Heartburn is an uncomfortable feeling of a burning sensation or warmth in the chest. This is a condition that affects your digestive system and is extremely common. Although heartburn may be named so and may be experienced in the chest it has little to do with your heart, but is the result of stomach acid. Hyperacidity is a condition characterized by excessive production or an excessive presence of digestive acids and juices. Heartburn and hyperacidity are not necessarily conditions in themselves, but are more often than not indicative of some other underlying health condition or simply occur as symptoms warning of unhealthy eating habits or lifestyle. On a positive note, home remedies for heartburn can offer considerable relief from these symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux and generally include easy to acquire ingredients like baking soda or apple cider vinegar that are even safe to consume while pregnant.
Under normal circumstances the digestive juices and stomach acids remain trapped in the digestive system or stomach where they perform the important task of helping digest and absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. These stomach juices are prevented from resurfacing to the mouth, throat or esophagus by a valve like muscle that only relaxes or opens to allow for the passage of food in. If this valve does not function efficiently or if there is an overwhelming build up of pressure on the stomach then the contents of the stomach, namely these digestive juices may be forced back up - a process termed as reflux. Acid reflux that occurs with heartburn and hyperacidity causes severe irritation to the lining of the throat and esophagus. The burning sensation that is produced from the acids travelling in this reverse direction is what is generally described as heartburn.
Occasional heartburn and acidity can be managed quite effectively with natural remedies for heartburn. In most cases hyperacidity and heartburn can be relieved by simply eating healthy and making some basic changes to your lifestyle. Over the counter medications like antacids are also popular heartburn treatments. If the frequency with which you suffer from heartburn and acidity is high enough to interfere with your daily routine then it would be advisable to seek medical advice. Natural cures for heartburn are however the only lasting solution as the condition can only be cured through permanent changes and modifications to your diet and lifestyle. Heartburn diet recommendations are of the utmost importance as quick treatments that simply relieve the symptoms offer no long term solution and the problem will continue to recur. Although heartburn and hyperacidity may not pose any immediate or serious health threat, frequent bouts of heartburn can be indicative of more serious disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Heartburn and hyperacidity can actually restrict your daily routine particularly because of the reduced quality of sleep and at times cause the formation of ulcers in the esophagus.
The incidence of heartburn is very high and it can affect any group of our population. Heartburn is however very prevalent among pregnant women and most figures in fact indicate that up to a quarter of all pregnant women suffer heartburn. This is one of the main reasons why you need to be particularly cautious of foods that cause heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion during pregnancy.
Heartburn Home Remedies
When the stomach contains more hydrochloric acid than normal the condition is called hyperacidity. This excessive secretion may lead to ulcer in the stomach. Heartburn is caused when the gastric acid refluxes back to esophagus. Hyperacidity promotes heartburn, ulcers and reflux.
Heartburn
There may be burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. You may feel hungry frequently, usually after one or two hours of a meal. Heartburn may be experienced when you lie down. Belching, nausea, bitter taste in mouth, vomiting and loss of appetite are some other symptoms of hyperacidity. After a large meal, a constant pain may occur in the upper abdomen.Hyper Secretion of Hydrochloric Acid and Reflux of Gastric Acid
Although hyper secretion of hydrochloric acid and reflux of gastric acid are the primary reasons for hyperacidity and heartburn respectively, following are some other causes of hyperacidity and heartburn. Not eating on time, Eating fried and spicy food regularly, Stress, anxiety and Insomnia, Obesity, Pregnancy, Excessive smoking, Drinking excessive alcohol, Wearing tight clothes.
Hyperacidity and Heartburn Causes
There are various factors that could contribute to the occurrence of heartburn and hyperacidity but in most cases heartburn and hyperacidity symptoms are caused by unhealthy eating habits and also by certain specific foods. Your diet is therefore the single most important influencing factor on both heartburn causes and cures. Lifestyle and eating habits also have a significant impact as eating heavy meals or consuming meals soon before going to bed can cause severe heartburn as your digestive system is subjected to undue stress and does not have adequate time to digest foods. The reclined position when sleeping also allows for an easier flow of fluids back up, which is why it is best to eat a few hours before bed time. A sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to the problem of heartburn. Certain medications may also aggravate or even trigger the condition.
Remedies for Hyperacidity
If you feel acid problem in your stomach then chew some basil leaves. Slowly suck a small piece of jaggery. A glass of chilled milk is a quick remedy for hyperacidity and heartburn.
Remedy for Heartburn
Almonds are quite effective in treating heartburn; chew few almonds when you experience heartburn. Ginger root with honey taken after meal is effective for treating heartburn.
Diet for Hyperacidity Problem
Fruits like apple, watermelon and banana are recommended for people with hyperacidity problem. Avoid fried food, pickle, hot and spicy food. Take your meals regularly on time, don’t skip them. Drink plenty of water. Avoid garlic, onion, pepper, radish and cabbage. Avoid unripe fruits. Do not haste while eating, always chew your food properly. Include plenty of green and leafy vegetables in your diet.
Heartburn treatment to relieve heartburn pain naturally in pregnant women, children, or any individual for that matter should focus on diet. Foods that are known to trigger heartburn include fatty foods like reed meats, junk foods and other fried or oily foods. Excessively spicy foods and any foods with vinegar, tomato sauce, mustard or black pepper should also be avoided. Chocolates are also known to trigger or aggravate symptoms of heartburn and hyperacidity. Some of the biggest causes of heartburn include carbonated and caffeinated drinks, so make sure you avoid consuming any such drinks. Alcohol is another important cause of heartburn. Smoking is the worst thing you can do if you suffer from heartburn as it not only causes aggravation of the symptoms temporarily but it also causes permanent damage to the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle band that acts as a one way valve preventing the regurgitation of stomach juices. Smoking causes a hardening and deterioration of this muscle.
Other Suggestions for Hyperacidity and Heartburn
To prevent acid reflux, maintain proper posture after your meal. Never go to bed or lie down immediately after a meal.
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