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With any illness or disease there are usually a number of risk factors. For examples, exposing yourself to certain chemicals can cause Cancer. The same can be said of Heartburn; there are certain foods and eating habits that can lead to this uncomfortable and often painful condition. Knowing what Heartburn risk factors are will help you to avoid the nasty symptoms associated with it.
Let us start by saying that the term heartburn does not have a thing to do with your heart. It is simply called heartburn because it is a burning pain that travels up the esophagus from the stomach as a result of an excessive amount of stomach acid being produced. One of the most obvious risk factors for heartburn is of course the food you incorporate into your diet. People who eat spicy foods, fatty foods and foods that contain high levels of sugar are often afflicted by heartburn more often.
Being overweight can also cause heartburn as there is added pressure to your stomach and esophagus. Another heartburn risk factor is smoking cigarettes. There is not a lot of information as to why smoking would cause heartburn other than the fact that it irritates the lining of the stomach and lungs. Sometimes when people lie down too soon after eating heartburn can develop. The best rule of thumb is to wait for at least an hour or two after eating to lie down in bed.
It is important to note that heartburn mimics heart attack. The only time heartburn can occur is after food has been eaten. If a person experiences what feels like heartburn four hours before or after a meal a visit to the hospital may be a good idea. Unfortunately, a heart attack can feel exactly like heartburn and vice versa.
Above all advice when it comes to heartburn risk factors is to know your own body. If you know that something tends to cause heartburn, do not eat it. If there is something that you absolutely love and would like to eat once in a while then try using an acid reducer medication an hour before your meal.
Heartburn that happens a couple of times a month is probably not a big deal but if you begin noticing it occurring more than once a week then you may have a chronic problem and should seek medical attention. Heartburn can lead to GERD, ulcers and a number of other complications if it is not treated properly.
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic heartburn, otherwise known as Acid Reflux Disease, then you know what it feels like to suffer with (what seems like) every bite of food that you consume. The fact is if you are suffering from heartburn then you may need to formulate a special diet which can help in alleviating some of the symptoms that make having acid reflux so unbearable.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods you should stay away from altogether in order to make heartburn as close to a non-issue as possible. Foods that are recommended against would include things like hot wings, orange and grape fruit juices and many dairy products along with a litany of other acidic foods that should be avoided. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to limit your acid, grease and fat intake in order to avoid a flare up of acid reflux. There are also some fruits that you may want to avoid, however, not all of your favorite foods are off limits if you are going to be on a heartburn diet.
Foods to Eat in Moderation
There are some foods which may cause you to suffer from symptoms of heartburn; however, some of those foods are not completely off limits. Items like orange juice are acidic, however not nearly as acidic as something with lime or lemon in it and may be easier on your stomach than other citrus products. You may also want to monitor the kinds of dairy products that you consume as lactose can play a serious role in inducing acid reflux flair up. Eating certain types of fruits in moderation is also very important. Berries in general are a good thing to try and stay away from as well as peaches and grapes.
Foods Safe to Eat on Heartburn Diet
As you begin to research what kind of foods you can and cannot eat while you are on a heartburn diet you may start to think that such a diet is very restrictive and not at all palatable for the average person. However, it is important to remember that most of your favorite products that you buy from the grocery store come in fat free and low fat versions. This is important because as stated earlier, it is mostly overly fatty, greasy or acidic foods that cause heartburn to occur. In other words, instead of buying regular sour cream, try the low fat. It tastes just as good and won’t cause your throat and chest to feel as though they are on fire.
Keeping the Pain to a Minimum
Having heartburn can be a very unpleasant and even painful ordeal if you do not go about treating the condition the right way. Most people think that having chronic heartburn pain is a curse that they are never going to be able to get rid of, however if you know what you are putting into your body and are conscious of the effects that each item is having on you, then your chances of reducing an acid reflux flare up can be greatly reduced.
As a general rule of thumb, a heartburn diet is basically a generalized low fat, low spice diet that can be easily integrated into any lifestyle and can be just as tasty as a regular full fat diet. It is up to you to decide if you want to change your diet since no one else is going to do it for you. You are the one suffering so it is up to you to do something about it. Try a basic heartburn diet along with any medications your doctor recommends and you will feel so much better for it.
