Home Remedies for Stomach Burn

That burning sensation in your stomach is probably heartburn, sometimes called stomach burn. Though it is referred to as heartburn, it actually has nothing to do with your heart. The burning sensation above the stomach is caused by acid from your stomach coming up and irritating your esophagus. Most people will experience heartburn at some time in their life. Others deal with these symptoms on a regular basis. Though stomach issues are common, they are still painful and annoying. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to alleviate and prevent the pain. If the burning sensation persists for several days or the pain seems to be more severe, see your doctor.

Papaya

• Eating papaya is a pleasant way to cool the burn. The papaya is full of certain enzymes that will calm the stomach. Plus you'll get all those beneficial vitamins and minerals that come in the fruit. If you're not a fan of the taste, purchase chewable papaya pills from health food stores.

Gravity

• Let gravity work for you. If you're starting to feel that burning sensation, don't lie down. Though you're not feeling well, laying down will allow the stomach acid to seep out of the stomach and into the esophagus. If you are standing or sitting up, gravity will work to keep the acid in the stomach where it belongs. Staying upright for at least an hour after meals will also help prevent heartburn from occurring.

Prevention

• The best way to relieve heartburn is to prevent it from starting in the first place. There are certain foods that actually relax the sphincter muscle that holds acid in your stomach and out of the esophagus. This includes beer, wine, liquor and acidic foods such as tomatoes. This may be surprising, but you should also avoid milk. Though it feels good going down, dairy products can actually stimulate the production of acid in the stomach, making it worse.

Ginger

• Ginger is a great natural way to sooth heartburn. Take two capsules of the root extract after you eat. Medical professionals, such as Dr. Daniel B. Mowry, a psychologist and pharmacologist who researches the effects of herbs, suspect the root helps to absorb excess acid and calm the nerves at the same time.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Sipping a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water during a meal might do the trick of preventing and relieving heartburn. This remedy has been around for ages. Not much research has been done on its effectiveness or how it works because it isn't a pharmaceutical. D.C. Jarvis, M.D., an advocate of folk remedies, conducted research on the digestive effects of apple cider vinegar in the 1950s, which led to a diet craze. Keep in mind that the FDA maintains there are no proven benefits of apple cider vinegar in relations to acid reflux.

Lifestyle

• Other lifestyle factors may be contributing to heartburn and need to be changed. Excess body fat, especially in the abdominal area could be contributing to heartburn. That extra fat puts pressure on the stomach, squeezing the acid out of it. Your clothing can have this same effect. Waistbands that are too tight, belts and tight bras can all put pressure on the stomach.