Some Home Remedies For Heartburn Relief

The main symptoms of Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease(GERD) will be heartburn which comes with burning sensations and uneasiness. But there is definitely a way for you to treat it at home with all the items readily available in your kitchen.

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The Problem of Acid Reflux

The disease of acid reflux is a condition that can be avoided completely. It happens when the acid in your stomach rises up into the esophagus which is a tube connected to the throat and stomach. This will then causes heartburn to occur.

You might think that this situation is not that harmful to you. Well, you might be right. However, it cannot be left just like that as time passes by, the corrosive acid in your stomach will cause some damage to the esophagus lining and can lead to several other diseases like cancer for instance.

The way to alleviate heartburn quickly will either be through treatment at home or by taking certain medications. However, the methods that will be shared might have different effects on certain individuals.

Home Remedies For Heartburn

You can try some of the methods here at home to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

1. Change In Lifestyle

Most experts suggested that patients with heartburn do some changes in their lifestyle to prevent acid reflux symptoms and avoid any complications in the future. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease(NIDDK), this includes the following:

• Reduce the intake of food high in fats such as fast food and processed food.
• Avoid taking food and drinks that can cause irritation. Examples will be raw onions, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated drinks.
• Avoid the habit of always eating until you feel full.
• Stop smoking.
• Maintain a balanced and moderate weight.
• Wearing loose clothes, especially by the stomach.
• Avoid taking heavy meals, especially 2 or 3 hours before bedtime.
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2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is believed to help reduce heartburn due to it being alkaline and can neutralize the acidity of the acid.

What needs to be done is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. This amount is enough to neutralize the acid. On top of that, baking soda also contains natrium which can change the acid balance in the blood if taken excessively.

It is wise for you to seek a doctor's advice before trying this at home.

3. Banana

Who has not tried a banana, am I right? Banana is said to contain a natural antacid that can neutralize the acid in our stomach.

Therefore, it is best for you to eat some bananas in the morning as your daily routine if you have this problem. If the banana is not available, an apple can be considered the best replacement.

Medical Treatment In Treating Heartburn

Aside from the home remedies, of course, there are many types of medication that be consumed to treat heartburn symptoms.

1. Antacid

Antacid functions to neutralize the acid in our stomach and ultimately relieve acid reflux.

Some of the over-the-counter(OTC) medications that you can buy in the pharmacy contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum. Generally speaking, the intake of antacids is recommended before food.

2. Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists

This type of medication works by targeting the histamine-2 receptors in your stomach which will prevent the release of acid in the stomach.

In most cases, the effect should come immediately and should be consumed within 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.

The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved 4 types of histamine-2 receptor antagonists:

• Cimetidine
• Famotidine
• Ranitidine
• Nizatidine

Some of these medications can be obtained without a prescription. However, it is advisable that you discuss this with your doctors first before taking any medication. This is due to the potential side effects that come with it and the interactions that it may have with your other medications.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitor(PPI)

PPI is believed to reduce the release of acid in the stomach. It can give an effect on the parietal cell in the stomach that contains the proton pump.

Blocking this interaction is the final step in preventing the release of the stomach in the stomach. Some common examples in the market will be Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Esomeprazole.

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Steps in Reducing Heartburn While Pregnant

How about if you are a pregnant woman with an acid reflux problem? Can you actually treat yourself in the same manner by using medications as other individuals?

For pregnant women, acid reflux can occur due to the increase in progesterone levels, the shift in the lower esophageal sphincter, and the pressure produced in the growing baby.

Usually, the doctor will recommend a change in your diet with or without taking any medications. It is best to eat your meal in smaller portions with high frequency., avoid eating late at night or light snacks as well as avoiding anything that can cause your acid reflux.

The good news is that antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, and PPIs are considered safe and effective for pregnant women. But it is best to consult a doctor first before taking any medication.

Is It Effective To Reduce Heartburn Quickly?

Issue of acid reflux that causes heartburn is a normal digestive problem. You can simply try the home remedies stated above or even the casual OTC to solve the heartburn.

If the symptoms still persist, it might be a sign of s serious digestive issue and a checkup with the doctor is warranted.

It is best to get yourself checked with the doctor now!

Source:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

• Natural remedies for heartburn

• Cara cepat legakan pedih ulu hati di rumah

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