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Heartburn Remedies
The term "heartburn" is a misnomer; it is not a cardiac condition. It is caused by the regurgitation of gastric acid. The symptoms include burning pain in the back and chest areas.
Heartburn can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. If you have other symptoms like sweating, nausea, arm pain, jaw pain or weakness, call 911 immediately. If you are sure that the problem is heartburn, here are some heartburn remedies that will provide relief at home.
Home Remedies
- Prevention is always better than cure. Prevent the discomfort of heartburn by watching what, when and how you eat and drink. Avoid triggers like spicy and fatty foods. Avoid eating after 6 pm and do not lie down soon after eating. Carbonated drinks, coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages may worsen heartburn. Maintain a journal recording possible triggers of your heartburn if you have recurring problems.
- Reduce the discomfort of heartburn at night by sleeping in a semi-upright position. Prop yourself up on pillows or raise the head of your bed to prevent gastric acid from rising into the esophagus while you sleep.
- In acute cases, take half a teaspoon of baking soda in room temperature water to ease the pain. Drinking a glass of tap or bottled water helps dilute and push down the gastric acid. Unsweetened, room temperature green tea is also a good beverage to treat indigestion pain.
- Consume some fresh ginger to eliminate heartburn. Ginger root can be found in the produce section of the supermarket. You could also try ginger root tea if you dislike fresh ginger.
- Take papaya enzyme supplements after meals to prevent heartburn.
If your heartburn is severe, debilitating or happens every night for an extended period, seek professional medical advice.
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