Hyperacidity and Heartburn

Alternatives
Home Remedies

When the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach increases and goes beyond the normal, it causes hyperacidity. And when the gastric acid refluxes back to oesophagus, it causes heartburn.

Hyperacidity promotes heartburn, ulcers and reflux. There are some other causes of hyperacidity and heartburn. Skipping meals, not eating on time, fried and spicy food, stress, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and wearing tight clothes can give you hyperacidity and heartburn.

One should not take heartburn or hyperacidity lightly as excessive secretion of these acids can lead to ulcers in the stomach. If you’re experiencing heartburn regularly, say about two or three times a week, you should see a doctor. And any accompanying symptoms, such as difficulty or pain in swallowing, vomiting with blood, bloody or black stool, shortness of breath, dizziness or light-headedness, or pain radiating into your neck and shoulder, may be indications of a more serious problem.

Best way is tackle these problems is prevention. Avoid fried food, pickle, hot and spicy food. Take your meals regularly on time, don’t skip them. Drink plenty of water. Avoid garlic, onion, pepper, radish and cabbage. Avoid unripe fruits. Do not haste while eating, always chew your food properly. Include plenty of green and leafy vegetables in your diet.

But as we know that our lifestyle does not always permits a healthy living, here are some home remedies:

• Chew some basil leaves.

• Slowly suck on a small cube of jaggery.

• Chilled milk is quick and time tested remedy for hyperacidity and heartburn. Sip it slowly.

• Almonds are quite effective in treating heartburn; chew few almonds when you experience heartburn.

• Ginger root with honey taken after meal is effective for treating heartburn.

• Fruits like apple, watermelon and banana are recommended for people with hyperacidity problem.

• Maintain proper posture after your meal.

• Never go to bed or lie down immediately after a meal.

• Chew some resins.

• If you are out and need a quick fix for your problem, try chewing gum. It works for some.

• Herbs called bitters (gentian root, wormwood, and goldenseal) also help.

• Aromatic herbs, such as catnip and fennel are also helpful.

• You may like to try apple cider vinegar. It works for some. Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider in 1/2 glass of water and sip it along with your meal.

• Chew one or two Cloves.

• Treat yourself to a cup of vanilla ice cream to get heartburn and acidity relief within minutes.

• Lemons- can prevent heartburn. Cut a lemon into thin strips and dip in salt. Eat before meals to prevent heartburn.

• Lemon rind can also be eaten to prevent heartburn.