Heartburn Medication: When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it feels like you’re having a heart attack. It’s said that 1 out of 5 people suffer from this bothersome condition at least once a week. But fret not as there are natural heartburn remedies available.

Heartburn Medication: Facts to consider!

• The most common triggers of this condition are some of the food you eat.

Always carry a notepad and pen with you and keep a food diary. Different people have different food triggers. However, there are some of them which commonly set off the problem to many sufferers. They include tomatoes, peppermint, alcohol, citrus fruits or juices, and spicy and fatty food.

• Steer clear of drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

Caffeine in them tends to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing the stomach acid to escape. If you’re a smoker, quit the habit because nicotine does the same to the LES. Theobromine in chocolate is a chemical that also causes the LES to relax.

• Too much acidity can be resolved by taking some naturally known antacids.

One of them is banana. Chamomile tea is an effective neutralizer of excess stomach acid. Aloe vera juice may also be taken. But make sure it’s something especially prepared for drinking and not simply the juice straight from a leaf.

Heartburn Medication: Consider this too!

• Coating the esophagus can help prevent the discomfort experienced.

Marshmallow contains mucilage which expands when wet, thereby covering the esophagus and reducing irritation. You can consume something which can be easily bought at the grocery store, or purchase marshmallow root tea from your local health food shop. You may also try slippery elm, a folk remedy for sore throat, but many people with heartburn swear by.

• Baking soda is also an antacid and can help effectively zap excess stomach acid.

You may mix a teaspoon of it into a tall glass of water and drink the mixture. Others add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. This works because it is believed that the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar causes the LES to shut firmly.

Avoid eating large meals. What you need to do instead is have small, frequent meals throughout the day. Stuffing your stomach with a lot of food can trigger the condition. Also, avoid going to straight to bed right after eating.

Heartburn Medication: Closing Tips!

Speaking of bed, it will help if you can elevate your upper body by using large pillows while sleeping. Gravity will keep the stomach acid from climbing up the esophagus. You may also place blocks or bricks under the legs of the bed in the head area to keep your upper body higher than your lower body.

More than 50 percent of people prone to the condition suffer from an attack when stressed, according to a survey done. That’s why you should incorporate into your everyday life activities that can help reduce stress. It can be anything from having a massage, having light exercise, taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, listening to music, etc.

Although these natural heartburn remedies work, it’s still important that you consult a doctor about it. This condition is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If not treated properly, GERD can lead to some serious health problems and this is what you should consider when it comes to heartburn medication and how to do it effectively.