As we move towards the season of overeating and over-drinking, we suspect a lot of people will be searching for natural remedies for heartburn, so we were pleased when Dr. Rachita Narsaria wrote about 11 of them at Health Jockey recently. The article begins with suggestions for avoiding the problem in the first place, such as avoiding overeating and not lying down right away after a meal, getting more exercise, including exercising those jaw muscles more by chewing food more thoroughly. Here are the home remedies the doctor said are often effective:
1. Have a glass of cold water or add ½ tablespoon of baking soda to it before having. You may add some lemon juice to make it more palatable. It is a miracle remedy for heartburn.
2. Add 1-2 dried chamomile leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Sip on this concoction slowly. It soothes the acidity.
3. Drink a glass of juice of aloe vera, honey and some ginger. It eases the intestine and helps heal them.
4. Having just 2 tablespoons of honey in a glass of cool water works well to neutralise the acidity.
5. Have a teaspoon of apple cider or regular vinegar followed by a glass of water to cut down the heartburn. It tricks the body into thinking there is a lot of heartburn and strongly stimulates the salivary glands to release a lot of saliva which neutralises the stomach acids.
6. Chewing gum! Yes chewing gum, flavoured or plain mint is the best way to curb the heartburn. It helps swallow a lot of saliva and that remedies your heartburn.
7. Fennel seed oil is known to help those heartburn episodes for reasons unknown. It is inexpensive and very popular as a heartburn remedy.
8. Chew on some celery or mustard seeds. The chewing stimulates a saliva build up and acts by nullifying the acidity. Mustard acts faster as it contains vinegar and works the same way.
9. Hypothyroidism has been strongly associated with heartburn. Evidence shows that many of us lack enough iodine necessary for optimal thyroid function. Thus consuming good old sea salt or adding iodine supplements to your diet might help. Alternatively you can consume iodized water or salt.
10. Pineapple contains Bromelain which is thought to improve protein digestion and reduce inflammation. Thus, next time you might consider having some pineapple.
11. Protein shakes are good alternatives if you suffer from heartburn in the uncommon morning hours. Take a glass of shake with minimal water.
We would like to add that spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco can also sometimes contribute to tummy troubles. The full article may be read online at http://www.healthjockey.com/2011/11/12/heartburn-home-remedies/ and we do believe it will prove to be very useful for anyone wishing for natural remedies for heartburn during the coming holiday season.
