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Homemade Heartburn Relief

Heartburn, often referred to as acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a condition whereby stomach acids are released into the esophagus and sometimes into the throat. Symptoms can include burning, coughing, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, feeling of something "stuck" in the throat, and even chest pain. Millions of people rely on medications to relieve their heartburn symptoms. However, heartburn symptoms often can be relieved by using homemade remedies. Before trying these homemade heartburn remedies, check with your physician.

  1. Papaya

    • According to the Health Journal at Body and Fitness (see reference 1), if you take papaya before you eat or in combination with other foods, you may receive relief from your heartburn. Payapa contains digestive enzymes that can help to prevent indigestion. Payapa can be found in the fruit section of your grocery store. Alternatively, payapa chewable enzyme tablets can be found in the vitamin sections of drug stores and health-food stores. The added benefit of these tablets is that they taste good.

    Saliva

    • Saliva can help to relieve heartburn symptoms because it bathes the stomach and esophagus. To stimulate saliva production, chew gum approximately 30 minutes after eating. This increase in saliva can help to neutralize stomach acid and is another heartburn relief remedy.

    Raise the Head of Your Bed

    • Raising the head of your bed 6 to 9 inches is another homemade heartburn remedy, especially if you suffer from nighttime heartburn. You can raise the head of the bed by inserting wood blocks under the legs at the head of the bed. You can also elevate your head by using a wedge that can be purchased at medical-supply stores and at some pharmacies. The wedge can be placed between the box spring and mattress for comfort. Here, gravity will help to keep the stomach acids in the stomach where they belong.

    Other Helpful Tips for Heartburn Relief

    • Don't overeat. It is much better for the heartburn sufferer to eat smaller meals more frequently. A full stomach relaxes the LES, which is the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. A relaxed LES causes more stomach acid to creep up into the stomach and esophagus. It is also important to not go to bed on a full stomach. Strive to eat at least two hours before lying down, ideally three hours before. Avoid foods such as chocolate, caffeine, coffee, citrus foods and beverages, tomatoes, and high-fat foods that may be triggers for heartburn. Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't constrict the LES muscle. Don't smoke, as smoking weakens the LES muscle. Finally, if you are overweight, strive to get your weight into the healthy range. Excess weight, especially around the midsection, puts pressure on the abdominal area and causes stomach acids to rise.

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