Heartburn or heartburn is a very annoying sensation in the body because it causes a burning in the lower part of the chest and in most cases, it begins to spread until it reaches the throat.
Some of the factors that cause heartburn have to do with eating large meals, being overweight, pregnant or smoking. In case it is something recurrent, it is necessary to go to the doctor as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment for heartburn.
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Causes heartburn or heartburn
Heartburn is considered a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, known by the acronym GERD, and is caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. Some of the risk factors involved in this condition have to do with those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as well as the structural problems that allow acid reflux to reach the esophagus.
Much of the food we consume and even beverages, can stimulate the acid secretion of the stomach causing the well-known heartburn. Likewise, many of the over-the-counter medications can also cause heartburn.
Habits and foods that cause irritation
Here are some of the most common irritants for the esophagus:
- caffeine
- alcohol
- ibuprofen
- aspirin
- carbonated drinks
- sour juices
- chocolate
- acidic foods (oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes)
- Smoking and consuming foods high in fat tend to affect the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing the stomach to relax, thereby allowing acid reflux to reach the esophagus.
- Hernia gap can affect how the lower esophageal sphincter works and is a risk factor for reflux. Hiatal hernias by themselves usually do not cause symptoms. It is only when the function of the esophageal sphincter fails that heartburn occurs.
- Pregnancy can cause increased pressure within the abdominal cavity and affect sphincter function, causing increased gastrointestinal reflux.
- Another cause of heartburn is obesity, which is responsible for the increased pressure in the abdomen, triggering the same problems.
Natural remedies for heartburn
In the case of a temporary or infrequent heartburn condition, natural remedies are an option to consider to stop the symptoms of heartburn.
1. Water
Of course, water is the first food to be ingested so that we dilute the acid and facilitate its return to the stomach. It is advisable to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and it is a way to treat a large number of health problems.
2. Baking soda
Because of its alkaline properties, the baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the stomach and body in general proving very effective in relieving heartburn. To use it you need to dilute a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
3. Sweet potato juice
Due to the active compounds of the sweet potato, the gastric juices are regulated and therefore burning or problems such as gastritis or heartburn are avoided.
To prepare sweet potato juice you need to extract a tablespoon of sweet potato juice, then it must be diluted in water and finally it is advisable to consume it at the end of a “heavy” meal.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a spice with a powerful alkaline effect that regulates the pH of the stomach and therefore controls acidic compounds.
How to use ginger to treat heartburn
- Heat a little water and as soon as it reaches its boiling point you can add a teaspoon of ginger root.
- Let the decoction prepare for 10 minutes and strain the content, it is ready to be consumed.
5. Anise infusion
Several studies and the same use of anise have shown that it is a very effective home remedy against heartburn.
How to use anise to soothe heartburn
Start by heating the water and as soon as it reaches the boiling point add two teaspoons of anise. Heat for 10 minutes and then you should let it rest for another 10 minutes.