After having suffered through all those weeks of ‘morning sickness,’ the last thing any pregnant woman wants to go through is another several months of heartburn. Unfortunately, heartburn is common in pregnancy because of all that extra weight you are carrying up front. That tiny baby is causing an upwards pressure on your stomach which may then cause the contents up into the esophagus. Although there are a number of medications on the market, most women try to treat heartburn naturally. Here are some suggestions which have been found effective as well as safe for many pregnant mothers.
Avoid Spicy and Fatty Foods
Although we know that spicy or fatty foods tend to cause heartburn, what many women don’t know is that they also weaken the esophageal sphincter. This allows for foods to come back up more readily, but spicy and fatty foods also tend to be more acidic. Since it is acid that causes the discomfort, you want to avoid foods that cause an excess of stomach acids.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Anyone suffering from heartburn should make every effort to sleep with the head elevated. This is true during pregnancy as well. When looking at natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy give this remedy some serious thought. There are wedge-shaped pillows on the market for just this purpose and as you progress through your trimesters you will find that it helps keep you more comfortable as well!
Smaller Meals More Often
Keep in mind that your baby is taking up a lot of room in your midsection so you should try to avoid overeating. Most obstetricians suggest that you eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. This is good, sound advice for anyone suffering from heartburn but it is also an effective remedy during pregnancy as well. Besides helping to relieve heartburn you will feel so much more comfortable not being overly full.
Don’t Nap Directly After Eating
Whether or not you choose to sleep with your head elevated, the worst thing you can do is take a nap directly after eating. Give your stomach time to begin digesting some of that food so that it can work its way down instead of back up again. It is suggested that you try to walk around a bit after eating and wait at least an hour before taking that much needed nap.
Eat Yogurt for Dessert
In recent years there has been a great deal of information in regards to something called probiotics. Yogurt culture is naturally high in probiotics which aid in digestion and keep friendly bacteria at healthy levels in your intestinal tract. Instead of eating a piece of pie or a dish of ice cream for dessert (with or without pickles!) try a nice tasty portion of yogurt. This will go a long way in relieving heartburn during pregnancy.
Papaya and Ginger
One of the oldest Chinese heartburn remedies during pregnancy is ginger, believe it or not! Chinese women have added fresh ginger root to soups and teas for thousands of years and to this day it is one of the most common remedies for heartburn. A nice portion of papaya can help as well since papayas are naturally high in digestive enzymes. The key is to keep foods moving through your digestive system so they aren’t sitting in your stomach waiting to back up into your esophagus. Both ginger and papaya are wonder workers in this regard.
If you are like so many women who would rather go au natural at this happy time, try some of these natural heartburn remedies during pregnancy. You would be surprised at just how far a few lifestyle and dietary changes can go in remedying heartburn. Of course you should discuss any changes with your doctor, but you will find that these suggestions are safe and effective. Give them a try!
We all know that pregnancy comes with a series of uncomfortable symptoms. Usually, just when we think one is gone another emerges! The good news is it does not last forever and there is a wonderful package arriving at the end. The bad news is that you will have to endure the many quirks that come with being pregnant. Today we will discuss heartburn and what you can do to help relieve yourself from it, if it should occur and there is a very good chance it will.
A Bit of Prevention Goes a Long Way
Unfortunately, there is no way to actually stop heartburn from ever occurring during pregnancy. It is just one of those things women have learned to deal with. However, we have all heard that a bit of prevention goes a long way and in this case, that saying couldn’t be more useful. In order to minimize your risk of heartburn, avoid eating foods you know are apt to cause it. This includes foods which are extremely spicy, nuts, certain sugary snacks, soda and a number of others. Basically, if you know that something has caused you to get heartburn before, steer clear of it. There will be plenty of time for that once the baby arrives.
Sleep in a Propped Up Position
Not only will sleeping in a propped up position during the later stages of pregnancy help you to breath better as the baby will not be putting pressure on your lungs, but it can also help stop excess stomach acid from traveling up into the esophagus. This is true whether you are pregnant or not but most non-pregnant people prefer to lie down when they sleep. Put a few cushy pillows behind you and get in the most comfortable propped up position you can. Doing this may just help you realize a better night sleep with less or no heartburn. Always keep a few saltine crackers next to your bed just in case you should start to feel that all too familiar burning sensation as they work to help soak up some of that extra acid.
Eat Small Meals More Frequently
Instead of filling your stomach to capacity at each meal, eat a small meal and let that digest. If you become hungry more often that is fine, just give yourself a couple of hours and eat another small meal. The less food you put in your stomach at a time, the easier it will be to digest properly. This will help a great deal when it comes to preventing heartburn or at least stopping it from becoming a serious problem for you. Noshing (eating a little bit at a time many times throughout the day) is really the best thing a pregnant woman can do.
