If you experience heartburn, you know the feeling well: a slight hiccup, followed by a burning sensation in your chest and throat.
It may be triggered by the foods you eat, particularly spicy, fatty or acidic foods.
Whatever the cause, heartburn is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but there are things you can do to battle this discomfort without turning to medicine. Here are six tips to try next time you need to get rid of heartburn.
1. Wear loose clothing
Heartburn happens when the contents of your stomach rise up into your oesophagus, where stomach acids can burn the tissue.
In some cases, you might be having an episode of heartburn because tight clothing is compressing your stomach.
If that’s the case, the first thing to do is loosen your belt – or your pants, dress, or whatever else is holding you tight.
2. Stand up straight
Your posture can also contribute to heartburn. If you’re sitting or lying down, try standing up. If you’re already standing, try standing up straighter.
3. Mix baking soda with water
Baking soda can calm heartburn by neutralising your stomach acid. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
4. Take some ginger
Ginger has been used to treat heartburn for centuries. Consider adding grated or diced ginger root to your favourite stir-fry recipes, soups, and other foods. To make ginger tea, steep raw ginger root, dried ginger root, or ginger tea bags in boiling water.
5. Chew gum
According to 2014 research, chewing gum for half an hour after meals may also help reduce heartburn. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production and swallowing. This might help dilute and clear stomach acid from your oesophagus.
6. Avoid cigarette smoke
Smoking can contribute to heartburn. Cigarette smoke relaxes the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the oesophagus. It also may increase how much acid your stomach makes.
Do you have any tips for dealing with heartburn? Which remedies work for you?
Read more at Healthline.
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Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
