduce the occurrences of heartburns and prevent them from happening in the first place. A lot has to do with our diet. It is common knowledge that consuming certain foods could trigger heartburns. We also do know that eating right before bedtime is not a good idea at all. Yet, we simply ignore these warnings and stick to our unhealthy eating habits. When the pains of heartburns strike at us, we reach out quickly for our heartburn medication. Unfortunately, in the long run, this quick fix loses its effectiveness and not only so, your heartburn condition can be aggravated.

What are possible harmful side effects of OTC and prescribed medicines and drugs?

You may not be aware but heartburn medicines such as antacids are acid blockers and in the process of offering heartburn relief by blocking stomach acids, they also block nutrients adsorption and hinder digestion. So you may end up in a worst condition. Besides this, since a number of medicines contain trace elements such as aluminum, magnesium, calcium and sodium bicarbonate, patients may suffer from constipation, stomach bloating, excessive gas, stomach upset, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and excessive after-effect acid production.

Enough is said about the possible risks. We will take a look at how natural heartburn treatments can help to arrest heartburns without causing repercussions in our health.

1. Diet

There are some foods that trigger heartburns. You need to also keep track of foods that can cause you to develop heartburns. Avoid them at all cost.

a. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like tomatoes, grapefruit and oranges increase the stomach acidity, and irritate the esophagus.

b. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are difficult to digest and tend to stay in our stomach longer, giving it a greater chance of escaping to the esophagus.

c. Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages. These drinks increase stomach acidity. Carbonated drinks like soda promote production of gases.

d. Alcohol, Peppermint, Spearmint and Chocolate

These foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Stomach acids could then escape to the esophagus, inducing heartburns. Alcohol can also affect muscle contractions which indirectly affect swallowing of food into the stomach, and irritate the esophagus.

e. Foods that Irritate the Esophagus

Other foods include raw onions, garlic, pepper, vinegar and other spices.

2. Home Remedies as Natural Heartburn Treatments

There are a number of home remedies which make excellent natural heartburn treatments. Here is a list you can try:

a. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera juices have been widely used in European countries as natural heartburn treatments. They are soothing to the esophagus.

b. Ginger

Ginger can be prepared with fresh foods or, sliced or powdered and prepared as ginger tea. In both ways, they are good for digestion and are known to aid in suppressing heartburn.

c. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is excellent for treating heartburns.

d. Licorice

It has been reported that licorice is one of the best natural heartburn treatments. DGL, acronym for deglycyrrhizinated licorice is readily available at any health and lifestyle shops in the form of chewing gums and tablets. Daily consumption would effectively suppress the recurrence of heartburns.

e. Fibrous Foods

Eating more fibrous foods like cereals, fruits and vegetables are useful for our digestive systems. A medical research study found that those who stick to a high-fiber diet are 20 percent less likely to suffer from acid reflux heartburns. Fruits like cantaloupe, bananas and apple and vegetables like peas, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are packed with fibers.

Find out more at my blog about effective natural heartburn treatments that have set many heartburn victims free from this nagging problem.

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