Watch Your Posture
How many of us have heard our mothers or grandmothers tell us to sit up straight or we’d get a hunched back? Well, guess what! I am about to tell you to sit up straight too, not only to sit up straight but stand up straight as well. Standing or sitting in a hunched over position can lead to stomach acid traveling up into your esophagus much easier. Pay attention to the way you are sitting or standing. Believe it or not, it really makes a difference!
If you are experiencing horrible heartburn during your pregnancy and none of the above suggestions seems to be helping, speak to your doctor about medications which may be safe for you. There are some over the counter remedies that your doctor may allow but beware of any containing aluminum or aspirin and always check with your physician first.
All children have a tendency to get an upset stomach from time to time. However, when it becomes a chronic problem and your child appears to be in pain, you may want to consider the possibility that your child is suffering from what is called acid reflux disease. This is a very painful condition in which stomach acid rises up into the esophagus and throat. The only thing worse than suffering from acid reflux yourself, is watching your child go through it.
This condition can cause major frustration as there can be a number of other ailments which appear to be acid reflux. Sometimes food allergies or sensitivities can cause children to have symptoms which mimic acid reflux. For example, something your child eats regularly may be causing acid indigestion. If that food were to be eliminated then the symptoms would just stop. Of course if you do not know what the food is, this in itself will pose a problem.
The only way to know for sure if your child is suffering from acid reflux is to have the child’s condition diagnosed by a physician. However, there are some acid reflux symptoms in kids you might watch for. If your child seems to experience a lot of discomfort after eating and he/she complains of a burning sensation, this could be a sign of acid reflux. Keep in mind that a few episodes of normal heartburn do not point to acid reflux. This will be something that happens more often than not in a child who is suffering from reflux.
You may also notice your child does not seem to thrive in terms of gaining weight appropriately. This can be related to many medical conditions but when considering acid reflux in children this is indeed one of the symptoms. If this is coupled with chronic vomiting then there is even more reason to be concerned.
If you have notice that your child seems to have a persistent cough that occurs more frequently upon waking, this could also be a result of the acid rising into the throat and esophagus. Acid reflux in children will cause irritation that could easily lead to a chronic cough. Burping to excess is also a sign of acid reflux and if you notice this address it with you physician. This is especially true if regurgitation accompanies the burping.
Wheezing, obvious discomfort while eating and frequent gagging are also telltale signs that you child may be suffering from acid reflux in children. No matter whom you are, acid reflux is a painful and uncomfortable condition, and that is putting it mildly. For a child this debilitating condition can really have an effect on the quality of his/her life. The good news is that there are many known acid reflux for kids treatments. Talk to your doctor to see what the best option for treatment will be if you have a child who is diagnosed with acid reflux disease.
There is never any reason in today’s world that a child should suffer with acid reflux. We have too many resources at our fingertips and a variety of ways in which this condition can be treated and the symptoms managed. Do not wait to take your child to a doctor if you suspect acid reflux disease as prolonging treatment can lead to other more serious complications such as GERD. If treatment is not started early there is even a chance that stomach ulcers and other underlying conditions can emerge as a result of the untreated regurgitation of the stomach acid.
There are probably very few people who can honestly say they have never suffered from heartburn because it only takes a little too much stomach acid to cause the contents to reflux up into the esophagus. However, there are people who do suffer from more serious conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder) or even a hiatal hernia which manifests in heartburn. For the common case of heartburn, there are a number of over the counter products which can be safely taken. However, keep in mind that the best heartburn medication over the counter products fall into two main categories for the most part, those that inhibit the production of stomach acid and those that neutralize it.
Antacids on the Heartburn Medication List
The first category of heartburn medication over the counter formulations is in a class known as antacids. These have been popular for decades and contain such medications such as Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia and Pepto-Bismol. Then there are those rolls of heartburn medication over the counter products such as Rolaids and Tums. Not to be forgotten, other medications that come in both liquid and chewable forms are Maalox and Mylanta. A few over the counter antacids also contain a chemical called simethicone which reduces excess gas.
