Nature has given us an abundance of available resources to help us through health problems, and this is especially true for heartburn. Antacids and special medicines like proton pump inhibitors may be necessary for controlling chronic acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), but sometimes natural remedies may be better in relieving pain, even for constant heartburn, and may also be more effective in keeping heartburn from happening again.
Baking soda / chalk
Baking soda is one of the most renowned natural heartburn home remedies, but chalk? In fact, both baking soda and chalk are composed of calcium carbonate, and back in ancient times, people actually used to nibble on chalk when they are experiencing heartburn. Baking soda is mixed with water and then sipped, for this can relieve heartburn in some, but for others the fizzy reaction may only aggravate heartburn.
Gum
Pop a gum, chew away to your heart’s content, and presto, your heartburn may just disappear on its own. Well, not really, since the relief actually lies in the extra saliva you naturally produce when chewing gum, and as you swallow the saliva, its moisturizing enzymes soothe your esophagus from the burning of the stomach acids, thereby getting rid of heartburn. However, beware of the popular mint-flavored chewing gums, for peppermint and mint can both trigger heartburn since the menthol taste can react with the stomach acids. Reach for sugar-free gum instead, especially those free from aspartame so you get the most benefits without any heartburn and health risks.
Apple cider vinegar
Don’t have gum in the house and unsure of whether you want to risk worsening your heartburn with baking soda? Use some apple cider vinegar instead. Simply add a couple of tablespoons to a cup of water and drink this solution down. You can also add honey for a bit of sweetness and to tone down the taste of the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most ancient and effective heartburn remedies, and other apple cider vinegar health benefits you can get from regularly taking a little ACV everyday is a faster metabolism and clearer skin.
For lifestyle practices you can start doing, eating smaller meals can be a big help, since a stomach that gets too full will make it more likely for the acids to rise up to the esophagus and cause the pain of heartburn. Losing extra weight through exercise can also be beneficial for heartburn occurs more among overweight people, and exercise can also lower stress levels that can trigger heartburn.