Whether it was the office party you attended or a wedding reception of a relative you simply couldn’t miss, you gave in to your desire and gorged on the food like it was going out of style! And now you feel your heart burning up in protest. Your stomach is on fire, you’re uneasy, nauseous, and feel very, very uncomfortable. You, my friend are down with a classic case of heartburn! Though very easily cured by an OTC antacid, some people are wary of going the chemical way to soothe acid reflux. And it’s for these people that I’ve whipped up a list of 10 home remedies for heartburn to ease the discomfort:
Home Remedies for Heartburn Relief
1. Chewing Gum:
When experiencing heartburn, it is a good idea to chew gum, especially mint, spearmint, or peppermint flavoured. It increases the production of saliva, which in turn, helps soothe an inflamed oesophagus, thus reducing the discomfort of heartburn.
2. Baking Soda:
Mixing half or one spoon of baking soda in a glass of water is also said to help ease the burning sensation caused by heartburn. However, since baking soda contains very high amount of salt, it is not recommended for very frequent use.
3. Aloe Vera Juice:
Consuming half a cup of aloe vera juice about half an hour before your meals is recommended if you’re prone to heartburn. You can even consume this healthy drink as a precautionary measure if you know that you’re going to be indulging in heavy eating. It reduces inflammation in the oesophagus and stomach.
4. Lemon Juice and Water:
Another tried and tested remedy for heartburn is a cup of warm water with lemon juice consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach. This refreshing drink will not only beat fatigue but will also work on reducing symptoms of heartburn. If you drink lemon juice every morning it will also help prevent heartburn! Do this on a regular basis to get relief from frequent bouts of acidity.
5. ACV:
Apple cider vinegar is touted to be a panacea of sorts! Combine 1 or 2 spoons of ACV with honey and drink it every day to reduce or totally eradicate the chances of heartburn. This is also one of the good home remedies for heartburn.
6. Mint Tea:
Once available only in western countries, today Mint tea is not just easy to find but also rather affordable. Walk into any grocer’s and you are sure to find packs of this flavoursome tea! Mint has cooling properties, which helps reduce the symptoms of heartburn and ease the discomfort that it causes. Drink hot or cold, the choice is yours.
7. Almonds:
Almonds are a powerhouse of energy. They are also very rich in oil content. It is this oil that helps neutralize the overactive acids in the stomach during heartburn. So, have a handful of these nuts to get some relief. A wonderful home remedy for heartburn.
8. Apples or Cabbage:
These two, even if consumed in portions as small as a slice can help neutralize stomach acids and give relief from acid reflux. So if you’re prone to heartburn, it is advisable to make these a staple in your kitchen.
9. Bananas:
Who needs an OTC antacid in a disgusting flavour when you can reap the same benefits and enjoy the goodness of its delicious flavour, which is also chemical free? Bananas are a natural antacid, so stock up on them if you’re vulnerable to heartburn.
10. Chilled Buttermilk:
There is some debate about whether regular buttermilk works as efficiently as chilled buttermilk to cure heartburn. As for my opinion, I think chilled buttermilk works twice as fast and is much more delicious than room temperature buttermilk. Two birds with one stone, eh?
Word to the wise: Do not get comfortable using any of these remedies for a prolonged period of time. If heartburn is a problem that you’re constantly battling, then it would be advisable to consult a physician and check if there’s a more serious underlying cause. Not trying to scare you, but prevention is definitely better than cure.
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