Although these medications are sold liberally over the counter, side effects can occur such as cramps, diarrhea, constipation and change in color or consistency of bowel movements. Never take more antacids than directed as this can, and often does, promote unpleasant heartburn medication side effects. If your symptoms occur more than twice a week or refuse to go away after treating with a heartburn medication over the counter, consult with your doctor instead of increasing your dosage.
Acid Reducers on the Heartburn Medication Over the Counter List
There is a very real difference between acid reducers and antacids which you should be aware of. Acid reducers work by stopping the production of stomach acid whereas antacids simply neutralize acids in the stomach. Most acid reducers are called either H2 blockers or H2 antagonists and for a long time these were only available by prescription. Many are still available in prescription strength, but the OTC preparations can be easily found and are usually in lesser dosages than their prescription counterparts. Common examples of H2 antagonists/blockers are Pepcid AC, Axid AR, Zantac 75 and Tagamet HB.
Another type of acid reducer is a type of medication called a proton pump inhibitor. These are the newest types of heartburn medication and there are a few that have been approved by the FDA for over the counter sale. The two most popular OTC proton pump inhibitors are Prilosec OTC, Prevacid 24HR while the newest on the market is Zegerid OTC. None of these medications should ever be taken for a longer period of time than 14 days unless your doctor says otherwise. Make absolutely certain to follow the instructions on the packaging and if you have any questions consult with the pharmacist or your doctor before beginning treatment.
In fact, it is always recommended that you consult with your own personal physician before taking any medications at all. Some medications, even heartburn medication over the counter preparations, have adverse reactions when taken with other pharmaceuticals. Heartburn medication during pregnancy is also not advisable unless prescribed by your doctor. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the medication is sold over the counter. Some of these medications have not proven safe for the unborn child. Whether you take heartburn medication generic over the counter products or name brands, always read the labels thoroughly before taking the first dose and never take anything against the advice of your physician.
Acid reflux is often referred to as heartburn and indeed one of the symptoms of acid reflux is that burning sensation that starts somewhere in the vicinity of your chest and works its way up through your esophagus and finally to your throat. Sometimes acid reflux is a passing symptom of having eaten too much or too much of the wrong things and other times it is indicative of some more serious underlying condition such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and hiatal hernias. For this reason, if you experience acid reflux more than once or twice a week it is imperative that you speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying any acid reflux medications over the counter.
Four Basic Acid Reflux Medications by Type
There are actually four different ‘types’ of acid reflux medications which have been successful in treating this oftentimes excruciatingly painful condition. The classifications include proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor blockers, antacids and anti-gas medications. Of the four, anti-gas medications like Beano or Gas-X aren’t true acid reflux medications but they can help if excess gas is causing undigested foods and stomach acid to reflux up into the esophagus. The other three types of acid reflux medication do, in fact, treat acid reflux but they all approach it in a different way.
Antacids and Anti-Gas Medications
The purpose of taking an antacid when experiencing acid reflux is because they can neutralize stomach acid before it refluxes. Although you may still experience some amount of reflux, it shouldn’t be as painful if a good percentage of the acid has first been neutralized. Some antacids are sold in chewable tablets, some are tablets you can take with milk or water and others are liquid suspensions such as Pepto Bismol. These do not inhibit the production of stomach acid as H2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors do, but an antacid can relieve the symptoms. So too can an anti-gas medication if it relieves bloating and pressure that is causing acid reflux.
H2 Receptor Blockers
At one time, as is the case of many of our OTC medications today, H2 receptor blockers were only available by prescription. These provide relief that is longer lasting than an antacid and can be used safely by people who experience acid reflux a few times a month. However, in the treatment of such things as GERD or hiatal hernias, a new class of medication has been found to work better and that is the proton pump inhibitors. H2 receptor blockers on the market which can be purchased without a prescription would be such pharmaceuticals as Zantac and Pepcid AC.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Like H2 receptors, proton pump inhibitors stop the production of stomach acid but they are normally not prescribed for periods longer than two weeks at a time. There are some which are sold OTC, but those too are only to be taken for up to two weeks and only once every four months. It is of vital importance that if you are suffering from acid reflux more than twice a week so that you would need a medication of this caliber that you seek medical counsel. Again, ongoing acid reflux is generally a case of some more serious illness or condition.
It cannot be stressed enough that any problem which is ongoing should always be seen to by a qualified medical professional. There is a chance it may be nothing and then there is an equal possibility that it may be something that needs medical or surgical intervention as would be the case with a severe hiatal hernia. Acid reflux can certainly be a case of having had too much to eat or drink but it could be something far more sinister. Acid reflux medications are available by prescription as well as over the counter, but you need to know what to treat in order to find the right medication for you.
