You have probably been suffering from heartburn or GERD for a long time. If you suffer from frequent heartburn episodes, you probably already know that lifestyle and diet play an important role in triggering this uncomfortable condition. Although you should take your medications on time, natural remedies for heartburn can be very helpful too. The more you know about these natural methods, the better. This way, you will be able to use them safely and effectively.
First of all, make some lifestyle changes. There are actually three natural remedies for heartburn. The most common ones are over the counter antacids and medications that contain magnesium and sodium bicarbonate. These medications, often called NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, relax the LES or lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that seals the stomach and prevents gastric acid from back up into the esophagus. The downside is that taking too much of these medications can lead to other health problems like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Another natural remedy is to start eating more fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables. When food moves through your esophagus too quickly, it causes pressure to build against it, which can lead to acid reflux. Eat smaller meals more frequently, and include more fibers and complex carbohydrates. Eat smaller meals more frequently, and include more complex carbohydrates. By doing this, you can keep your stomach contents moving so that you won’t get any pressure against the LES and you won’t get acid reflux.
For another among the many natural remedies for heartburn, there’s also the power of positive thinking. If you think happy and positive thoughts, you tend to feel better physically. Some studies have shown that people suffering from acid reflux symptoms who think positively tend to get better conditions as compared with those who think negatively. This means that if you are thinking negatively about your condition, you will probably feel worse physically.
You may want to avoid certain foods when you are trying to find a natural cure for heartburn. One of the biggest culprits for heartburn is fatty foods, such as chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical called tyramine, which may cause an increased production of stomach acids. However, if you can eliminate it from your diet, you should see an improvement in your condition. You may want to take a close look at foods that you are consuming, including sauces and seasonings, if you suspect that you may be suffering from heartburn because of these foods.
The best way to find a permanent solution is to change your eating habits. You need to develop a better relationship with your stomach so that you can keep it from producing excess stomach acid. If you have a constant problem with heartburn, you may want to consider making changes in your lifestyle. By changing your lifestyle, you may be able to permanently eliminate the problems that are causing persistent heartburn symptoms.