|  | Conditions Treatments | Heartburn GERD

Natural Heartburn Treatments

Heartburn is a common condition that affects 20 percent of the population at least once a week. Nearly everyone has experienced it at one time or another. Some people experience heartburn more often and more constantly than others -- to the point of discomfort or pain. Chronic heartburn may indicate that a person has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to more serious medical conditions. For those with chronic heartburn, there are natural ways to prevent and treat the condition.

  1. Aloe Vera

    • Aloe vera juice is a natural remedy for soothing an irritated esophagus. In Europe, it is widely used as a home remedy for relieving heartburn. Typically, ¼ cup of aloe vera is taken 20 minutes before a meal. It should be noted that the gel of the aloe vera plant should not be taken directly, as it can contain aloe-emoin, aloin, or aloe latex compounds, all of which are natural laxatives.

    Slippery Elm

    • Slippery elm is a popular sore throat remedy that can be purchased over the counter at drugstores. Slippery elm has a gel-like substance called mucilage that is contained in its inner bark. When this substance is mixed with water and drunk, it swells and reduces the irritation of the esophagus. Slippery elm is often the main ingredient of herbal lozenges.

    Licorice

    • Licorice is a popular alternative to acid-blocking and antacid drugs. It works by increasing the blood flow to the mucosal cells that line the wall of the stomach, thereby stimulating the secretion of mucin. The fine layer of mucin naturally protects the stomach lining from corrosive gastric acids.

    Diet

    • Certain foods and beverages can trigger heartburn more than others. Some that typically cause heartburn are garlic, raw onions, peppermint, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruits, vinegar, fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee, citrus juices, alcoholic beverages, and carbonated beverages. Because different people react differently to different foods, keeping a food diary to determine which types of food trigger heartburn may help one identify what they should avoid.

    Eating Habits

    • Bad eating habits also commonly lead to heartburn, so it is best to chew slowly, eat smaller portions, eat on a schedule, and take your last meal at least two to three hours before sleeping or lying down. Also, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes will reduce the likelihood of heartburn.

Heartburn GERD - Related Articles