Do you have heartburn? Most adults have it at some point – some have it while they are pregnant.. some have it when they eat specific types of foods.
Heartburn is the result of acid reflux – it comes about when the ring of muscle that allows food in your stomach relaxes when it really shouldn’t – at that point your stomach acid goes back up your esophagus, and causes you some grief. For some, the grief is unbearable – and others, it really is tolerable but easier dealt with when you have meds.
While you can take over the counter meds, we really don’t like to take that route at all ~ dependency on OTC medicine is becoming so incredibly easy to do, most people don’t give it second thought… in many cases that can do more harm than good – especially when used long term.
You can make a few lifestyle changes to help remedy heartburn & there are also natural remedies you can opt for too. There are a series of Essential Oils that work great for heartburn, but some of the most effective remedies are right in your cabinet – baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar.
Though as with any wellness remedy, you’ll need to find what works best for you. Here are some natural methods for dealing with heartburn that you might want to try.
#1 – Baking Soda
Baking soda has a high pH (higher than 7.0), so it can help neutralize the acid in your stomach. So if your lower esophageal sphincter is lazy and acid comes up your throat you won’t feel that burn.
To use: mix 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp baking soda with a glass of water and drink. Avoid doing this for longer than a week straight though, as baking soda is high in salt.
#2 – Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) has many benefits – but helping with heartburn is one of several. Your heartburn is caused by a lack of acid in the stomach – the cure, is to drink a little Apple Cider Vinegar to help eliminate the hartburn.
To use: Mix 1 Tbsp of Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar into 8 oz of water before each meal, before you go to bed or up to 3 times during the day. If it doesn’t seem to help you, then move on and try something new… what works for one person may not always work for another.
#3 – Bananas
Bananas are a natural antacid, so eating one or two a day can help prevent the discomfort.
#4 – Ginger Root Tea
This is great to make in tea, and drinking before a meal .. as it will help provide some relief.
To use: You’ll want to cut a few quarter sized slices of gingerroot and simmer them in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes.
#5 Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is key in our house – not only is it great for heartburn it’s also just as amazing for stress. Stress can actually trigger acid reflux – you can use your own fresh tea or we like to use Traditional Medicinals Lavender Chamomile tea.
To use: Boil a cup of water and pour over a bag of Lavender Chamomile Tea. Let steep 2-3 minutes, and then add honey to sweeten.
#6 – Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm works to develop the lining of the stomach – it’s a powder that you can dissolve in your water and drink for relief.
To use: blend 1 tsp of Slippery Elm Powder in some warm water or milk – stir well and drink before bed.
It’s important to realize that although over the counter medications are available, they aren’t always the best choice. Items like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid and more work to reduce the acid in the stomach. But if used long term they can do more harm than good – they aren’t treating the problem but making the issue.. long term exposure to decreased stomach acid can cause some health problems.
The biggest causes of heartburn are:
- Medications
- Eating too much, at once
- Specific foods you might be eating (ie. Tomatoes, Soda, Garlic, Grapefruit, Orange Juice + more)
- The connection between your GUT and your Brain – read more about that HERE
In most cases, heartburn can be easily remedied by a change in your diet. Until your body adjusts to those dietary changes, or lifestyle changes, you can use some of these natural remedies instead of taking over the counter medicines.
Rather than continuing your diet out of ease, it’s up to you to learn what is triggering this heartburn so you can learn how to better control your dietary choices.
It’s better to find the food that’s irritating you, than live a life on medicines.