Heartburn is a common digestive problem that affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. It is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid that flows back up into the esophagus. Though heartburn is not a cause for alarm, it can signal other more serious problems, such as acid reflux or GERD. Many people can manage it with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicines and natural home remedies.

In order to prevent and cure heartburn, lifestyle changes are an absolute necessity. A person who suffers from this digestive problem should start by making changes in their eating habits. Start by decreasing the portion size of meals, try to eat five to six small meals during the day and eat slowly. Avoid eating three hours before bedtime to give the food a chance to fully digest. Stay away from foods that trigger heartburn, including raw onions, garlic, black pepper, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, high-fat foods, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks. Avoid drinking alcohol, particularly red wine, as it can trigger heartburn in some people. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

There are other factors besides diet that can trigger heartburn. Try your best to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach causing acid to back up into the esophagus. Stop smoking, as nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulates stomach acid. Avoid stress, which increases acid production and causes heartburn. Wait at least two hours after eating in order to exercise. Regular use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the esophagus. Other medications that cause heartburn include blood pressure and heart disease medicines, sedatives, narcotic painkillers, tricyclic antidepressants, progesterone, chemotherapy drugs, osteoporosis drugs and medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Some over-the-counter medications are effective at treating heartburn. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acids, thereby relieving heartburn and acid indigestion. Some popular antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol. Acid reducers work by reducing acid production in the stomach. Over-the-counter acid reducers include Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB and Zantac 75. Pepcid Complete is both an antacid and acid reducer. As with all medications, these OTC products can have side effects. If heartburn persists for more than two weeks of taking an OTC product, a person should contact their family doctor, who can provide them with a prescription.

Natural home remedies can help a person to deal with heartburn. Manage your stress through alternative treatments: aromatherapy, massage, listening to music, hypnosis and gentle exercise. Some people have found the following natural remedies effective in curing heartburn: eating bananas, chewing almonds or basil leaves, eating fresh papaya or in tablets, eating ginger, drinking milk mixed with 7Up, drinking a daily tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, drinking a teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water, drinking chamomile tea and aloe vera juice.

Heartburn can be uncomfortable and painful. However, by making some dietary and lifestyle changes, a person can prevent and cure heartburn. For more information on heartburn cures be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today!