No matter whom you ask, you will get varying answers as to just how many women experience heartburn during pregnancy and when it is most likely to occur. The consensus seems to be that anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of pregnant women suffer from heartburn, but that is where the similarities end. Some doctors say that heartburn during pregnancy is likely to begin in the first or second trimester while some believe it most commonly begins during the second or third trimester. In any case, one thing everyone agrees with is the fact that you should never take any medications unless you speak with your doctor or midwife first.
What Causes Heartburn during Pregnancy?
The first thing to know about heartburn during pregnancy is where it comes from. There are some who believe it is hormonal changes in the body while others feel that it is the extra weight causing pressure on the stomach and in turn the esophagus. Morning sickness is common for pregnant women but heartburn is different. It is that burning sensation from your chest up to your throat, commonly referred to as acid indigestion. Excess acidity refluxes up through the esophageal sphincter and is the ultimate cause of heartburn.
Heartburn during Pregnancy First Trimester
While it seems to be less common for women to experience heartburn during pregnancy first trimester, there are those who do and luckily it is easier to treat at this time. Although you still need to be careful about using medications, even OTC antacids, you are not faced with a huge baby pushing your organs all out of whack, compounding the problem. If you are one of the unlucky ones who start experiencing heartburn early on, treatment will follow similar patterns as in any other trimester, the main difference being the severity of the symptoms in most cases.
Heartburn during Pregnancy Treatment Options
The most widely accepted heartburn during pregnancy treatment options includes lifestyle changes. Most doctors recommend eating lighter meals more frequently, wearing loose fitting clothing and of course you are asked to stop smoking. Of course you would want to anyway, but if for some unknown reason you didn’t, this would be a good time to do so. There is one other suggestion which many healthcare professionals recommend and that is to elevate the head of the bed by six to eight inches. It can either be done with blocks under the frame at the head or with a wedged pillow. Just make sure that the pillow is firm enough to support your weight to keep the top portion of your body elevated.
Heartburn during Pregnancy Natural Remedies
Before taking any natural remedies, consult with your doctor because some herbal preparations are known to cause complications during pregnancy. Keep in mind that you are trying to neutralize the acid so anything that is alkaline should help, such as milk or a bit of baking soda in cool water. The ancient Chinese swore by ginger root and this remedy has been around for literally thousands of years. It is also suggested that vitamin B-6 is helpful with heartburn during pregnancy as it is known to be beneficial to morning sickness.
For women suffering from heartburn during pregnancy the best advice is to try to take it easy. Limit your intake of fatty foods, stop drinking coffee and soda and make sure that you try to reduce your stress level. By wearing loose fitting clothing and eating smaller meals throughout the day, you should be able control heartburn during pregnancy to some degree. If you find that it becomes unbearable talk to your doctor for a treatment which is safe for both you and baby. With a little luck, it will all be over once the baby is born.
Anyone suffering from GERD knows that a bout of acid reflux can occur any time of day or night, and most often when you least expect it. Whether you have eaten a meal, are just about to fall asleep or are in the middle of an important business meeting makes no difference. GERD does not discriminate when and where it wants to rear its ugly face and worst of all, there are times when you have nothing on hand to ease the discomfort. So what then are some GERD treatment options that might help alleviate the discomfort in times like these and are there any GERD treatment guidelines we should be following?
GERD Treatment Guidelines
The first thing anyone who has been diagnosed with GERD should be aware of is the fact that this is a condition that is not going to go away with a single antacid or a change in diet. Although these do help in the here and now, GERD treatment guidelines first and foremost, call for lifestyle changes and secondly medical intervention which could mean pharmaceuticals, surgery or both. For example, lifestyle changes would include eating lighter meals more frequently so as not to place undue pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and to eat foods not known to be acidic or spicy. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor and only as directed.
GERD Treatment Medications
There are several types of GERD treatment medications on the market, some by prescription only and some are OTC and readily available. However, it is always recommended that you consult with your own doctor prior to taking any GERD treatment drugs whatsoever to make sure you are taking the right medication for what ails you. So many times we self diagnose only to find out we have been treating the wrong condition. Once GERD has been diagnosed, the types of medications usually fall into a few broad categories:
- Antacids – for immediate, albeit short lived relief
- Proton Pump Inhibitors – medications which hinder production of excess stomach acid
- Histamine Antagonists – prevents acid production by blocking histamine receptors
- Pro-motility Pharmaceuticals – stimulates peristalsis, moves food out of stomach faster
In any case, some pharmaceuticals must be prescribed by a physician, in which case he or she can discuss with you the best GERD treatment options for your particular needs.
