Monday, January 16, 2012

Soothe Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by the reflux of acid. It is experienced as a burning in the chest, throat or the stomach and is accompanied by a bitter taste and nausea. Many factors contribute to heartburn such as stress, spicy foods and antibiotics. It may also be caused by indigestion or the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you find that you experience heartburn several times a week it is a good idea to see your doctor.


Instructions


1. Drink chamomile or peppermint tea. Peppermint contains menthol which aids digestion as well as relaxes the stomach muscles and chamomile contains calcium and reduces stomach acid.


2. Drink 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar in a cup with 1 tbsp. of honey. Even though it would seem that drinking vinegar would increase acidity levels, the ingredients in apple cider vinegar actually flush toxins from the stomach and balance the pH levels in the body.


3. Eat ginger to improve digestion and reduce the feelings of nausea associated with heartburn.








4. Eat bananas, rhubarb or papaya. These work like an antacid on the stomach and will immediately ease the pain of heartburn and reduce acidity.


5. Take slippery elm bark in tea form, powdered or in tablet form. It will neutralize acidity and protect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Taken regularly, it will aid digestion and prevent indigestion.


6. Buy an antacid such as Mylanta over the counter at any drugstore. This will provide relief very quickly.


7. See your doctor. There are proton pump inhibitors that inhibit acid from being released in the stomach and H2 blockers which prevents acid from growing in the stomach. here are promotility agents which speed up digestion and prevent acid from lingering in the stomach.

Tags: acid from, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cider vinegar, digestion prevent, your doctor