Home Remedies For Heartburn – Skip the Expensive and Often Dangerous Prescriptions
Heartburn can be an extremely uncomfortable and sudden issue to deal with. Knowing which home remedies for heartburn live in your refrigerator and kitchen cupboards can help you be prepared if you or your loved ones eat too much spicy food and have an attack to deal with. If you are prone to heartburn, you may want to carry some of the more portable remedies with you or keep some on hand in your vehicle just in case.
Common Foods to Quell Heartburn
Most of us often have some of these grocery items on hand. Reaching for a natural remedy provides much healthier long term effects as opposed to relying on expensive prescription medication or antacids.
Celery, Cabbage and Apples
Consuming one of the above will help your body be able to neutralize stomach acid fairly quickly. Many report relief in as little as 5 minutes. Gala and Braeburn apples seem to work the fastest. Keep some celery sticks in bowl of water in the fridge for a quick fix. Make a huge batch of homemade cabbage soup and freeze it. This makes an excellent supper alternative on heartburn aggravating nights.
Ginger
The ancients relied on the soothing power of ginger to help with tummy troubles. It is commonly used by pregnant women to stop morning sickness and to treat nausea. Try having some candied ginger on hand when travelling. Make a tea from ginger root or purchase prepared tea bags if you prefer.
Garlic
Some people swear that garlic is the cause of their heartburn; however, raw garlic can often be simultaneously soothing. Try chewing on a clove when the pain arises. Garlic is a powerful antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial; you will be boosting your immunity as well as helping your stomach.
Bananas
Use fresh or dehydrated bananas to enjoy the natural antacid effect of this wonderful fruit!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Drink 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar stirred into a half cup of water or apple juice. For best results, consume directly after each meal. This digestive aid will help your stomach remain calm. If it is too bitter or sour for you, consider the capsule or tablet form.
Almonds
There is a considerable amount of oil in almonds and this helps to settle and neutralize stomach acid. If you eat approximately 15 to 25 almonds, you should be feeling better in 30 minutes. Almonds are a great snack to keep in a container at work or in your vehicle to help you combat random attacks.
Raw Potato Juice
Help neutralize your stomach acid by juicing a raw potato. Add an equal amount of cold water to the potato juice. Stir the mixture and drink immediately for the best result. Raw potato juice is also a remedy for healing the esophagus lining.
Pineapple Juice
The natural digestive enzyme bromelain is abundant in pineapple. You can eat fresh pineapple or consume 4 oz. of juice after meals. This will greatly help you balance you hydrochloric acid levels in your stomach. If you prefer, you can opt for chewable tablets or non-chewable capsules from a health food store. If pineapple juice ends up being one of your acidic triggers; try grape juice or pink grapefruit instead.
Natural Herbal Remedies for Soothing Heartburn
A variety of these home remedies for heartburn are things that most restaurants will have on hand; making this list useful if you eat out a lot. Many of these inexpensive items can easily be incorporated onto your next grocery list.
Aloe Vera Juice
Pure aloe vera juice has been used for ages in Europe as remedy to relieve heartburn. It cools down the stomach and reduces inflammation. Be sure to only consume aloe vera juice that is specifically for internal use from a reputable health food store.
Basil
Chew 2 to 3 basil leaves for heartburn relief; another great reason to grow your own organic culinary herbs on your kitchen window sill.
Peppermint Tea or Peppermint Oil
A natural soother, peppermint has been used for hundreds of years as a natural stomach remedy. Chew on some fresh leaves from your prolific peppermint plant in the garden. Conversely, you can purchase organic peppermint tea and have a tea bag or two travelling with you at all times. Peppermint oil is another option. Simply add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water and consume when indigestion occurs. You can even use real peppermint candies to help you combat stomach irritation.
Chamomile Tea
A natural antispasmodic, chamomile tea is extremely soothing to smooth muscle tissue that makes up the stomach. It is extremely relaxing as well and used by many people after supper and before bed as a sleep aid.
Fennel, Caraway, Cinnamon or Anise Tea
Raid the spice rack and whip yourself up a homemade herbal tea. Simply add 1 tsp of any of the aforementioned herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to steep up to 10 minutes, strain and sip the discomfort away.
Slippery Elm Powder
Available at any reputable health food store, Slippery Elm powder is soothing to mucilaginous tissues in the body, such as those found in the stomach region. Mix 1 tsp of powder to a cup of hot water and sip a few cups through the day.
Turmeric
Often a component in curry sauces and curried foods, turmeric can help prevent acid-build up and stimulate the digestive process. If you are not a fan of the taste, try taking a capsule form prior to meals.
Foods to Avoid If You Are Prone To Heartburn
Of course everyone has their own trigger foods; however, some common foods to avoid include:
- caffeine
- chocolate
- onions
- tomatoes
- alcohol
- high fat foods
Try keeping a food journal if you are unsure of what your triggers are. This can be helpful for future grocery shopping and eating out in restaurants. Once you determine a pattern in your heartburn attacks, you will be better equipped to avoid them. Eat regularly; small and frequent meals throughout the day. If you are suffering at night time, try using extra pillows to prop up the head of the mattress by 4 to six inches.
To see more useful home remedies click here.
Resources
The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram
Heartburn Prevention
Heartburn Condition
Heartburn Causes