GERD Treatment Natural Remedies
There are almost as many GERD treatment natural remedies as there are people suffering from GERD. Well, that may be a ‘slight’ exaggeration, but the point is that you should carefully consider the advice you are given prior to experimenting with any natural remedies. One of the most controversial GERD treatment natural remedies is the use of vinegar, often apple cider vinegar. Proponents of the vinegar remedy claim that the reason reflux occurs is because there is insufficient stomach acid being produced to digest the foods we eat. Medical science has proven this to be inaccurate in the case of GERD and adding more acid (i.e. vinegar) will just exacerbate the condition. Other natural remedies such as baking soda, milk and honey are much safer but the jury is out on the verdict as to their efficiency.
Whether you choose to use natural remedies or GERD treatment medications (OTC or prescription) is an individual decision. Even so, before you go about trying one solution after the next, it is always in your best interest to consult with your doctor prior to taking any medications. GERD symptoms, primarily heartburn, can be indicative of other more serious illnesses such as a heart attack and are often fatally confused. Once you have an accurate diagnosis there are GERD treatment options at your disposal, but don’t put the cart before the horse. Get that diagnosis first!
There probably isn’t a person on earth who hasn’t had, at one time or another, an episode of heartburn severe enough to reach for the good old fashioned chalky mint flavored antacids. However, some people are more prone to it than others, which is why there are a million and one heartburn relief remedies. The trick is to find heartburn relief that is safe and effective for you. But, first you need to know what is causing that sour stomach that repeats on you.
What Causes Heartburn?
In order to find effective heartburn relief, it is important to understand the triggers that cause it. Heartburn is named as such because of the burning sensation experienced in the chest when stomach acid comes up backwards through the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). At this point the acid irritates the delicate lining of the esophagus causing that painful burning we have come to know as heartburn and why we are so intent on finding heartburn relief remedies.
What Causes the Acid to Work Back Upwards?
Sometimes the LES is not functioning properly and other times the valve is just weak. Then there are simply times when we eat too much of the wrong foods that cause excess acidity which cannot be neutralized quickly enough during the natural digestive process, so it refluxes (comes up the wrong way). The thing to look for is whether you have frequent heartburn which necessitates taking regular doses of heartburn relief medicine or if it only happens infrequently. If you have frequent heartburn it could be GERD, a disorder which often needs medical diagnosis and intervention.
Two Types of Heartburn Relief Remedies
If you have been diagnosed with GERD or other disorders such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is doubtful that heartburn relief natural remedies or antacids will provide the type of treatment needed. The treatment of choice for these types of disorders that affect the LES would be a group of medications classified as proton pump inhibitors which help to reduce the amount of acid being produced in the stomach. This is a significantly different approach than taking antacids which simply neutralize the acid in the stomach as opposed to stopping the production of it.
What Are the Best Heartburn Relief Remedies?
As mentioned, there are two types of heartburn relief remedies and they type which is best depends on the cause. Proton pump inhibitors are the best heartburn relief remedies because, over time, they help to stop the production of excess acid in the stomach. This is the best treatment for ongoing disorders. The best heartburn relief remedies for the occasional occurrence of heartburn might be an OTC antacid or heartburn relief natural remedies.
Natural Heartburn Relief Remedies
Some people swear by home remedies for heartburn. In fact, perhaps the number one heartburn relief home remedy is something we all typically have on hand in our refrigerators – milk! For heartburn relief, milk does seem to neutralize excess acid while it also soothes the lining of the esophagus which is burning from the reflux acid. Other people find that aloe vera helps to soothe the burning sensation even more powerfully than milk. Aloe vera is available in both gel caps and in liquid form at health food stores as well as in many pharmacies.
Whether you choose to find heartburn relief naturally or in pharmaceuticals, the main concern is to keep a diary of how often it occurs if you find that you seem to be experiencing it frequently. If you find that you are subjected to heartburn more than twice a week over a period of weeks, it’s time to consult with your doctor as there is obviously some underlying problem. However, for those of us who just have periodic bouts of heartburn, a simple OTC antacid or a heartburn relief home remedy should do the trick.
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