Milk Heartburn Remedies

Heartburn, the burning sensation that occurs in the esophagus, is often triggered by stress, certain foods, medications and even exercise. For those who encounter heartburn regularly, this can be a very painful and unfortunate side effect regular occurrence. In addition, the National Heartburn Alliance, an online support community for heartburn sufferers, states that one third of heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at least once a week. But help may not be any farther away than the dairy shelf. Calcium is an all-natural antacid that neutralizes stomach acids and balances the body's pH levels.

Choose Milk

• Heartburn forms when food mixed with stomach liquids rises into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the chest or a consistent aching chest pain. According to naturalnews.com, a natural health-related information website, conventional heartburn medications may temporarily relieve heartburn symptoms. However, they also block the absorption of nutrients, which can hinder proper digestion. Drugs that include aluminum compounds, calcium carbonate, magnesium compounds or sodium bicarbonate may actually make the indigestion worse. Dairy products such as skim milk and yogurt will help to settle the stomach because calcium naturally neutralizes excessive stomach acids. Calcium does this in the same manner that baking soda can be used to neutralize acid buildup on a car battery terminal. In addition to neutralizing stomach acids, calcium assists the body in establishing a constant pH level.

Which Dairy is the Best Dairy?

• Although calcium is the natural equalizer of stomach acids, not all dairy products produce effective results. The fatty content as well as proteins associated with whole and 2 percent milk may increase heartburn as opposed to eliminating it. Fats, sugars--such as those found in lactose--and proteins are all stomach acid-producing nutrients. This means that although milk may feel good going down, once in the stomach heartburn may continue or increase. But do not despair, there are other options. Low fat and skim milk will provide the body with calcium, which neutralizes stomach acids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals which will assist in eliminating the original cause of indigestion.