If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced that terrible, “someone get me a fire hose now” burning sensation in your chest at least once in your lifetime. If you haven’t, just wait, your turn will come. For many of us, Heartburn is a regularly occurring side effect of eating all the things we love, sleeping on our right side, and sometimes, it’s even just a hazard of breathing. 

What’s In A Name?

Heartburn called by any other name would still be just as bitter. No matter what you call it, that burn in your heart is nothing other than the acid from your Stomach making its way into your esophagus. Yes, it’s really as bad as it sounds.

Heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux all signal that something is making your stomach angry. The pain can range from a slight acid taste when you burp to feeling like someone lit a fire in your chest that’s burning at a constant 4,789 degrees. No matter where your discomfort falls on the scale, it’s important to understand what causes heartburn and how to treat it holistically.

What Did I Do To Deserve This?

It isn’t by chance that you have that inferno in your soul. Things like obesity, medications, and our dietary choices can have a significant effect on the likelihood of experiencing reflux. Here are some common triggers

• Smoking

If you’re a smoker and were looking for a sign that it’s time to quit, here it is. Not that you really needed another reason, but smoking weakens the LES. That’s fancy for the lower esophageal sphincter. Says that three times fast. Anyway, it’s that little flap at the top of your stomach that keeps your tummy acids where they belong and when you smoke, you damage it.

• Alcohol and Caffeinated beverages 

I know you’re thinking that I came here to ruin your day, but it’s not me, it’s the acid.

Alcoholic drinks and coffee are acidic in nature and they wreak havoc on your stomach lining. This can lead to ulcers and reflux. So, if you can’t avoid them altogether, at least enjoy them in moderation. 

• Spicy foods

You know all the best foods you eat? Yeah, the pizza, chocolate, deep-fried pickles, and cheese curds. Well, it turns out, even though our mouths enjoy them, our stomachs do not. 

This doesn’t mean you need to swear off everything worth living for, it just means that you better make sure it’s worth eating. 

• Anything That Puts Pressure On Your Stomach

When you have pressure on your stomach, it forces the acids up through that fancy flap (LES) and into your esophagus, which leads to those sour burps that taste exactly like what you’d think hydrochloric acid would taste like. Overeating, obesity, and pregnancy are the most common situations that induce heartburn.

How Can I Make It Stop?

Every day, at least 1 in 3 people experience symptoms of acid reflux. If you’re one of them, there’s a strong possibility you’ve taken prescription or OTC medication to ease the burn. Most of these medications are perfectly harmless, so long as you follow the directions, but one, in particular, is known to contain a level 2 carcinogen.

In 2018, as a result of random quality testing, the FDA pulled a commonly prescribed Heartburn Relief medication from the shelf and banned it from the US entirely. You’ve likely heard of Zantac and the ongoing litigation for people who claimed to have developed cancer after taking it for a period of time. It isn’t to say that you will develop cancer from taking it, but products that contain Ranitidine, like Zantac, should be avoided if possible. For more information, you can visit http://rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/news/average-zantac-lawsuit-payout.  

The good news is that there are several healthier, natural alternatives for relief. The award for best methods to eliminate heartburn goes to…

•  Smoking Cessation

If you’re a smoker, here’s another good reason to quit. Remember that sphincter damage? There is ample evidence to suggest that smokers experience significantly higher instances of heartburn. 

• Chew Gum

Sugar-free gum, to be precise. Chewing gum makes you salivate and swallow more so the benefits are two-fold. Saliva neutralizes stomach acid and increased swallowing encourages your stomach contents to stay where they belong. 

• Calcium

One of the most commonly used supplements to abate heartburn is calcium, commonly known as TUMS. Calcium acts as a neutralizer and should be taken as recommended to avoid other potential negative side effects, like a weird metallic taste. 

• Aloe Vera  

Did you know that aloe plants have some wonderful healing properties? Not only is aloe great for taking the sting away from sunburn, but its medicinal properties can also offer relief for GERD and indigestion symptoms. The recommended dose is 3 oz of gel with each meal. Check out the McCormick website for some ways to sneak it into your daily routine. 

• Peppermint Oil

Right up there with aloe in its magical healing properties is peppermint oil. It’s not called the world’s oldest remedy for no reason and there are a number of ways it can be used to reduce sour stomach. 

• Baking Soda

Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water can quickly neutralize your stomach acid. 

• Ripe Bananas

Most people know that bananas are rich in potassium, but did you know that potassium is a natural acid reducer? Alkaline foods, such as bananas, nuts, and melons are all great options for calming down that rage in your chest. 

These home remedies are meant to minimize your need to resort to medications for heartburn relief but in some cases, it may still be necessary. Check with your doctor first and always follow the directions.

The post Fire Burning In Your Heart? Causes and Home Remedies For Heartburn Relief appeared first on TheUrbanRealist.